Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1
The Open University is a Cisco Networking Academy Support Centre. We offer the current Cisco Certified Networking Associate version 7 curriculum, which provides the foundational knowledge, understanding and skills to configure small-scale LAN/WAN using Cisco equipment. As part of your studies, you’ll complete CCNA Introduction to Networks and CCNA Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials and gain simulated hands-on experience configuring networks through online activities. We ensure that the content we deliver each year reflects Cisco's current certifications.
Modules count towards OU qualifications
OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.
Module
- Module code
- TM257
- Credits
- 30
- Study level
| OU | SCQF | FHEQ |
| 2 | 9 | 5 |
What you will study
The full Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum consists of three parts, sometimes called CCNA 1 to 3. This module covers CCNA 1 and 2.1
Part 1: Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1)
This part will provide you with a strong theoretical and practical grounding in all aspects of networking, with a particular focus on local area networks (LANs). It will introduce you to the key networking hardware and software, and give you your first insight into the importance of internet addressing.
Part 2: Switching, Wireless and Routing Essentials (CCNA 2)
Routers and switches are used extensively in wide area and local area networks. Their basic function is to forward data packets across networks and between networks. Part 2 focuses on how you can configure routers to operate in computer networks as well as their switch counterpart.
Each part consists of ten or more modules. The modules are grouped, with checkpoint exams that count towards your module result. Each of the two parts also has a final online exam that also counts towards your result.
1Module Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357) covers CCNA 3 and Cisco DevNet Associate.
You will learn
This module will:
- help you develop an understanding of how computer networks work, and the principles behind them
- help you develop the practical skills needed to configure network devices such as routers and switches
- provide you with an opportunity to go on and gain an industry-recognised qualification (CCNA certification).
Vocational relevance
You’ll learn both theory and practical elements of network addressing and management, router configuration, switch management and securing a local area network.
In addition, this module, when taken with Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357), will prepare you for the industry-standard CCNA examination.
You must make your own arrangements to sit the CCNA.
Professional recognition
Those within the networking technician and engineering discipline consider Cisco certification professional recognition and personal accreditation. CCNA certification is an invaluable entry accreditation for the network engineering profession.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
- marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
- providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
- guiding you to additional learning resources
- facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
Assessment
You can find the assessment details for this module in the facts box.
Day school
You must attend the compulsory1 day school to pass this module.
There’s no additional cost for the school, but you must pay for travel.
Cisco instructors run the day schools (offered at a range of UK venues and on various dates during March and April). The school provides practical experience with Cisco Networking technologies, and your work during the school will link to your end-of-module assessment.
Instructions for booking will be on the module website.
1 If you’re disabled, a carer, live outside the UK, or serving in a NATO armed forces-related role, you may apply for an exemption. If exempt, you’ll complete an online, remote lab-based activity instead.
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Course work includes:
- 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
- End-of-module assessment
Future availability
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257) starts once a year in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.
However, as this is an OU level 2 module you’ll need a good knowledge of the subject area obtained through any of the following:
- OU level 1 study
- equivalent work at another university
- experience as an IT professional
Preparatory work
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111) and Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112) would be ideal preparation for this module.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- assessment details and submission section
- online tutorial access.
You’ll also have access to:
- the Cisco NetAcad study materials forever (so long as you maintain your NetAcad profile)
- the Cisco Packet Tracer Network Simulator software (versions for Windows, Linux and Mac).
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this outlines what studying TM257 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Accessibility statement for Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)
Mode of study
All of this module’s study materials are online using both the OU VLE and Cisco Networking Academy website (NetAcad). Online materials are composed of pages of text with images; audio/video clips of 3–10 minutes (all with transcripts/subtitles); diagrams; interactive media; animations; and multiple-choice self-assessed quizzes. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
Tuition strategy
This module has at least three essential online tutorials.
Working with others
You’ll work with other students, and we assess this. This collaborative work includes looking at and commenting on others’ work, reflecting on others’ comments on your work, and/or working with fellow learners on a project/task at the day school.
Practical work
If you attend the in-person day school, you’ll encounter various physical experiences, which you must consider based on your physical needs. You’ll cable networking equipment, move devices, work on terminal emulators and configure live routers and network switches. The module team will accommodate anyone with additional requirements at each day school venue based on need and prior advance notification.
If you participate in the alternative day school, you’ll access NetLabVE – a remote lab experience using physical networking equipment via a remote connection. Screen readers should work for most students in this context.
You’ll also have access to the Packet Tracer Network Simulator for practical in-module activities and assignment/assessment work. This simulator has various accessibility features you can tailor to your needs. The module team will also support any specific additional requirements.
Diagrams and other visual content
The study materials contain a significant number of diagrams. Producing your own version of one of these of these is an important part of the module assessment. Figure descriptions are provided for all figures by Cisco as part of their content – there is a ‘switch’ to access these within the online content context menu.
Finding information
You will be required to search for, and make use of, third-party material online, and we assess this. We can provide alternatives for required/assessed research material to enable you to meet the learning outcomes of the module.
Assessment
This module has tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and an end-of-module assessment (EMA) that you must submit via the online TMA/EMA service. There are also self-assessed online Cisco exams.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
Schedule
We structure all University modules to a set timetable and you’ll need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. We’ll support you in developing these skills.
Specialist software
The module materials and assessment ask you to use the following specialist software: Packet Tracer network simulator, and may not be fully accessible as a result. The curriculum has been adapted to enable students to complete the content; however, the type of screen reader that works with the content and the network simulator is very specific and requires pre-configuration.