This paper studies workplace perceptions of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) courses by people
who studied CCNA. It also presents different views on
whether industry certifications, academic qualifications
and work experience are complementary. The paper
analyses data from the Waikato Institute of Technology
(Wintec) and the Southern Institute of Technology
(SIT) as a case study of how well the courses meet the
needs of the Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) industry in Hamilton and Invercargill.
Conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness of
embedding CCNA in these regions and course topics
found to be most useful in the workplace are compared
and highlighted. It is found that CCNA course topics are
being used to varying extents in the ICT industry in
both regions and these results are examined along with
the perceived value of the courses for participants, new
employees and employers. The research also reveals
possible reasons for people who complete the four
CCNA modules but do not sit the external exam to
obtain the CCNA qualification.