The CCNA qualification is the usual starting point for all Cisco training. This teaches you how to deal with maintaining and installing routers. Fundamentally, the internet is based upon huge numbers of routers, and big organisations that have a number of branches need them to allow their networks of computers to communicate.

You may end up employed by an internet service provider or a large commercial venture that is located on multiple sites but still wants secure internal data communication. Both types of jobs command good salaries.

Qualifying up to the CCNA level is where you should be aiming; don't let some salesperson talk you into starting with the CCNP. Once you've got a few years experience behind you, you'll know if this level is required. If so, you'll have the experience you require to take on your CCNP - because it's a difficult qualification to master - and shouldn't be looked upon as otherwise.

At times people don't understand what information technology is all about. It is thrilling, changing, and means you're doing your bit in the gigantic wave of technology that will change our world over the next few decades. We're barely beginning to get to grips with how this will truly impact our way of life. The way we interrelate with the rest of the world will be massively affected by technology and the internet.

The money in IT isn't to be sniffed at either - the income on average in the UK for an average IT worker is considerably better than in the rest of the economy. It's likely that you'll receive a much better deal than you'd typically expect to bring in elsewhere. There is a considerable country-wide need for qualified IT professionals. It follows that as growth in the industry shows little sign of contracting, it appears this will be the case for quite some time to come.

The right sort of training program should also include Microsoft (or key company) exam preparation systems. Avoid depending on unofficial exam papers and questions. The way they're phrased can be quite different - and often this creates real issues when the proper exam time arrives. Mock exams can be enormously valuable in helping you build your confidence - then when the time comes for you to take the proper exam, you will be much more relaxed.

Including examination fees up-front and offering an 'Exam Guarantee' is common for a number of training colleges. But look at the facts:

You're paying for it ultimately. It's definitely not free - they've simply charged more for the whole training package. The honest truth is that if students pay for each examination, one by one, they will be much more likely to get through on the first attempt - since they are conscious of their payment and therefore will put more effort into their preparation.

Isn't it in your interests to find the best exam deal or offer when you take the exam, instead of paying a premium to the training course provider, and also to sit exams more locally - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call? What's the point in paying early for examination fees when there was no need to? Big margins are secured by training companies charging upfront for all their exams - and then hoping that you won't take them all. The majority of organisations will require you to do mock exams and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you've demonstrated an excellent ability to pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

Exams taken at VUE and Prometric centres are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. Why spend so much more on 'Exam Guarantee' costs (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) - when a quality course, support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

Every program under consideration must provide a nationally accepted exam at the end - and not a worthless 'in-house' plaque for your wall. The top IT companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe have globally acknowledged proficiency courses. These heavyweights will ensure your employability.

Microsoft SQL Server Support Career Computer Interactive Self-Paced Certification Courses >>