The APJC NetAcad Riders competition is an interactive networking skills contest that enhances classroom learning, unites students from across the region, and promotes further technology education and training. Organized by Cisco, the competitions are a great opportunity for Networking Academy students to learn valuable Networking/IT skills through a series of online exams and simulation activities using Cisco Packet Tracer. The 2025 Challenge is open to students currently or recently enrolled (January 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025) in a Cisco Networking Academy CCNA v7.0 course. There is no age restrictions for students participating in the NetAcad Riders.

Benefits of NetAcad Riders



Recognition for outstanding achievement
Hands-on practice and experience in a competitive environment
Career opportunities and internships through increased visibility
Opportunities to engage with students across the region




Who is eligible?



The competition is only open to students who meet all the following requirements: Students currently or recently enrolled (January 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025) in a Cisco Networking Academy CCNA v7.0 course module (ITN/SRWE/ENSA)

Examples:

  1. I am a student currently undertaking CCNA v7 Module 2. Am I eligible? Yes, since the date falls between January 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025.
  2. I am a student who completed CCNA v7 Module 1 in Feb 2024. Yes, since the date falls between January 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025.
  3. My institution is a new Cisco Networking Academy and my instructor is planning to start the CCNA v7 Module 1 on January 30, 2025. Yes, Since the date falls between January 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025.

The student must be a resident and currently residing in the country they will be representing in the APJC region*.

The competition is offered in English except for those located in Mainland China (Simplified Chinese)

The students do not need Cisco Equipment to participate in the competition, however they will require the latest version of Packet Tracer, a computer and webcam to join the Cisco Webex for Rounds 1 & 2.

A student may only represent one academy which is where they are currently studying or recently completed the CCNA 7.0 course.

Instructors and those working at Cisco either as a direct employee or through a third-party vendor with a Cisco email and/or badge are not eligible to compete in any NetAcad Riders competition and will be disqualified.

Competitors who do not meet the above requirements will be disqualified from the competition.



*The following residents are eligible to compete, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vietnam, China Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Mongolia.




How many rounds are there in the competition?




Round 1

Round 1 will be conducted virtually (via Cisco Webex) in March and April 2025, and will be:

  • 45 multiple-choice questions
  • Designed to be answered in 60 minutes
  • On these dates for the following regions
    • March 24, 2025: Singapore. 11:00-12:00 – Singapore time (UTC+8)
    • March 26, 2025: Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. 11:00-12:00 - Singapore time (UTC+8)
    • March 28, 2025: ANZ, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan. 11:00-12:00 – Singapore time (UTC+8)
    • April 2, 2025: Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. 13:30-14:30 – China time (UTC+8)
    • April 2, 2025: India and South Asia. 13:30-14:30 – Bangalore time (UTC+5:30)
    • April 9, 2025: Malaysia and Indonesia. 11:00-12:00 – Singapore time (UTC+8)

Student Nomination link and detail will be available by February 5, 2025. Instructors will receive an email from Country Cisco Business Development Manager. Nominations will be closed on March 14, 2025.


Round 2

Round 2 will be conducted virtually (via Cisco Webex) in May 2025. The top 3 country scores from Round 1 will be invited to represent their country/region in the final APJC NetAcad Riders 2025.

The final round will be conducted on May 7, 2025 at 11:00-12:00 Singapore time (UTC+8) and will be:

  • A Cisco Packet Tracer activity to be answered in 60 minutes
  • The date of the competition is May 7, 2025 11:00-12:00 Singapore time (UTC+8).

The student who gains the maximum score will be selected as the winner. In the event of a tie, there will be a tie-breaker question to complete.




Recognition for Winners?



Trophies will be awarded at the country/region level for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed winners.

Further Certificate recognition will be given to competitors in Round 1 for the following:

Gold Certificate

Top 5% in
Round 1

Silver Certificate

Next 10% in
Round 1

Bronze Certificate

Next 15% in
Round 1