Accreditation

The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a comprehensive e-learning program that provides students with the Internet technology skills essential in a global economy. The Networking Academy delivers web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training and support, and preparation for industry standard certifications.
Launched in October 1997 with 64 educational institutions in seven states, the Networking Academy has spread to more than 150 countries. Since its inception, over 1.6 Million students have enrolled at more than 10,000 Academies located in high schools, technical schools, colleges, universities, and community-based organizations.

Interested educational institutions are given the designation of Networking Academy at the level of training that they will be providing in the program. There are currently three possible tiers of training. Industry experts at Cisco Systems train the Instructor Trainers at the Cisco Academy Training Centers (CATCs), the CATC Instructors train Regional Academy Instructors and the Regional Academy Instructors train the Local Academy Instructors who then educate students. Utilizing this three-tier training model helps to provide instructors the training they need in close proximity to where they are located. Educational institutions may play a role at one or more of these training levels.

Cisco's partners from business, government and community organizations form an ecosystem to deliver the range of services and support needed to grow tomorrow's global workforce. Initially created to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) degrees, the Academy curriculum has expanded with ecosystem-partner sponsored courses. Optional courses include: IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software and IT Essentials: Network Operating Systems; and Panduit Network Infrastructure Essentials sponsored by Panduit Corporation.

The Internet enables anytime, anywhere learning for all students, regardless of location, socio-economic status, gender, or race. With the United Nations Development Program, the United States Agency for International Development, and the International Telecommunication Union, Cisco has made the Academy program available to students in Least Developed Countries to help them build their country's economies.

The Networking Academy program continually raises the bar on e-learning and educational processes. Through community feedback and electronic assessment, the Academy program adapts curriculum to improve outcomes and student achievement. The Academy infrastructure is designed to deliver a rich, interactive, and personalized curriculum to students around the world. The Internet has the power to change the way people learn, work, and play, and the Cisco Networking Academy Program is in the forefront of this transformation

What is The Cisco Networking Academy?

The Cisco Networking Academy Program exists in more than 9800 Academies located in high schools, technical schools, colleges, universities, international organizations, and community-based organizations around the world. These organizations contribute their expertise in teaching and their facilities to deliver the high-quality Academy curriculum to their constituents.
Created by industry and education professionals, the curriculum prepares students for the demands of the workplace and motivates them to continue their education and learning. Delivered globally in multiple languages, the Academy program uses assessment data to adapt and improve lessons, labs, and teacher training. The program recognizes multiple learning styles of students with Web-based, multimedia content; online assessment and evaluation throughout the course; hands-on labs; and instructor training and support. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take a certification exam.
Participating organizations join a global community of learners including students, instructors, and partners in academia, business, government, and community. Through the tiered support system, every Academy has a "parent" Academy. Cisco Systems trains the Cisco Academy Training Centers (CATCs), the CATCs train Regional Academies and the Regional Academies train the Local Academy Instructors who then educate students. Through the Academy Connection participants have access to a community of users to share best practices, solve problems, access discounts, and request assistance. Cisco ecosystem partners contribute expertise, discounted resources, and Workplace Learning opportunities.