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Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA 1)

Build your computer networking skills for business and IT support

Do you help install, maintain and troubleshoot computer networks at work?

Businesses depend on reliable computer networks and IT support services. This Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA 1) course teaches you how to build, manage and repair computer networks. It’s perfect for people working in IT support or network management who want to take the next step in their career. It's also a great start for anyone who wants to become a network engineer or network technician.

You’ll learn how real-world network technologies work. From networks in small offices to large business systems. This Cisco networking course helps you gain the skills to install, manage, and fix those networks with confidence. You’ll be able to design simple networks, support business systems, and keep company data safe.

You’ll also earn a CCNA certification and a Cisco digital badge when you pass with a score of 70% or higher. This Cisco certification is known worldwide. It shows employers that you have knowledge of networking fundamentals, network devices, and network security. This will prove that you have the skills needed for IT networking roles.

Benefits of Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA 1)

 

  • Gain a Cisco CCNA qualification recognised worldwide.
  • Learn practical, hands-on networking skills for today’s IT environments.
  • Prepare for real-world network management, security, and troubleshooting tasks.
  • Build the expertise to support business systems and grow your career in IT networking.

 

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Entry Requirements

This course is open to all students. There are no formal prerequisites required. However, having a background in computing is beneficial. Familiarity with basic computing concepts will help you grasp the material more easily. Some understanding of binary systems will also help you with certain topics covered in the course.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration / Fees
Anytime
University Centre
3 Hours / £270
Anytime
University Centre
3 Hours / £270
Anytime
University Centre
3 Hours / £270
Anytime
University Centre
3 Hours / £270
Anytime
University Centre
3 Hours / £270
Anytime
University Centre
3 Hours / £270

Master IT Skills Valued by Businesses

Career Progression and Prospects

Completing the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA 1) course is a big step forward in your IT career.

This Cisco certification helps you gain real skills in network installation, network maintenance, and network troubleshooting. These skills are valued by businesses that depend on strong and safe computer networks.

After earning your CCNA qualification, you can work in many different IT roles, such as:

  • Network Engineer – design, build, and support business networks.
  • Network Technician – set up and fix network devices and cabling.
  • IT Support Specialist – help staff solve network and computer problems.
  • IT Support Engineer – manage and maintain company IT systems and services.

Employment Opportunities

You will be ready to support network management and network security in any organisation that uses Cisco technologies. These skills also help you move into higher-level IT jobs or continue with more advanced Cisco courses, such as CCNA 2: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials.

With your new knowledge of networking fundamentals, network protocols, and network technologies, you will have the confidence to grow your career and support the future of business networking.

Key Course Information

Qualification obtained

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA 1)

Fees and funding

This is a commercial course, the fees for which are displayed above and must be paid at the time of booking.

Extra costs and equipment

You will need a PC, laptop or tablet on which you can install the necessary software to complete the course.

What You’ll Learn

  1. Networking Fundamentals
    • Learn what computer networks are and why they matter in today’s digital world.
    • Explore different types of networks such as LANs, WANs, WLANs, and PANs.
    • See how networks can be set up in different topologies (like star, mesh, and hybrid).
    • Understand how network protocols help computers talk to each other.
    • Learn about the OSI and TCP/IP models and how data moves across a network.
    • Discover what each network layer does, such as the physical, data link, network, transport, and application layers.
  2. Networking Devices
    • Get to know common networking devices like routers, switches, firewalls, access points, and modems.
    • Learn what each device does and how they connect to produce a working network.
  3. IP Addressing and Subnetting
    • Understand how IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes are used to find computers on a network.
    • Learn simple ways to read and work with binary and hexadecimal numbers.
    • See how subnetting is used to split a network into smaller parts for better security and speed.
  4. Network Cabling and Media
    • Discover the different types of network cables and media, such as copper (UTP, STP), fibre optic, and wireless.
    • Learn the strengths and limits of each type of cable or connection.
  5. Ethernet and Switching
    • Understand how Ethernet sends data over wired networks.
    • Learn what switches do and how they use MAC addresses to move data inside a LAN.
  6. Routing Concepts
    • Learn what routing means and how routers send data between networks.
    • Explore routing tables, and understand the difference between static and dynamic routing.
  7. Basic Network Security
    • Find out why network security is important and what risks can harm a network.
    • Learn simple steps to keep networks safe, such as using passwords and firewalls.
  8. Network Configuration
    • Learn how to set up switches and routers using Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System).
    • Practice using the Command-Line Interface (CLI) to change settings on devices.
    • Try basic network troubleshooting to fix simple connection problems.

How You’ll Learn

This course is flexible and easy to follow. You will start with a three-hour introduction session at the University Campus or online through Microsoft Teams. You can then contact your tutors on Teams if you have any questions about the course.

You will study the main course materials through the Cisco Virtual Learning Environment (NetAcad) at your own pace. After about 4 to 6 weeks, you will take your final exams. The online exam can be done on campus or remotely, depending on what is available.

The practical part of your exam will be done on Cisco equipment at the University Campus (if available) or using Packet Tracer, Cisco’s network simulation software. You may also have more chances to use the Cisco equipment in college if your practical test is done there.

Expert tutors

Our Cisco-certified tutors are experts in computer networking. They have real experience working with IT systems, network management, and Cisco technologies. Each tutor is qualified to teach this course and will guide you through every part of your learning. They will help you understand key ideas, practise your new skills, and get ready for your CCNA exams. You can contact your tutors at any time for extra support or feedback while you study.

How You’ll Be Assessed

You will be assessed through both practical work and online tests. These assessments will help you show what you have learned about networking, network devices, and Cisco technologies.

Formative Assessment:

  • You will take part in hands-on labs using Cisco’s Packet Tracer simulation software. This will let you practise how to set up and fix real networks.
  • You will also complete short quizzes and activities to check your understanding as you go.

Summative Assessment:

  • The module contains a single Online multiple-choice exam – around 50 questions, worth 100% to earn the certification.

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