One of the world’s longest-running technology education programs — empowering learners, educators, and communities since 1997.
Cisco Networking Academy is a global IT skills-to-jobs program operated by Cisco Systems. Since 1997, the program has reached over 20 million learners across 190 countries, offering free, industry-aligned courses in networking, cybersecurity, programming, AI, IoT, and more. Every course is developed by Cisco and its global education partners, aligned to internationally recognised certifications, and available to anyone — regardless of background, age, or prior experience.
What Is Cisco Networking Academy?
Cisco Networking Academy is not a single school or institution — it is a global program that empowers local academies, universities, colleges, schools, and training centres to deliver world-class technology education under the Cisco brand. Academies gain access to Cisco’s full curriculum, teaching platform, virtual labs, and digital badge infrastructure at no cost. Students learn through a combination of self-paced online courses and instructor-led classroom training, progressing from foundational digital literacy skills all the way through to professional-level Cisco certifications.
The program is built around three core goals: giving learners access to in-demand tech skills, helping educators deliver relevant and engaging technology education, and bridging the gap between skills and employment in the global IT industry.
Cisco Networking Academy — Official Website →What Can You Learn?
Cisco Networking Academy covers a wide range of technology subject areas, from beginner to professional level. All courses are free, available in multiple languages, and include hands-on labs, interactive exercises, and assessments.
Networking
From Networking Basics through to CCNA and CCNP Enterprise — how networks are designed, built, configured, and managed.
Cybersecurity
From Introduction to Cybersecurity through to CyberOps Associate, Network Security, and Ethical Hacking.
Programming
Python, JavaScript, C, C++, HTML and CSS — from entry-level scripting to professional programming, developed with OpenEDG.
AI & Data Science
AI Fundamentals, Data Analytics Essentials, and more — covering how artificial intelligence and data shape the modern world.
IT Support
IT Essentials, IT Support Specialist, Linux, and operating systems — practical skills for entry-level IT roles.
Industrial IoT
Industrial networking, control systems, and industrial cybersecurity for manufacturing and energy sectors.
Digital Literacy
Foundational digital skills for everyday life and work, developed with OpenEDG and aligned to the European DigComp framework.
Professional Skills
English for IT, entrepreneurship, business communication, and professional development courses.
Certifications and Digital Badges
Every course completed on Cisco Networking Academy earns a verified digital badge, issued through Credly and shareable on LinkedIn and professional profiles. Beyond course badges, the program prepares learners for industry-recognised Cisco certification exams respected by employers worldwide. Many courses also align to third-party certifications from CompTIA, Linux Professional Institute (LPI), OpenEDG Python Institute, OpenEDG C++ Institute, OpenEDG JS Institute, and others.
Entry Level
Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) in Networking, Cybersecurity, and IT Support
Associate Level
CCNA, CCNA Cybersecurity (CyberOps Associate), CCNA Automation (DevNet Associate)
Professional Level
CCNP Enterprise — 350-401 ENCOR and 300-410 ENARSI concentration exam
Expert Level
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and CCIE Enterprise Wireless — for which CCNP serves as the first step
How It Works — For Students
Getting started with Cisco Networking Academy is straightforward and completely free. Self-paced courses can be started at any time and completed on any device. Instructor-led courses are delivered through local academies on a scheduled basis.
Create a Free Account
Register on netacad.com or through your local academy — free, with no prerequisites.
Choose Your Courses
Browse the catalogue and enrol in self-paced or instructor-led courses that match your goals.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Study using video lessons, reading materials, interactive exercises, and virtual labs on any device.
Complete Assessments
Demonstrate your knowledge through quizzes, labs, and a final course exam.
Earn Your Badge
Receive a verified Cisco digital badge and share your achievement on LinkedIn and your CV.
Pursue Certification
Sit the relevant Cisco or partner certification exam and earn an industry-recognised credential for your career.
How It Works — For Institutions
Any educational institution or training organisation can become a Cisco Networking Academy. The process is guided by a local Academy Support Center (ASC) — in Azerbaijan, that is AZNEXT LLC. There is no registration fee. Institutions receive access to the full course catalogue, the instructor dashboard, Cisco Packet Tracer, and ongoing support from their ASC.
Instructors must complete official Cisco accreditation training, delivered by a local Instructor Training Center (ITC). In Azerbaijan, AZNEXT LLC holds both ASC and ITC status, meaning institutions can register their academy and train their instructors through a single local partner. Academies can be opened at schools, universities, vocational colleges, corporate training centres, private training providers, and government institutions.
The Program in Numbers
Learners reached since 1997
Countries with active academies
Educational institutions participating
Free courses available on demand
Year the program was founded
Learners who found a new job after completing courses
Cisco Networking Academy in Azerbaijan
Cisco Networking Academy has been present in Azerbaijan through AZNEXT LLC, which operates as the official Academy Support Center (ASC) and Instructor Training Center (ITC) for the program in the country. Through netacad.az, students and institutions across Azerbaijan can access the full Cisco NetAcad program with local support, local language guidance, and a local point of contact for all enrollment, training, and certification needs.
Whether you are a student taking your first step into IT, a professional pursuing CCNA or CCNP certification, or an institution looking to bring Cisco education to your learners — AZNEXT LLC is your local gateway to the world’s most trusted technology education program.