Proper support is incredibly important - find a program offering 24x7 direct access to instructors, as anything less will frustrate you and could hold up your pace and restrict your intake. Avoid those companies that use 'out-of-hours' call-centres - where you'll get called back during the next 'working' day. It's no use when you're stuck on a problem and want support there and then.

Top training providers tend to use a web-based round-the-clock service pulling in several support offices from around the world. You get an easy to use environment which switches seamlessly to the best choice of centres at any time of day or night: Support when you need it. Never settle for less than this. 24x7 support is the only way to go when it comes to technical training. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; but for most of us, we're out at work at the time when most support is available.

Fundamentally, the back-bone of 'Cisco' technological systems are their routers, data-switches & controllers. These are the devices that facilitate the information that passes around a network. PC's need an 'operating system' to connect up inside their 'network ', but also the actual hardware has it's very own 'system' that needs to be set-up and maintained. For a 'network ' to operate efficiently there has to be on-going trouble shooting, with regular re-programming and re-configuring. With the switch towards full system-integration of voice and information in modern corporate workplaces (as well as armed service and other circumstances), Cisco is at the pinnacle of all contemporary communications.

Don't accept anything less than the most up to date Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Steer clear of relying on non-accredited exam papers and questions. The type of questions asked can be completely unlike authorised versions - and this leads to huge confusion in the actual examination. Mock exams can be enormously valuable as a resource to you - so when it comes to taking the proper exam, you don't get phased.