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CCNA Automation: Starting Point for Cloud and Infrastructure Professionals

CCNA Automation Is the Ideal Starting Point for Cloud and Infrastructure Professionals

As cloud infrastructure and DevOps practices continue to reshape the IT landscape, professionals are expected to go far beyond traditional roles. Today’s engineers need hands-on skills in automation, orchestration, and infrastructure-as-code to stay relevant in hybrid and cloud-native environments.

Cisco’s new CCNA Automation certification is rapidly emerging as a top-tier entry point for those aiming to specialize in cloud infrastructure, NetDevOps, and network automation.

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✅ What You'll Learn

The certification builds a solid foundation in both network automation and modern DevOps tooling, including:

• Python scripting

• REST APIs (using tools like Postman or curl)

• Ansible for configuration management

• Git and version control

• JSON and YAML data formats

• CI/CD (Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment) concepts

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles

• Network programmability (NETCONF/YANG, RESTCONF)

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🔍 Focus Areas of CCNA Automation

Feature	CCNA Automation
Target Audience	Network engineers moving into automation
Core Focus	Practical network automation, DevOps for infrastructure
Cisco Tooling	Light or no focus on Cisco SDKs
Programming Depth	Basic to intermediate Python
Cloud Relevance	Strong emphasis on Ansible, APIs, and IaC
Lab Orientation	Task-based, config/deploy driven

 

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In short: CCNA Automation is a powerful and future-proof foundation for any IT professional seeking to thrive in the world of programmable infrastructure and cloud-native operations.

Introduction to Ansible for Network Engineers

This repositery is for both Instructors and Students that are part of Cisco Networking Academy. Based on the IPD Week session of 20 Feb 2025.

Even though Ansible is not new on the CCNA Exam, automation can be intimidating. For Ansible, oftentimes examples focus on using it within a cloud or compute environment, which then requires effort to translate into a networking context. Taking Cisco networking examples, we will break down and explain through real examples:

• YAML and Playbook structure
• Building an inventory
• Using Ansible modules such as gathering “Show” commands or configuring devices
• Storing output into files

Ansible has a lot of moving parts, and this session will demystify it for you so you can more effectively teach your students the concepts and enable their productivity in this much needed skill within the modern network engineering skillset.

GitHub Repository: hyperlink
Author: Jason Belk (jabelk), Senior Technical Advocate at Cisco

CCNA PREP on The Cisco Learning Network

NetAcad CCNA courses

The NetAcad CCNA courses are highly suited for interactive and problem-based learning, particularly in developing configuration and troubleshooting skills. Additional Exam Prep materials can be incorporated to support the learning process, playing a crucial role after completing the main coursework, especially when preparing for the actual certification exam.  

Remember: You can't pass without strong configuration and troubleshooting skills!

The Cisco Learning Network

CCNA Prep is a free platform that provides the guidance you need to earn your CCNA certification. Its goal is to build confidence for individuals just before taking the step towards certification. It is a very good addition after going through the NetAcad CCNA Learning Courses.

• CCNA PREP: hyperlink 
• Relevant Tutorials: hyperlink

And there is more ...

• Explore all Learning Paths: hyperlink
• Introduction to Network Simulations with Cisco Modeling Labs | CMLLAB: hyperlink
• CML Topologies for CCNA PREP: hyperlink

Additional CCNA exam questions

NetAcad Online Instructor Training 2025

If you are interested in becoming accredited as a Networking Academy instructor, BiASC is offering the following instructor accreditation courses in the second semester of the 2024-2025 academic year:

• CCNA 2: Switching, Routing & Wireless | Start Date: Tue, March 4, 2025, at 18:30
• Cybersecurity Operations | Start Date: Tue, March 4, 2025, at 19:00
• Ethical Hacker | Start Date: Tue, March 4, 2025, at 19:00
• DevNet Associate: Network Programmability, Infrastructure Automation, Cloud | Start Date: Tue, March 4, 2025, at 19:30

All courses are conducted online and will begin in the first week of March 2025. They will run for 8 to 10 weeks, with potential breaks due to holidays.

If you have previously enrolled, please confirm your participation by submitting the enrollment form again.

Click here to enroll for instructor training

This instructor training is offered by the Belgian Instructor Training Center (BiASC) and the Dutch ITC with FAST LANE/ SLB Diensten.

Europe North Instructor Training 2023-2024

For the seventh time, the Belgian IT Academy Association & Support Center is involved in the Europe North Instructor Training organized throughout the academic year 2023-2024. For all members the online training will be in the form of interactive webinars.

The first session of each track giving an overview and a planning is planned in the week of 30 October. After registration you will receive all the necessary details to join your training session. More than 500 participants from the Benelux, the Scandinavian countries and the Baltic states have been invited . It is important to enroll as soon as possible. The main input from the BiASC instructor trainers are the Cybersecurity tracks, the Networking tracks and the Infrastructure Automation tracks.

Individual Instructor Registration: hyperlink

Overview of the options

BiASC proctoring CCNA & CCNP Certification Exams for Member Academies and Instructors

Testing anywhere, anytime ...

For Cisco NetAcad Member Academies, BiASC is providing a new service of certification exam proctoring.

Students and Instructors are able to take the exam at the local academy. You will get a discount voucher if you pass the Final Exam for a Networking Academy certification training with a result of 70% or more.

Presentation about Ceriport & Pearson Vue exam proctoring by BiASC: hyperlink

 

Een dag in het leven van een NetAcad afgestudeerde (WTV/ VDAB/ HOWEST)

De tv-zender Focus WTV maakte in samenwerking met VDAB een relevante reportage met Jasper Dhoest, een afgestudeerde Networking Academy student van Howest. De oudstudent houdt zich bezig met de problematiek van security. Jurgen Lamsens is een instructeur bij VDAB die meewerkt aan deze video. Er is een korte reclameboodschap toegevoegd om de reportage gratis te kunnen bekijken.

 

Instructor Guide - CCNA Routing & Switching 1 - Introduction to Networks

The PDF documents below contains 19 pages of relevant instructor guides for the four CCNA Routing & Switching Courses (CCNA1v6)

FOR EACH CHAPTER AN INSTRUCTOR WILL FIND THE FOLLOWING ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
1- Course Preparation
2- Netacad Interactive Activities
3- Packet Tracer Activities
4- Lab Activities
5- Additional Activities and Information

URL PDF: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0Bwg5CD5a_7WuRzNwazZkWXhuTjg?usp=sharing

If you want to access the materials, please provide proof that you are an instructor at a well-known Cisco academy.

 

Study Guides CCNA 1

 

Using the link below you will find some clearly written study guides for CCNA 1, compliled by Gregory Bers, Networking Academy Instructor. The materials are written in Dutch.

URL: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0Bwg5CD5a_7WuRmhkd0RhNm1yQTg?usp=sharing

Talent Connection Event - Cisco & Partners - 10 March 2017

 

The Talent Connection Event organized on 10 March by Cisco BeLux, ICT Integrators, Partners & BiASC was much appreciated. More than 100 students of the CCNA level and above attended a full day and got the opportunity to listen and talk to many top-level ICT business companies with exciting job offerings.

Pictures of the event: https://goo.gl/photos/jh2C42xNjeFknesa6

An impressive number of partners and ICT integrators presented their plans and job opportunities and talked 1-1 to interested students. As the result of recent economic upswings and and efficient organization the event was the best ever for visiting students. 

Here is the list of participating ICT companies: SIMAC,  DEVOTEAM, AUSY, SPOTIT, UPTIME GROUP, DIMENSION DATA, DESTINY, ORBID, CONXION, ECONOCOM, BT and FAST LANE.

 

CCNA Routing & Switching | Networking Academy Course Updates 2016 | Career-Ready

The CCNA Routing & Switching Curriculum is comprised of four courses. Completion time for each course is 70 hours.

CCNA R&S Course 1: Introduction to Networks - Course 2: Routing and Switching Essentials - Course 3: Scaling Networks - Course 4: ConnectingNetworks

 Curriculum Overview

The 4 courses in the CCNA R&S curriculum help students develop a comprehensive understanding of how networks operate, from protocols and services to network management, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and essential career skills like problem solving and collaboration.

Career Prep

Courses 1-2 align with the Cisco CCENT certification and courses 3-4 align with the Cisco CCNA R&S certification. Students gain the skills needed to become network administrators, technicians, or managers.

Learning Components

• 4 courses: Introduction to Networks,
  Routing and Switching Essentials,
  Scaling Networks, Connecting Network
• Hands-on labs and Cisco Packet Tracer
  network simulation activities
• Videos and activities to reinforce learning
• Quizzes and exams to measure learning outcomes

Features

Target Audience: Students interested in pursuing an IT-related career

Prerequisites: None, vocational students often take IT Essentials or equivalent knowledge prior to CCNA R&S

Languages: Arabic, Chinese-Simplified, English, French, Japanese, Portuguese-Brazilian, Russian, Spanish (courses 1 and 2 also available in German, Hungarian, and Turkish; course 1 available in Romanian)

Course Delivery: Instructor led

Estimated Time to Complete: 280 hours

Recommended Next Course: CCNA Security or CCNP R&S

Packet Tracer Know How Series | Networking Academy Course Updates 2016

Course Overview

The Packet Tracer Know How Series is designed for new users of Packet Tracer for self-study and familiarization with the tool used in many Networking Academy courses.  Packet Tracer courses are available for the desktop and for mobile. (Android and iOS).

Benefits

The Packet Tracer Know How Series introduces tips and best practices to help instructors and students use Cisco Packet Tracer as an effective and engaging learning and assessment tool.

Learning Components

• Files and demos
• Hands-on learning activity
• Video Recordings
• Quiz

Features

Target Audience: General audience

Prerequisites: None

Languages: English, French

Course Delivery: Instructor -led or Self-paced

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

 

 

 

Pathway to become a Networking Professional | Course Progression

Below is a pathway through the various Cisco Networking Academy Courses if you want to become a Networking Professional

Pathway to become a Network Security Administrator | Course Progression

Below is a pathway through the various Cisco Networking Academy Courses if you want to become a Network Security Specialist

 

 

 

 

Postgraduate Programme | Information Systems Management | Cisco Certification | Corning | VMware | 2016-2017 | Brussels

In central Burssels Odisee University College offers a full Cisco Certification Networking Academy Programme including CCNA, Security and CCNP. This postgraduate programme of 30 to 60 credits starts early October 2016.

 

The contents of the course modules of the postgraduate programme in Information Systems Management have been aligned with new certification tracks of Cisco, VMware and Corning. Starting the first week of October, we welcome you in the Cisco labs at the Odisee Brussels Campus every Monday through Thursday from 18 tot 21pm.

Complete Course Description

• Download Postgraduate-degree-programme-information-systems-management-2016-2017

Course Modules

• Interconnecting Network Devices 1 (CCNA)
• Interconnecting Network Devices 2 (CCNA)
• Network Security (CCNA Specialist)
• Advanced Switching (CCNP)
• Advanced Routing (CCNP)
• Datacenter Technologies (VMWare, Corning)
• System & Network Design Case Study

Self-paced CCNA R&S Bridging Course Available

Cisco Networking Academy is offering  the CCNA R&S 6.0 Bridging Course, which together with the CCNA R&S 5.X curriculum, is in full alignment with the CCNA R&S Certification. Networking Academy students now have access to the English self-paced CCNA R&S 6.0 Bridging Course to supplement their CCNA R&S 5.x knowledge and can enroll here

More information: http://honim.typepad.com/biasc/2016/06/new-ccna-rs-bridging-course-available.html

New CCNA R&S Bridging Course Available

Technology is constantly evolving and CCNA certifications have been updated keeping up with the demands of today’s networking careers. 

Cisco Networking Academy is now offering  the CCNA R&S 6.0 Bridging Course, which together with the CCNA R&S 5.X curriculum, is in full alignment with the CCNA R&S Certification.

All instructors have access to the English version of the CCNA R&S 6.0 Bridging Course. Additional languages of French, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish will release in July and August. You have access to a free self-paced CCNA R&S 6.0 Bridging Course that covers the new supplemental topics that are included in the new Certification Exams.

New Topics Aligning to Certification

BiASC LAB DAY | Brussels | 4 November 2016

To register for the Lab Day, fill in the form below or click http://goo.gl/forms/3MznaSs5InzS3AYq2

Benelux Netacad Instructor Event | May 2016 | Presentations

  

PRESENTATIONS by Marc Khayat at the Benelux Netacad Instructor Event in May 2016. 

 New Networking Academy IT Essentials, CCNA and Supplemental Courses 

• Download NetAcad Development May 2016
• Download Supplemental Courses May 2016

Internet of Everything Labs

• Download IoE Workshop May 2016

PRESENTATIONS by Marco Verleun

• LPI Academy
• Docker
• Linux Certification

 

 

PRESENTATIONS by Yvan Rooseleer at the Benelux Netacad Instructor Event in May 2016

• Inside IoE Launchpad

The following presentation informs you about the Brussels IoE Challenge & Hackathon

• Download Ioe-hackathon-brussels-May-2016-v2-5

VMware IT Academy Information

• Download VMware IT Academy Program-May2016

How to Prepare to teach the new CCNA R&S 6.0 Bridging content

In the week  of 30 May to 3 June the next Cisco Netacad Global Instructor Professional Development (IPD) Week will be focusing on the new content for the CCNA R&S Bridging course. 

• Program Updates – Overview of the new CCNA R&S 6.0 certification and Bridging course, new product releases and information on NetAcad Advantage.
• Technical Sessions – CCNA R&S 6.0 Bridging course technical topics
• Switch Stacking and LAN Security
• Troubleshooting IPv6 ACLs
• VTP and DTP: from cradle to grave
• Understanding QoS using IPSLA as a Tool
• Network Testing and Troubleshooting
• CDP/LLDP & NTP
• Instructor Forums – Find out more about the new CCNA R&S 6.0 Bridging course and how to import content into an existing CCNA R&S 5.X course.
• Localized sessions – We have expanded our offerings to include seven languages! Check out the sessions for Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese and Turkish.

Please check out the Archives section of the Global IPD Week course.  There you will find additional materials and resources for the new CCNA R&S certification content.

We are once again including a Certificate of Attendance for participants and a sweepstakes.

To check out the agenda and register for sessions enroll now into our June Global IPD Week NetAcad Course at: https://1040239.netacad.com/enroll/AC8FJE. If you are already enrolled you can find the Global IPD Week June course on your Learn tab.