1.) Do I have to have a lot of previous computer/networking experience?
Answer: No. Students with previous experience may find the courses easier. Many of
our current students began the course without previous experience and are very
successful.

2.) What Skills should I have before beginning Cisco Classes?
Answer:It is helpful if you have working knowledge of the Internet Explorer browser,
email, and Microsoft Windows platform operating systems,

3.) How long is the program?
Answer: Cisco I is a 4cr hour class. You will be in class approximately 4 hrs per week, for a total of 60hrs per semester. Cisco II, III, IV are 5cr classes. You will be in class approximately 5hrs per week, and a total of 75 hrs per semester for each of these classes. The duration of each course is 14 weeks.

4.) Can I enter the second course if I have not taken the first one?
Answer: No. Cisco requires that all students take all four courses in sequence.

5.) If I started the program at another location, can I continue here?
Answer: Yes. You may need to provide your Cisco ID so that your instructor can get
you setup online.

6.) Are the instructors certified?
Answer: Yes – Mr. Vickers is a certified Cisco Instructor. You can see his qualifications here.

7.) If this is an online curriculum, what if I need help?
Answer: Your Instructor is there to explain and enhance the online material. The
instructor aspect is extremely valuable, especially for students starting without
any experience.

8.) How much work is required outside of class?
Answer: This will depend greatly on your previous experience, familiarity with
networking, and your ability to grasp technical concepts. Most students starting
our usually spend about 2-4 hours per week studying outside of class.

9.) What equipment is available?
Answer: NRCC is one of the best labs in the state of VA. Currently we
have in the Cisco lab (17) 2900 series switches, (2) 2514 routers, (8) 2501 routers,
(10) 2500 series routers, (15) 2600 series routers, and (6) 1700 series
routers. In addition to the Cisco equipment, we also have 5 Adtran Atlas 550
WAN Simulators.

10.) Will I be Cisco Certified at the end of the four semesters?
Answer: No. If you are enrolled in the Cisco curriculum, at the end of all four courses,
you will be well prepared to take the Cisco Certified Networking Associate test
(640-801). The test will be administered by an independent testing center. Upon
completion of the curriculum, you can qualify for a voucher to take the test.

11.) What happens after I achieve the CCNA? Is there a next level?
Answer: Yes. For students that would like to go even further, we are currently offering
the next level in the Cisco curriculum, the Cisco Certified Network Professional
(CCNP). NRCC is currently offering the first half of the curriculum, semesters 5 & 6.

12.) Does the curriculum teach students things that will be useful for maintaining non-Cisco networks?
Answer: The curriculum is a vendor-neutral. While Cisco equipment is used to practice
and reinforce certain concepts, students gain broad-based knowledge of the
operation of networks, the differences between various types of networking
products, how to design and troubleshoot networks, and other general topics.

13.) Is there a sample of the curriculum I can view?
Answer: Absolutely. You can find a sample of the curriculum direct from Cisco here.

14.) Does Cisco help Academy students and graduates find employment?
Answer: Cisco has created an internship web site that helps current Academy students
find intern positions with various companies.

15.) I have heard about the CCNP. What is that all about?
Answer: The CCNP Academy program is the follow up to the CCNA Academy
program. The CCNP Academy program consists of semesters 5 thru 8 and
prepares students to obtain their CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
certification. This is a more advanced curriculum covering Advanced Routing
(semester 5), Remote Access (semester 6), Switching (semester 7), and
Troubleshooting (semester 8).

16.) What is the recommended text book?
Answer:
CCNA 1 & 2
Cisco Networking Academy Program
CCNA 1 and 2 Companion Guide, Third Edition
Publisher - Cisco Press; ISBN: 1-58713-110-2

CCNA 3 and 4
Cisco Networking Academy Program,
CCNA 3 and 4 Companion Guide, Third Edition
Publisher - Cisco Press; ISBN: 1-58713-113-7
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