Cisco Networking Academy
CCNA, CCNP

St. Charles Community College is recognized as a Cisco Networking Academy. We have been approved by both Cisco Systems, Incorporated, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Our Cisco training is monitored and closely connected with Cisco Systems. All instructors in the Cisco Networking Academy have been through extensive training sponsored by Cisco Systems through various training sites.

The Cisco Networking Academy program teaches you the fundamentals of networking, routing, and switching. The training helps to prepare you for the following industry certifications:

•  CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
•  CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)

The Program

Cisco divides CCNA training into eight-week classes. You will complete two 8-week classes within a regular college semester. There are four 8-week classes in the CCNA program consisting of CCNA1 thru CCNA4. There are four additional 16-week classes consisting of CCNP1 thru CCNP4 for CCNP training.

The curriculum is available to enrolled students via the Internet. Samples of the online curriculum may be viewed by clicking on one of the following:

• CCNA1: Networking Basics (CPC 170)
• CCNA2: Routers and Routing Basics (CPC 171)
• CCNA3: Switching Basics and Intermediate Routing (CPC 172)
• CCNA4: WAN Technologies (CPC 173)

• CCNP1: Advanced Routing (CPC 270)
• CCNP2: Remote Access (CPC 271)
• CCNP3: Multi-Layer Switching (CPC 272)
• CCNP4: Internetwork Troubleshooting (CPC 273)

The online curriculum is only a part of the course. Significant time is spent in hands-on lab exercises.

Students must progress through the curriculum in order, beginning with CCNA1. Prerequisite classes are required. However, we accept transfer credits, work experience, or certain industry certifications in lieu of the prerequisite classes. If you would like to talk with a faculty advisor for any reason, find out how by clicking on How To Register for more information.

Students may enter CCNP training (CCNP1 thru CCNP4) provided they have successfully completed CCNA training within the Cisco Networking Academy program or if they have CCNA certification. CCNP1, CCNP2, and CCNP3 may be taken out of order. However, CCNP4 may only be taken after completing the prior three courses.

Starting the Program

• Students may enter the CCNA program twice per year in August and in January. Students may enter the CCNP program at least once per year based on the class schedule. Sufficient enrollment is required to run a class.  
• Classes meet twice per week for a total of 10 hours. In addition, students will spend additional time in the Cisco lab outside of class.
• Training consists of presentations, online learning, and hands-on laboratory exercises where students apply what they learn in class while working on actual networks.
• Evening classes usually meet from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. twice per week. The first eight-week class lays a lot of ground work in networking fundamentals, and is more lecture focused. All other eight-week classes are very lab-intensive.
• Our Cisco lab is equipped with numerous routers and switches to allow students hands-on training. Current routers in use include the 2500, 2600, and 2800 series. Current switches in use include the 1900 series, the 2900 series, the 2950, the 4006, and the layer three 3550 switches.

Students should plan on:

• ten hours per week in class
• several additional hours in the Cisco lab outside of class
• several hours outside of class reviewing the online curriculum
• filling out an Engineering Journal
• completing any labs not finished within class outside of class

Note: Classes fill up quickly. Students register on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is suggested that you register as soon as registration opens up each semester. Spring registration usually begins in late October; Fall registration usually begins in early April. Check with the Admissions Office for the exact dates.