You should know what kind of career path you want to pursue. A Cisco certification training course may be ideal for you if you are looking for a change from your current job. A good alternative is to get yourself certified by passing one of the two exams, CCNA or CCNP. These two exams are the ones most preferred by employers and they also provide a great foundation for getting yourself a lucrative job. A CCNA is a nine-hour exam that is given after you have passed the CCNP exam. As far as the future is concerned, these two exams are compulsory for all who wish to work within the networking infrastructure.
Once you have decided on your career path, it is time to look for the right training program. It is not mandatory to join a Cisco training institution. However, you might find it useful to sign up for an authorized training program at your local community college or technical school. These courses are more affordable than those offered at Cisco and they offer you a wider range of study options. The only disadvantage is that it may take you a longer time to get a certificate.
The next step after choosing a training program is getting yourself certified by the CCNA. This process can be done in three ways – through Cisco, CCNP or Self certification. The first option is by taking an exam approved by Cisco. The second is by getting your existing Cisco certification enhanced. The third is by completing a review course offered by Cisco.
You can either go for the free review course offered by Cisco or pay for one of their certified Cisco experts who will guide you through the entire certification process. The free review course usually covers the most basic information needed for the CCNA. The review course helps you understand the terminology and the tools used in the Cisco certification exams. However, the material covered in the review course is not sufficient to help you pass the exams.
On the other hand, taking the CCNP exam will be the best foundation for Cisco certifications. This exam offers excellent training in networking fundamentals and you will be able to familiarize yourself with all kinds of networking devices. It will also enhance your knowledge about the latest CCNA tools and technologies. This type of Cisco certification is great if you are looking to have a more technical career paths. For the professionals already in the industry, CCNP gives additional abilities and increases the value of your resume.
Finally, you can consider taking a review course for the CCNA before you plan for the CCNA examination. This will help you prepare for the CCNA exam. In fact, preparation for CCNA prior to sitting the CCNA exam will allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience of real-world Cisco certification. It will also help you narrow down your list of Cisco certification options. Once you know which path to take, the next step is to choose the right training program.
With a clear understanding of your career path and resources, you can make the right decision on the right training program. In addition, you should consider your current job status as this will impact what type of Cisco certification best suits you. If you are looking for a non-traditional path to get your Cisco certification, then a CCNA exam might be the best option. If you have already secured your dream job and anticipate a more challenging path in future, a CCNA can be taken first to gain experience for your future goals.
