The 2 examinations are 640-802, & they can be split as follows - Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 and Part 2, or ICND1 (640-822) and ICND2 (640-816). A different name for Part 1 is 'Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician' or 'CCENT' for short. This might appear very confusing, yet in essence the certification is best tackled as a packaged exam - the CCNA 640/802. A very good career training-track for Cisco students would be a combined package starting with 'CompTIA A+' , then 'Comptia' N+ and then the more specialised 'Cisco' 'CCNA'. A blended training package of this nature would take around 12 months to finish if studying part-time. In accordance with all of the technical career training-programs, make sure you find one that delivers 24/7 real-time connection to instructor support, to 'problem-solve' any studying challenges that arise. Include comprehensive multi-media tutorial materials, & a good exam-preparation system & you'll be prepared for great success.

Looking at the myriad of choice out there, is it any wonder that nearly all trainees don't really understand the best career path they should even pursue. What is our likelihood of grasping what is involved in a particular job if we've never been there? Maybe we haven't met someone who performs the role either. Generally, the way to deal with this dilemma appropriately lies in a full conversation around several areas:

- Which type of person you think yourself to be - what tasks do you get enjoyment from, and don't forget - what makes you unhappy.

- What sort of time-frame do you want for retraining?

- Where do you stand on salary vs job satisfaction?

- Always think in-depth about the level of commitment needed to attain their desired level.

- It makes sense to understand the differences across each area of training.

For the majority of us, dissecting all these ideas needs a long talk with an advisor who can investigate each area with you. And we don't just mean the accreditations - you also need to understand the commercial requirements and expectations also.

The question of how to simulate a Cisco environment to practise for examinations is often overlooked. Microsoft trainees who are preparing for an 'MCSE' as an example can 'network' a handful of old PCs in their own home to experiment with. Not so with Cisco - to formulate any sort of effective environment you'd need complicated routers & switches, in addition to a large number of PC's & other really costly technology. The only practical option is to utilise 'simulated' networks which are authorised by 'Cisco'. Such state-of-the-art software systems enable individuals to create large 'networks' in a 'virtual environment' , using on-screen options to select specific hardware products and practice 'interrogation' of data-movement. Any self-paced home based Cisco training program must include one of these outstanding items of software. One of the most sought after software systems out there is the RouterSim CCNA Network Visualiser. As a result of trying out this & quite a few others, we're very pleased to include it in all of our Cisco training paths.

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