NSITE CISCO Networking Academy

NSITE offers the United States’ first Cisco Networking Academy adapted to the learning styles of people who are blind. The NSITE Cisco Networking Academy provides foundational knowledge of a broad range of IT fundamentals, preparing participants obtain the CCST Networking or the Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA) exam and take their IT careers in any direction they wish.

Key Components of the NSITE Cisco Networking Academy

  • Accessibility. The NSITE Cisco Networking Academy has been adapted to accommodate the learning styles of people who are blind.
  • Training. Receive customized instructor-led virtual training from leading IT trainers in the industry.
  • Professional Certification. Participants who complete the NSITE Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA) or the CCST: Networking- Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) are recognized throughout the IT industry. NSITE facilitates scheduling and taking the CCST: Networking and the CCNA certification exam. NSITE is also a private Pearson Vue Testing Facility.
  • Workplace Preparation. Students attending the NSITE Cisco Networking Academy participate in training and one-on-one consultations on topics from resume writing and mock interviews, to professional networking and workplace etiquette.
  • Employment. After earning their CCST Networking Certification or the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification, NSITE works to assist participants in obtaining employment in the field by leveraging partnerships within the IT community and NSITE Connect.  

What is the schedule for the current program?

Part 1: NSITE CCST: Networking- Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST)- 26 weeks

Part 2: NSITE CCNA- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)-40 weeks total

Who is eligible for the NSITE Cisco Networking Academy?

  • The NSITE CCST and CCNA courses are exclusively for people who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Documentation of legal blindness is required.
  • A four-year college degree with a focus in Computer Science is preferred but not required.
  • Work experience in the IT field building mainframes or computers in a lab, or teaching computer security, or as certified IT employees such as A+, Security +, or Network+ can be substituted for the educational requirement.
  • Must have intermediate to advanced skills using assistive technology.
  • Applicants must be able to commit to an intensive 26 or 40-week training depending on the program.

Courses

NSITE CCST: Networking- Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST): Networking

Cost: $7250.00

Next Cohort projected Start Date: March 2025

Length of program: 26 Weeks

The successful candidate has the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate how networks operate, including the devices, media, and protocols that enable network communication. This test will be an entry point into the Cisco certification program. The next certification in the pathway is CCNA.

This is a certification for entry-level network technicians, networking students, interns, etc. The exam targets secondary and immediate post-secondary students, and entry-level IT and Networking professionals. The successful candidates are qualified entry-level network technicians and customer support technicians, students, and interns with at least 150 hours of instruction and hands-on experience.

Click here to apply!

NSITE Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cost: $10,000.00

Next Cohort projected Start Date: March 2025

Length of program: 40 weeks

Participants take the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam, which covers a broad
range of fundamentals for IT careers based on the latest networking technologies, software
development skills, and job roles. Participants who become CCNAs have the foundational
knowledge to take their IT careers in any direction they wish.

  • •40-week virtual training with experienced live instructor six hours a week and access to teacher’s assistant as needed.
  • Accessibility – an accessible academy that has been adapted for different learning styles for individuals who are blind.
  • Facilitation of two CCNA Certification Exams with approved testing centers included in tuition.
  • Certification – Upon completion, participants receive an IT industry and professionally recognized Cisco certification.
  • Work Readiness – Students participate in workshops and one-on-one consultations that address topics such as resume writing, networking, mock interviews, and workplace etiquette that often take place with potential employers.
  • LinkedIn, Resume assistance and interview preparation provided as part of the training.
  • Assistance with job placement at the completion of the program

Click here to apply!