Cisco Networking
Academy
CCNA Curricula
US & Canada Webinar
CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration
Susan Weatherly, Area Academy Manager
Karen Alderson, Technical Manager
May 2008
CCNA rev 6
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Session Objective
 Provide the new CCNA
overview & supporting
materials to our local
academies for a high level
understanding of the exciting
new curricula
 Assure all current CCNA
academies have a plan in place
to convert before the 2008-09
school year, if not sooner – in
order to best serve our
students
 Review end of life
dates for CCNA 3.x
 Share available resources
 Answer your questions
CCNA rev 6
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Where are we today?
New CCNA Curricula and Certification Timeline
Released
on
June 25
General Availability
New CCNA Curricula
Announcements
Nov 2006
Apr 2007
CCNA Discovery – 2 courses
CCNA Exploration – 2 courses
(English Versions)
May 2007
June 2007
July 2007
New CCNA &
New CCENT
Certification Announced
at National Education
Curriculum Conference
General Availability
CCNA Discovery – final 2 courses
CCNA Exploration – final 2 courses
(English Versions)
Aug 2007
Sept 2007
Dec 2007
New
Certification
Exams Aug
15
Publicly
Announce
d
June 25
CCNA rev 6
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CCNA v3.1 End-of-Life Milestones and Dates
English Version
Milestone
End of offering
Definition
Date
Last date to create new instructor classes: courses 1-4
Jan 31, 08
End of offering
Last date to create new student classes
Mar 31, 08
End of support
Last date to receive help desk support for course maintenance
July 31, 08
Course 1
End of availability Last date to access content on Academy Connection
July 31, 08
Courses 2–4
End of offering
Last date to create new student classes
Jan 31, 09
End of support
Last date to receive Help Desk support for curriculum maintenance
July 31, 09
End of availability Last date to access content and receive curriculum operational
support on Academy Connection
July 31, 09
Certification Exams
Certification
exams retired
CCNA rev 6
Last date for students to take INTRO (640-821), ICND (640-811),
and CCNA (640-801) exams
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July 31, 09
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Why Plan to Convert to CCNA 4.0?
Advantages of the New CCNA Curricula
CCNA 4.0
CCNA rev 6

Improved accuracy and flow of information with less redundancy

Optimal balance of theory, practice and application

Aligns to the new CCNA Certification Exam

E-Doing: embedded simulation tools, providing exploration and
experimentation

Alignment of learning objectives with job skills

Increased use of rich media for ongoing interactivity through the
learning process

Benefit students by teaching the latest technology and skills
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Current CCNA Curriculum
Instructor and Student Feedback
Improve Student
Experience
• Promote engagement;
align with student
interests and
capabilities
• Optimize balance of
theory, practice, and
application
Improve Quality
• Improve accuracy and
flow of course content
• Make curricula more
efficient to localize
• Ensure content is
relevant and up-to-date
• Facilitate curriculum
delivery and class
administration
• Address advanced
technologies
• Accommodate different
skill levels
CCNA rev 6
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Increase Flexibility
Cisco Public
• Provide high and low
bandwidth delivery
capabilities
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Two New CCNA Curricula
Both Prepare Students for CCNA Certification and Professional Careers
CCNA Discovery
CCNA rev 6
CCNA Exploration
• Independent curriculum or
integrate into broader course
of study
• Integrated technology
curriculum or continuing
education program
• Students with basic PC
usage skills
• Students with advanced
problem solving and
analytical skills
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Feature Comparison
CCNA v3.1
CCNA Discovery
CCNA Exploration
Expected
Student
Capabilities
Basic PC usage
skills
Basic PC usage skills
Advanced problem-solving and
analytical skills typically associated
with students in engineering, math,
or science degree programs
Content
Four courses –
structured by
protocols and
technology
Four courses – structured by
practical network environments
Four courses – structured by
protocols and technologies within
various topologies
Required minimum
of six months to
complete all four
courses
Required
Required minimum
minimum of
of four
fourweeks
weeksto
complete
to complete
each
each
course
course
andand
minimum
minimum of
of four
fourmonths
monthstoto
complete
complete all
all four
four courses
courses
Business Rules
PLUS:
• E-doing
• Introduction to advanced
technologies
• Helps prepare students for
entry-level IT careers by
teaching applied skills early in
the curriculum
© 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
• Required minimum of four
four weeks
weeks
to complete each course and
minimum of three
three months
months to
to
complete all four courses
• Courses structured to increase
flexibility and efficiency in course
sequence
~70hours
hours per
~70
percourse
course
Time to Learn
CCNA rev 6
PLUS:
• E-doing
• Introduction to advanced
technologies
• Extra theory and more
challenging labs
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CCNA Discovery
 Networking based
on application
 Introduction to
career exploration
an soft skills
 Skills for entry-level
professions:
Network installer
Network technician
Help desk technician
Basic network design
CCNA Exploration
Basics of Routing
and Switching
Core Skills
for CCNA
Certification
 Networking based
on technology
 Deep into protocols
and theory (LAN,
WAN)
 Skills for wide range of
networking professions:
Network technician
Network administrator
Network engineer
Key Factors in Obtaining Jobs: Education, Experience, and Certification
CCNA rev 6
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CCNA Exploration:
Flexibility in Course Sequence
Network Fundamentals
Network Fundamentals
Routing Protocols and
Concepts
LAN Switching and
Wireless
LAN Switching and
Wireless
Routing Protocols and
Concepts
Accessing the WAN
Accessing the WAN
Network Fundamentals
Routing Protocols and
Concepts
LAN Switching and
Wireless
Accessing the WAN
CCNA rev 6
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New CCNA Curricula
How Do I Choose?
• What are your students’
academic capabilities?
• What are your students’ goals?
• How will your institution integrate
the new CCNA curriculum?
• Which curriculum best aligns
with your teaching methodology and
your students' interests?
• Is the existing CCNA v3.1 curriculum
very difficult for your students in
terms of theoretical topics?
CCNA rev 6
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Paths to CCNA Certification
CCNA Discovery
CCNA Exploration
CCNA Discovery
Networking for Home and
Small Businesses
Networking Fundamentals
Networking for Home and
Small Businesses
Working at a Small-toMedium Business
or ISP
CCENT Certification (optional)
Introducing Routing and
Switching in the Enterprise
Designing and Supporting
Computer Networks
Routing Protocols and
Concepts
Working at a Small-toMedium Business
or ISP
CCENT Certification (optional)
CCNA Exploration
LAN Switching and
Wireless
Accessing the WAN
Routing Protocols and
Concepts
LAN Switching and Wireless
Accessing the WAN
CCNA Certification
CCNA rev 6
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Let’s take a closer look...
CCNA Discovery Demo
CCNA rev 6
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CCNA Latest Versions
CCNA Discovery
CCNA Exploration
 CCNA Discovery: Networking for Home
and Small Businesses v4.01
 CCNA Discovery: Working at a Small-toMedium Business or ISP v4.1
New topics include:
– Determining an IP address range
– Cisco device boot sequence
– Configuring port-security and other security
measures on Cisco Switches
– Managing multiple telnet sessions
– Routing protocol metrics and the purpose of the
administrative distance
– Methods of IOS Backup and Recovery
– Troubleshooting
 CCNA Discovery: Introducing Routing &
Switching in the Enterprise v4.0
 CCNA Discovery: Designing and
Supporting Computer Networks v4.0
 CCNA Exploration: Network
Fundamentals v4.01
 CCNA Exploration: Routing Protocols and
Concepts v4.02
 CCNA Exploration: LAN Switching and
Wireless v4.0
 CCNA Exploration: Accessing the
WAN v4.0
See Academy Connection
Headlines for more details...
CCNA rev 6
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What Version Are You Using?
CCNA rev 6
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Resources
CCNA rev 6
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CLI and Academy Connection
Instructor Page
CCNA rev 6
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Instructor Materials from
Cisco Learning Institute
 Interactive Course Guides (ICG)
Provide instructional support consistent with learning by doing approach
Contain ideas for activities, discussions, and reflection
Also key ideas, critical concepts, teaching goals, case studies, and tools
 Instructor Reference Guides (IRG) formerly ‘Delta Documents’
Provide comparison of new and existing curricula
Primarily for existing instructors to determine overlap
 PowerPoint Presentations
Building blocks for instructors, who can alter the presentations to fit their needs.
Include chapter objectives and section-level objectives with graphics and
summaries
CCNA rev 6
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Instructor Tools
On Academy Connection
CCNA rev 6
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Tools Available to You on
Academy Connection
Currently Available
 Datasheets
 Scope and Sequence
documents
 Detailed equipment list
 Product demos
 Job framework information
 Curriculum Selection
Guidelines
 Presentations
 New CCNA Video
 New CCNA servers page
 FAQs
 New Packet Tracer page
 At-A-Glance
 Migration guidelines (found
under Tools for CCNA
version 3.1)
CCNA rev 6
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Instructor Training
CCNA Discovery
CCNA Exploration
 Not required but strongly recommended
Current
Instructor
 Encouraged to read the new CCNA curricula, Interactive Course Guide
(ICG), Instructor Reference Guide (IRG), and slide presentations
(min. 8-10 hours per course)
New
Instructor
CCNA rev 6
(min. 4-8 hours per course)
 In person training required
 Approximately 40 classroom hours per course; similar to
current CCNA v3.1
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Cisco Press Text Books
 Check www.ciscopress.com or sign up for the
newsletter for the latest info
Book
Target
Availability
Networking for Home
or Small Business
Learning
Guide
Available
Now
Working at a Small-toMedium Business or
ISP
Learning
Guide
Available
Now
Discovery
CCNA rev 6
Introduction to Routing
and Switching in the
Enterprise
Learning
Guide
Designing and
Supporting Computer
Networks
Learning
Guide
© 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Available
Now
Available
Now
Cisco Public
Exploration
Network
Fundamentals
Routing
Protocols and
Concepts
Book
Target
Availability
Companion Guide
Available
Now
Lab & Study Guide
Available
Now
Companion Guide
Available
Now
Lab & Study Guide
Available
Now
Companion Guide
LAN Switching
and Wireless
Lab & Study Guide
Available
Now
Companion Guide
Accessing the
WAN
Lab & Study Guide
Available
Now
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Supporting
Material
CCNA rev 6
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Operational Requirements
 Equipment: Overall, there has been a reduction in equipment requirements.
CCNA curricula requirements now include a Linksys wireless router - details on
the course catalog
 Guides Available:
1) Computer requirements
2) Legacy Equipment & Software Guides: Image & Hardware Support
Assistance with Legacy Equipment and Software (see ‘Classroom Set up’ tab
under Tools)
CCNA rev 6
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CCNA Discovery and Eagle Server Support
CCNA Discovery & Eagle Server – provides network services in your classroom
lab without going on to your schools intranet (e.g. FTP, email, streaming video,
Web hosting, instant messaging & more). Can be implemented either through a
bootable CD or installed as a permanent server.
New CCNA Servers page
Linked from the Tools & also off
the Course Catalog area
on Academy Connection
includes:
Instructions
FAQs
Additional Server resources
Server Interactive Course
Guide (ICG) available from CLI
Forums & Chat: Discovery &
Eagle Network Services Servers
CCNA rev 6
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Continuous Quality:
Maintenance & Bug Reporting
 Extensive, robust quality processes updated & in place
Cisco New Product Introduction methodology
 Reported bugs are continuously monitored and fixed
Planned maintenance releases – (e.g. Dec. 10)
For more information , check out the recent headlines on Academy
Connection http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/downloads/pdf/CurriculumReleaseBugReporting-06NOV07final.pdf
 Assessments continuously refreshed as required
Policy is to correct and refresh as soon as possible
Three CCNA assessment updates released since launch
Processes will continue to evolve and improve
 Check for known issues and report bugs in curricula and assessments
using Help link on Academy Connection
CCNA rev 6
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CCNA Certification Prep Center
http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/PrepCenter?page=main
•Free of charge to anyone
with a Cisco.com guest
login
•Provides certification
candidates with practice
questions, labs,
simulations, tips,
discussion forums
•CCNA videos
•Advice from CCNA experts
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Cisco Certification Exam Vouchers
Available Vouchers

Discount Vouchers: These vouchers allow qualified Networking Academy students to
take the following Cisco certification exam at a reduced cost:
–
ICND1 (640-822)
–
ICND2 (640-816)
–
CCNA (640-802)

Retired Exam Promotional Code: These promotional codes allow Networking Academy
students, instructors & alumni to take the following retired exams until July 31,2009:
–
INTRO (640-821)
–
ICND (640-811)
–
CCNA (640-801)
Testing with Pearson VUE

Cisco exams are only available through Pearson VUE, to register for exams you may:
–
Contact a Pearson VUE agent directly (www.pearsonvue.com/cisco/contact)
–
Register via the Pearson VUE website (www.pearsonvue.com)
–
Call or visit a test center directly; to locate a test center visit the Pearson VUE
website (www.pearsonvue.com) and use the “Locate a Test Center” option
Detailed Voucher Information

Visit Academy Connection post login

Go to Tools Page – scroll to bottom for Program/Marketing Tools

Go to the Program Tab

Scroll to Certification and Voucher Info

Here you will find a link to a comprehensive slide deck
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We Thank You… for All You Do!
CCNA rev 6
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To Learn More!
US Academy Conferences 2008
June 30 – July 2
Saratoga Springs, NY
The Saratoga
July 7 – July 9
Portland, OR
Red Lion on the River
July 28 – July 30
Little Rock, AR
The Peabody
Registration – is now open!
For more information – www.cisco.com/go/academyconference
CCNA rev 6
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To Learn More!
Canadian Academy Conferences 2008
March 26 – March 28
Vancouver, BC
BCIT
May 7 – May 9
Toronto, ON
Durham College
May 28 – May 30
Montreal, QC (en français)
College de Rosemont
Online registration –open now
For more information – http://www.cisco.com/offer/usc/cac08/vancouver/index.htm
CCNA rev 6
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What Can You Expect?
 Sessions to increase technical and program
knowledge for Cisco Networking Academy instructors
and administrators.
 Opportunities for dialogue among educators, Cisco
program staff and academy personnel about IT trends
and career paths related to IT education.
 Sharing strategies and best practices for leveraging
the new CCNA Discovery and Exploration curricula, IT
Essentials: PC Hardware and Software, and CCNP
curriculum.
 Creating connections among Academy instructors
and administrators, the academy team, academy
partners and IT professionals.
CCNA rev 6
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Thanks for Your Participation Today!
 To best serve our students, our goal is to assure all
current CCNA academies have a plan in place to
convert to CCNA 4.0 before the 2008-09 school
year, if not sooner...
 If you need more information beyond this Webinar,
please check:
–Academy Connection (try the HELP Link, too)
–or contact your Regional Academy
CCNA rev 6
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Q and A
CCNA rev 6
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CCNA rev 6
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Aligning Certifications to Jobs
Certification
Skills Certified
Job Roles
Job Titles
Cisco Certified
Entry
Network
Technician
(CCENT)
• Install, operate, and
troubleshoot small routed
and switched networks
• Basic optimization of network
• Connect to other networks
(LANs and WANs)
• Install a small wireless
network
• Identify security threats and
basic mitigation methods
• Setup, install and maintain
PCs, servers, racks and
cabling
• Train users
• Support senior technicians
• Staff a help desk, retrieve
calls, and isolate problems
• Use monitoring tools to
verify network operations
• Entry Level Help Desk
Technician
• Entry Level Technical
Support
• IT Systems Coordinator
• Entry Level Operating
Center Technician
• Entry Level IT Technician/
Specialist
CCNA
• Install, operate and
troubleshoot medium sized
routed and switched
networks
• Implement and troubleshoot
various protocols to manage
addressing, perform load
balancing and authentication
• Establish and troubleshoot
connection to service
provider over WAN
• Assist in design, installation,
configuration and
maintenance of medium
sized routed and switched
networks
• Isolate network problems
• Support users via helpdesk
for hardware, software and
network
• Use monitoring tools to
ensure network operations
• Help Desk Support
Specialist
• Network Technician
• Network Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Technical Support Specialist
• Network Engineering
Technician
CCNA rev 6
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Chapter Demos
CCNA rev 6
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New CCNA Curricula Video
CCNA rev 6
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