Pathways to the career you want

Cisco Networking Academy courses help you gain the knowledge, practice the skills, and earn the certifications you need to get the job you want. But sometimes you need a roadmap to understand the steps required to reach your goals.

What will your path look like?

Start here

Start here

Every Student’s path is unique, so rather than view this page as a step by step manual, use our tools as a general guide to help you get started along the path that presents the most value to you.

Design the path that sets you up for success and discover how some even intersect.

Not sure where to start? Try these "no experience required" courses all students, regardless of your career goal. All of these courses can be taken today—online and for free.

講師引導 (20 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (20 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Introduction to IoT
講師引導 (20 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (20 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Introduction to IoT

What you learn: Explore the explosive growth of connected devices and possible careers emerging in this new digital landscape.

Why it’s important: New IoT technologies are shaping our future and fueling expansive growth for new career opportunities -- some not yet imagined.

初階
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講師引導 (20 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (20 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Introduction to IoT
講師引導 (20 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (20 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Introduction to IoT

What you learn: Explore the explosive growth of connected devices and possible careers emerging in this new digital landscape.

Why it’s important: New IoT technologies are shaping our future and fueling expansive growth for new career opportunities -- some not yet imagined.

初階
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講師引導 (15 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (15 hrs)
Introduction to Cybersecurity
講師引導 (15 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (15 hrs)
Introduction to Cybersecurity

What you learn: Understand the dangers of cyber-threats and the importance of staying safe in cyberspace.

Why it’s important: The explosive growth of connected devices fuels the ever-constant threat of cyber-attacks -- and the necessity for skilled cybersecurity professionals.

初階
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講師引導 (15 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (15 hrs)
Introduction to Cybersecurity
講師引導 (15 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (15 hrs)
Introduction to Cybersecurity

What you learn: Understand the dangers of cyber-threats and the importance of staying safe in cyberspace.

Why it’s important: The explosive growth of connected devices fuels the ever-constant threat of cyber-attacks -- and the necessity for skilled cybersecurity professionals.

初階
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線上自我節奏 (8 hrs)
NDG Linux Unhatched
線上自我節奏 (8 hrs)
NDG Linux Unhatched

What you learn: Acquire basic installation and configuration knowledge of Linux software as well as early concepts for the Linux command line.

Why it’s important: The Linux operating system is used everywhere, from rocket ships to wrist watches -- nearly every IT job requires Linux knowledge.

初階
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線上自我節奏 (8 hrs)
NDG Linux Unhatched
線上自我節奏 (8 hrs)
NDG Linux Unhatched

What you learn: Acquire basic installation and configuration knowledge of Linux software as well as early concepts for the Linux command line.

Why it’s important: The Linux operating system is used everywhere, from rocket ships to wrist watches -- nearly every IT job requires Linux knowledge.

初階
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Next, get foundational skills. The more the better.

Next, get foundational skills

While not all of these courses are required curriculum, they will give you the foundational breadth of skills employers look for in order to build effective and diverse teams within their business. Courses in this stage can also help you decide on a specialization once you're ready for more advanced training. That’s why we say – the more the better! Employers tell us soft skills are just as valuable as technical skills, so make sure you have both. Many of these courses can be taken either online or in person.

Soft skills
The personal traits which help students to thrive regardless of their job title: problem-solving, creativity, persuasion, adaptability, collaboration, etc. Well-rounded employees are highly sought after by forward-thinking companies.
講師引導 (15 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (15 hrs)
Entrepreneurship
講師引導 (15 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (15 hrs)
Entrepreneurship

What you learn: Gain insight for what is involved in owning a business, from developing a business plan based on customer needs to delivering exceptional customer service, and everything in between.

Why it’s important: It takes more than a great idea to launch a business. Entrepreneurship boosts the business acumen and savvy needed for launching and managing a successful business.

中階
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講師引導 (30 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Hackathon Playbook
講師引導 (30 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Hackathon Playbook

What you learn: Deepen multidisciplinary skills by identifying, designing, prototyping, and presenting an IoT solution to a panel of industry experts and peers.

Why it’s important: The Hackathon Playbook comprehensive framework builds creative and technical skills to solve today’s real-world issues.

中階
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Soft skills
講師引導 (15 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (15 hrs)
Entrepreneurship
講師引導 (15 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (15 hrs)
Entrepreneurship

What you learn: Gain insight for what is involved in owning a business, from developing a business plan based on customer needs to delivering exceptional customer service, and everything in between.

Why it’s important: It takes more than a great idea to launch a business. Entrepreneurship boosts the business acumen and savvy needed for launching and managing a successful business.

中階
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講師引導 (30 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Hackathon Playbook
講師引導 (30 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Hackathon Playbook

What you learn: Deepen multidisciplinary skills by identifying, designing, prototyping, and presenting an IoT solution to a panel of industry experts and peers.

Why it’s important: The Hackathon Playbook comprehensive framework builds creative and technical skills to solve today’s real-world issues.

中階
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Technical skills
Technical, or hard, skills, can be more concretely taught, defined and measured than soft skills. While some hard skills can be learned on-the-job, employers still look for candidates who come with a breadth of verified technical skills in hand.
講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
Networking Essentials
講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
Networking Essentials

What you learn: Gain a broad foundational knowledge of networks and the Internet.

Why it’s important: Understanding the principles of networking is a fundamental skill valuable for all types of tech jobs.

中階
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講師引導 (30 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (30 hrs)
Cybersecurity Essentials
講師引導 (30 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (30 hrs)
Cybersecurity Essentials

What you learn: Gain essential knowledge for all cybersecurity domains including information systems, network security, ethics & laws, and defense & mitigation techniques used in protecting business.

Why it’s important: As more devices connect to the Internet, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow.

中階
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講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
NDG Linux Essentials
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
NDG Linux Essentials

What you learn: Develop Linux OS understanding, open source programming, and IoT skills, expanding IT knowledge beyond networking.

Why it’s important: Whether just starting out in an IT career or looking for advancement, learning Linux and validating skills with the Professional Development Certificate helps you stand apart from other candidates.

Course aligns with LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate.

certification
中階
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講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
PCAP: Programming Essentials In Python
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
PCAP: Programming Essentials In Python

What you learn: Design, write, debug, and run programs encoded in Python, the programming language used by start-ups and tech giants alike.

Why it’s important: Python is the preferred programming language for developers pursuing a career in Security, Networking, and the Internet-of-Things (IoT).

Course aligns with: PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Certification and PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming Certification

certification
中階
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講師引導 (50 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Connecting Things
講師引導 (50 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Connecting Things

What you learn: Collect data securely and connect sensors to cloud services with engaging hands-on activities.

Why it’s important: Connecting things and finding ways to make use of the captured data is transforming organizations in every industry and opening doors for new careers.

中階
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講師引導 (50 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: IoT Security
講師引導 (50 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: IoT Security

What you learn: Use the latest technologies to perform vulnerability and risk assessments, then research and recommend risk mitigation strategies.

Why it’s important: IoT security skills are relevant across IoT and other network architectures -- a skillset sought after by employers.

中階
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Technical skills
講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
Networking Essentials
講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
Networking Essentials

What you learn: Gain a broad foundational knowledge of networks and the Internet.

Why it’s important: Understanding the principles of networking is a fundamental skill valuable for all types of tech jobs.

中階
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講師引導 (30 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (30 hrs)
Cybersecurity Essentials
講師引導 (30 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (30 hrs)
Cybersecurity Essentials

What you learn: Gain essential knowledge for all cybersecurity domains including information systems, network security, ethics & laws, and defense & mitigation techniques used in protecting business.

Why it’s important: As more devices connect to the Internet, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow.

中階
See full description
講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
NDG Linux Essentials
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
NDG Linux Essentials

What you learn: Develop Linux OS understanding, open source programming, and IoT skills, expanding IT knowledge beyond networking.

Why it’s important: Whether just starting out in an IT career or looking for advancement, learning Linux and validating skills with the Professional Development Certificate helps you stand apart from other candidates.

Course aligns with LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate.

certification
中階
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講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
PCAP: Programming Essentials In Python
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs), 線上自我節奏 (70 hrs)
PCAP: Programming Essentials In Python

What you learn: Design, write, debug, and run programs encoded in Python, the programming language used by start-ups and tech giants alike.

Why it’s important: Python is the preferred programming language for developers pursuing a career in Security, Networking, and the Internet-of-Things (IoT).

Course aligns with: PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Certification and PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming Certification

certification
中階
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講師引導 (50 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Connecting Things
講師引導 (50 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: Connecting Things

What you learn: Collect data securely and connect sensors to cloud services with engaging hands-on activities.

Why it’s important: Connecting things and finding ways to make use of the captured data is transforming organizations in every industry and opening doors for new careers.

中階
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講師引導 (50 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: IoT Security
講師引導 (50 hrs)
IoT Fundamentals: IoT Security

What you learn: Use the latest technologies to perform vulnerability and risk assessments, then research and recommend risk mitigation strategies.

Why it’s important: IoT security skills are relevant across IoT and other network architectures -- a skillset sought after by employers.

中階
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Having a strong foundation of skills is of the utmost importance in the IT marketplace. These include technical skills that are validated through certifications like Cisco’s CCNA, as well as soft skills like written and verbal communication. Without these, individuals are at a serious disadvantage in the IT marketplace.

Jeremy Niedzwiecki - Director of Client Support at ABS Technology

Then choose a specialized career track

Congratulations on making it this far! It’s now time to add depth to your resume. Specialize in one of these two career-ready tracks in the field of networking or security. Each track is aligned to industry-leading certifications, which employers look for as validation of your exceptional skill. Browse the tracks below to see course descriptions, job trends, and links to certification exam details. Then, find one of our 10,500+ academies near you to enroll. Your future is here - what are you waiting for?

Cybersecurity Operations
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CyberOps Associate
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CyberOps Associate

What you learn: Explore core security concepts and develop skills to monitor, detect, analyze, and respond to cybercrime -- issues facing organizations. Then prepare for certification.

Why it’s important: Prepares you for a career in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity operations working in or with a Security Operations Center (SOC).

Course aligns with Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification.

certification
中階
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Roles you can step into:

Security or Network Operations Center Helpdesk, Incident Analyst Responder, Cybersecurity Specialist Technician, Sales Engineer/Virtual Account Manager

Cybersecurity Operations
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CyberOps Associate
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CyberOps Associate

What you learn: Explore core security concepts and develop skills to monitor, detect, analyze, and respond to cybercrime -- issues facing organizations. Then prepare for certification.

Why it’s important: Prepares you for a career in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity operations working in or with a Security Operations Center (SOC).

Course aligns with Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification.

certification
中階
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Roles you can step into:

Security or Network Operations Center Helpdesk, Incident Analyst Responder, Cybersecurity Specialist Technician, Sales Engineer/Virtual Account Manager

CCNA
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Introduction to Networks
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Introduction to Networks

What you learn: The first course in the 3-course CCNA series introduces architecture, functions, and components of the Internet and computer networks.

Why’s it’s important: Gain basic knowledge for how networks operate which is integral to building future networking and IT skills.

Together with CCNA Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials and CCNA Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation, this course aligns with the CCNA Certification. 

certification
中階
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講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials

What you learn: The second course in the Cisco CCNA series extends knowledge in Internet architecture, functions.

Why’s it’s important: Essential networking knowledge coupled with a certification, validates valuable skills to future employers.

Together with CCNA 7: Introduction to Networks and CCNA 7: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Networking Automation, this course aligns with the CCNA Certification.

certification
中階
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講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation

What you learn: The third course in the Cisco CCNA 3-course series develops advanced skills for configuring and troubleshooting routers & switches, and knowledge for resolving common issues.

Why it’s important: Networking support professionals are vital to the success of all organizations that depend heavily on the smooth operation of their network infrastructure.

Together with CCNA 7: Introduction to Networks and CCNA 7: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials, this course aligns with the CCNA Certification.

certification
進階
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Roles you can step into:

Network or Network Support Engineer, Network Operations Engineer, Network Administrator, Sales Engineer/Virtual Account Manager

CCNA
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Introduction to Networks
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Introduction to Networks

What you learn: The first course in the 3-course CCNA series introduces architecture, functions, and components of the Internet and computer networks.

Why’s it’s important: Gain basic knowledge for how networks operate which is integral to building future networking and IT skills.

Together with CCNA Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials and CCNA Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation, this course aligns with the CCNA Certification. 

certification
中階
See full description
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials

What you learn: The second course in the Cisco CCNA series extends knowledge in Internet architecture, functions.

Why’s it’s important: Essential networking knowledge coupled with a certification, validates valuable skills to future employers.

Together with CCNA 7: Introduction to Networks and CCNA 7: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Networking Automation, this course aligns with the CCNA Certification.

certification
中階
See full description
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
certification
講師引導 (70 hrs)
CCNA: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation

What you learn: The third course in the Cisco CCNA 3-course series develops advanced skills for configuring and troubleshooting routers & switches, and knowledge for resolving common issues.

Why it’s important: Networking support professionals are vital to the success of all organizations that depend heavily on the smooth operation of their network infrastructure.

Together with CCNA 7: Introduction to Networks and CCNA 7: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials, this course aligns with the CCNA Certification.

certification
進階
See full description

Roles you can step into:

Network or Network Support Engineer, Network Operations Engineer, Network Administrator, Sales Engineer/Virtual Account Manager

Watch

Want to watch the stories unfold? Checkout these success stories videos.

Billy Anglin followed his own beat, wasn’t interested in school, but was good with computers. Learning cybersecurity skills at Networking Academy, he now has a new level of super powers.

Raissa Constante didn’t have any technical knowledge but she took Networking Academy classes and ultimately won 1st place in a NetRiders competition in Latin America.

Rayden Chia played a lot of computer games. It started out as play but after attending Networking Academy it turned into a passion for what he wants to do the rest of his life.

Stephanie Krusche was the only girl in her Networking Academy class. It was hard, but just like running a race, she knew with focus that she could learn IT skills.

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Do you have your own story of how Cisco Networking Academy helped you to reach the job of your dreams? Share it with the community and we may feature it on our social channels as an inspiration for other students.