The CCNA qualification is the way to go for training in Cisco. This teaches you how to handle maintaining and installing routers. Fundamentally, the internet is based upon huge numbers of routers, and many large organisations who have different locations rely on them to allow their networks of computers to communicate.

You must have a good understanding of the operation and function of computer networks, as networks are built with routers. Without this you may encounter problems. Why not first take a course in the basics (maybe the CompTIA Network+, possibly with A+ as well) before you start a CCNA course. Some companies will design a bespoke package for you.

Achieving CCNA is the right level to aim for; don't let some salesperson talk you into starting with the CCNP. After gaining experience in the working environment, you'll find out if this level is required. If so, you will have developed the skills you need to master your CCNP - because it's a difficult qualification to master - and mustn't be entered into casually.

Many training academies still use one of the most out-dated training concepts - in-centre classes. Usually touted as a major benefit, following a chat with most students who've had to attend a couple, you'll find them listing some or most of these:

* All the travelling required - lots of visits and normally over 100 miles a pop.

* If, like many of us, you work, then weekday workshops are hard to attend. Often you're contending with two or three days together to make it worse.

* If we've got twenty days annual leave, using half of that on training workshops leaves us with very few opportunities for days off.

* In a situation where running costs are very high, most companies make the classes quite large - which is not ideal (and far less personal).

* Some trainees lean towards a pace that is different to the other class members. Sometimes this causes a classic case of 'classroom tension'.

* Quite a lot of students report that the (not inconsiderable) costs of travelling back and forth to the training school while forking out for food and accommodation becomes prohibitively expensive.

* It's important to maintain privacy. We wouldn't want to run the risk of throwing away any potential advancement due to us because our employer knows we're retraining.

* Many of us find that, at times, it's uncomfortable to raise questions while sitting with other trainees - because none of us wants to look like we don't understand.

* There are those of us who sometimes work elsewhere in the country for several days at a time, imagine the increased difficulty in reaching the requisite events, when time is at a premium.

It would be better to simply watch and be taught by tutors one-to-one through pre-filmed lessons, working on them at a time that's convenient for you and you alone. Imagine... Utilising a laptop then you're free to learn wherever you happen to be at that time. And live 24 hr-a-day support is just a web-browser away in case of difficulty. You'll never have to write notes again - you have the lessons and accompanying information ready-made for you. If you want to re-do anything, it's right there. What could be simpler: Time and money is saved and travelling is avoided altogether; and of course you get a much more relaxed study environment.

A lot of commercial training providers will only offer support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; very few go late in the evening or at weekends. Never accept training that only supports students with an out-sourced call-centre message system after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Training companies will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. The simple fact of the matter is - support is required when it's required - not when it suits them.

World-class organisations opt for a web-based round-the-clock system pulling in several support offices over many time-zones. You're offered an easy to use interface that accesses the most appropriate office at any time of day or night: Support when it's needed. Look for a training company that is worth purchasing from. Only true live 24x7 support gives you the confidence to make it.

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