At Cisco, we imagine expertise exists in all places—however alternative doesn’t. That’s why our Study with Cisco packages are designed to open doorways to digital abilities and certifications that may change lives and communities.
In partnership with NIL Studying, we not too long ago launched Undertaking 525: an modern curriculum that helps IT and networking professionals put together for the distinguished Cisco Licensed Internetwork Skilled. With a deal with reaching learners in areas the place technical certifications will be cost-prohibitive and restricted, reminiscent of sub-Saharan Africa, Undertaking 525 goals to assist bridge the digital divide.
Undertaking 525 is a part of Cisco’s broader studying ecosystem, which provides structured, outcome-based studying paths and certifications. Whereas Undertaking 525 is a flagship CCIE preparation program, Study with Cisco enhances it by offering intensive coaching in automation, safety, AI, and networking applied sciences, supporting professionals worldwide.
Bridging the digital divide
Cisco’s involvement in Undertaking 525 displays its broader dedication to empowering expertise around the globe, together with in areas reminiscent of Sub-Saharan Africa the place the variety of CCIE-certified professionals has traditionally been low. Undertaking 525 goals to considerably improve expert-level engineers by making this system extra reasonably priced and accessible throughout nations reminiscent of South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
Martin Camp, Managing Director of NIL Knowledge SA, explains, “This system’s affordability and accessibility are key to its success on this area, the place bridging the digital and knowledge divide is important.”
This regional focus helps Cisco’s Goal to Powering an Inclusive Future for All by enabling native professionals to achieve world-class abilities and contribute to their communities’ digital transformation.
This method has enabled important uptake and success throughout the area and addressing the infrastructure and financial challenges distinctive to those markets.
Considering like an professional
On the earth of elite networking certifications, technical information is simply a part of the equation. True experience lies in the way you assume. Undertaking 525 facilities round this concept—coaching contributors not simply to memorize options, however to assume like seasoned consultants. At its core, this system emphasizes psychological simulation and self-verification, empowering engineers to mentally stroll by means of complicated eventualities, anticipate outcomes, and confirm their reasoning earlier than even touching a keyboard.
As a result of the CCIE certification holds the fame as one of the crucial difficult within the networking business, with demanding necessities and excessive failure charges, professionals who search this credential usually face steep studying curves that require complicated problem-solving.
The expert-level mindset that Undertaking 525 helps is bolstered by means of a finely tuned curriculum, top-tier instruction, and a robust peer neighborhood, all designed to bridge the hole between understanding and software. Individuals don’t simply research networking; they be taught to unravel issues with readability, confidence, and precision as a CCIE.
This system requires a year-long dedication, immersing contributors in rigorous coursework, labs, and sensible workouts that deepen information and software abilities to make sure contributors perceive networking ideas and may apply them successfully in real-world eventualities.
In line with Camp, Undertaking 525 “empowers Cisco Licensed Community Professionals (CCNPs) to advance to expert-level proficiency by means of a rigorous, hands-on curriculum tailor-made to the distinctive infrastructure and financial challenges of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Cisco’s dedication to Undertaking 525 extends internally as nicely, with plans to enroll 200 of its personal engineers from the Technical Help Heart (TAC) and Gross sales. This funding underscores Cisco’s confidence in this system, serving to to develop the subsequent technology of CCIEs and fostering a tradition of problem-solving and innovation.
Testimonials of impression
NTT, a world know-how and IT providers firm with a robust presence in Africa, is considered one of Cisco’s largest channel companions within the APJC area. This system didn’t simply put together these college students for a certification—it reworked the way in which they method challenges, collaborate with friends, and contribute to high-stakes tasks. Undertaking 525 isn’t only a research plan; it’s a shift in mindset—and it’s producing real-world success.
In line with Mark Jessiman, VP Expertise Options at NTT, “Getting access to high quality lab gear and environments with the proper assist actually gave our workers the sense of confidence that they had been going to make it by means of this system and likewise the assist to beat the challenges that they skilled alongside the way in which.”
This assist system is a cornerstone of this system’s methodology, because it continues to develop in sub-Saharan Africa. “The burning aspiration of holding that CCIE qualification is one thing that’s seen as an actual certification milestone, shared Kristy Phaal, SVP of Human Sources at NTT Knowledge. “In Africa, accessibility is basically the important thing.”
International growth
Undertaking 525’s success in Sub-Saharan Africa has sparked international growth plans. This system is launching cohorts in Europe and making ready for progress within the Americas and Asia Pacific.
- European cohorts: Undertaking 525 is making ready to launch its first European cohort, extending this system’s attain and affect within the networking neighborhood.
- Accessibility in Africa: Efforts proceed to make this system reasonably priced and accessible, empowering professionals throughout Sub-Saharan Africa with world-class coaching, addressing infrastructure and financial challenges distinctive to the area.
- US growth: With rising demand in america, Undertaking 525 might quickly deliver its intensive CCIE-focused curriculum to American professionals. To assist this progress, strategic planning is underway for occasions, partnerships, and in-person periods.
Undertaking 525 is greater than a certification pathway—it’s a strategic initiative that aligns with Cisco’s Goal by bridging the digital divide, empowering professionals in underserved areas, and cultivating expert-level considering that drives real-world impression.