Training guide

Cisco Networking Essentials: Free 70-Hour Beginner Course Guide

A guide to Cisco Networking Essentials from Cisco Networking Academy: topics, modules, time and next steps.

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

Introduction

Cisco Networking Essentials is a gentle start in networking. It teaches ideas through places you already know, such as a home network or a small office. You do not need earlier knowledge.

Cisco’s own page lists it at 70 hours and notes that self-paced classes on NetAcad are free. This guide explains what is inside and how to fit it into your week.

Quick Information

Provider	Cisco Networking Academy
Level	Beginner, no prerequisites
Delivery	Self-paced online. Some academies add an instructor.
Estimated time	About 70 hours
Structure	20 modules in version 2.0, with practice labs
Award	Certificate of completion. A digital badge is listed for instructor-led classes.
Cost	Free for self-paced learners on NetAcad

Key Points at a Glance

• Cisco lists 70 hours and a beginner level.
• Self-paced classes on NetAcad are listed as free.
• Version 2.0 lists 20 modules, 19 practice labs and 24 Packet Tracer activities.
• It is often taken by people heading for network technician or help desk roles.
• Version 3.0 is also listed in Cisco’s catalogue.

What You Learn

The course covers how to get online and the basics of how networks work. You learn protocols and the layers of the OSI model.

It also covers addressing, including IPv4 and IPv6, and network services such as DHCP. Later modules teach you to plan and build a simple network, such as a home network.

Course Structure

Academy pages for version 2.0 list 20 modules and 19 practice labs. They also list 24 Packet Tracer activities and more than 130 interactive items.

There are five module exams, one final exam and, in instructor-led classes, a skills assessment.

Using Packet Tracer

Packet Tracer is Cisco’s simulator. You build networks on screen, test them and fix faults without buying equipment.

Cisco recommends an introduction to Packet Tracer before you start. It is short and free.

Is It Really Free?

Cisco’s page states that self-paced classes at NetAcad are free. Instructor-led classes depend on the institution.

Check which kind you are joining before you pay for anything.

Cisco Equipment Modules

Later modules introduce Cisco devices and how to set them up. This prepares you for the CCNA courses without the heavier workload.

Who Should Take It

It suits school leavers, career changers and people who work near IT. It is often taken by those who want to become a network technician, cable installer or help desk technician.

If you already know IP addressing, consider starting at CCNA Introduction to Networks.

Weekly Plan

Seventy hours is about ten weeks at seven hours a week. Plan three sessions each week.

Do the practice labs on the same day you read the module. You remember more that way.

Common Mistakes

Do not skip Packet Tracer practice. Reading alone does not build skills.

Do not rush the addressing modules. They are the base for everything that follows.

Do not confuse the certificate of completion with a professional certification.

Next Steps

After this course, many learners take CCNA Introduction to Networks or a Cisco Certified Support Technician pathway.

Pick the next step by the job you want. Networking jobs favour CCNA. Support jobs may favour a support technician route.

Using It in Europe

Entry roles include network technician, help desk agent and junior IT support. Add the course and the year to your Europass CV.

Show a home network design you drew in Packet Tracer. It proves your skills better than a title alone.

Skills You Can Show After the Course

After the course, you should be able to explain how a home network works and how devices get addresses. You should also be able to draw a small office network and name each device.

These are the skills a help desk or junior technician role asks about in an interview.

Questions Before You Enrol

Do I want a free self-paced course or a class with an instructor? The class costs more but gives live help.

Do I already know IP addressing? If so, a CCNA course may suit you better.

Can I give seven hours a week for ten weeks? If not, extend the plan.

Keeping Your Records

Save your completion certificate and note the course version. Keep screenshots of your finished Packet Tracer files.

Add the course to your professional profile with the year. Keep the dates so you can answer interview questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Networking Essentials free?

Cisco says self-paced classes on NetAcad are free. Instructor-led fees depend on the school.

How long does it take?

Cisco lists about 70 hours.

Do I need experience?

No. It is a beginner course.

What do I receive at the end?

A certificate of completion. Badges are listed for instructor-led classes.

Find Jobs

Job titles to search for include network technician, help desk agent and junior IT support. Search current vacancies on the EURES portal.

Official Course Page

Read the current details on the Cisco Networking Academy Networking Essentials 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.