AP Networking Credential

As an AP Career Kickstart™ course, AP Networking offers students the opportunity to earn an employer-endorsed credential in the networking field. 

The credential validates an emerging analyst’s skills to configure network hardware, use protocols to enable reliable and accurate transmission of data between hosts, and protect the transmission of data within and between computer networks. Credential holders demonstrate mastery through their ability to apply these skills in real-world scenarios and performance tasks, making them valuable assets to any organization. 

High school students earn the credential after taking a yearlong AP Networking course and then achieving a qualifying score on the AP Networking Exam.

Technical Skills  

The AP Networking Credential validates the recognized professional skills outlined in the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework.

Designing a secure network: 

• Determining appropriate endpoints, network appliances, transmission media, and communication protocols to meet network requirements  
• Enabling reliable, accurate, and secure transmission in the context of the OSI and TCP/IP models  

Configuring a secure network: 

• Constructing, connecting, and documenting network components using appropriate media, communication protocols, and commands  
• Troubleshooting common issues by testing connectivity, verifying configuration, and monitoring congestion  

Protecting computer networks: 

• Identifying potential vulnerabilities in data, devices, and networks  
• Implementing security controls that address potential vulnerabilities 

About the Course 

AP Networking trains students in the field and aligns closely with standard first-year collegiate introductory networking courses. Students blend learning essential networking concepts with relevant, hands-on problem-solving activities to maximize their understanding of network hardware, logical and physical configuration, the use of protocols to enable reliable and accurate transmission of data between hosts, and relevant security practices that protect the transmission of data within and between computer networks.

Students learn the value of configuring devices and networks with a “security-first” mindset to mitigate common vulnerabilities. Students work collaboratively to connect, configure, troubleshoot, and secure devices and networks while building critical thinking and communication skills.

About the Exam  

The AP Networking Exam is a digital exam of essential technical skills in the networking field. This exam puts students in the position of an analyst, leveraging career-connected scenarios to test their skills and ability to make evidence-based, contextually aware decisions.  

The digital exam is divided into two sections:  

• Multiple Choice: These questions connect to real-world job scenarios and test both knowledge and application. 
• Free Response: These questions use real networking artifacts and evidence for students to analyze and provide responses.  

Students with qualifying scores will earn the AP Networking Credential. 

How the Credential Can Be Applied 

The AP Networking Credential supports student progression into multiple postgraduation career and education options.

Join the Workforce 

Early Career Development: The AP Networking Credential is aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, preparing students to succeed in their careers. Course knowledge and skills also align with the internships and apprenticeships visible through the NICE Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program Finder. 

Career Connections: The AP Networking Credential prepares students with qualifying skills for high-demand, high-growth jobs, such as: 

• Computer Network Support Specialist 
• Network and Computer Systems Administrator 
• Computer and Information Systems Manager 
• Computer Systems Engineer/Architect 
• Computer Systems Analyst 
• Computer User Support Specialist 
• Information Security Engineer 
• Information Security Analyst 

Visit BigFuture to explore more information technology careers. 

Pursue a Degree or Certificate 

Students with a qualifying score on the AP Networking Exam could earn up to 3 credits to apply to a relevant community college degree, four-year degree, or certificate program.

Stack Employer-Endorsed Credentials 

Students can earn “stackable” credentials throughout their education and professional development, apply them to entry-level jobs and to college, and leverage them to earn positions that provide good salaries in high-growth industries. The AP Networking Credential is aligned with common industry certifications including CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA), and Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST): Networking.  

AP Networking Advisory Committees 

The AP Networking course and Credential are developed with faculty and industry experts. 

Meet Our Higher Education Advisory Committee: 

• Dane Brown, U.S. Cyber Team Coach, Annapolis, Md. 
• Jun Dai, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Mass.   
• Melissa Dark, DARK Enterprises, Inc., Lafayette, Ind.  
• Chance Folmar, Front Range Community College, Westminster, Colo.   
• Charles Gardner, Cyber Innovation Center, Bossier City, La.  
• Tommy Gober, Infosec Institute, Mason, Ohio  
• Angel Hueca, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pa.   
• Terri Johnson Akse, University of Colorado–Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colo.  
• Kyle Jones, Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio   
• Bekah Michael, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio   
• Michael Qaissaunee, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, N.J.   
• Diego Tibaquirá, Miami Dade College, Miami, Fla.  
• Anthony Tsetse, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Ky. 

Meet Our Industry Advisory Committee:

• Charles Banks, U.S. Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Carol Kim, IBM, New York, N.Y.   
• Dr. Cynthia Sutherland, Amazon Web Services, Seattle, Wash.