Academy - Cisco
Free CISCO Training
Practical, on-demand Cisco networking and security training with no course fee. Build the foundational skills that underpin both enterprise IT and operational technology networks.
Delivered in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Registration is completed on the ARU website.
Cisco networking
Routing, switching and secure configuration.
What is covered
Course Content at a Glance
Popular Beginner Courses
Cisco Networking Academy offers free, beginner-level courses across cyber security, networking, IT, programming and AI. Each course is short, self-paced and includes practical activities in Cisco Packet Tracer.
- Introduction to Cybersecurity - 6 hours, beginner
- Networking Basics - 22 hours, beginner
- Computer Hardware Basics - 6 hours, beginner
- Getting Started with Cisco Packet Tracer - 2 hours, beginner
- Python Essentials 1 - 30 hours, beginner
Who Should Attend
Since 1997, more than 33 million students in 195 countries have studied with Cisco Networking Academy. The courses suit anyone starting out in networking, cyber security or OT support, or testing the ground before committing to a certification path.
- Graduates and apprentices entering IT or cyber security
- OT engineers moving into networked control systems
- Service-desk analysts wanting hands-on network skills
- Anyone considering Cisco or CompTIA Network+ certification
Benefits
What You Get
- No course fee - the online courses are free to take
- Self-paced study, with instructor-led options available
- Certification-aligned pathways in networking and cyber security
- Practice on real network scenarios in Cisco Packet Tracer
- Digital badge or certificate of completion from Cisco
- Progression routes into paid Siker Academy pathways
Our partner
In Partnership with Anglia Ruskin University
The free CISCO training programme is delivered in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), home to a Cisco Networking Academy led by practising networks and security academics. When you register your interest, we capture your details and then forward you to the ARU website to complete your registration.
FAQs
Free Cisco Training: Common Questions
Is Cisco training really free?
Yes. The Cisco Networking Academy beginner courses offered through Siker Academy and Anglia Ruskin University have no course fee. You only need to register your interest and complete registration on the ARU website.
Which free Cisco courses can I take?
Popular beginner courses include Introduction to Cybersecurity, Networking Basics, Computer Hardware Basics, Getting Started with Cisco Packet Tracer and Python Essentials 1.
Do I get a certificate from free Cisco training?
Completing a Cisco Networking Academy course earns a Cisco digital badge or certificate of completion, which you can share on LinkedIn and your CV.
Do I need experience to start free Cisco networking courses?
No. The courses are beginner level and self-paced, suitable for graduates, apprentices, career changers and OT engineers moving into networked control systems.
Can free Cisco training lead to a career in cyber security?
Yes. The courses build the networking and security foundations behind certifications such as Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Network+, and lead into paid Siker Academy cyber security and OT pathways.
Next steps
Reserve Your Place
Places on the free Cisco training programme are limited. Register your interest and you will be forwarded to Anglia Ruskin University to complete your registration.
Ready to start your Cisco journey?
Submit your details and we will forward you to the ARU website to complete your registration.