Staying competitive in the ever-changing information technology market is a challenge. With employers trying to get more skills for their hiring dollar, competition in the market has become fierce. Today many employers are looking for IT professionals who are well versed in the many nuances of the field with desktop, server, and networking skills to provide comprehensive support skills. A major factor for remaining competitive in the IT field is the completion of industry certifications. Many certifications are available; however, one vendor is viewed by many as the leader in the certification market. That vendor is Cisco Systems.

There have been many debates in the IT market concerning the validity and the worthiness of industry certifications—the bottom line is that employers still value a certification from a reputable organization as a benchmark for both the interview process and for advancement into higher level positions. Of course the importance of the certification is not the piece of paper, the number, or even the title; the value is in the knowledge that one gains by preparing for and acquiring the certification. Much of what one learns in pursuing a Cisco certification is fundamental networking knowledge that can be applied to any networking environment, regardless of the vendor.

What many industry certifications lack in testing is the capability to have candidates demonstrate their knowledge. Cisco has implemented changes in their most recent certification exams that require candidates to demonstrate their knowledge by using a simulator to configure and validate the operation of many fundamental networking functions. This is where the operating system portion of learning becomes a factor. Understanding fundamentals means a person knows exactly what must be done to make networks communicate, but performing those functions requires a knowledge of the devices and operating systems involved.

There is perhaps no better way in the entire IT industry to boost your career than getting Cisco certified; and the best way to become Cisco certified is by using the TestKing study guides, labs, audio guides, and practice exams.  TestKing has been the industry leader in helping professionals become Cisco Certified for years.  Whether you want to pursue an associate level certification like the CCNA or the ultimate certification in the entire industry, the CCIE, TestKing can help.