Last week, Cisco announced a new entry-level certification program to assist those who are beginning a career in networking. The Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) offers certification for basic network operations, such as installation and monitoring tasks. In the Cisco certification series, the CCENT becomes an optional first step in the certification path. The new certification consists of a recommended course and a single required examination.

Cisco has also redesigned the Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) certification to incorporate more performance based measurements and skills. The CCNA, which had been Cisco's entry-level certification, consists of two tracks - Discovery and Exploration - that focus on network installation, operation and troubleshooting for small- and medium-sized routed or switched networks, as well as WAN connections and some network management functions.

Cisco will localize both programs to meet a worldwide demand for entry-level and intermediate network technicians. IDC predictions estimate the global demand for entry- and mid-level technicians will exceed the supply by 40 percent by 2012. An annual study released in December 2006 by Robert Half shows that only 2 percent of IT managers planned to reduce staff, while more than 20 percent indicated that they planned to add new IT workers. The same study reported that networking administration skills were in high demand, second only to Windows Server 2002/2003 administration skills.

The new curriculum will be available in English on July 26, 2007 with the new and updated exams available on August 1, 2007.