Cisco has added a new entry level certification to its training program. The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) can be considered a half-way point to the current entry-level program, the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA), which has been moved up the stack.(Watch a short video by CCNA trainer and Cisco Press author Wendell Odom, who discusses the new CCNA exams.)

The CCENT involves one exam, the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (640-822 ICND1) exam, which tests candidate's basic knowledge of installing, operating and troubleshooting a small branch office enterprise network, including connecting to a WAN and implementing network security.

A five-day training course to prepare students for the exam has been available from Cisco learning partners since July 26, and students will be able to take the exam starting Aug. 1.

The current CCNA program has been refreshed with new exams and new training. Nov. 6 is the last day when candidates can test on the 640-801 CCNA exam, which is being replaced by 640-802 CCNA, available on Aug. 1. The new exam comprises 640-822 ICND1 - the exam associated with CCENT - and 640-816 ICND2. On top of what candidates should know at the CCENT level, CCNA candidates are tested on their knowledge of the basics of running and fixing LAN, WAN, and wireless networks based on newer Cisco gear, including mitigating security threats. Training for ICND2, also five days, became available from learning partners on July 26.

Jeanne Dunn, senior director for Learning@Cisco said the introduction of the CCENT level allows newbies to become certified at the very beginning of their networking careers. "CCENT widens the funnel, creating an early entry into networking," she said. Students can take the ICND1 exam and become CCENT certified, and work for a while before taking ICND2 to become a CCNA, she explained. CCENT certification holders have three years until they need to take the second exam to qualify for the CCNA designation.

Cisco is also looking to widen the appeal of its certifications across the globe with plans to release versions of the CCNA curriculum and exams in Japanese, simplified Chinese and Spanish in December 2007. More language versions will follow.

Jon Brodkin is senior writer at Network World.