If it's Cisco training you're after, and you haven't worked with routers or switches, you should first attempt the Cisco CCNA qualification. This will provide you with the necessary skills to set up and maintain routers. Vast numbers of routers make up the internet, and large commercial ventures with many locations also use them to keep their networks in touch.

Because routers are linked to networks, it is important to have prior knowledge of how networks work, or you'll struggle with the qualification and not be able to follow the work. Look for a course that covers networking fundamentals (CompTIA is a good one) and then move onto CCNA.

You should get a tailored course that covers everything to make sure that you have comprehensive skills and knowledge prior to embarking on the Cisco skills.

Don't listen to a salesperson who offers any particular course without a thorough investigation to better understand your current abilities plus your experience level. Make sure they can draw from a wide-enough stable of training programs so they're actually equipped to give you a program that suits you.. Sometimes, the starting point of study for a person experienced in some areas can be vastly dissimilar to the student with none. Commencing with a user skills course first may be the ideal way to get up and running on your computer program, but really depends on your level of familiarity with computers.

Exam 'guarantees' are sometimes offered as part of a training package - they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, when you pay for the rest of your course. But before you get taken in by this so-called guarantee, look at the following:

You're paying for it somehow. You can be assured it's not a freebie - it's just been rolled into the price of the whole package. The fact is that if students pay for their own exams, one at a time, the chances are they're going to get through on the first attempt - as they're aware of what they've paid and their application will be greater.

Why pay a training college up-front for exam fees? Find the best deal you can at the time, instead of paying a premium - and do it locally - rather than possibly hours away from your area. Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for exam fees when there was no need to? Huge profits are made by companies getting money in early for exam fees - and hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do. The majority of companies will require you to do mock exams and prohibit you from re-taking an exam until you have proved to them you have a good chance of passing - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

Exams taken at local centres are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. Why pay exorbitant fees for 'exam guarantees' (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) - when the best course materials, the right level of support and a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.