Cisco Networking
Career Pathway
From Zero to CCNA — No Experience Required — Free
A step-by-step program designed for complete beginners. Start with computer and networking fundamentals, build your skills across four phases, then advance through the full CCNA curriculum — all leading to the Cisco CCNA 200-301 certification.
Program Structure
Your Path to CCNA Certification
No prior tech experience needed. Every student starts at Phase 1 — computers and operating systems. Each phase builds on the last, leading directly to the Cisco CCNA 200-301 certification exam.
Computer Hardware Basics
- PC components & mobile devices
- Storage devices & peripherals
- Basic troubleshooting
- IT safety practices
Operating Systems Basics
- Windows & Linux fundamentals
- File management & user accounts
- OS troubleshooting
- Virtualization intro
CCNA 1 — Introduction to Networks
- Network models (OSI & TCP/IP)
- Ethernet & switching concepts
- IPv4 & IPv6 addressing
- Subnetting fundamentals
- Wireless LAN basics
- Network media & cabling
CCNA 2 — Switching, Routing & Wireless Essentials
- VLANs & inter-VLAN routing
- STP & EtherChannel
- Static & dynamic routing (OSPF)
- First Hop Redundancy (HSRP)
- WLAN configuration & security
CCNA 3 — Enterprise Networking, Security & Automation
- OSPF multi-area & summarization
- BGP & WAN technologies
- ACLs & NAT
- VPN concepts & IPsec
- QoS fundamentals
- SD-WAN & cloud overview
Network Security Fundamentals
- Threats, vulnerabilities & attacks
- Firewall & IPS concepts
- Cryptography basics
- AAA & 802.1X
- Securing network devices
Network Automation & Programmability
- Python scripting for networks
- REST APIs & JSON/YANG
- Ansible & automation tools
- SDN architecture & Cisco DNA Center
- CCNA 200-301 exam prep
Recommended Add-On Courses
CCNA — Exam 200-301
The goal of this entire pathway. After completing all four phases, students are prepared to sit for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam — validating skills in network fundamentals, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability. We Are One Foundation covers the cost for eligible students.
Estimated Timeline
Built Around Your Schedule
Whether you’re studying full-time or balancing work and family, this pathway works for you. Both tracks lead to the same destination — CCNA certification.
Full-time student
15–20 hours per week
Part-time student
8–10 hours per week
Career Outcomes
Jobs You Can Land
Many students qualify for entry-level networking roles while still in the program. The CCNA certification opens doors to higher-level positions — and is a direct stepping stone to CCNP Enterprise.
During Program
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- Cable & Infrastructure Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Analyst
After CCNA
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- NOC Technician
- Cloud Networking Specialist
Ready to Earn Your
CCNA Certification?
Training and certification are free for eligible veterans and underserved community members nationwide. No experience required — we start from the very beginning.