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Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA 2)

Advance your Cisco networking skills for the modern workplace

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA 2) course builds on what you learned in CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks. It helps IT professionals build stronger, smarter networks for business.

Here, you go deeper into routing, switching, and wireless networking, the key parts of modern business networks. You will learn how to plan, set up, and protect these systems in real workplaces.

This Cisco certification course is ideal for people already working in IT support, network management, or technical roles who want to upgrade their skills and take on more responsibility. It’s also perfect for anyone training to become a network engineer or network administrator.

You’ll earn a CCNA 2: Routing, Switching, and Wireless Essentials certificate of completion and a Cisco digital badge when you pass with a score of 70% or higher.

Benefits of Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA 2)

 

  • Further your Cisco CCNA certifications and enrich your role with additional networking skills.
  • Learn to manage routing, switching, and wireless systems used across modern networks.
  • Build your knowledge of networking equipment and configuration.
  • Strengthen your understanding of network security, automation, and management.
  • Build confidence to design, protect, and troubleshoot business networks.

 

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Entry Requirements

To join this course, you need to have completed CCNA 1 – Introduction to Networks.

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 / £0
Anytime
University Centre
3 Hours / £0

Pave Your Path in IT & Network Management

Career Progression and Prospects

Completing CCNA 2 builds your skills and opens new paths in the IT and networking field. With advanced knowledge of routing, switching, and wireless networking, you can work in roles such as:

  • Network Administrator – manage and protect business networks.
  • Network Support Engineer – provide help and maintenance for network systems.
  • IT Support Specialist – solve network and computer problems for users.
  • Network Engineer – design and install company network solutions.

Employment Opportunities

These skills prepare you for more complex network management, network security, and network automation tasks in any business.

Your next step is CCNA 3: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation, which completes your training for the full CCNA certification and opens doors to higher-level roles in the IT industry.

Key Course Information

Qualification obtained

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA 2)

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 computer, laptop, or tablet that can run Cisco Packet Tracer and connect to the internet. All learning materials are included through the Cisco NetAcad system, with no extra fees for course content.

What You’ll Learn

  1. Switching Concepts and VLANs
    • Learn how Ethernet switching moves data in a network.
    • Create and manage Virtual LANs (VLANs).
    • Use inter-VLAN routing so different VLANs can share data.
    • Understand trunking protocols like 802.1Q and how VLANs are controlled.
  2. Routing Concepts and Protocols
    • Explore static and dynamic routing and how routers make decisions.
    • Work with routing tables, route types, and best-path choices.
    • Configure common routing protocols such as RIP and OSPF.
  3. DHCP, NAT, and PAT
    • See how DHCP gives devices automatic IP addresses.
    • Configure routers and switches to act as DHCP servers.
    • Use Network Address Translation (NAT) and Port Address Translation (PAT) to share and protect IP addresses.
  4. Wireless Networking Essentials
    • Understand wireless LANs (WLANs) and how Wi-Fi connects people and devices.
    • Learn about Wi-Fi standards (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) and how access points and controllers work.
    • Add security with WPA2 and WPA3 protection.
  5. Switch Security
    • Keep networks safe using port security and MAC address filtering.
    • Protect switches from attacks like ARP spoofing and DHCP snooping.
  6. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
    • Learn what STP does to stop loops in a network.
    • Set up and test Rapid STP for faster recovery when links fail.
  7. Inter-VLAN Routing and Redundancy
    • Use the router-on-a-stick method for inter-VLAN routing.
    • Set up Layer 3 switching and First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP) such as HSRP and VRRP for reliable gateways.
  8. Network Automation
    • Discover how network automation saves time and reduces errors.
    • Try basic Python scripting and simple network management tools.

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. Tutors are available on Teams for extra help at any time.

You will study through the Cisco NetAcad Virtual Learning Environment, working at your own pace. After about 4 to 6 weeks, you will take your final exams, either online or on campus.

The practical exam is done on Cisco equipment or using Packet Tracer network simulation software.

Expert tutors

Our Cisco-certified instructors have strong experience in IT support, network engineering, and Cisco technologies. They will guide you step by step, answer your questions, and help you prepare for your CCNA 2 exams.

How You’ll Be Assessed

You will complete both practical work and online tests to show your understanding of routing, switching, and wireless networking.

Formative Assessment

  • Take part in hands-on activities using simulation tools like Cisco’s Packet Tracer or real networking devices.
  • Complete regular quizzes and practice activities to test your progress.

Summative Assessment

  • Practical exam – worth 50 % of your final mark.
  • Online multiple-choice exam – about 50 questions, worth 50 %.

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