Free University Short Courses

Networking Certification Essentials is a vendor-neutral short course designed for IT professionals looking to build a strong foundation in networking and prepare for industry-recognised certifications. Covering essential concepts in networking fundamentals, switching, routing, and core network services, this course is ideal for those pursuing certifications such as Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, and Juniper JNCIA. Whether you’re starting out or refreshing your skills, you’ll gain valuable knowledge to support your networking career.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore key areas such as network fundamentals, switching and VLANs, routing protocols, and essential network services like NAT and DHCP. You’ll gain practical insights into networking concepts and best practices, helping you develop the skills needed to work with and troubleshoot networks effectively.

Join us on this engaging and practical journey to enhance your networking expertise and take the next step in your IT career.

Why has this course been renamed?

Previously focused on the Cisco CCNA, we’ve broadened the course to include multiple certification pathways, giving students a more comprehensive networking foundation. Now called Networking Certification Essentials, this course takes a vendor-neutral approach, ensuring you gain knowledge applicable across various networking technologies and certification tracks.

Next Webinar: Wednesday 26 March, 7:30 PM AEDT (Sydney Time)

We’re upgrading our Short Course Website! You can use the form below to register and you will be enrolled by our Short Course admin team as soon as the website is back up. In the meantime, you can head to our YouTube Channel and get started by viewing our webinars there.

Who will present the webinars?

Iain Robertson is a senior engineer with nearly three decades’ experience in networking technologies. Iain has a Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering; a Master of Information Technology Management (in which his specialty was networking technologies); and a Master of Information Systems Security. Currently, Iain works for a large multinational vendor of security products, assisting some of Australia and New Zealand’s largest institutions with best practices in the security and networking space.

What is the aim of this short course?

The aim of the short course is to give you a ‘taster’ of what it is like to undertake postgraduate study via online learning with Charles Sturt University. In addition, this short course aims to introduce core networking technologies and concepts to attendees, as a ‘fast start’ toward networking-heavy subjects offered by Charles Sturt University and IT Masters.

What is included?

In addition to the weekly hour-long interactive webinars, you will be provided with suggested reading materials, an active discussion forum and a weekly activity to complete.

Is there a final exam?

Yes — the short course exam will be a timed, open-book exam that you will sit at your computer.

Do I get a completion certificate if I complete the course?

Yes — provided you receive a pass mark (50% or over) for course assessment, which comprises the exam and any available participation marks.

Are there any prerequisites for the course?

No, you can sit this short course all by itself but you may consider taking some of our beginner level short courses on Networking & SysAdmin and Cyber Security first.

Will the course qualify me for university credit?

Yes — successful completion of three or more of our short courses will qualify you for one credit for an industry elective subject in our postgraduate courses. Click here for further details.

Will I need to purchase any study materials to complete the course?

No — all essential materials will be supplied.

Will the webinars be recorded?

Yes — all webinars are recorded and you will be able to access them, and all other free course materials, by registering for the course.