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Project Overview

This UX research project on CCNA certification aims to assess its current status and explore future trends in certification and training. The study seeks insights on the relevance and effectiveness of CCNA amid evolving networking technologies. By evaluating training methods and certification frameworks, the project will identify improvement areas and market demands, ensuring CCNA equips professionals with essential skills. Ultimately, this research will enhance the value of CCNA certification, guiding educators and learners in their networking career paths.

Project Background:

  • What is CCNA?

  • What challenges are we facing with t

Role: Lead UX Researcher
Contribution

Timeline:


Unpacking Perceptions

Understanding How CCNA is Valued and Experienced Among the Current CCNA Candidates,

Research Stages

1. Research Goals
2. Methodologies

3. Key Insights
4. Recommendations & Adoption

 

Research Stages

1. Research Goals
2. Methodologies
3. Key Insights
4. Recommendations & Adoption

Research Goals

"We are hearing employers complaint to us that CCNA certified individuals can't do a job. They used to be able to do the job, but now they can't." — Learning @ Cisco PM Director

The goal of the research is to investigate the concern raised partnering teams and companies regarding CCNA certification’s job readiness and its practical applications. To investigate the concern, identify any skill gaps within the current CCNA and understand the market perception of CCNA, the research study asks the following questions:

  1. What’s the perceived value of CCNA? Especially among young

  2. How well does CCNA prepare candidates for their role as a network engineer? If not, what's missing?

  3. How well does the exam evaluate the skills required to perform on the job?'

Research Methodologies

  • Survey

  • Interviews

Key Insights

  • CCNA is highly valued by the market

  • CCNA prepares you for the knowledge, but not the practical skills needed for

  • The biggest drawbacks of the current CCNA is its lengthy curriculum

  • CCNA is too broad, doesn’t align to the specific roles

  • Exam questions still have a lot of the memory based question. It’s a hard exam


Bridging the Gap

Co-designing a Curriculum with Team Leaders and Next-Generation Networking Learners

Research & Design Goals

Research Methodologies


Shaping the Future

Reimagining the CCNA Instructor-Led Training Program for the Next Generation of Learner

Research & Design Goals

Research Methodologies