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The FAQ Page |
Frequently Asked Questions
This page provides students and
prospective students with answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding
the Cisco Networking Academy Program.
Q. What is Cisco?
A. Cisco Systems, Inc. is the world leader in data networking. They build the devices that make computer networks, such as the Internet, possible. If you've never heard of Cisco before, or you have no idea what computer networking is, then you should logon to http://www.cisco.com or http://www.internet.com before taking a Cisco Networking Academy class.
Q. What is the Cisco Networking Academy Program?
A. The Cisco Networking Academy Program now includes two different course sequences, one entry-level, and one advanced. The first part, the CCNA program, is four-class, entry-level sequence that prepares students to pass the Cisco Certified Networking Associate exam.
The second part, the CCNP program, is an advanced, four-class sequence. It prepares students to pass the Cisco Certified Networking Professional series of exams. You must earn a CCNA, or complete the CCNA courses, before you can take CCNP classes.
Q. How do I start the program?
A. The Cisco Networking Academy classes are set up like any other class at Dr. Zakir Husain Institute, Patna. The first class in the four-part CCNA sequence is CCNA1 CISCO NETWORKING ACADEMY I. To become a ZHI student, drop by the admission office and fill out an application.
Q. How much does the program cost?
A. Currently, CCNA Training is available at a discounted charge of Rs.10225.00 only which is payable in three easy installments. This includes Online Access to CCNA Curriculum, Internet Surfing, Instructor led Training charges and practical sessions on Cisco Routers and Catalyst Switches. Books are optional.
Q. How long does it take to complete the program?
A. Currently, each Cisco class is 6-weeks. So, you can complete the four-part CCNA program in one college semesters. That's 24 weeks total.
Q. Are there prerequisites for the program?
A. In a word, no. But students taking CCNA1 CISCO NETWORKING ACADEMY I should be very comfortable using a computer for e-mail, web surfing, and standard applications such as word processing. If you don't use a computer on a regular basis (even if it's just for fun or work), then you aren't likely to be successful in these classes. No prior knowledge of computer networking is necessary (but it helps!). If you don't like computers, or solving computer-related problems, then this isn't for you!
Q. What kind of jobs can I get with this?
A. The CCNA program train students for jobs in Network Administration, Systems Engineering, Tier I and II Field Support, Networking Specialist, and any Information Technology position where Cisco products are used. Employment in this field usually starts at Rs.8000.00 for the CCNA. But these figures vary tremendously depending on the individual. The Cisco Networking Academy program does not guarantee you a job! Networking is a competitive field, so networkers should get as many certifications as possible, and accumulate whatever experience they can. It's unrealistic to think the CCNA alone will land your dream job.
Q. How can I prepare for my class ahead of time?
A. Many students want to buy the book and get started before the first day of class. Unfortunately, the primary material for this class is on this website, and you won't have access until the first meeting. If you'd like to learn more about networking, two excellent resources are www.whatis.com and www.techfest.com.
Q. What other classes can I take to make myself more employable?
A. Many students choose to compliment their Cisco certification with Microsoft NT/2000 certifications. Microsoft makes the world's most popular networking software, and ZHI offers the complete Microsoft training track. Student can also earn certifications in Novell software, which is rapidly losing market share. Although Novell classes won't hurt your employability, students will find that their energies can be better spent on other training tracks. The hottest networking certifications (outside of Cisco) are currently Linux and Unix related. . ZHI plans to offer Linux training and IBM RS/6000 AIX.
Q. Can I skip a class or take two at a time?
A. Yes and no. Students who can demonstrate basic knowledge of networking (Ethernet, IP addressing and subnetmasking, OSI model) are eligible to challenge CCNA1, the first class in the CCNA sequence. Challengers must pass the part I final exam before Cisco will let them take part II. You cannot take two Cisco classes concurrently.