Should you be aspiring to become Cisco accredited, but you haven't worked with routers, the chances are your first course should be CCNA certification. This teaches you the knowledge you need to understand routers. The internet is constructed from huge numbers of routers, and large companies with various different locations also use them to allow their networks to keep in touch.

Routers are linked to networks, so seek out training that includes basic networking skills (for example Network+, perhaps with A+) before getting going with CCNA. It's essential to have a basic grasp of networks before you commence any Cisco training or the chances are you'll fall behind. When you've qualified and are on the job market, employers will be looking for networking skills to complement your CCNA.

It's a good idea to find a bespoke training program that will systematically go through everything prior to starting your training in Cisco skills.

If you're like many of the students we talk to then you've always enjoyed practical work - the 'hands-on' personality type. If you're like us, the world of book-reading and classrooms is something you'll make yourself do if you have to, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. You should use video and multimedia based materials if learning from books is not your thing. Learning psychology studies show that long term memory is improved when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we get physically involved with the study process.

Locate a program where you'll get a host of DVD-ROM's - you'll start with videos of instructor demonstrations, with the facility to fine-tune your skills in fully interactive practice sessions. Make sure to obtain a look at some courseware examples from your training provider. You'll want to see demo's from instructors, slideshows and interactive labs where you get to practice.

Go for CD or DVD ROM based materials where possible. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with the variability of broadband quality and service.

We can see a glut of job availability in computing. Arriving at the correct choice for you is a mammoth decision. After all, if you've got no experience in the IT industry, how can you expect to know what someone in a particular field does each day? How can you possibly choose what training route will be most suitable for a successful result. Ultimately, the right answer can only grow via a careful analysis covering many shifting criteria:

* Your personality type and interests - which work-centred jobs you love or hate.

* Are you looking to achieve an important aim - for instance, being your own boss someday?

* How highly do you rate salary - is an increase your main motivator, or is day-to-day enjoyment a lot higher on the scale of your priorities?

* With so many different sectors to gain certifications for in IT - you'll need to achieve a solid grounding on what sets them apart.

* Having a good look at what commitment and time you'll make available.

To completely side-step all the jargon and confusion, and reveal the most viable option for your success, have an informal chat with an experienced professional; a person that understands the commercial reality and of course all the qualifications.

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