The CCNA qualification is where it all starts for training in Cisco. This will enable you to work on maintaining and installing routers and network switches. Fundamentally, the internet is based upon huge numbers of routers, and many large organisations that have different locations use them to keep their networks in touch.

Gaining this type of qualification will most likely see you working for national or international corporations that have a wide geographical spread, but need to keep in touch. On the other hand, you might end up joining internet service providers. This specialised skill set is highly paid.

The correct skill set and comprehension prior to starting the CCNA is essential. So find an advisor who can fill you in on any gaps you may have.

Locating job security these days is very rare. Companies often throw us out of the workplace with very little notice – as long as it fits their needs. When we come across rising skills deficits and areas of high demand however, we can hit upon a new kind of market-security; where, fuelled by the conditions of constant growth, businesses struggle to find the number of people required.

The most recent UK e-Skills analysis highlighted that 26 percent of computing and IT jobs remain unfilled due to an appallingly low number of properly qualified workers. This shows that for each four job positions in existence in Information Technology (IT), there are only 3 trained people to do them. Appropriately skilled and commercially certified new professionals are as a result at a resounding premium, and it looks like they will be for many years to come. It would be hard to imagine if a better time or market state of affairs will exist for gaining qualification for this swiftly increasing and evolving sector.

Many training companies offer a 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 land the right work – once you’re trained and certified; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

Whatever you do, don’t wait till you’ve passed your final exams before polishing up your CV. The day you start training, list what you’re working on and get it out there! You might not even have taken your exams when you will be offered your first junior support position; yet this isn’t going to happen if interviewers don’t get sight of your CV. The best services to help you find a job are usually specialised and independent recruitment consultants. Because they make their money when they’ve found you a job, they’re perhaps more focused on results.

Essentially, if you put as much hard work into landing a position as into studying, you won’t find it too challenging. Some people inexplicably conscientiously work through their learning program and do nothing more once certified and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.

Commercially accredited qualifications are now, undoubtedly, starting to replace the traditional routes into IT – but why is this? Corporate based study (to use industry-speak) is most often much more specialised. The IT sector is aware that specialisation is necessary to cope with an increasingly more technical workplace. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA are the big boys in this field. Patently, an appropriate amount of associated knowledge needs to be taught, but essential specialised knowledge in the areas needed gives a vendor trained person a massive advantage.

The crux of the matter is this: Authorised IT qualifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have – everything they need to know is in the title: as an example – I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network’. Consequently employers can look at their needs and what certifications are needed for the job.

Authorised exam preparation and simulation materials are a must – and absolutely ought to be offered by your training company. Some students can get thrown by trying to prepare themselves with questions that don’t come from official boards. Often, the phraseology is unfamiliar and it’s important to prepare yourself for this. Mock exams are very useful in helping you build your confidence – so when it comes to taking the proper exam, you will be much more relaxed.

Speak with a professional consultant and we’d be amazed if they couldn’t provide you with many worrying experiences of students who’ve been sold completely the wrong course for them. Stick to an industry professional that asks lots of questions to uncover the best thing for you – not for their wallet! It’s very important to locate the right starting point of study for you. Occasionally, the training start-point for a student with experience is vastly different to the student with no experience. If this is going to be your initial crack at an IT exam then you should consider whether to practice with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first.