Training in Cisco Support Considered
The CCNA is the usual starting point for all Cisco training. With it, you’ll learn how to operate on the maintenance and installation of routers and network switches. Basically, the internet comprises of vast numbers of routers, and commercial ventures that have different locations utilise them to allow their networks of computers to communicate.
Routers connect to networks, so it’s essential to know the operation of networks, or you’ll have difficulty gaining the course and not be able to follow the work. Find training that features the basics on networks (CompTIA is ideal) prior to starting your CCNA.
Qualifying up to the CCNA level is the right level in this instance – at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP straight away. Get a couple of years experience behind you first, then you’ll know if CCNP is something you want to do. If so, you’ll have a much better chance of succeeding – as your experience will help you greatly.
A question; why is it better to gain qualifications from the commercial sector as opposed to more traditional academic qualifications obtained from tech’ colleges and universities?
With the costs of academic degree’s becoming a tall order for many, plus the industry’s general opinion that vendor-based training is closer to the mark commercially, there’s been a big surge in Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA accredited training courses that educate students at a much reduced cost in terms of money and time.
Essentially, the learning just focuses on what’s actually required. It’s not quite as straightforward as that, but principally the objective has to be to focus on the exact skills required (along with a certain amount of crucial background) – without attempting to cover a bit about everything else (as academia often does).
Just as the old advertisement said: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. The company just needs to know what they need doing, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.
You should remember: a training itself or the accreditation is not the ultimate goal; a job you’re training for is. Many trainers unfortunately place too much importance on the qualification itself.
Students often train for a single year but end up performing the job-role for decades. Don’t make the error of taking what may be an ‘interesting’ training program only to waste your life away with a job you don’t like!
Get to grips with the income level you aspire to and how ambitious you are. This can often control which exams will be expected and what industry will expect from you in return.
Seek guidance and advice from an experienced industry advisor, even if you have to pay – it’s usually much cheaper and safer to find out at the beginning if your choices are appropriate, rather than find out after two full years that the job you’ve chosen is not for you and now need to go back to square one.
There is no way of over emphasising this: Always get full 24×7 professional support from mentors and instructors. You’ll definitely experience problems if you don’t follow this rule rigidly.
Find a good quality service with help available at any time of the day or night (even 1am on Sunday morning!) You’ll need access directly to professional tutors, and not a message system as this will slow you down – constantly waiting for a call-back when it’s convenient for them.
The best training colleges opt for a web-based 24×7 package utilising a variety of support centres throughout multiple time-zones. You will have a single, easy-to-use environment that seamlessly accesses whichever office is appropriate at any time of day or night: Support available as-and-when you want it.
If you opt for less than online 24×7 support, you’ll regret it. You might not want to use the service during late nights, but you may need weekends, late evenings or early mornings.
It’s essential to have accredited simulation materials and an exam preparation system included in the package you choose.
Due to the fact that the majority of IT examination boards come from the United States, you need to become familiar with their phraseology. It’s not sufficient merely going through the right questions – they need to be in the proper exam format.
Ensure that you ask for testing modules so you’ll be able to test your comprehension along the way. Simulated or practice exams will help to boost your attitude – so you’re much more at ease with the real thing.
Written by Scott Edwards. Hop over to Click HERE or CCNA Training.
