'Cisco' is one of the most well known technology-companies on the planet, & like MS, is a market-leader. From its humble origins some twenty six years back, 'Cisco' today invests something like $5 billion on research & development, and heads the globe in networking-hardware. Society essentially wouldn't have the world wide web we've got right now if it weren't for 'Cisco'. Its thought that over 70 percent of all world-wide network-hardware is represented by the Cisco brand. For individuals thinking about working in IT or Telecommunications hardware-networking, Cisco expertise is essential. Under the 'Cisco' umbrella there are divisions in Wi-Fi & Communications-Data, Voice over IP & Security.

Controllers, routers & data-switches are mainly what 'Cisco' technology is founded on. Information can flow through a network as a result of these Cisco tools. Computers need an operating-system to communicate inside their network, but in addition to that the actual 'hardware' has its own system which needs to be set-up and maintained. Trouble-shooting, on-going re-programming and reconfiguration is important to keep up the smooth operating of an expanding network. Cisco is at the heart of all modern workplace communications (corporate and military) as we watch the global move towards full voice and information systems integration.

Moving on from your 'CCNA', you'll find many specialist accreditations to choose from. You may choose to go into Wi-Fi, or Security, or maybe actually on to the Cisco Certified Networking Professional ('CCNP'). The CCNP is a rather big step up from the CCNA, and on the whole, thinking about this before you have fully attained the CCNA is not a good idea. You'd expect to be working in a Cisco environment for not less than one or two years (having got your CCNA accreditation) prior to getting started to study for the 'CCNP'. If however you have already been in I.T. for some time, & have previously obtained a accreditation that is equivalent to the CCNA (e.g. whilst in the armed forces) you could possibly move straight to CCNP. The bottom line is that if you're starting in it, no boss will be expecting you to have got to that level of accreditation, & might rightly question your true comprehension, if you've not even worked in a CCNA role first.

The 2 examinations are 640-802, & they are split up as follows - The 'ICND1' (640-822), & the ICND2 (640/816). ICND stands for Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, however the ICND1 exam is also referred to as 'CCENT' (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician). Although all of this can look like a mouthful (as can be the truth with I.T. acronyms,) the most straightforward way to take this accreditation is as the combined 'CCNA' (640/802) examination. Cisco students should find it very beneficial to begin their training with the 'CompTIA' certifications A+ and N+ . That will give them outstanding vendor-neutral preparation ahead of getting into the 'Cisco' arena itself. A bundled training-package like this should take approximately one year to achieve if training part-time. Much like just about all technical study programs, 24-hour direct-access student-support needs to be offered to allow you to learn and ask about any queries anytime the need occurs. Add-in comprehensive multi-media tutorial materials, and a good exam preparation strategy and you will be geared up for success.

Some training providers have a handy Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. At the end of the day it's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to find your first job - as long as you're correctly trained and certified; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

Bring your CV up to date as soon as possible however (advice and support for this should come from your course provider). Don't put it off until you've graduated or passed any exams. Being considered a 'maybe' is more than not being known. A decent number of junior jobs are bagged by people in the early stages of their course. If it's important to you to find work near your home, then you'll probably find that a specialist independent regional recruitment consultant or service could be of more use than a national service, because they are much more inclined to have insider knowledge of the local job scene.

In a nutshell, if you put the same amount of effort into securing your first IT position as into training, you won't find it too challenging. Some people strangely invest a great deal of time on their learning program and then just stop once they've passed their exams and seem to expect employers to find them.