The courses offered though the Merced College Cisco Academy will provide you with the knowledge and ability to succeed in the fast growing information technology field. Job opportunities abound for those qualified individuals who successfully compete certification by Cisco Systems, Inc. and become a Cisco Certified Networking Associate (C.C.N.A.). The e-learning system used as a component of the curriculum provides hands-on learning, skill set development, and connectivity to succeed under the direction of knowledgeable instructors.

What are the pre-requisites to enter the first Cisco course offerings?
The college has no pre-requisites to enter the first Cisco course. Entrance into subsequent courses requires successful completion of the prior course. Individuals with a willingness to succeed, to work diligently on course materials, and to stay with the course offerings will benefit from the outcome.
How long will it take to complete the four course offerings?
Students may complete the four course offerings in as few as four semesters.
What other courses should I take while enrolled in the Cisco offerings?
Students should see a counselor to determine other courses to take while enrolled in the Cisco course offerings.
What are my options upon successful completion of the four Cisco courses?
Upon successful completion of the course offerings you will be eligible to take the certification examination offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. The exam is scheduled at various sites. The certification exam fee is $60. If you pass this exam you will become a Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA).
What is the starting salary of a CCNA?
Starting salaries vary, however, it is not uncommon for individuals to start at $25,000 to $30,000 per year.
Are jobs available in our local area, out of the area?
Nationally it is estimated that more than 844,000 unfilled positions will exist over the next 12 months (Information Technology Association of America [ITAA] website http://www.itaa.org) in the IT (Information Technology ) field. It is unknown how many local jobs will be available in the two years it will take to provide the training leading to certification.

Course 1 — ELCT-40A/CPSC-40A
• OSI Model and Industry Standards
• Network topologies
• IP addressing, including subnet masks
• Advanced Networking components
• Basic networking design

Course 2 — ELCT-40B/CPSC-40B
• Beginning router configurations
• Routed and routing protocols

Course 3 — ELCT-40C/CPSC-40C
• Advanced router configuration
• LAN switching theory and VLANs
• Advanced LAN and LAN switched design
• Novell IPX
• Threaded cases studies

Course 4 — ELCT-40D/CPSC-40D
• WAN theory and design
• WAN technology, PPP, Frame Relay, ISDN
• Network troubleshooting
• National SCANS Skills
• Threaded Case Studies

See your counselor today to learn more about the Cisco Academy requirements.