If your search is for Cisco training but you have no experience with routers, then the qualification you require is CCNA. This training course was created to train people who want practical know how on routers. Large companies who have various regional departments use routers to join up their various different networks of computers to keep in contact with each other. The Internet is made up of vast numbers of routers also.

Because routers are linked to networks, it's necessary to have an understanding of the operation of networks, or you will have difficulties with the course and be unable to understand the work. Look for a course that covers networking fundamentals (CompTIA is ideal) and then move onto CCNA.

Achieving CCNA is the right level in this instance - don't be cajoled into attempting your CCNP yet. After gaining experience in the working environment, you will have a feel for if it's relevant for you to have this next level up. Should that be the case, you'll be in a better position to pass then - because you'll have so much more experience.

The market provides a glut of jobs and positions available in computing. Deciding which one could be right in this uncertainty can be very difficult. How likely is it for us to understand the day-to-day realities of any IT job when we haven't done that before? Maybe we haven't met someone who performs the role either. Achieving a well-informed resolution only comes through a thorough analysis covering many shifting factors:

* Our personalities play a starring part - what gets you 'up and running', and what are the areas that really turn you off.

* What time-frame are you looking at for the retraining?

* What priority do you place on job satisfaction vs salary?

* Because there are so many markets to choose from in computing - you'll need to pick up a solid grounding on what sets them apart.

* Having a good look at the level of commitment, time and effort that you can put aside.

For most of us, dissecting these areas will require meeting with an advisor that knows what they're talking about. And not just the qualifications - but also the commercial expectations and needs of the market as well.

You have to make sure that all your accreditations are what employers want - don't even consider studies that lead to in-house certificates. All the major IT organisations like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA all have widely approved skills programs. These heavyweights will make sure you're employable.

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