If it's Cisco training you're after, but you're new to working with routers or network switches, we'd recommend taking CCNA certification. This will provide you with knowledge and skills to work with routers. The internet is made up of hundreds of thousands of routers, and big organisations with several locations also need routers to keep their networks in touch.

You must have a good understanding of the operating and functioning of computer networks, because computer networks are joined to routers. Otherwise, you'll probably struggle. Better to find training that also includes the basics (CompTIA Network+ as an example - maybe with the A+ as well) before you start a CCNA course. Look for a training provider that can offer this as a career package.

Qualifying up to the CCNA level is perfectly sufficient to start with; don't let some salesperson talk you into starting with the CCNP. After gaining experience in the working environment, you will have a feel for whether you need to train up to this level. If so, you'll have the experience you need to master your CCNP - as it's a very complex course - and shouldn't be looked upon as otherwise.

We're regularly asked to explain why traditional degrees are being overtaken by more commercial certificates? With university education costs spiralling out of control, plus the industry's general opinion that vendor-based training often has more relevance in the commercial field, we have seen a big surge in CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA accredited training routes that create knowledgeable employees for much less time and money. Of course, a reasonable degree of associated information must be covered, but precise specifics in the areas needed gives a vendor educated student a distinct advantage.

Imagine if you were an employer - and you needed to take on someone with a very particular skill-set. What is easier: Go through loads of academic qualifications from graduate applicants, struggling to grasp what they've learned and what commercial skills have been attained, or pick out specific commercial accreditations that perfectly fit your needs, and then choose your interviewees based around that. You can then focus on how someone will fit into the team at interview - rather than on the depth of their technical knowledge.

You'll come across courses which guarantee examination passes - they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, before you've even made a start on the course. But before you get taken in by this so-called guarantee, think about this:

You're paying for it by some means. It certainly isn't free - it's just been rolled into the price of the whole package. Evidence shows that if a student pays for each examination, one after the other, the chances are they're going to pass first time - as they're aware of what they've paid and therefore will put more effort into their preparation.

Isn't it in your interests to not pay up-front, but at the time, not to pay the fees marked up by the training company, and to take it closer to home - instead of the remote centre that's convenient only to the trainer? Is there a good reason to pay interest on a bigger loan than is necessary because you've paid early for exams when you didn't need to? Big margins are made by companies charging all their exam fees up-front - and hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do. Most companies will insist on pre-tests and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - so an 'Exam Guarantee' comes with many clauses in reality.

Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on 'Exam Guarantees' is short-sighted - when a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools is what will get you through.

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