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.

Register

Start	End	Fee
-	-	-	No current presentation - see Future availability
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2028.

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.

Entry

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.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement 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.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.

Study materials

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.

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.

¹If 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.

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.

Students also studied

Students who studied this module also studied at some time:

Future availability

Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257) starts once a year in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.

How to register

We regret that we are currently unable to accept registrations for this module. Where the module is to be presented again in the future, relevant registration information will be displayed on this page as soon as it becomes available.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

UG Undergraduate

Course facts

About this course:
Course code	TM257
Credits	30
OU Level	2
SCQF level	9
FHEQ level	5
Course work includes:
2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
Embedded residential school

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