Like 'Microsoft', Cisco leads the path amongst the world's biggest technological know-how organisations. Initially founded in the mid 1980's, early on in the Silicon Valley IT revolution, 'Cisco' is now the worldwide leader within networking-hardware, spending some 5 Billion US Dollars annually on research & development. The internet, it is said, is effective 'because' of 'Cisco' engineering. Cisco produce over 2/3rds of the network hardware employed around the world at this time. For students thinking about working in IT or 'Telecoms' hardware-networking, 'Cisco' expertise is paramount. The organisation has also developed commercially in newer technologies such as VOIP, 'Security' and Wireless Data transfer.

The 2 examinations are 640/802, & they are divided like this - The ICND1 (640/822), and the ICND2 (640/816). 'ICND' stands for Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, but the ICND1 examination is often known as 'CCENT' ('Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician'). Whilst all of this may seem like a mouthful (as often seems the truth with I.T. abbreviations,) the simplest way to do this qualification is as a grouped together 'CCNA' (640/802) exam. 'Cisco' trainees should find it very useful to begin their training course with the CompTIA accreditations A+ & N+ . That will provide them with excellent vendor-neutral training before getting into the 'Cisco' domain itself. Count on putting in around 400 to 500 hours of study time (approx 12 months part time) to finish a course of this nature. Much like just about all specialist study programs, 24 hour direct-access student support needs to be offered so that you can learn & ask questions when-ever the need occurs. The appropriate studying materials are essential - go for inter-active multi-media disc based packages, & an approved & reliable examination preparation system.

Following on from your CCNA, there are many specialist certifications to choose from. You might get into wireless technology, or Security, or perhaps actually onto your 'Cisco Certified Networking Professional' ('CCNP'). The 'CCNP' is really a rather significant step-up from the CCNA, & for the majority, contemplating it before you've wholly completed the 'CCNA' isn't a good idea. Attain the 'CCNA' and work with Cisco networks for a year or two prior to progressing on to a 'CCNP' study program. There are actually a few exclusions to this advice, mainly if you have been in the industry for some time, & have got alternative certification covering much of identical material (military examinations for example.) Realistically an employer won't think of you for a senior position without a decent quantity of 'CCNA' level practical hands-on experience and understanding of industry.

It is not surprising then that 'Cisco' has a wide range of certification routes, dealing with all its technologies and patents. Trainees are generally advised to start with the same accreditation course, & then progress into specialist subjects as they develop. There are 2 exams in the 'Cisco Certified Network Associate', or 'CCNA' for short. They will furnish students of the right calibre with the required technical expertise to operate medium sized networks with 'routers' and data switches.

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