I need everyone's opinion on this, i work for a software company managing the support department. I've been doing the job for the last 8 years since i left school (first job) we use simple 2003 terminal servers connected via RDP sessions over Broadband, no active directory settings or anything complicated.

I've been thinking the last few months that i want to get out and get more money, it's not bad here but i'm buying a house soon so want more cash. I think i've hit a level here and don't think i'll get any higher with my wages.

I've been thinking about Cisco networking, it looks like lots of the large companies use this. I'd really like to do a course of some description but not sure what, i'm very computer savy and have no problem with putting the work in but the cisco course is about £2k from what i can see on the net and there is no way the company i work for now would pay for this as it wouldn't benefit them in the slightest. If i'm going to have to pay for it then that'll be the case but i wan't to know what is more worthwhile doing.

Thanks

I'll move this too the tech shed for the wierdy beardy types too help you out:rofl:

I'm a network/server support type and have a bit of Cisco experience - self taught by copying consultants and existing configs. I'm being made redundant so have decided I need to add CCNA to my CV to improve (and prove!) my skills in this area, so I bought a lab kit from ebay (link in another thread in here) and the Todd Lammle CCNA study guide and I intend to do the self-study route.

I guess it depends how much understanding of networking you already have - learning concepts from a book can be difficult compared to a course where things can be explained in different ways.

Good luck anyway.

It sounds like you will generally be ok with regards the first unit, and perhaps the second, but i have been told by a colleague whom studied CCNA that as you start to progress through unit two, you must have a very good understanding of router command line configuration, network protocol layers and the like... apparently gets very hard through units 3 and 4 :(

but certainly a quslification worth having if you intend to apply for vacancies in the network infrastructure areas.

I'm currently studying for a CCNA via a home study course. The CLI stuff actually isn't too bad if you're used to using DOS etc, however, what kills me every time is getting my head around subnet masking, but slowly getting there. That said, each person has different blind spots so you may find that easy but struggle with something else.

One other thing, as I understand it, the exam fail rate is quite high, in the exam you can't go back to a question if you're not sure of the answer, you have to either answer it or leave it first time around so make sure you are thoroughly prepared.

It actually sounds quite scary now lol, found some nice documentation on the net and a couple of vids on google.

Think i'll have a read & look at these and see what i think, anyone else got any thoughts on it ?

It isn't an easy course, however, with a bit of hard work you'll get through it. Have you looked at doing it at a college, it might cost about the same but I reckon you'll have more chance of passing it and you'll be able to spread the payments out?

I have cisco experience- self taught for the most part. The qualification is worth it- skills are always in demand. I probably can get some course materials for you (but in a few weeks when I'm back at work).

I have cisco experience- self taught for the most part. The qualification is worth it- skills are always in demand. I probably can get some course materials for you (but in a few weeks when I'm back at work).

If you can mate that would be awesome, hang on.....a few WEEKS off work! What types of holidays do you get!

CCNA isn't too hard - buy yourself a decent study guide and a couple of routers and switches off ebay and teach yourself.

Where I work isn't hiring anyone at the moment but in a year or so things may be different and we have in the past taken on newly qualified engineers so if you do go down this route then let me know when you've passed and I can point you in the right direction.

CCNA isn't too hard - buy yourself a decent study guide and a couple of routers and switches off ebay and teach yourself.

Where I work isn't hiring anyone at the moment but in a year or so things may be different and we have in the past taken on newly qualified engineers so if you do go down this route then let me know when you've passed and I can point you in the right direction.

Cheers bud, always worth keeping in mind.

Where are the exams held? i can't find anywhere in the walsall area ?

Use this doodad Pearson Vue

Cheers bud, always worth keeping in mind.

Where are the exams held? i can't find anywhere in the walsall area ?

I know that UoW do it. I'll ask a mate & PM you.

Use this doodad Pearson Vue

ohh nice one cheers!

It says it's a 2 year course, i don't want to do it in 2 years. I'd hoped to do it much sooner than that. Am i being silly or is that just how it is?

If you can mate that would be awesome, hang on.....a few WEEKS off work! What types of holidays do you get!

Not holidays. Remember I mentioned a bad back? I've had an op, so I'm at home for a few weeks. All on the mend, but I have to take it easy.

Not holidays. Remember I mentioned a bad back? I've had an op, so I'm at home for a few weeks. All on the mend, but I have to take it easy.

Indeed i do mate, hope everything is cool. You need anyone to drive that Leon on you're drive, you know save it sitting there doing nothing

You need anyone to drive that Leon on you're drive, you know save it sitting there doing nothing

Bad luck, I was back driving from yesterday .

edit: Anyway, it will feel a bit slow after your Octy...

Bad luck, I was back driving from yesterday .

edit: Anyway, it will feel a bit slow after your Octy...

But i bet it would only cost me half on fuel

Quick :bump: on this. I have run out of time on the course I was doing and I still feel I could do with a bit more study. Kaiserb_UK, how you getting on with the Todd Lammle study guide? I've looked at some of the 6 day courses, but chatting to a mate at work he reckons they aren't worth doing, especially as I've covered a lot of the course and am really only looking at brushing up on a couple of areas and finishing off the last bit that I haven't done yet.