Training guide

Cisco Ethical Hacker Course Guide: Badge and Certificate

A guide to the Cisco Ethical Hacker course: content, time, prerequisites and how to earn the badge and certificate.

EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026 · Based on Cisco Networking Academy and Cisco certification pages

Introduction

The Cisco Ethical Hacker course teaches the offensive security skills that penetration testers use. It is part of Cisco Networking Academy. The course is built around a game-style story and practical labs.

The old page called it a free beginner course. It is free on NetAcad, according to Cisco, but it is not an easy start. Cisco lists it as intermediate. This guide explains the course, the badge and the certificate.

Quick Information

Provider	Cisco Networking Academy
Level	Intermediate, as listed by Cisco
Estimated time	About 70 hours
Prerequisites	Junior Cybersecurity Analyst courses are named by one reviewer. Academy pages ask for B2 English, basic programming and entry-level security knowledge.
Badge	Pass the final course exam
Certificate	Pass the course, then one Capture the Flag challenge on Cisco U with 70 per cent or higher
Cost	The course is free on NetAcad. Check the current terms for the challenge.

Key Points at a Glance

• Cisco describes a 70-hour course on scoping, executing and reporting a penetration test.
• It is listed as intermediate, not beginner.
• You earn the badge by passing the final course exam.
• The Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking also needs a Capture the Flag challenge with at least 70 per cent.
• Academy pages ask for B2 English, basic programming and some security knowledge.

What You Learn

The course introduces ethical hacking and penetration testing. Topics include planning and scoping an assessment, social engineering attacks and the way to report findings.

Labs are inspired by real-world scenarios. A gamified story keeps you working through the steps.

Level and Prerequisites

Cisco lists the course as intermediate. One reviewer says it names the Junior Cybersecurity Analyst courses as prerequisites.

Academy pages add B2 English, basic programming and entry-level security knowledge. So this is not a first course in IT.

The Badge

Cisco says you earn the ethical hacker badge by passing the final course exam. The badge shows that you completed the course content.

It is not the same as the certificate.

The Certificate

The Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking has a second step. After the course, you complete a Capture the Flag challenge on Cisco U and score at least 70 per cent.

Cisco says new challenges appear each quarter, and each earns another badge.

Cost

Cisco’s own page says to start the free Ethical Hacker course on Networking Academy. One review site says some challenge parts may cost extra.

Check the Cisco U page for current terms before you plan.

Legal and Ethical Rules

Only test systems you own or have written permission to test. The course stresses authorisation, scope and reporting.

Breaking into systems without permission is a crime in most countries.

Who Should Take It

It suits learners who finished a security or networking course and want to try offensive work. It also suits those who like puzzles.

If you are new to IT, begin with Introduction to Cybersecurity.

How to Prepare

Refresh your networking and Linux basics. Practise reading short scripts in a language such as Python.

Plan about seven weeks at ten hours a week. Keep a lab notebook.

Common Mistakes

Do not start without basic security knowledge. Several modules assume it.

Do not treat the badge as proof you can work alone as a tester.

Do not run tools on networks you do not own.

Using It in Europe

Entry roles include junior penetration tester, security analyst and vulnerability analyst. Add the badge and the year to your Europass CV.

List the certificate only after you pass the challenge.

A Sample Seven-Week Plan

In week one, review networking and Linux basics. In weeks two to five, work through the course and do the labs. In week six, revise weak topics. In week seven, take the final exam.

After the exam, pick a Capture the Flag challenge and read its rules before you start.

Questions Before You Enrol

Can I read and write English at B2 level? The labs and reports need clear writing.

Do I have basic programming and security knowledge? If not, take a lower course first.

Do I want only the badge, or the certificate too? The certificate needs an extra challenge.

Keeping Your Records

Save your badge link and your final exam result. Keep a private log of the labs you completed, without any sensitive data.

Write down the Capture the Flag challenge you chose and your score. A recruiter may ask for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cisco Ethical Hacker course free?

Cisco says to start the free course on Networking Academy. Check current terms.

Is it for beginners?

Cisco lists it as intermediate.

How do I get the certificate?

Pass the course, then pass a Capture the Flag challenge with 70 per cent or more.

How long is it?

About 70 hours.

Find Jobs

Job titles to search for include junior penetration tester, security analyst and vulnerability analyst. Search current vacancies on the EURES portal.

Official Course Page

Read the current details on the Cisco Networking Academy Ethical Hacker page.

Disclaimer

This guide is independent and is not affiliated with Cisco or the Cisco Networking Academy. Course lengths, fees and course names change, so check the official page before you enrol. A course certificate does not give you the right to work in any country.