Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco Networking Academy: A free, technology-focused learning program with networking and cybersecurity depth. Ranked #26 of 66 in MOOC Platforms by our editors (6.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free networking and cybersecurity foundations.
At a glance
- Editor score6.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree networking and cybersecurity foundations
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded1997
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free self-paced courses across networking, cybersecurity, and related IT topics
- Packet Tracer provides network simulation practice
- Career pathways, digital badges, and job-matching resources
Where it doesn't
- Web-only access limits platform flexibility
- Some instructor-led learning depends on partner academies
- Its focus is technology careers rather than broad general education
Our verdict on Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco Networking Academy is a free technology education program for learners building skills in networking, cybersecurity, programming, artificial intelligence, data science, digital literacy, and related IT subjects. It supports independent study through self-paced online courses as well as instructor-led learning delivered in person or virtually. Career pathways are designed around networking and cybersecurity roles, while academy partnerships extend access through schools, universities, vocational institutions, governments, nonprofits, and corporate skilling programs.
The program’s strongest differentiator is its practical technology focus. Cisco Packet Tracer provides network simulation practice, giving networking learners a dedicated environment for working with network concepts. The curriculum also includes digital badges and certification-aligned learning for eligible courses, which can help organize progress around recognized technology pathways. Career preparation and job-matching resources add a direct employment focus beyond course completion.
Cisco Networking Academy is a strong choice for learners seeking free foundations in networking, cybersecurity, and adjacent technology fields, especially when a structured career pathway or partner academy is available. The web-only format keeps access straightforward but does not offer a broader platform mix. Learners who prefer instructor-led study may need to join through an academy partner, and people seeking arts, business, humanities, or other non-technology subjects will find the program’s scope narrower than a general MOOC platform.
Your product? Our editors can test Cisco Networking Academy in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Cisco Networking Academy pricing
Cisco Networking Academy fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Course access model | Not verified |
| Completion certificates | Yes |
| Degree programs | Not verified |
| Enterprise plans | Not verified |
| Mobile apps | Not verified |
| Offline learning | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | netacad.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Cisco Networking Academy
- CourseraA broad learning catalog with certificates, projects, mobile access, and team analytics.9.4
- edXA broad learning platform for certificates, university courses, and organizational training.9.2
- UdemyA broad course marketplace with flexible access, practice tools, and team options.9.0
See all Cisco Networking Academy alternatives →
Used Cisco Networking Academy? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Cisco Networking Academy for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Cisco Networking Academy is listed in our MOOC Platforms directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/cisco-networking-academy/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/cisco-networking-academy.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update