Network Engineer Program. From the fundamentals to enterprise networks.
Expert-led instruction
Why this path
The cert path network teams hire from
Network+ gives you the vendor neutral basics. CCNA puts them to work on Cisco gear, and CCNP Enterprise is the cert that says you can run a campus or enterprise network.
Solid basics
Network+ covers addressing, protocols, wireless, monitoring and troubleshooting on any vendor's equipment.
Cisco skills
CCNA covers routing, switching, IP services, security basics and automation on Cisco devices.
Enterprise level
CCNP Enterprise starts with ENCOR, the core exam on architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, assurance, security and automation.
Sources: CompTIA and Cisco certification pages, checked October 2026. Accumentum is a CompTIA Authorized Partner.
Pathway map
Your three steps to Network Engineer
Take the full program or start at the step that fits what you already know. Each course also stands on its own.
Step 1: Learn how networks work
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
You can read how traffic moves. IP addressing, ports and protocols, routing and switching, wireless, monitoring and troubleshooting.
Roles it opensNetwork technician, NOC technician, IT support specialist
The examUp to 90 questions, 90 minutes
Passing score720 of 900
Step 2: Configure Cisco networks
Cisco CCNA (200-301)
You can build and troubleshoot small to medium networks on Cisco equipment. Network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security basics and automation.
Roles it opensNetwork administrator, network engineer, NOC engineer
The examNot published by Cisco questions, 120 minutes
Passing scoreNot published by Cisco
Step 3: Run the enterprise network
Cisco CCNP Enterprise (350-401 ENCOR v1.2)
You can work on enterprise networks. Dual stack architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security and automation. ENCOR is the core exam for CCNP Enterprise.
Roles it opensSenior network engineer, network architect, infrastructure engineer
The examNot published by Cisco questions, 120 minutes
Passing scoreNot published by Cisco
Exam facts
The three exams at a glance
| Cert | Exam code | Questions | Time | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network+ | N10-009 | Up to 90 | 90 minutes | 720 of 900 |
| CCNA | 200-301 | Not published by Cisco | 120 minutes | Not published by Cisco |
| CCNP Enterprise | 350-401 ENCOR v1.2 | Not published by Cisco | 120 minutes | Not published by Cisco |
Figures from CompTIA and Cisco exam pages, October 2026. Cisco doesn't publish question counts or passing scores. ENCOR v1.2 has been the current version since March 19, 2026. CCNP Enterprise also needs one concentration exam. Confirm details on the vendor sites before you schedule.
DoD 8140
Work roles this pathway supports
CompTIA maps Network+ to these work roles under DoDM 8140.03.
Network Operations Specialist (441)
CompTIA Network+
Technical Support Specialist (411)
CompTIA Network+
System Administrator (451)
CompTIA Network+
Source: CompTIA certification alignment to work role frameworks, checked October 2026. Ask us about Cisco certs for your billet.
Funding
Using military education benefits?
Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Tell us your branch and we'll show you what applies to each step.
Tell us where you are and we'll map out your pathway
Where to start, how long it should take you and whether funding applies. You'll hear back from a real person, usually within one business day. Prefer email? info@accumentum.net
Thanks, it's in.
We'll reach out shortly with your Network Engineer plan. Want to skip ahead? You can register now.
Go to RegistrationFAQ
Questions people ask before they start
Do I need IT experience before I start?
No networking job is required for Network+. If you're brand new to IT, our IT Help Desk Specialist pathway starts with CompTIA A+ and can lead into this one.
Can I skip Network+ and go straight to CCNA?
Yes, if you already know addressing and subnetting well. Many people start at CCNA. Each course also stands on its own.
What does CCNP Enterprise take?
Cisco requires two exams, the ENCOR 350-401 core exam and one enterprise concentration exam. Our course in this pathway prepares you for ENCOR. Ask us which concentration fits your work.
Does Cisco publish the passing score?
No. Cisco doesn't publish question counts or passing scores, and they can change. We teach to the published exam topics.
Can I use military education benefits?
Yes. Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Tell us your branch and we'll walk you through what applies to each course in the pathway.
How long does the whole pathway take?
Most students finish Network+ in 4 to 8 weeks part-time. CCNA and CCNP go deeper. An advisor will map a schedule to your test dates.
Ready to run the network?
Tell us where you're starting and we'll build the schedule with you.
CompTIA and Network+ are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc. Cisco, CCNA and CCNP are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.