If your search is for Cisco training but you have no experience with routers, the right certification is a CCNA. This program has been designed to teach students looking to have practical know how on routers. Large companies that have different locations rely on routers to connect computer networks in different rooms to keep in contact with each other. The Internet also is made up of hundreds of thousands of routers.

You must have a good understanding of the operation and function of computer networks, as networks are built with routers. Otherwise, you'll probably struggle. You might find a course teaching the basics (CompTIA Network+ as an example - maybe with the A+ as well) and then do a CCNA course. Look for a training provider that can offer this as a career package.

Having the skills and correct mind-set in advance of commencing your Cisco training is vital. Therefore, it's probably necessary to speak to an advisor who can fill you in on any gaps you may have.

If your advisor doesn't dig around with lots of question - it's more than likely they're just a salesperson. If they push a particular product before learning about your history and whether you have any commercial experience, then you know it's true. With a bit of work-based experience or certification, you could discover that your appropriate starting-point is now at a different level to a new student. If this is going to be your initial attempt at studying for an IT examination then it may be wise to start with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first.

A useful feature that several companies offer is job placement assistance. This is to help you get your first commercial position. The honest truth is that it's not as hard as some people make out to land the right work - assuming you're well trained and qualified; employers in this country need your skills.

Work on polishing up your CV right away however - you should get plenty of help from your training provider on this. Don't wait for when you're ready to start work. Having the possibility of an interview is far better than not even being known about. A decent number of junior support jobs are bagged by students (sometimes when they've only just got going.) Most often, a specialist locally based recruitment consultancy (who will get paid commission to place you) should get better results than any sector of a centralised training facility. They should, of course, also be familiar with the local area and commercial needs.

A slight frustration for a number of training companies is how much men and women are focused on studying to become certified, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the job they're acquired skills for. Get out there and hustle - you might find it's fun.

One area often overlooked by new students mulling over a new direction is the issue of 'training segmentation'. This is essentially the way the course is divided up for delivery to you, which can make a dramatic difference to where you end up. You may think it logical (when study may take one to three years to achieve full certification,) for a training company to release the training stage by stage, as you complete each part. However: What if for some reason you don't get to the end of all the sections or exams? What if you don't find their order of learning is ideal for you? Due to no fault of yours, you may not meet the required timescales and consequently not get all your materials.

Truth be told, the best solution is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but get all the study materials at the start. You then have everything in case you don't finish at their required pace.

It's likely that you probably enjoy fairly practical work - a 'hands-on' person. If you're anything like us, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides can be just about bared when essential, but it's not really your thing. Consider interactive, multimedia study if books just don't do it for you. Research into the way we learn shows that much more of what we learn in remembered when all our senses are involved, and we put into practice what we've been studying.

Start a study-program in which you'll get a host of CD and DVD based materials - you'll begin by watching videos of instructors demonstrating the skills, and be able to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills. It's very important to see the type of training provided by your chosen company. It's essential they incorporate video, demonstrations and various interactive elements.

Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. You want physical CD/DVD ROM course materials where available, so that you have access at all times - it's not wise to be held hostage to a good broadband connection all the time.

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