The new CCNA curricula were created in response to input from administrators, instructors, and students. CCNA for advanced learning and CCNA for foundational learning target different student segments based on their academic experience and goals.

By using different methodologies to teach students with different educational backgrounds and interests, we can help students successfully achieve their learning goals. This will improve both student and instructor satisfaction and help increase enrollment rates.Both curricula are designed to help students prepare for IT professional careers and the CCNA certification exam. CCNA for Advanced Learning is designed for students with advanced problem solving and analytical skills, such as those who are pursuing degrees in engineering, math, or science. This curriculum can be integrated into technology curricula or continuing education programs at postsecondary institutions such as universities, colleges, and career and technical schools. CCNA for Foundation Learning is designed for students with basic PC usage skills and can be delivered as an independent curriculum or integrated into broader courses of study at upper-secondary institutions, career and technical schools, and colleges.

As an example, students entering the CCNA for Advanced Learning curriculum will be expected to know binary math and understand the concept of algorithms whereas students entering the CCNA for Foundation Learning curriculum will not be expected to have this knowledge and the curriculum will provide expanded explanations or tools such as a binary calculator.

The English versions of the first two semsters of both courses will be available in the June-August 2007 timeframe. While the English versions of semsters 3 and 4 for both courses will be available in the November-December 2007 timeframe. The current CCNA curriculum will continue to be made available for as long as it aligns with Academies? needs and certification requirements. There are no plans at present to retire the existing CCNA course.

Both courses teach the same applied skills but present the information in different ways to appeal to the two student segments. Each curriculum provides relevant and effective lessons to engage students and ensure they are successful in learning the material in a way that aligns with their educational backgrounds and goals. The good thing is that the industrial exam 640-801 will not be changed according to this curricula change. Only the means and type of information delivary of the academy courses wil change.

I, as Cisco Academy Instructor, have faced lots of trouble because of the different backgrounds of students. I always had to start from scratch even with the presense of students with good networking background because "A group of people is only as fast as its slowest member". I hope this new approach will solve this issue.

For more information:

New CCNA and New CCNA FAQ