The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)^[1] certification was the first stage of Cisco's certification system. The certification was retired on 24 February 2020.^[2] The CCENT certification was an interim step to Associate level or directly with CCNA and CCDA certifications. While the CCENT covered basic networking knowledge; it did not get involved with the more intricate technical aspects of the Cisco routing and switching and network design. The certification validated the skills essential for entry-level network support positions. CCENT qualified individuals have the knowledge and skill to install, manage, maintain and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including network security. The CCENT curriculum covered networking fundamentals, WAN technologies, basic security, routing and switching fundamentals, and configuring simple networks.^[3] The applicable training was the Cisco ICND1 ("Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, Part 1") and the exam was ("100-105" ICND1), costing $165 retail.^[4] The certification was valid for 3 years.

The CCENT qualifying exam, ICND1 was retired on 24 February 2020. ^[2] Existing CCENT holders will continue to have active and valid CCENT certification 3 years from issue date.