A Guide to the Best CCNA & CyberOps Training Bootcamps

Are you interested in a fast-paced and high-earning career in technology?

Joining the cybersecurity market may be a wise choice because it’s increasing at a 35% rate over the next 10 years, five times faster than the national average.

You can also make an average of $102,600 annually, though many people will make far more.

Thankfully, CCNA and CyberOps bootcamps can help you learn more.

Overview

Cybersecurity includes creating solid networks and protection measures that protect businesses from hackers and other risks.

Many former programmers and other networking specialists are pivoting to this field to make more money and expand their skill sets.

Some simply attend CCNA and CyberOps bootcamps to learn more about this career and make better money at the same time.

These bootcamps introduce you to this field and help you rapidly train to meet its demands.

They’re typically highly concentrated learning experiences with an immersive environment that enables you to master these skills quickly.

Many people in and out of the tech field have completed these programs to start a cybersecurity career.

Here’s what you need to know about these courses.

Curriculum

Typically CCNA bootcamps will include multiple courses that help you better understand network and computer protection.

They cover the eight information security domains outlined in the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge or CBK outline.

Each is carefully and comprehensively covered through this course’s unique training program.

They include:

• Security and Risk Management
• Security Engineering
• Communication and Network Security
• Identity and Access Management
• Security Operations
• Security Assessment and Testing
• Software Development Security
• Asset Security

A typical boot camp weighs these different elements evenly, with the top field (security and risk management) getting about 15% weight and the others getting between 10-13% on the test.

Thankfully, bootcamps help you prepare for your licensing exam and ensure you can start a career in this field without fear.

Benefits

CCNS and CyberOps bootcamps provide unique benefits for people interested in this field.

Their unique and comprehensive structure focuses on preparing you for a career as quickly as possible.

Some programs may take over a week to complete, allowing you to start your job quickly.

Just a few advantages of taking these programs include:

• Skilled training in a rapidly expanding and exciting field
• Comprehensive training that ensures you can handle this field
• Excellent trainers who will work with you to ensure you understand everything
• Extensive exam coverage that focuses on preparing you for your licensing
• Hands-on training with actual networking equipment and security procedures
• Chances to meet new people who can improve your career
• Exam-pass guarantee that ensures you have a better chance of completing your course
• Lower-cost training option that works well for those on a budget

These advantages make a CCNS and CyberOps boot camp an excellent training option for many people.

They provide the immersive experience you need to learn cybersecurity skills without the drawback of spending years in college.

Though a college degree is beneficial, demand is so high that many teams are hiring cybersecurity specialists right out of boot camp.

Cost

Bootcamp costs will vary depending on the school, provided resources, the program’s length, and overall quality.

Shorter programs focused on more basic information may cost as little as $2,500 to complete, though some may cost less.

Longer and more extensive programs likely top $5,000 or more and may even include an exam voucher that can save you money when you finish.

The general rule regarding CCNS and CyberOps bootcamps is that paying extra is often a wise investment.

Usually, these more costly programs are staffed with better educators and provide more in-depth information about cybersecurity.

However, lower-cost training camps may work well for those on a budget or those who want a fast and efficient program that they can build off with self-study.

Timeframe

Depending on the program, a CCNS and CyberOps boot camp may take 8-30 days to complete.

Shorter courses focus on quickly immersing yourself in this field and earning your license.

Once you’ve hit that point, you can learn other skills on the job, such as mastering more complex networking opportunities or even getting an internship with a networking team.

More extended programs typically provide more hands-on training opportunities and the chance to develop more advanced skills.

For example, some may earn you an internship or part-time job upon program completion.

Note that most bootcamps are around 8-10 days, with only a few lasting longer.

Choose carefully to ensure you get the experience you need to master this unique field.

Top Bootcamps

The following bootcamps are among the best for CCNS and CyberOps and will help you master the necessary skills for this career.

We’ll highlight how long each program takes within our reviews, as well as any other information that we think matters for people interested in this career.

(ISC)2

This boot camp is held by (ISC)2, the official certification body for cybersecurity and CISSP.

As a result, their program is one of the best in the nation and includes excellent instructors and even discounts for first-time students.

You’ll learn all about information security best practices, get extensive exam prep, and can take the course multiple times if needed.

You also get an exam-pass guarantee and a second-shot exam voucher that helps you if you don’t pass the first time and need extra support.

• Format: Either virtual or physical classroom, depending on your preference
• List Price: $4,995 for training, with unlimited course retakes
• Duration: 6 days of extensive and exciting work

Cisco CCNA Certification Bootcamp

Cisco is an industry leader in cybersecurity and provides multiple program options that may work well for you.

These include the five-day program with an instructor-led class with coursework, labs, and exams.

In addition, their 10-day boot camp focuses heavily on routing and switching and helps you handle complex network security and protection concepts.

You can take this program if you’re interested in working with Cisco, though it’s also applicable to any networking security field with CCNA or CISSP.

• Format: Either virtual or physical classroom, depending on your preference
• List Price: $3,995 for the five-day course, $7,495 for the 10-day class
• Duration 5-10 days of training, depending on your desired certification

Morgan State University

Morgan State University provides an in-depth CCNA boot camp that helps teach you essential cybersecurity skills and techniques.

During your program, you’ll learn about popular communication protocols, configuring routers and switches, methods for implementing TCP/IP protection, data security, auditing protection, evaluating and mitigating security risk, and much more.

When you’re done, you’ll get real-world experience in this field and become a more skilled and professional expert.

• Format: A live, online course with real professors
• List Price: $4,275 for training, with financing options available
• Duration: Seven days online, with some support after completing your program

Infosec

Infosec provides a Cisco CCNA bootcamp that provides dual certification on multiple platforms.

In addition, you’ll learn more about networking and get real-world experience installing, configuring, and operating various networking devices.

With your membership, you’ll get access to class recordings, an exam voucher, and an additional 1,400 classes and labs.

These unique benefits help make this an excellent training option, particularly for people who want to start their career quickly and with minimal challenge.

• Format: In-person and virtual courses, depending on your preference
• List Price: $4,299, including materials and coursework
• Duration: Seven days, with a 90-day free Infosec Skills subscription

University of Tennessee Chattanooga

The University of Tennesee Chattanooga, or UTC, provides an intensive CCNA training boot camp for its students.

Based on the Infosec training module, this unique course includes in-depth courses that cover all network security topics.

For instance, you’ll learn about proper security protocols, how to set up a network, how to detect hacking attempts and the benefits of white hat or ethical hacking.

Even better, you’ll earn your CCNA certification and can take this course if you’re interested in general networking, computing, or IT careers.

• Format: Live online classes with expert professionals
• List Price: $4,299, including all coursework and materials
• Duration: Seven days of live, expert-led training with real professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Do With This Certification?

You can transition into many unique careers if you’re interested in this certification.

Each should give you an excellent opportunity to earn money and advance further into specialized fields.

In fact, many of the jobs in this field are likely to replace things like programming and web design in popularity in the coming years.

Just a few professions that may interest you after completing a CCNA and CyberOps training bootcamp include jobs like:

• Machine Learning Engineer
• Computer Forensic Analyst
• IT Security Specialist
• Security Engineer
• Information Analyst
• Director of Network Security
• Security Consultant
• Network Administrator

Each of these careers utilizes some of the skills you’ll learn in a CCNA and CyberOps bootcamp.

Many integrate on-the-job training in various fields that can help you find a career more successfully.

Often, this includes working with experts in the field in an in-depth internship that helps you earn a little money while mastering network security protocols.

Should I Attend a University for This Program?

You don’t need to attend college or university to get your CCNA and CyberOps certification.

Many people prefer bootcamps because they cost less and take much less time.

However, even an associate’s degree in cybersecurity will take you at least two years to earn at most colleges.

That said, you may get more in-depth training at a community college, including practical applications with many security techniques.

However, you must also take other courses that may not interest you, such as English and History.

As a result, bootcamps are best if you want a quick and efficient training.

Will a General Programming Degree Work Well for This Degree?

While general computing, programming, and engineering experience can improve your experience in these courses, you don’t need one to earn a certificate.

In fact, networking security is a very diverse field that may use specialized programming languages you might not learn in some schools.

That said, a programming degree certainly won’t hurt because most languages use similar concepts to provide high-quality networking security.

However, don’t feel like you must get one of these degrees to begin, as many people complete a CCNA bootcamp right out of high school and get jobs.

Who Suits This Kind of Program?

If you enjoy computers and feel comfortable working with them, this might be the field for you.

Even if you don’t quite understand programming, you can provide excellent networking support and handle many security protocols.

As a result, people with no programming experience often thrive in this environment.

This career also works well if you’re a detail-oriented person who likes to work on small tasks to complete more significant projects.

However, you’ll need excellent focus and a creative mind to thrive in this fast-paced and constantly changing field, especially if you feel comfortable working long hours.