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Interested in career advancement or changing professions? The Cisco program prepares students for the 21st century while serving as a model for successful interactive learning. Starting is easy: the Cisco program introduces technology from the ground-up, so no experience is necessary to start. There are no prerequisites to begin.
What Will I Learn?
JJC's Cisco program provides exposure to a broad cross-section of computer and network security topics. The Cisco CCNA Security program at JJC provides training that is also recognized by the United States National Security Agency (NSA). The program includes hands-on experience using tools and equipment to provide businesses and governments both secure and reliable communication systems. Protection of assets inclusive of malware containment and mitigation and other types of cyber-attacks are also covered.
Students can expect in our program:
- Experienced instructors teaching in classroom
- Rigorous, engaging courses and online content
- Individual instruction and independent study
- Personalized assessment feedback
- Hands-on experience in labs working collaboratively and individually
- Preparation for industry-recognized certifications
- Pathways to higher education and careers
- Access to global IT support communities, career tools, and social networking
Benefits for students include:
- Students receive feedback through comprehensive assessments. They discover quickly what they’ve learned and what they need to review.
- Students build and troubleshoot real networks with access to trained instructors as needed.
- This encourages teamwork and enhances problem solving abilities.
- Students graduate from the program with a marketable skill that has been tested and evaluated prior to their first day on the job.
- The Networking Academy Facebook site has hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world, connecting with and supporting each other.
What is Unique About Our Program?
Our training is backed by the training resources of Cisco Corporation, the largest cyber security and networking company in the world. The Cisco pathway provides students with a diverse education in computers and networking with education in the following areas: Cloud, Security, Wireless, Cyber Operations, Collaboration voice and video, Routing & Switching and advanced protocols.
The program also provides students with the opportunity to prepare for numerous highly regarded industry certifications from industry leaders such as: Cisco, CompTIA, Rackspace Cloud University and Certified Wireless Networking Professional. These include certification prep classes on: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), CompTIA Cloud Essentials, Rack Space Cloud U, CCNA-Collaboration, CCNA-Security, Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCNET), and Wireless Certification.
Students may optionally also elect substitutions to obtain the Cisco Cyber Ops CCNA- Cyber Ops, and Linux Professional Institute Linux Essentials Certification. These certifications provide students with an additional way to demonstrate their skills and knowledge to potential employers.
What Degree / Certificate Will I Receive?
- Information Technology, Networking, AAS
- IT Automation and Security, Certificate of Completion
- Network Security Foundation, Certificate of Completion
What are my Career Opportunities?
Career pathways are numerous, with salaries in Chicago over six figures for experienced engineers. According to indeed.com experienced network engineers are being offered $110,000 to $140,000 in Chicago.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that this field will be one of the fastest growing occupations during the coming decade. Job prospects in this field are excellent, especially since these jobs are less likely to be outsourced.
Careers include:
- Cyber security analyst
- Security operations center engineer
- Cloud Engineer
- Firewall Engineer
- Support Technician
- Network Support Technician
- Network Administrator
- Network Security Architect
- Systems Integrator
- Voice and Wireless Engineer
Prepare for Industry Certifications
Start working in the field immediately, just by taking a few JJC classes. Depending on your concentration, you can take classes to prepare for several industry certification exams. Learn more about each industry certification and the classes you'll need in order to prepare for each certification exam below.
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Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Classes Required
- CNT 101 - Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Introductory (3 credit hours)
- CNT 102 - Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Intermediate (3 credit hours)
- CNT 103 - Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Advanced (3 credit hours)
- CNT 104 - Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practicum (3 credit hours)
These courses are eight weeks each. For these fast-tracked classes, it is recommended that students enroll in two CNT courses per semester. There are NO prerequisites. Those without computer experience are welcome. Everything is taught from the ground-up in an immersive environment.
These courses are stackable credentials within the CO238 Information Networking Technology AAS degree.
Learn MoreThe Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certificate is designed for Cisco Networking Academy participants who:
- are seeking entry-level jobs in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry
- hope to fulfill prerequisites to pursue more specialized ICT skills.
The CCNA certificate shows the completion of an integrated and comprehensive coverage of networking topics including:- IP fundamentals
- Network security and services
- Network programmability
- Automation
The CCNA certificate represents the completion of workforce readiness skills to build a foundation for success in networking-related careers and degree programs. Students who complete this portion of the program are eligible to complete the CCNA certification exam.
If you have work experience or equivalent knowledge, you may qualify to test out of a CNT course. For more information, contact the Cisco program coordinator Joe Sullivan at (815) 280-7720 or email jsulliva@jjc.edu.
JJC is proud to be an official training center for the Cisco Networking Academy. The Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) program consists of four courses within the Information Technology - Networking degree. The classes can be taken for certification only or in conjunction with an AAS degree.
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Cisco CCNA Security
Classes Required
- CNT 102 - Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Intermediate (3 credit hours)
- CNT 220 - Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security (3 credit hours) (Typically offered in the summer)
Course topics include, but are not limited to:
- implementing zone-based policy firewalls
- Deploying IPv4 and IPv6 ACL's to mitigate threats in a network
- Provision signature files to mitigate network threats
- Working with the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA)
- Configuring Cisco IOS IPS using CCP and CLI
- Implementing an IOS IPSec site-to-site VPN with pre-shared key authentication
- Implementing Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) VPN using ASA device
Learn MoreThe Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certificate is designed for Cisco Networking Academy participants. JJC is proud to be a Cisco Networking Academy offering a security program recognized by the National Security Agency.
The US National Security Agency (NSA) and the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) recognizes that the Cisco CCNA Security certification courseware meets the CNSS 4011 training standard. By being compliant, the Cisco CCNA Security certification curriculum provides the required training for network security professionals who assist federal agencies and private sector entities to protect their information and aid in the defense of the nation's vital information resources.
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Cloud Infrastructure Technologies
Class Required
- CIS 125 - Cloud Essentials and LInux Foundation Cloud Infrastructure (3 credit hours)
This course is an eight week, fast-tracked class. There are NO prerequisites. Those without computer experience are welcome.
Learn More
This introduction to cloud course covers material for the CompTIA Cloud Essentials Certification. The course can be relevant to:
- Business analysts
- Business process owners
- Technical support staff
- Managed service provider personnel
- New data center staff
- Sales/marketing staff in cloud product or service environments
Introduction to Cloud Infrastructure Technologies will help you understand the basics of Cloud Computer terminology, tools and technologies associated with today's top cloud platforms.
Anyone looking at moving to Cloud, regardless of vendor or platform, can benefit from Introduction to Cloud Infrastructure. The course is made available through JJC Certified instructors.
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Wireless Communications
Class Required
- CIS 162 - Introduction to Wireless Communication (3 credit hours)
No prior experience is necessary to begin this course. This course is an eight week, fast-tracked class. There are NO prerequisites. Those without computer experience are welcome.
Learn MoreStudents will gain knowledge in the following areas:
- WiFi technology
- WiFi hardware and software
- Radio frequency
- Site survey, security and applications and support
The course tests the ability to understand, recommend and set up wireless solutions for small installations (home, small office, hotspots). The course provides a background for WLAN sales and support professionals who must be familiar and confident with the terminology and basic functionality of enterprise 802.11 wireless networks. -
Linux Essentials Network Development Group
Class Required
- CIS 123 - Linux Essentials Network Development Group (3 credit hours)
This course is an eight-week, fast-tracked class. There are NO prerequisites. Those without computer experience are welcome.
Learn More
This course aligns with the Linux Professional Institution (LPI) Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate. The skills taught in this course apply to a wide range of careers including:
- Networking
- Software development,
- Server and desktop Linux administration
Students will develop technical proficiency to work on the Linux command line and work with the open-source industry to obtain a basic understanding of security and administration related topics.The course is offered in partnership with the Network Development Group (NDG) and made available through the Cisco Certified instructors within the Cisco Networking Academy.
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Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security
Class Required
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security (3 credit hours)
This course is an eight-week, fast-tracked class. Although there are NO Cisco prerequisites required for this class, it is recommended that students have taken CNT 101 and CNT 102 or have equivalent industry experience.
Learn More
Course topics include but are not limited to:
- Implementing zone-based policy firewalls
- Deploying IPv4 and IPv6 ACL's to mitigate threats in a network
- Provision signature files to mitigate network threats
- Working with the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA)
- Configuring Cisco IOS IPS using CCP and CLI
- implementing an IOS IPSec site-to-site VPN with pre-shared key authentication
- Implementing Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) VPN using an ASA device
The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) recognizes that the Cisco CCNA Security certification courseware meets the CNSS 4011 training standard. By being compliant, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security curriculum provides the required training for network security professionals who assist federal agencies and private sector entities to protect their information and aid in the defense of the nation's vital information resources. -
Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise (CCNP-E)
Classes Required
- CNT 210 - Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Introduction (3 credit hours)
- CNT 211 - Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Intermediate (3 credit hours)
- CNT 212 - Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Advanced (3 credit hours)
- CNT 213 - Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Practicum (3 credit hours)
These courses are eight weeks each. For these fast-tracked classes, it is recommended that students enroll in two CNT courses per semester. These courses are stackable credentials within the CO238-Information Networking Technology AAS degree.
Learn More
The Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise (CCNP-E) is designed for Cisco Networking Academy participants who:
- are seeking exposure to core enterprise network technology jobs in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry or
- hope to fulfill prerequisites to pursue more specialized CCNP pathways
The Cisco Certified Network Professional - Enterprise (CCNA-E) Certificate shows completion of an integrated and comprehensive coverage of core enterprise network topics including:- Dual stack architecture
- Virtualization
- infrastructure services
- Security network assurance
- Automation
- Programmability to help you scale your networking infrastructure
The CCNP-E represents the completion of workforce readiness skills to build a foundation for success in networking-related careers and degree programs.
JJC is proud to be an official training center for the Cisco Networking Academy. The Cisco Certified Networking Professional - Enterprise (CCNA-E) program consists of four courses within the Information Technology - Networking AAS. The classes can be taken for certification only or in conjunction with an Associate in Applied Science degree. It is recommended that students have significant industry experience or have taken CCNA courses before enrollment.
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Cyber Operations
Class Required
- CIS 297 - Cisco Cyber Ops (3 credit hours)
This course prepares students for the industry-recognized, CCNA Cybersecurity Operations certification. From a recognized provider of security solutions and certifications, the CyberOps Associate certification and training program is your pathway to a career in cybersecurity operations.
There are no formal prerequisites for the CyberOps Associate certification, but you should understand the exam topics before taking the exam. The course is made available through JJC certified instructors.
Learn More
The course introduces the knowledge and skills needed to land a job as an associate-level Security Analyst working with a Security Operations Center team. It prepares students for the industry-recognized, CCNA Cybersecurity Operations certification.
Through JJC coursework, students will gain an understanding and receive hands-on experience. They will be able to detect and respond to security incidents and understand how organizations deal with:
- Cybercrime
- Cyber espionage
- Insider threats
- Advanced persistent threats
- Regulatory requirements and related issues
Students will also gain job-ready, practical skills for in-demand job roles in cybersecurity operations, with core security skills needed for monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing and responding to security events, thus protecting systems and organizations from cybersecurity risks, threats and vulnerabilities.
“I received a job offer at a cyber security company in downtown Chicago. This offer is more than doubled the salary I have for my current job. Thank you for working so hard to educate us in the Cisco Academy because if it wasn't for the technical skills I received from there I wouldn't have either contacted by a recruiter on Linkedin or passed the technical interview. Aside from the necessary basics that one should know from Cisco 101 & 102, I greatly benefited from your Cisco CCNA Security class. It was my entry level knowledge of the ASA firewalls & IPSEC VPN's that helped me get this Associate Network Security Engineer position. Without that experience and knowledge I would not have been considered for this position. ”
- Thomas J. Case
