The CCNA is the usual starting point for all Cisco training. This allows you to deal with maintaining and installing routers. Basically, the internet comprises of vast numbers of routers, and many large organisations that have different locations use them to allow their networks to keep in touch.

You must have a good understanding of how computer networks operate and function, as networks are connected to routers. Otherwise, you'll probably struggle. We'd recommend you look for a course covering basic networking skills - perhaps Network+ and A+, and then do a CCNA course. Some providers offer this as a career track.

You should get a tailored route that takes you on a progressive path to make sure that you have comprehensive skills and abilities prior to getting going with Cisco.

Speak with any practiced consultant and they can normally tell you many terrible tales of how students have been duped by salespeople. Make sure you deal with an experienced industry professional who asks lots of questions to find out what's appropriate to you - not for their bank-account! Dig until you find an ideal starting-point that fits you. Remember, if you've got any work-experience or certification, then you may be able to pick-up at a different starting-point to someone new to the industry. Opening with a basic PC skills module first is often the best way to commence your computer studies, but really depends on your level of familiarity with computers.

Sometimes trainees think that the traditional school, college or university route is still the best way into IT. Why then is commercial certification slowly and steadily replacing it? Industry is now aware that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, official accreditation supplied for example by Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA often is more effective in the commercial field - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. Higher education courses, as a example, become confusing because of too much loosely associated study - and much too wide a syllabus. This prevents a student from understanding the specific essentials in enough depth.

In simple terms: Authorised IT qualifications provide exactly what an employer needs - it says what you do in the title: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Planning and Maintaining a Windows 2003 Infrastructure'. Therefore companies can look at their needs and which qualifications will be suitable to deal with those needs.

Proper support should never be taken lightly - find a program providing 24x7 full access, as anything less will frustrate you and could impede your ability to learn. Avoid those companies that use call-centres 'out-of-hours' - where an advisor will call back during normal office hours. It's no use when you're stuck on a problem and want support there and then.

It's possible to find professional companies who recommend and use direct-access support 24x7 - no matter what time of day it is. Seek out a trainer that is worth purchasing from. Only true live 24x7 round-the-clock support truly delivers for technical programs.

With so much choice, it's not really surprising that most potential trainees don't really understand the best career path they should even pursue. Therefore, if you don't have any experience in IT in the workplace, how could you possibly know what any qualified IT worker fills their day with? How can you possibly choose which accreditation path provides the best chances for ultimate success. Generally, the way to deal with this issue appropriately comes from a deep discussion of several areas:

* Your hobbies and interests - as they can show the things will provide a happy working life.

* What sort of time-frame do you want for your training?

* What are your thoughts on job satisfaction vs salary?

* Often, trainees don't consider the amount of work needed to gain all the necessary accreditation.

* You have to understand what differentiates the myriad of training options.

To bypass the barrage of jargon, and uncover the best path to success, have an informal chat with an advisor with years of experience; an individual who can impart the commercial reality as well as all the qualifications.