cisco

Third things first: they don't teach you a thing! The Cisco certification is simply a measure of what you have learned, somehow. Now, of course there are courses specifically geared to, and even partly written by, Cisco. If you check out the CCO website (cco.cisco.com) you can follow the certification track, and even line up cert. with specific tests.

Which is to say, that one way of preparing for the tests is to take the relevant course.

There are several levels and routes to Cisco Certification. The most common is: CCNA --> CCNP --> CCIE.

You can take a course and go out to write the CCNA. If you're reasonably bright, you will likely get that first level. But beyond that, I believe that without at least some relevant experience,it is "diificult" to proceed much beyond that. CCIE, definitely requires real world experience.

As for cost: well, that all depends. You have to check with your local suppliers of the tests, and of the courses if you go that route.

I am doing the CCNA course by night & find it very intensive, even though I have experience of maintaining a Wan with all Cisco equipment. It really requires a lot of work, but looks like it will be useful. I don't think I'll do any further Cisco exams, as I only want a basic all round knowledge for network admin. Course outlines on Cisco.com. Good Luck.