The Open University is a Cisco Networking Academy Support Centre. We offer the current Cisco Certified Networking Associate version 7 curriculum, which provides the foundational knowledge, understanding and skills to configure larger LAN/WAN using Cisco equipment. As part of your studies, you’ll complete CCNA 3 Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation along with DevNet1 and gain simulated hands-on experience configuring networks through online activities. We ensure that the content we deliver each year reflects Cisco’s current certifications.
What you will study
The full Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum consists of three parts, sometimes called CCNA 1 to 3. This module covers CCNA part 3 and DevNet1; Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257) covers CCNA parts 1 and 2.
Part 1: Enterprise Networks, Security and Automation (CCNA 3)
This part describes the architecture, components and operations of routers and switches in a small network. You’ll learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with OSPF, virtual private networks, network security, automation and also IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
Part 2: DevNet1
Following on from the CCNA Routing and Switching content, you will explore how coding is used to automate the management of infrastructure networking technologies via the DevNet associate certification content. You will explore how application development and coding apply within network automation, use a range of developer tools and environments to solve automation challenges, apply API’s to automate network device management and set up an automated solution for a given problem.
Each part consists of ten or more segments. The segments are grouped, with checkpoint exams that count towards your module result. Each of the two parts also has a final online exam that counts towards your result.
1Cisco announced its ‘DevNet’ certification will become ‘CCNA Automation’ from February 2026 – this is a rebrand. The module content aligns with the future certification. Also, in keeping with our long-standing membership of NetAcad, you’ll have access to the latest version of the content, post-February 2026, if you wish to prepare for certification.
Entry requirements
You must have passed one of the following modules:
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)
Cisco networking (CCNA) (T216)
We may allow you to study TM357 without passing TM257 or T216. You must have other relevant knowledge/experience, such as:
equivalent work at another university
relevant technical experience as an IT professional
evidence of taking Cisco NetAcad Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1) and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 2) since 2019.
Preparatory work
The Cisco DevNet course, the second part of TM357, requires you to be familiar with coding, but not an expert. The module website will include a link to this free short Python Coding Course. You can revisit your coding skills, complete a refresher, or become familiar with concepts that you might have found challenging in the past.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
Embedded residential school
Virtual day school
This module has a compulsory virtual day school.
The virtual day school (offered over a period of at least a month) provides practical experience with Cisco Networking technologies using University-provided remote labs featuring state-of-the-art routing, switching, and virtualisation resources. Your work on the virtual day school will contribute to your end-of-module assessment.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
online tutorial access
access to student forums.
Additionally, the website includes:
access to Cisco study materials
additional supplementary material.
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM, a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS. We advise against using a Mac with an M1 chip, as you could experience issues with the module software.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying TM357 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Future availability
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.