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 in a broad range of IT programs, ranging from fundamentals through intermediate and advanced levels. NSITE provides certificate training in Cybersecurity Foundations and prepares participants to obtain the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) – Networking, CCST – Cybersecurity or the Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA) exam so they can take their IT careers in any direction they wish.

Programs included in the NSITE Cisco Networking Academy

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 Modaility. Participants complete self-paced training on the Cisco learning platform and receive customized instructor-led virtual training from leading IT trainers in the industry.
  • Professional Certification. 
    • Certificates: Participants who successfully complete the programs in the NSITE Cisco Networking Academy receive Certificates in the form of digital credentials that provide independent validation of their achievement.
    • Certifications: Most of the programs in the Networking Academy prepare participants for an opportunity to sit for the program-specific certification exams that lead to professional industry certifications that are recognized throughout the IT industry.
    • Exam Accommodations: NSITE will issue accommodations letters and help facilitate the scheduling of certification exams at an authorized PearsonVue Test Center. NSITE itself is a private Pearson Vue Testing Facility.
  • Workplace Preparation. Participants 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 participants earn their CCST or CCNA certification, NSITE works to assist them in obtaining employment in the field by leveraging partnerships within the IT community and through our curated job board, NSITE Connect.  

Who is eligible for the NSITE Cisco Networking Academy?

  • All NSITE Cisco Networking Academy programs are adapted for the learning styles of blind and low-vision learners. All may apply. However, qualified applicants who are blind or have low vision will receive enrollment preference..
  • 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 multi-week training, depending on the program.

Course Detail

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

Cost: $7,250

Next Cohort Projected Start Date: Fall 2025

Length of program: 26 Weeks

NSITE’s CCST – Networking program consists of two courses and will prepare you for the fundamentals of connecting computers to networks.

The program covers computer fundamentals and teaches the career skills needed for entry-level IT jobs. You’ll enjoy working with the Cisco Networking Academy’s advanced simulation tools and complete multiple hands-on labs that hone your troubleshooting skills. There are no IT prerequisites for this program.

You’ll Learn These Core Skills:

  • Build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes.
  • Configure routers, switches, and end devices to provide access to local and remote network resources and to enable end-to-end connectivity between remote devices.
  • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills using real equipment and Cisco Packet Tracer.
  • Configure and troubleshoot connectivity of a small network using security best practices.

After completing both CCST Networking courses, you will have an opportunity to sit for the CCST Networking Certification Exam.

CCST – Networking Certification Opportunity:

Participants who successfully complete the program have an opportunity to sit for the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) – Networking exam. Professionals with a CCST Networking certification have the industry-recognized credential to take their IT careers in any direction they wish.

Key Components of the NSITE CCST Networking Program:

Assistance with job placement at the completion of the program.

Blended Learning – 26-week self-paced learning combined with virtual instructor-led group sessions with a highly experienced, Cisco certified instructor for six hours a week and access to teacher’s assistant as needed.

Accessibility – an accessible academy that has been adapted for the learning styles of individuals who are blind or low vision.

Certificate – Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate in the form of a digital credential that provides independent validation of their achievement.

Certification – Two opportunities to sit for the CCST – Networking Certification Exam with approved PearsonVue test centers are included in the tuition.

Work Readiness – Students are invited to participate in workshops and one-on-one consultations that address topics such as resume writing, networking, mock interviews, and workplace etiquette..

LinkedIn, resume-writing assistance, and interview preparation are provided as part of the training.

Click here to apply!

NSITE Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cost: $10,000

Next Cohort Projected Start Date: FALL 2025

Length of program: 40 weeks

NSITE’s CCNA will prepare you for the fundamentals of connecting computers to networks.

NSITE’s CCNA covers computer fundamentals and teaches the career skills needed for entry-level IT jobs. You’ll enjoy working with the Cisco Networking Academy’s advanced simulation tools and completing multiple hands-on labs that hone your troubleshooting skills. There are no prerequisites for this program.

You’ll Learn These Core Skills:

  • Build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes.
  • Configure routers, switches, and end devices to provide access to local and remote network resources and to enable end-to-end connectivity between remote devices.
  • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills using real equipment and Cisco Packet Tracer.
  • Configure and troubleshoot connectivity of a small network using security best practices.

CCNA Certification Opportunity:

Participants who successfully complete the program have an opportunity to sit for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam. Professionals with a CCNA certification have the industry-recognized credential to take their IT careers in any direction they wish.

Key Components of the NSITE CCNA Program:

  • Blended Learning – 40-week self-paced learning combined with virtual instructor-led group sessions with a highly experienced, Cisco-certified instructor for six hours a week and access to teacher’s assistant as needed.
  • Accessibility – an accessible academy that has been adapted for the learning styles of individuals who are blind or low vision.
  • Certificate – Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate in the form of a digital credential that provides independent validation of their achievement.
  • Certification – Two opportunities to sit for the CCNA Certification Exam with approved PearsonVue test centers are included in the tuition.
  • Work Readiness – Students are invited to participate in workshops and one-on-one consultations that address topics such as resume writing, networking, mock interviews, and workplace etiquette..
  • LinkedIn, resume-writing assistance, and interview preparation are provided as part of the training.
  • Assistance with job placement at the completion of the program.

Click here to apply!