FAQ 09: The DCPE web-site claims that the Course prepares the students for CCNA certification. What is CCNA certification? What are the benefits of getting it? How about CompTIA Security+, Cisco certified CyberOps Associate, RHCSA, AWS and Huawei HCIA-AI?

CCNA -- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a very well-recognised industry certification. CCNA is mainly about computer networking, and is a must-have for those who wants to be a Network Engineer. Holding a CCNA certification gives the DCPE graduate an edge during job application (especially jobs related to networking), and also a lot of bargain power for higher salary.

DCPE course has two year-2 paths: “Computer Networking & Security” (CNS) and “Computer Engineering & Software” (CES). Under the CNS path, there are 3 computer-networking related modules during year-2 of the course, covering most of the contents of CCNA. If taken externally, the CCNA certification course is very costly (a few thousand dollars for instructor-led course). For DCPE students, it is part of the course at no extra fee. DCPE students that have completed these 3 modules may opt to take the CCNA certification exam outside (exam fee is about 300+ US dollars).

CompTIA Security+ -- With the strong foundation in Computer Networking from year-2 CNS path, DCPE students are well-prepared for the “Cyber Security” year-3 specialization. The modules under this specialization will prepare the students for “CompTIA Security+” certification.

Cisco certified CyberOps Associate -- The module “ET0733 Cybersecurity Operations” under the year-3 specialization “Cyber Security” prepares the students for the Cisco certification. Today's organizations must rapidly detect cybersecurity breaches and effectively respond to security incidents. Organizations keep a vigilant eye on security systems 24/7, protecting their organizations from cybersecurity threats. “Cisco certified CyberOps Associate” certification prepares students for a career working with associate-level cybersecurity analysts within organizations’ Security Operations Centre.

RHCSA -- Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is another well-recognised industry certification. RHCSA is more about server administration, suitable for those who aims to be system administrator. RHCSA is NOT included in DCPE curriculum. It is made available to DCPE students in the form of a “package of 3 Free Elective modules”. All SP students will take three “Free Elective” modules during year-2 and year-3 of the course. DCPE students may choose to take all the three Free Elective modules related to RHCSA if they are interested in the RHCSA certification.

AWS -- DCPE uses the AWS (Amazon Web Services) platform for lab experiments in year-2 and year-3 cloud computing modules. After completing the AWS Cloud Computing modules, DCPE students may choose to go for AWS certifications (AWS certified Cloud Practitioner or AWS certified Solutions Architect - Associate).

Huawei HCIA-AI -- School of EEE of SP is a partner of Huawei ICT Academy. The module “ET0732 Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence” under year-3 specialization “Computer Applications” uses learning materials on AI from Huawei. After completing the module, DCPE students may sit for the HCIA-AI (Huawei Certified ICT Associate - Artificial Intelligence) certification examination. Many DCPE students have obtained the HCIA-AI certifications.