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2011 Cisco NetRiders Skills Challenge

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


WHO

Q. Who is eligible to participate in Cisco NetRiders?


A. Any Cisco Networking Academy high school/secondary student who is currently
enrolled or had been enrolled in Cisco IT-Essentials, CCNA Discovery or CCNA
Exploration at a high school/secondary academy within the last nine (9) months from
the date of the NetRiders registration. Contestants must be enrolled in a high school
within a state, province, or district in the United States or Canada (except for the
province of Quebec). Contestants must have an Academy Connection Username and
Student ID to register in order to compete.

Q: Who CANNOT participate in NetRiders?


A: Individuals are NOT eligible for participation if they i) have an instructor role; ii) are direct or
subcontracted employees at Cisco or are subsidiaries, agents, promotion partners, or affiliates;
iii) are employees or inside contractors for Cisco iv) have immediate relatives that meet any of
these conditions.

WHAT

Q. What is the Cisco Networking Academy NetRiders Challenge?


A. An interactive IT/Networking skills competition that will take place in multiple stages
in the United States and Canada (NOTE: not available in Quebec).

Q. What is the goal of the competition?


A. To create a fun, educational challenge for students to compete with their peers in a
real-time environment to showcase their IT/Networking skills. In addition, NetRiders
helps to identify top talent for potential employment opportunities.

Q. What type of material is covered in the competition?


A: The theoretical exam focuses on CCNA-level knowledge and skills. The questions are
based on the contents of the CCENT certification (640-822 ICND1) which covers networking
fundamentals, WAN technologies, basic security and wireless concepts, routing and switching
fundamentals, and configuring simple networks.

In addition, there is an integrated Packet Tracer activity and exam consisting of multiple-choice
single and multiple answer items. (For the latest version of Packet Tracer, visit:
http://cisco.netacad.net/cnams/content/templates/LibraryHome.jsp?#/resource/lcms/cnams_sit
e/english/generic_site_areas/library/course_catalog/PTCacheInclude.html)

Q. What is the Enrollment Key?

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A. The Enrollment Key is needed to register for NetRiders. Students must obtain the
key from their Networking Academy instructor. Instructors should have received the
key in communications sent to them by their Cisco Academy Training Center (CATC).
If not, they can send an email to netriders_uscan@cisco.com with their Academy
Connection instructor ID and state/province to receive the key.

Q. What is the process to compete?


A. The interactive competition will take place in multiple phases:
 PRACTICE ROUND – An online activity prior to the actual competition that allows
you and your teammate to test your login and understand how the exam process
works. This will be open during registration (February 28, 2011-March 18, 2011) and
each registrant will have up to three (3) opportunities to take the practice activity.
 ROUND ONE (Team Qualifier) -- A 50 minute online theoretical exam that includes
a Cisco Packet Tracer activity which will take place in a proctored class between
March 14, 2011-March 25, 2011 during your region’s open/close time as specified
on the NetRiders home page. (NOTE: Teams will need to schedule the competition
time with their instructor.) The top ten (10) scoring teams of two contestants from
each participating state and province will advance to Round Two.
 ROUND TWO (State/Provincial Qualifier) – A 60 minute online theoretical exam and
30 minute Cisco Packet Tracer activity and exam will take place in a proctored class
between April 6, 2011-April 22, 2011 during your region’s open/close time as
specified on the NetRiders home page. (NOTE: Teams will need to schedule the
competition time with their instructor.) The top team of two contestants from each
state and province will advance to the Final Round.
 FINAL ROUND (Theater Finale) -- A 120 minute online theoretical exam and Cisco
Packet Tracer activity and exam will take place in a proctored environment on May
6, 2011 between 1:00pm-4:00pm EST. (NOTE: Teams will be asked to log in to a
free Cisco Webex session for the duration of the contest to participate in a LIVE
presentation. All teams must participate at the same time.) The top ten (10) teams
of two contestants will be awarded prizes (See RULES for prize details).

REGISTRATION

Q. When will registration open?


A. Online registration will be open Monday, February 28, 2011 at 8:00am EST and will
close on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 11:59pm EST.

Q. How do students register?


A. Register online at www.academynetriders.com (NOTE: Students must register
individually but then must complete a task designating who their teammate is and
which login they will use to participate as a team of two. There is no limit to the number
of teams a single academy can register. Instructors are encouraged to have all of their
eligible students from their classes register for the competition.)

Q: How do I register for the competition?


A: Follow these instructions to register for NetRiders:

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Step 1: Obtain an enrolment key from your instructor. You must have an enrolment key to
participate. (NOTE: Instructors will have received the Enrolment Key in communications sent
directly to them through Academy Connection. In addition, instructors can obtain an Enrolment
Key by sending an email to netriders_uscan@cisco.com with their Academy Connection
instructor ID and state/province.

Step 2: Students will need to go to www.academynetriders.com and select “US-Canada”

Step 3: Each competitor must login using their Academy Connection username and password.
(NOTE: If a student is new to the site NetRiders competition site, create a new account by
reviewing the pre-populated information and submitting all required information as instructed. If
returning to the site, registrants must put in their NetRiders Compete site username and
password. This will be done only one time to sync your Academy Connection username and
password with your Competition Site profile. After that, Academy Connection username and
password will be used to login moving forward.

Step 3: Read and agree to these Terms and Conditions.

Step 4: Type in the Enrollment Key (contact your instructor for key)

Competitors will now be enrolled in the Competition!

Q: Can instructors register their students in the competition?


A: No, each student must register their own profile on the www.academynetriders.com/ site
and then use the Enrolment Key to register. During this process they have to click to accept
the legal terms and conditions of the competition which is why each student must register
themselves. (NOTE: We encourage instructors to have their students register using school
computers because if there are any firewall or proxy setting issues accessing the site we want
to troubleshoot them before the competition day.)

Q. How do students select their teammate?


A. We leave that up to the instructors or competitors to decide how to select
teammates. We recommend the teams of two be from the same class to make it
easier to take the online exam during class time. If there are not enough competitors
in the class for all to be placed on a team of two, an individual may compete solo in
Round One only. However, if that individual qualifies to move on to Round Two they
must then be placed with another competitor from the same academy or a nearby
academy who also competed in Round One but did not qualify to move to Round
Two. If there is no other person meeting those requirements to join the individual
participant for Round Two, then than individual will be disqualified from the
competition.

Q: I am having issues registering on the site. What can I do?


A: There could be a number of reasons you cannot register. If you are not a current student or
recent alumni, the site will not allow you to register because you do not meet the eligibility
requirements. If you do meet eligibility requirements and still have issues:

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1. Clear your cookies and cache and try again especially if you are using Internet Explorer 8
2. Try another browser such as FireFox or Chrome
3. Check with your academy to see if there is a proxy or firewall that is blocking your access
4. If you are still having issues, please send a screenshot of the problem along with the
Internet browser name and version number and a description of the problem to
netriders_uscan@cisco.com. Please include your name, Academy Connection username
and the name of the competition you are registering for.

Q: Will there be an opportunity for a Practice Round before the actual


competition?
A: Yes, during open registration (February 28, 2011-March 18, 2011), participants will
have the opportunity to take a Practice Exam to become familiar with the log-in
process and competition site. Each registrant can take the practice exam up to three
(3) times. (See RULES for details).

ROUND ONE (TEAM QUALIFIER)

Q. When will Round One be held?


A. Round One will be held between March 14, 2011-March 25, 2011 during your
region’s open/close time as specified on the NetRiders home page. Instructors can
select the actual date and time within the Round One range of dates that works best
with their schedule. (NOTE: Competitions must be held in a proctored environment -
SEE RULES.)

Q. What is the format for Round One?


A. Round One involves a Theoretical Exam consisting of 50 multiple choice, matching,
fill in the blank and short answer questions along with a Packet Tracer Activity and 10
questions based on the PT activity. Teams will have a total of 50 minutes to complete
the 60 exam questions and PT activity.

Q. What are the equipment and software requirements?


A. The standard Discovery or Exploration PC or Laptop as described in the Classroom
Setup of the tools section of Academy Connection. The computer needs to be able to
access the Internet and run the latest version of Cisco Packet Tracer. IMPORTANT
NOTE: Packet Tracer should be installed and operation tested prior to exam date.

Q. What is the instructor’s role?


A. The instructor will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
 promoting the competition to their students
 scheduling the online exam during class time or at a time that works best for their
schedule
 ensuring that equipment is running and that students can access the website
 ensuring that Packet Tracer 5.3 is installed on the students’ PC
 acting as the proctor to verify that students are complying with rules, times, and
team structure
 ensure that no external aids are used for the exams except Engineer Journal Notes
taken from the Packet Tracer activity and/or exam

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Q. How do students compete?
A. In Round One, students will compete as teams of two (2) under the team captain’s
login for the top ten (10) spots for each state and province. They must access the
exam only under the Team Captain’s login. (IMPORTANT NOTE: If both team
members access the actual exam, they can be disqualified. If technology fails on the
competitor side, the team must log back in under the captain’s email address again
and continue the exam where they left off, and in the time remaining.)

Q. How will the winners be determined?


A. In Round One, the winners will be the top ten (10) teams of two (2) students from
each state and province who will advance to Round Two. Only team rankings by state
and province (not actual scores or answers) will be released.

Q. How will the winners be notified?


A. In Round One, the winners will be notified via email, within 3-5 business days of the
close of Round One which ends on March 25, 2011. Winners will be provided
instructions to confirm they will move to Round Two. Instructors will be asked to
ensure their respective winners complete this process to proceed to Round Two.

ROUND TWO (STATE AND PROVINCIAL QUALIFIER)

Q. When will Round Two be held?


A. Round Two will be held between April 6, 2011-April 22, 2011 during your region’s
open/close time as specified on the NetRiders home page. The instructor can select
the actual date and time within the Round Two range of dates that works best with
their schedule. (NOTE: Competitions will be held in a proctored environment -- See
RULES.)

Q. What is the format for Round Two?


A. Teams will have a total of 90 minutes to complete the theoretical quiz and PT
activity and exam questions for Round Two, which involves a 60 minute Theoretical
Exam consisting of 80 multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank and short answer
questions along with a 30 minute Packet Tracer Activity and 10 questions based on
the PT activity.

Q. What are the equipment and software requirements for Round Two?
A. The standard Discovery or Exploration PC or Laptop as described in the Classroom
Setup of the tools section of Academy Connection. The computer needs to be able to
access the Internet. IMPORTANT NOTE: The latest version of Packet Tracer should
be installed and operation tested prior to exam date.

Q. What is the instructor’s role?


A. The instructor will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

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 offering the online exam during class time or at a time that works best for both the
instructor and students as this round may be longer than a typical class session
 ensuring that equipment is running and that students can access the website
 ensuring that Packet Tracer 5.3 is installed on the student’s PC
 ensuring the winners complete and return the release form required for Round
Three (will be sent via email to all Round Two competitors advancing to the Final
Round)
 acting as the proctor to verify rules and time requirements are adhered to ensure
that no external aids are used for the exams except Engineer Journal Notes taken
from the Packet Tracer activity and/or exam

Q. How do students compete?


A. During Round Two, the top 10 teams of two (2) students from each state and
province will compete for the top spot for that state or province. They must access the
exam only under the Team Captain’s login. (IMPORTANT NOTE: If both team
members access the actual exam, they can be disqualified. If technology fails on the
competitor side, the team must log back in under the captain’s email address again
and continue the exam where they left off, and in the time remaining.)

Q. How will the winners be determined?


A. After Round Two, the winners will be the top team of two (2) with the highest score
for each state and province. Only team rankings by state and province (not actual
scores or answers) will be released.

Q. How will the winners be notified?


A. After Round Two, the winners will be notified via email, typically within 2 business
days of the close of Round Two. Winners will be provided instructions to confirm they
will move to the Final Round and complete and return a Declaration of Eligibility,
Liability and Publicity. Instructors will be asked to ensure their respective winners
complete this process to proceed to the Final Round.

FINAL ROUND (THEATER FINALE)

Q. When will the Final Round be held?


A. May 6, 2011 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm EDT

Q. Where is the Final Round?


A. The Final Round competition will be held in a proctored environment (preferably at
the Cisco Networking Academy location). Participants will be invited to attend a virtual
opening and closing program via Cisco Webex which will include LIVE presentations
from Cisco leaders and special guests. Instructions for connecting to the virtual
presentation will be provided to finalists prior to the event (See RULES).

Q. What is the format?


A Teams will have a total of 120 minutes to complete the theoretical quiz and PT
activity in the Final Round which involves 100 multiple choice, matching, fill in the

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blank and short answer questions along with a Packet Tracer Activity and 20 questions
based on the PT activity.

Q. What is the instructor’s role?


A. The instructor will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
 proctoring the online exam during the exact scheduled date and time
 ensuring that students are able to be excused from other class activities to
participate in this final round
 ensuring that equipment is running and that students can access the website
 ensuring that Packet Tracer 5.3 is installed on the students’ PC
 acting as the proctor to verify all rules and time requirements are adhered to
 ensure that no external aids are used for the exams or Packet Tracer activity

Q. How do students compete?


A. In the Final Round, the top team of two (2) for each state and province will compete
for the top ten (10) spots for the US/Canada theater. Teams must access the exam
only under the Team Captain’s login. (IMPORTANT NOTE: If both team members
access the actual exam, they can be disqualified. If technology fails on the competitor
side, the team must log back in under the captain’s email address again and continue
the exam where they left off, and in the time remaining.)

Q. What are the prizes?


A. Prizes will be given to the top ten (10) teams who place in the Theater Finale.
(NOTE: Prize details are listed in the RULES. Please review during the registration
process.)

Q. How will the winners be determined?


A. The top ten (10) student teams with the highest scores will qualify to win prizes –
SEE RULES. Only team rankings by state and province (not actual scores or
answers) will be released.

Q. How will the winners be notified?


A. The announcement will be made LIVE during the Cisco Webex presentation, at the
end of the competition on May 6, 2011 approximately between 4:30-5:00 pm EDT. In
addition, the winners will be announced via email to all participating students,
instructors, and academies and posted on the NetRiders Competition Site
(www.academynetriders.com) (typically within 2 business days of the close of Round
Three).

MISCELLANEOUS

Q: How much does it cost to participate in this competition?


A: Registration and participation in the NetRiders competition is free of charge.

Q: Why should I register using my academy’s computer rather than my personal


computer?

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A: Some school’s block Internet access to websites. To ensure that your academy’s computer
is able to access the competition site, we encourage all students to register from their
academy’s computers to allow IT departments to modify proxy or firewall settings before the
competition dates.

Q. Are the events timed?


A. Yes. Once the team captain logs into the compete site and launches the exam, a
timer will appear which counts down the remaining time. (See the RULES for specific
details.)

Q. What happens if the online system freezes?


A. The competition site will remember how much time remains. If there is a technical
issue, please immediately send an email to netriders_uscan@cisco.com stating the
issue along with the state/province, team members names, and academy name just in
case any other issues arise. If logging back in is possible, do so under the team
captain’s email address. NOTE: NetRiders administrators can tell when exams were
accessed, by whom and for how long. Students can restart with the amount of time
remaining.

Q. How can teams practice their skills prior to the competition?


A. Students who have passed a core Cisco Networking Academy course are eligible to
register as Alumni in Academy Connection where they will have access to Course
Materials (Alumni Home Page) for courses they passed. Cisco Learning Network also
provides study resource materials that are available to anyone with an account (free
signup).

Q. What are the potential reasons for a competitor to be disqualified from


participating in Cisco NetRiders?
A. Cisco reserves the right to disqualify any Contestant or Team for any breach of the
Terms and Conditions. In particular, Contestants should note the following reasons
disqualification may occur:
• Failure to meet all eligibility requirements
• Failure to complete the “Select Your Team” task during the Registration Period
• Accessing exams under both Team Members’ login credentials
• Enrolling in more than one regional competition
• Failure to be proctored during Competition Periods
• More than one Contestant in a class participating in Round One as an individual
• Failure to find a qualified substitute, if needed, for Round Two if Contestant
participated in Round One individually
• Failure to notify Sponsor of substitutions, if needed, for Round Two
• If a Team Member has been disqualified and the remaining Team Member
cannot find an approved substitute

See RULES for more details…

Q. Who do I contact if I have any further questions?

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A. Please be sure to read the RULES document in its entirety. Feel free to submit
any questions to netriders_uscan@cisco.com

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