Cisco Certified Network Associate

Program Description

Possible career opportunities for those with a Cisco Certified Network Association (CCNA) certification include Information Network Associate; Network Specialist; Network Administrator; Network Support Engineer; and Information Technology (IT) Specialist.  Tasks associated with these positions include: Install, configure, and maintain an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers; perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems; and analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access.

This program prepares students to take the Cisco Certified Network Association (CCNA) certification exam. Learn how to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.  Students are introduced to the architecture, components and operation of routers, including the principles of routing and the primary routing process. 

Successful candidates must be self-motivated and independent learners, detail-oriented, have strong analytical skills, the ability to take direction, and the ability to work both independently and as a team member.​​

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland.  Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 1,180.  Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/​.​

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. ​prepare to pass the Cisco Certified Network Association (CCNA) certification exam;
2. install and configure networks using Cisco products;
3. troubleshoot Cisco network problems; and
4. perform the various responsibilities and tasks required of a Cisco Certified Network Associate.

CCBC Pathway

Technology and Engineering Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). 

External Credential: Students will be prepared to take the Cisco Certified Network Association (CCNA) certification exam.

Certifying Organization: Cisco Systems www.cisco.com

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

2 semesters (28 - 32 weeks) not including prerequisites; Parts I and II in one semester and Part III in the following semester. 

Course schedules vary each semester and may be offered face-to-face, online or blended (a combination of the two).​

Program Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.

Students must be computer literate and have strong computer skills, prior networking classes or background, and access to a computer and the Internet to complete assignments.

Recommended: A+ certification

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for waiving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum and demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning. Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning: 137

Program Course Sequence

Excellent attendance is required.

Prerequisite

Course Series

Additional Information

Additional Expenses:​
CCNA Certification exam = $300

Additional Offerings:
Students pursuing certification in Cisco often enroll in the following computer network/security related classes: A+ Certification; Network+ Certification; Security+ Certification; Windows Server Certification; and VMware Certification.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Steve Ricketts | sricketts@ccbcmd.edu​​ | 443-840-4442| Catonsville | BESS | 100 L

Administrative Assistant: TBA