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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 1
 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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 2
 Where are we today?
New CCNA Curricula and Certification Timeline
Released
on
June 25

General Availability General Availability

CCNA Discovery – 2 courses CCNA Discovery – final 2 courses
New CCNA Curricula CCNA Exploration – 2 courses CCNA Exploration – final 2 courses
Announcements (English Versions) (English Versions)

Nov 2006 Apr 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 Aug 2007 Sept 2007 Dec 2007

New
Certification
New CCNA & Exams Aug
15
New CCENT
Certification Announced
at National Education
Curriculum Conference
Publicly
Announce
d
June 25
CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 3
 CCNA v3.1 End-of-Life Milestones and Dates
English Version
Milestone Definition Date
End of offering Last date to create new instructor classes: courses 1-4 Jan 31, 08
Course 1
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
End of Last date to access content on Academy Connection July 31, 08
availability
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 July 31, 09
maintenance
End of Last date to access content and receive curriculum operational July 31, 09
availability support on Academy Connection
Certification Exams
Certification Last date for students to take INTRO (640-821), ICND (640-811), July 31, 09
exams retired and CCNA (640-801) exams

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 4
 Why Plan to Convert to CCNA 4.0?
Advantages of the New CCNA Curricula
CCNA 4.0

 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

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 5
 Current CCNA Curriculum
Instructor and Student Feedback

Improve Student
Improve Quality Increase Flexibility
Experience

• Promote engagement; • Improve accuracy and • Make curricula more

align with student flow of course content efficient to localize
interests and
capabilities • Ensure content is • Facilitate curriculum
relevant and up-to-date delivery and class
• Optimize balance of administration
theory, practice, and • Address advanced
application technologies • Provide high and low
bandwidth delivery
• Accommodate different capabilities
skill levels

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 6
 Two New CCNA Curricula
Both Prepare Students for CCNA Certification and Professional Careers

CCNA Discovery CCNA Exploration

• Independent curriculum or • Integrated technology

integrate into broader course curriculum or continuing
of study education program
• Students with basic PC • Students with advanced
usage skills problem solving and
analytical skills

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 7
 Feature Comparison
CCNA v3.1 CCNA Discovery CCNA Exploration
Expected Basic PC usage Basic PC usage skills Advanced problem-solving and
Student skills analytical skills typically associated
with students in engineering, math,
Capabilities or science degree programs

Content Four courses – Four courses – structured by Four courses – structured by

structured by practical network environments protocols and technologies within
protocols and various topologies
technology PLUS:
• E-doing PLUS:
• Introduction to advanced • E-doing
technologies • Introduction to advanced
• Helps prepare students for technologies
entry-level IT careers by • Extra theory and more
teaching applied skills early in challenging labs
the curriculum

Business Rules Required minimum Required

Required minimum
minimum of of four
fourweeks
weeks • Required
Required minimum
minimumof offour
fourweeks
weeks
of six months to to
to complete
complete each
each course
course and
and to complete each course
complete each course and and
complete all four minimum
minimum of
of four
fourmonths
monthstoto minimum
minimum of of three
threemonths
monthstoto
courses complete
complete all
all four
four courses
courses complete
complete all all four
fourcourses
courses
• Courses
Courses structured
structuredto toincrease
increase
flexibility
flexibility and efficiencyinincourse
and efficiency course
sequence
sequence

Time to Learn ~70

~70hours percourse
hours per course

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 8
 CCNA Discovery CCNA Exploration

 Networking based  Networking based

on application Basics of Routing on technology
 Introduction to and Switching  Deep into protocols
career exploration and theory (LAN,
an soft skills WAN)

 Skills for entry-level Core Skills  Skills for wide range of

professions: networking professions:
for CCNA
Network installer Network technician
Certification
Network technician Network administrator
Help desk technician Network engineer
Basic network design  

Key Factors in Obtaining Jobs: Education, Experience, and Certification

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 9
 CCNA Exploration:
Flexibility in Course Sequence
Network Fundamentals Network Fundamentals

Routing Protocols and LAN Switching and

Concepts Wireless

LAN Switching and Routing Protocols and

Wireless Concepts

Accessing the WAN Accessing the WAN

Network Fundamentals

Routing Protocols and LAN Switching and

Concepts Wireless

Accessing the WAN

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 10
 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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 11
 Paths to CCNA Certification

CCNA Discovery CCNA Exploration CCNA Discovery

Networking for Home and Small Businesses Networking for Home and Small Businesses
Networking Fundamentals

Working at a Small-to- Working at a Small-to-

Medium Business Medium Business
or ISP Routing Protocols and or ISP
CCENT Certification (optional) Concepts CCENT Certification (optional)
CCNA Exploration
Introducing Routing and
Switching in the Enterprise LAN Switching and
Wireless Routing Protocols and
Concepts

Designing and Supporting LAN Switching and

Computer Networks Accessing the WAN
Wireless

Accessing the WAN

CCNA Certification

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 12
 Let’s take a closer look...

CCNA Discovery Demo

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 13
 CCNA Latest Versions
CCNA Discovery CCNA Exploration
 CCNA Discovery: Networking for Home
and Small Businesses v4.01
 CCNA Discovery: Working at a Small-to-  CCNA Exploration: Network
Medium Business or ISP v4.1 Fundamentals v4.01
New topics include:
– Determining an IP address range
– Cisco device boot sequence  CCNA Exploration: Routing Protocols and
– Configuring port-security and other security Concepts v4.02
measures on Cisco Switches
– Managing multiple telnet sessions
– Routing protocol metrics and the purpose of the  CCNA Exploration: LAN Switching and
administrative distance
– Methods of IOS Backup and Recovery
Wireless v4.0
– Troubleshooting

 CCNA Exploration: Accessing the

 CCNA Discovery: Introducing Routing & WAN v4.0
Switching in the Enterprise v4.0
 CCNA Discovery: Designing and
Supporting Computer Networks v4.0

See Academy Connection

Headlines for more details...
CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 14
 What Version Are You Using?

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 15
 Resources

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 16
 CLI and Academy Connection
Instructor Page

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 17
 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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 18
 Instructor Tools
On Academy Connection

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 19
 Tools Available to You on
Academy Connection
Currently Available
 Datasheets  Job framework information
 Curriculum Selection
 Scope and Sequence Guidelines
documents
 Presentations
 Detailed equipment list
 New CCNA Video
 Product demos
 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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 20
 Instructor Training

CCNA Discovery CCNA Exploration

 Not required but strongly recommended

Current  Encouraged to read the new CCNA curricula, Interactive Course Guide
(ICG), Instructor Reference Guide (IRG), and slide presentations
Instructor

(min. 8-10 hours per course) (min. 4-8 hours per course)

 In person training required

New
Instructor  Approximately 40 classroom hours per course; similar to
current CCNA v3.1

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 21
 Cisco Press Text Books
 Check www.ciscopress.com or sign up for the
newsletter for the latest info
Target Target
Discovery Book Exploration Book
Availability Availability
Companion Guide Available
Networking for Home Learning Available Now
or Small Business Guide Now Network
Fundamentals Lab & Study Guide Available
Now
Working at a Small-to-
Learning Available Companion Guide Available
Medium Business or Routing
Guide Now Now
ISP Protocols and
Concepts Lab & Study Guide Available
Now
Introduction to Routing
Learning Available Companion Guide
and Switching in the LAN Switching Available
Guide Now
Enterprise and Wireless Now
Lab & Study Guide

Designing and Available Companion Guide

Learning Now Accessing the Available
Supporting Computer
Guide WAN Now
Networks Lab & Study Guide

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 22
 Supporting
Material

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 23
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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 24
 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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 25
 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-06NOV07-
final.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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 26
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

27
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

28
 We Thank You… for All You Do!

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 29
 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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 30
 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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 31
 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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 32
 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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 33
 Q and A

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 34
CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 35
 Aligning Certifications to Jobs
Certification Skills Certified Job Roles Job Titles
Cisco Certified • Install, operate, and • Setup, install and maintain • Entry Level Help Desk
Entry troubleshoot small routed and PCs, servers, racks and Technician
Network switched networks cabling • Entry Level Technical
Technician • Basic optimization of network • Train users Support
(CCENT) • Connect to other networks • Support senior technicians • IT Systems Coordinator
(LANs and WANs) • Staff a help desk, retrieve • Entry Level Operating
• Install a small wireless calls, and isolate problems Center Technician
network • Use monitoring tools to verify • Entry Level IT Technician/
• Identify security threats and network operations Specialist
basic mitigation methods

CCNA • Install, operate and • Assist in design, installation, • Help Desk Support
troubleshoot medium sized configuration and Specialist
routed and switched networks maintenance of medium • Network Technician
• Implement and troubleshoot sized routed and switched • Network Specialist
various protocols to manage networks • Network Administrator
addressing, perform load • Isolate network problems • Technical Support Specialist
balancing and authentication • Support users via helpdesk • Network Engineering
• Establish and troubleshoot for hardware, software and Technician
connection to service network
provider over WAN • Use monitoring tools to
ensure network operations

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 36
 Chapter Demos

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 37
 New CCNA Curricula Video

CCNA rev 6 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 38