An integral part of enjoying a rewarding career in the networking field is having the right education. While learning as you go is perfectly acceptable, you must realize that this won’t allow you to move ahead in your career very quickly. It’s preferable to get the CISCO training that you need immediately and move directly into the position that you want. One good option for CCNA training is to go through a CCNA Boot Camp. How do you tell if a Boot Camp is worth your time?

Research the Camp

While CCNA training camps are really nothing knew, they’re not all cut from the same cloth. You need to ensure that you’re attending a Boot Camp that really will prepare you for the real world. A good way to identify a good camp is by researching the company’s reputation and history. What do their past students say about them? Would they be willing to use the camp for CCNA training again? How many students go on to pass the CCNA exam on their first try after finishing the camp?

Combination Work

Many CCNA training providers rely on one or two training methods only. Some schools use bookwork alone, while others might use simulators to help students learn. Still others might combine bookwork and simulations. The truth is that a high quality Boot Camp will combine bookwork, simulations and hands-on experience to give students an excellent education.

Instructor-Led Study

It’s important that the CISCO training provider you choose offers instructor-led study and that those instructors have CISCO certifications themselves. Instructor-led training is important because it provides confidence, accuracy and expert training from someone who has gone through the same testing experience you are going to have.

Self-Led Study

It’s also important that the CCNA training provider you choose combines instructor-led study with self-study. Instructors can impart a great deal of information, but there are times when self-study is ideal for information retention and developing a real understanding of the study material.

Intensive and Immersive

Finally, just as the name implies, a Boot Camp needs to be both immersive and intensive. In order for you to truly learn the material needed to pass the CCNA exam, you need to immerse yourself in intensive study.

Finding a good CCNA Boot Camp will help ensure that you are able to enjoy a rewarding career within the IT field. In addition, you’ll find that this certification puts you in a good position to move up by earning higher certifications if you desire. You can move from a CCNA to a CCNP and then to a CCIE if you would like to make the most of your career, though many professionals choose to remain with the CCNA certification.