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Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exploration

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CCNA Exploration is an integrated and comprehensive course of study covering networking topics from fundamentals to advanced applications and services. You'll get opportunities for hands-on practical experience and soft-skills development.

CCNA Exploration provides a theoretically-rich, hands on introduction to networking and the internet.

The courses will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in networking-related degree programmes and will help you prepare for CCNA certification. They'll also help you to develop the skills to fulfil the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators, and network engineers. 

Note that this series of courses is also available as part of the Diploma in Applied Computing Level 6.

Content Details

CCNA Exploration is comprised of four courses, each one worth 15 credits.

Course 1 - Network Fundamentals Level 5
This course introduces you to the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the internet and other computer networks. It uses the OSI and TCP layered models to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, data link, and physical layers.

Course 2 - Routing Protocols and Concepts Level 6
Prerequisite: Network Fundamentals

This course describes the architecture, components, and operation of routers, and explains the principles of routing and routing protocols.

Course 3 - LAN Switching and Wireless Level 6
Prerequisite: Network Fundamentals

This course provides a comprehensive, theoretical, and practical approach to learning the technologies and protocols needed to design and implement a converged switched network.

Course 4 - Accessing the WAN Level 6
Prerequisites: Network Fundamentals, Routing Protocols and Concepts, and LAN Switching and Wireless

This course covers the WAN technologies and network services required in enterprise networks. You'll use the Cisco Network Architecture to introduce integrated network services and learn how to select the appropriate devices and technologies to meet network requirements.

See brochure for course dates.

Entry

Diploma in Applied Computing Level 6
If you are taking the four CCNA courses with the intention of completing the Diploma in Applied Computing Level 6, you must meet the entry criteria for that programme and complete an application form. You are required to have a Level 5 NQF qualification in an appropriate subject, however, on a case-by-case basis, relevant work experience may be taken into consideration.

CCNA Stand-alone Programme
If you only intend to study the four CCNA courses the following applies:

  • Course 1: This course is open entry, however, it is preferable that you have some basic computing skills.
  • Courses 2, 3 & 4: Refer to prerequisite information under ‘Courses & Content’ on page 2.

English Language Requirements
If you are an overseas student or a new resident and English is not your first language, please note that study at tertiary level requires both written and oral participation.

You will be required to have an IELTS score of 5.5 or TOEFL score of 500.

Indicative Fees

  • $731/course incl. course related costs

The standard published fee is applicable for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents only.

An international fee is payable for non New Zealand citizens/permanent residents.

Qualifications Gained

Cross-Credits & Guaranteed Entry
CCNA can either be taken as a stand-alone programme or as part of the Diploma in Applied Computing Level 6. If you pass a further three 20 credits courses you will be able to graduate with this  Diploma (refer to our Computing/Information Technology full and part-time brochure).

If you have also graduated with the Level 5 Diploma in Applied Computing and followed the degree pathway at  Level 5 and 6, you will be eligible for entry to the third (final) year of the University of Waikato’s BSc in Computer Science with a specialisation in Applied Computing, which is available in Tauranga.

With sufficient IT industry experience, you'll be eligible for entry to the Graduate Diploma in Computing, taught here at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. There are other possibilities for cross credits and pathways too so please ask us for advice.

CCNA Certification
Once you have completed all four courses you will need to apply, pay for, and pass, the official CCNA exam to gain CCNA Certification. You are required to sit the examination at a Pearson-Vue certification testing centre. The nearest locations to Tauranga are:

  • AMES Training and Resource Centre Ltd, 500 Queen Street, Auckland. Telephone 09 309-0777
  • Auldhouse Computer Training, 338 Ponsonby Road, Auckland. Telephone 09 360-0338

Booking for the CCNA certification examination is done online via the Pearson-Vue website. The cost for sitting the examination is $328.00 (subject to change).

Zintel Cogent Award (subject to approval)
Each year at our graduation ceremony, the Zintel Cogent prize will be awarded to the student who has successfully completed, at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, all four CCNA courses with the highest total mark. In the event of a tie, the highest mark in Course 4 will be the deciding factor.

Career Opportunities

Network technician, network administrator, network engineer