Good Preparation and Cost Effectiveness for Cisco Certification

Cisco networking is an industry standard, and Cisco training has become more widely offered since the company's staggering growth. Cisco certification is an important part of a career in Cisco networking -- and it can be stressful, not to mention expensive. Here are some tips on saving yourself both.

Be Prepared

Every year, around 12,000 IT professionals study up for their Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco Certified Network Professional, or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification exams. The exams can be long, tiresome, and leave networkers not knowing quite how they did. And the pass rate is as low as 26% some years.

Experts recommend getting to testing sites on time, never rescheduling appointments, and studying as much as you can before the exam. Talking to someone who has passed the exam is a great way to prepare. Even tutors are available for last minute help.

Cisco Training Cost Effectiveness

Receiving training from Cisco directly can be very expensive in the long run, after tuition fees, materials, and travel expenses to wherever the Cisco exam takes place. Cisco certification is meant to improve your career prospects, not stretch your budget.

For example, the fees for Cisco certification exams are generally several hundred dollars. The fee is refundable, but only if you pass.

Alternatively, Cisco training is available from vendors, most of whom you can find locally. Some employers require Cisco training and certification, and will even pay for employees to attending sessions at a local provider.

Passing the Exam

IT professionals who complete Cisco training, pass the Cisco exam, and earn Cisco certification receive a plaque and a number. They can even put this number on business cards, to advertise their Cisco certification. Not to mention that they are among the mere tens of thousands of people worldwide who have it.

Sources
Computerworld
Computer Partner