After the CCNA, accreditation routes are quite diverse & may perhaps incorporate a specialisation in Security or Wireless fields, or you could look at progressing to the 'CCNP' ('Cisco Certified Networking Professional'.) It's not recommended to think about doing the 'CCNP' until you have entirely finished your 'CCNA'. Attain your CCNA & get a job with Cisco networks for a year or two before moving onto a CCNP study program. However if you have already been in I.T. for some time, and perhaps acquired a qualification of equivalent standing to a CCNA (for example whilst in the armed forces) you might be able to move straight to 'CCNP'. Really an employer will not consider you for any higher-level role without a decent degree of 'CCNA' grade working experience and understanding of industry.

A so-called advisor who doesn't ask you a lot of questions - the likelihood is they're just a salesperson. If someone pushes specific products before looking at your personality and whether you have any commercial experience, then it's definitely the case. It's worth remembering, if you've got any qualifications that are related, then you can sometimes expect to pick-up at a different starting-point to someone new to the industry. It's usual to start with some basic user skills first. This can help whip your basic knowledge into shape and make your learning curve a a little easier.

The classroom style of learning we remember from school, utilising reference manuals and books, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, check out study materials that are multimedia based. If we can involve all our senses in the learning process, then we often see hugely increased memory retention as a result.

Locate a program where you'll receive a selection of CD or DVD ROM's - you'll be learning from instructor videos and demo's, with the facility to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills. All companies must be able to demonstrate a few samples of the type of training materials they provide. Make sure you encounter videos of instructor-led classes and a wide selection of interactive elements.

It doesn't make sense to choose training that is only available online. Because of the variable quality and reliability of the ISP (internet service provider) market, it makes sense to have CD or DVD ROM based materials.

Some certification companies are still using a now out-dated method of training - in-centre classes. Often sold as a benefit, following a chat with most students who've had to attend a couple, don't be surprised to be lectured on several if not all of these issues:

- Loads of journeys to the workshop centre - sometimes 100's of miles.

- If you're working, then weekday only classes are hard to attend. More than likely you will be facing two or three days together to make it worse.

- And let's not ignore lost holiday time. Most of us have twenty days annual leave. If at least half is sacrificed to learning, then we haven't got much left for ourselves.

- With the high costs involved, many schools have to put on larger classes - which isn't ideal (and much less personal).

- Some trainees are trying to maintain a quick pace, but some like to take it easier and be allowed to set their own speed. This breeds tension and difficulty in most cases.

- Let's not overlook the increased expense of driving or bed and breakfast either. This may well run to hundreds and even thousands of pounds extra. Take some time to add it all up - you may be surprised.

- Quite a lot of attendees would like to keep their training completely private and therefore avoiding all come-back in their work.

- It's not unusual to find that, at times, it's uncomfortable to raise questions in a class full of other attendees - as we don't want to look silly.

- More often than not, classes frequently become nigh on undoable, where you work elsewhere in the country for some part of the year.

To find a more flexible route, use videoed lessons in the comfort of your own chosen environment - taking them when it's convenient to you - not some other person. Do them at home on your PC or out in the garden on your laptop. Any questions that pop up, just make use of the 24x7 support (that you should have insisted on for any technical study.) You could go back and re-cover all the study modules as many times as you want or need. There's also no need to take notes because you'll always have access to the teaching. The result: Reduced hassle and stress, more money in the bank, and no travelling or long journeys.

Fundamentally, the back-bone of Cisco technological systems are their 'routers', data-switches and 'controllers'. Information can move around any network because of these 'Cisco' tools. PC's need an operating-system to connect up within their network, but also the actual hardware has its own system that has to be set-up and maintained. Trouble-shooting, on-going re-programming & reconfiguration is necessary to take care of the smooth running of a growing network. In all areas of modern communications, Cisco is enjoying a key part. This is to a large degree because of the shift towards full system integration of voice & data in both commercial and public office buildings.

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