There are a number of qualification paths to move onto after completing the CCNA. Specialised fields like Security, or Wireless-technology may very well be looked into, or maybe the 'CCNP' ('Cisco Certified Networking Professional' ) which is more complex. The step from the 'CCNA' to the CCNP is pretty significant, so it is a good idea to focus on finishing the CCNA initially. You would anticipate to be employed in a 'Cisco' environment for about 12 to 24 months (together with your 'CCNA' qualification) prior to getting started to train for the 'CCNP'. Really the only exemption would be when you have quite a few years of networking practical experience built up & have covered much of the very same ground as the 'CCNA' certification. The bottom-line is business employers need to know that anybody with quite advanced certifications has also had the right degree of working experience to match them.

Many training academies are still maintaining a now out-dated method of training - classroom days. Often sold as a benefit, after discussion with someone who has first-hand experience, don't be surprised to be lectured on several if not most of the following problems:

- Loads of travelling to and from the workshop centre - often very long trips.

- Accessibility to workshops; typically Mon-Fri and sometimes two to three days together. It's never convenient to take the required leave of absence.

- I think you'd agree that we usually discover twenty days annual leave isn't enough by far. Sacrifice a good 50 percent of that for study classes and see how much more difficult it makes things.

- 'In-Centre' days normally become over full.

- Some trainees hope to push through at quite a pace, but some need a more gentle learning curve and want to set their own pace that fits. This will often generate tension and unrest a lot of the time.

- Never overlook the extra cost of arranging transport or over-night accommodation either. Often, this will cost 00's or even 000's extra. Work it out - you'll get a shock.

- Do you want to risk the possibility of being passed-over for advancement or wage increases because of your studies.

- Surely, all of us at some time have avoided asking a question, because we wanted to look smarter?

- For those who have work away from home, you now have to deal with the fact that workshops sometimes become impossible to get to - and yet, the money has already been paid.

The most impressive solution is based on viewing a ready-made, videoed class - having instructor-led teaching on hand whenever it's convenient for you. Whenever you get stuck, make use of the 24x7 support (that we hope you'll insist on with any technical courses.) Keep in mind, if you own a laptop, study isn't restricted to the home or office. You'll never have to write notes again - all the lessons and background info are laid out on a plate. And if you want to repeat anything, just do it. Although there's no way this can remove every little difficulty, it undeniably makes things easier, simpler and less stressful. You've also got less hassle, costs and travel.

One of the most important things to insist on has to be 24x7 round-the-clock support with trained professional instructors and mentors. So many companies we come across will only offer a basic 9am till 6pm support period (maybe later on certain days) with very little availability over the weekend. Look for training where you can access help at any time you choose (irrespective of whether it's the wee hours on Sunday morning!) You'll need direct access to tutors, and not access to a call-in service which takes messages - so you're constantly waiting for a call-back - probably during office hours.

Be on the lookout for training programs that have multiple support offices around the globe in several time-zones. Every one of them needs to be seamlessly combined to offer a simple interface and also 24 hours-a-day access, when you want it, without any problems. Never make do with anything less. Direct-access 24x7 support is the only viable option for technical training. Maybe burning the midnight-oil is not your thing; but for most of us, we're out at work when traditional support if offered.

A lot of trainees assume that the traditional school, college or university track is still the most effective. Why then is commercial certification beginning to overtake it? The IT sector now recognises that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, proper accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA often is more effective in the commercial field - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. Patently, a necessary portion of background detail has to be covered, but focused specialised knowledge in the required areas gives a vendor educated student a massive advantage.

It's rather like the advert: 'It does what it says on the label'. Employers simply need to know what areas need to be serviced, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. That way they can be sure they're interviewing applicants who can do the job.

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