Routing and Switching (Cisco) Certificate of Achievement

This certificate includes instruction and practice in the theory, design, configuration, and operation of simple Local and Wide Area Networks. Students completing this certificate program will be qualified for employment in entry-level positions in network administration and be able to prepare for the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification exam.

The expected number of students to earn this certificate annually is 30.

The goals of the Certificate of Achievement – Routing and Switching (Cisco) is directed at the appropriate level for community colleges and is a consistent statewide pathway designed with industry involvement to prepare students for entry-level jobs, and to inform business of the rich capabilities that exist at every California Community College Campus. This program addresses a valid occupational role, that of network administrator position. The program is designed to provide students with the skills to meet employers’ needs. Both students entering the workforce and incumbent employees desiring entry-level network administrator and systems support knowledge will benefit from this program. 

The Certificate of Achievement – Routing and Switching (Cisco) is designed to prepare students for entry-level network administrator and systems support in a variety of job positions, including systems administrators, network administrators, IT support positions and systems specialists. Students are trained in entry-level office skills including a solid foundation in network routing and switching as well as critical thinking, problem solving, and interpersonal skills to provide greater efficiency in the workplace. 

The Certificate of Achievement – Routing and Switching (Cisco) Program is directed at the appropriate level for community colleges and is a consistent statewide pathway designed with industry involvement to prepare students for entry-level jobs, and to inform business of the rich capabilities that exist at every California Community College Campus. The program is designed to provide students with the skills to meet employers’ needs. Both students entering the workforce and incumbent employees desiring entry-level network administrator and system support knowledge will benefit from this program.

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Compare OSI and TCP/IP networking models and their related protocols
• Explain the importance of addressing and naming schemes of various layers of data
• Compare and configure various internal routing protocols
• Analyze, configure, and troubleshoot switch configurations including LANs and VLANs
• Describe and configure a variety of WAN protocols in routers
• Define basic network security issues and possible solutions

The program first addresses the basic computer and networking skills needed to prepare the student for further study or for an entry-level job. CNIT 103 – Computer Hardware, CNIT 201C – Introduction to Cisco Networks, CNIT 202C – Routing and Switching Essentials, CNIT 417 – Administrating Windows Server 2016 all address the foundational base of computer and networking skills.

The program also requires many basic network security courses providing the student with a necessary broader scope of system support skills with specific knowledge and skills including CNIT 203C – Scaling Networks, CNIT 204C – Connecting Networks, CNIT 120 – Network Security.

Course	Units
First semester required courses:
CNIT 103 – Computer Hardware		3.00
CNIT 201C – Introduction To Cisco Networks		3.00
Total:		6.00
Second semester required courses:
CNIT 202C – Routing and Switching Essentials		3.00
CNIT 120 – Network Security		3.00
Total:		6.00
Third semester required courses:
CNIT 203C – Scaling Networks		3.00
CNIT 417 – Administering Windows Server 2016		3.00
Total:		6.00
Fourth semester required courses:
CNIT 204C – Connecting Networks		3.00
Total:		3.00
	Total:	21.00

The Certificate of Achievement – Routing and Switching (Cisco) is the result of business needs assessment informed by CNIT employer advisory panel and evaluation through assessment, program review and evolving topics in network administrator and system support.

Of the following Bay Area Community Colleges (Merritt College, Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, College of Marin, Chabot College, Skyline College, College of San Mateo, Las Positas Community College, Canada College, Ohlone College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Foothill College, Mission College, San Jose City College), Ohlone College is the only college that offers a similar program.