Cisco Certified
Network Academy
(CCNA) Curricula
Webinar
CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration
January 15 and 16, 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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Where Are We Today in the U.S. and Canada?
There are more students enrolled in 4.0 than 3.1!
 Goal: 100% conversion of targeted academies to CCNA Discovery
or Exploration (4.0) by Oct 2008
NonTargeted
Converted
Target
Academies
(CCNA)
# Targeted
Academies
Converted
to Date (4.0)
% Target
Acads
Converted
(4.0)
(New or
Rejuvenated)
CCNA
1895
840
44.3%
79
20,586 (4.0)
16,871 (3.1)
919 (4.0)
901 (3.1)
IT Ess: PC
769
511
66.4%
182
18,057 (4.0)
2033 (3.1)
693 (4.0)
101 (3.1)
Students
Enrolled
Acads
Offering
Jan. 2, 2007 Source: rpt 2881
 Target academy: Any academy that has offered a CCNA-1 3.x class in English since Aug 1, 2006
 Non-targeted academy: Any academy that has offered a new CCNA Discovery or CCNA Exploration
course 1, 4.x class that has not offered CCNA prior to Aug. 2006 (either a new academy or nonparticipating that has become active again)
 Conversion: Any academy that has offered a CCNA class within the past 12 months beginning Aug 1,
2006, opened a CCNA Discovery or Exploration course and has five or more students enrolled
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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CCNA 4.0 Small Market Trials
Overall Course Satisfaction
 Structured process: approach, feedback, reporting, and exit criteria
 Overall course satisfaction
Five-point scale: 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied)
CCNA Courses 1 and 2, May 2007
CCNA Courses 3 and 4, Nov 2007
7 global trials, 73 instructors from 9 countries
8 global trials, ~80 instructors from 9 countries
 Discovery 1 overall rating
4.72
 Discovery 3: overall rating
4.80
 Discovery 2 overall rating
4.00*
 Discovery 4: overall rating
4.20
 Exploration 3: overall rating
4.56
 Exploration 4: overall rating
4.44
 Exploration 1 overall rating
4.92
 Exploration 2 overall rating
4.47
*small sample size
CCNA rev 6
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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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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
 Job framework
information
 Detailed equipment list
 Curriculum Selection
Guidelines
 Presentations
 Product demos
 New CCNA Video
 FAQs
 New CCNA servers page
 At-A-Glance
CCNA rev 6
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 New Packet Tracer page
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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
 PDF versions of the first few chapters are available online now
 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
Mar 2008
Discovery
Introduction to Routing
and Switching in the
Enterprise
Designing and
Supporting Computer
Networks
CCNA rev 6
Learning
Guide
Learning
Guide
© 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
April 2008
April 2008
Cisco Public
Exploration
Network
Fundamentals
Routing
Protocols and
Concepts
LAN Switching
and Wireless
Accessing the
WAN
Book
Target
Availability
Companion Guide
Available
Now
Lab & Study Guide
Available
Now
Companion Guide
Available
Now
Lab & Study Guide
Available
Now
Companion Guide
April 2008
Lab & Study Guide
April 2008
Companion Guide
April 2008
Lab & Study Guide
April 2008
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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 Ip’ 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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Service Offerings for Networking Academies
NEW: Networking Academy Maintenance service
offering pilot at no cost
 During the initial US/Canada pilot, Cisco will donate the
cost of this service to all participating academies
 Deadline to register to participate in the pilot has been
extended to Feb 29, 2008
 Features
Provides centralized contract management
Administers instructor CCO access
Support desk provides level one technical support
Support desk arbitrates TAC cases
Provides approved software
Reports & monitors usage to validate appropriate access
How To:
Have your legal main
contact open a ticket
with the Support Desk.
Details posted here:
http://www.cisco.com/web/learni
ng/netacad/landing/NA_Mainten
ance_Pilot.html
 Does not provide hardware replacement
Existing: purchase SMARTnet (or equivalent) with
discounts
 Currently in place, no changes
 If you require hardware replacement, SMARTnet is still
available
CCNA rev 6
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We Thank You… for All You Do!
CCNA rev 6
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To Learn More!
Academy Conference 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 - $275 (opens online in April)
For more information – www.cisco.com/go/academyconference
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
 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 or contact your
Regional Academy
CCNA rev 6
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Q and A
CCNA rev 6
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CCNA Webinar Schedule
 Tuesday, January 15
11 a.m. Eastern
 Wednesday, January 16
4 p.m. Eastern
 Wednesday, February 6
TBD
 March – May
TBD
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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