Learn how data actually moves from one device to another. Master IP addressing and subnetting, switching and routing, DNS and DHCP, Wi-Fi, and a step-by-step method for fixing network problems.
LevelBeginner
Estimated time22 hours
Syllabus7 modules + capstone
FormatSelf-paced or live cohort
Leads toApprentice rank in Networking
Is this course for you?
Who it’s for
Beginners heading for help desk, network or cloud roles
IT support staff who want to fix network issues confidently
Students preparing for entry-level networking exams
Small-business owners who manage their own network
Before you start
Comfortable using a computer’s settings and command line basics
No networking experience needed
A free network simulator for labs (setup is covered in Module 1)
What you’ll be able to do
01Explain the OSI and TCP/IP models and what happens at each layer
02Calculate IPv4 subnets and read IPv6 addresses
03Explain how switches, VLANs and routers move traffic
04Configure DHCP and DNS and explain how they work
05Plan and secure a small Wi-Fi network
06Troubleshoot with ping, traceroute, ipconfig/ip and nslookup
Skills for your resume
Computer networking
TCP/IP
IP subnetting
Routing and switching
Wi-Fi
Network troubleshooting
Once you’ve earned the rank, list these in the Skills section of your resume and LinkedIn profile.
The syllabus
7 modules · 22 hours · 1,140 XP to collect. Every module ends with a practical project.
Module 1
How networks work
+120 XP
Lessons
LANs, WANs and the internet
The OSI and TCP/IP models
Cables, ports and connectors
Setting up your lab simulator
Practical projectLabel every device and layer in a home and office network diagram.
Module 2
IP addressing
+120 XP
Lessons
IPv4 addresses and masks
Subnetting step by step
Private addresses and NAT
IPv6 basics
Practical projectSubnet an office network for four departments.
Module 3
Switching
+120 XP
Lessons
MAC addresses and switch tables
VLANs and trunks
Spanning tree in plain words
Power over Ethernet
Practical projectBuild a two-VLAN network in the simulator.
Module 4
Routing
+120 XP
Lessons
How routers choose a path
Static routes and default gateways
Dynamic routing protocols overview
Inter-VLAN routing
Practical projectRoute traffic between three networks in the simulator.
Module 5
Core network services
+120 XP
Lessons
DHCP
DNS and how names resolve
TCP versus UDP and common ports
Time, email and web services
Practical projectSet up DHCP and DNS for a lab network and test name resolution.
Module 6
Wireless and security
+120 XP
Lessons
Wi-Fi standards and channels
WPA3 and guest networks
Firewalls and access control lists
Remote access and VPNs
Practical projectPlan a secure office Wi-Fi with a guest network.
Module 7
Troubleshooting
+120 XP
Lessons
A step-by-step troubleshooting method
ping, traceroute, ipconfig/ip and nslookup
Reading link lights and logs
Documenting the fix
Practical projectFind and fix five faults in a broken lab network.
Capstone project · +300 XP
Show what you can do
Design and build a small office network in the simulator: an addressing plan with subnets, two VLANs, routing, DHCP, DNS, secure Wi-Fi settings and a troubleshooting log for three planted faults.
Live viva, at launch. A recorded 5–10 minute walk-through with an assessor or teacher who can ask follow-up questions.
Process evidence. Submit drafts, notes or commit history, not just a finished file.
AI disclosure. If you used AI, say how. Hidden use can void the project.
Checks are a signal, not the verdict. AI-detection and similarity reviews help the assessor. They are never the only proof.
XP is just for fun. It tracks your progress, but it can never buy or skip a rank.
The Rank Trial
When you’ve finished every module and the capstone, the Apprentice Trial in Networking opens. The Guild runs it, not your instructor, so the rank means the same whoever taught you. It is a proctored, closed-book exam.
What’s assessed
Network models and protocols
IP addressing and subnetting
Switching, routing and services
Wireless, security and troubleshooting
How it works
Format
Proctored online exam, closed notes
Questions
40, randomised bank of scenarios, lab tasks and short answers in your own words
Time
60 minutes, timed
Pass mark
70%
Identity
Verified account, ID check at launch
Re-sit
After 7 days if you don’t pass; a voided attempt may wait longer
AI in lessons
You may use AI as a learning aid only where a module says so. If it does not say so, do the work yourself.
AI in the Trial
Never. The Trial is closed-book and proctored. No assistants, notes or other people.
AI in projects
You may use it only with a clear disclosure of what the tool did and what you did yourself.
Integrity · at launch
Built to stop easy AI cheating
Proctoring, identity checks and live labs start at launch. These are the rules the platform will enforce.
Webcam and screen shareYou share your camera and your screen for the whole sitting.
Locked-down browserThe Trial runs in a locked browser. Copy and paste, extra screens and leaving the tab are flagged.
ID checkYou sit it from a verified Guild account, with an identity check before the clock starts.
Randomised question bankEach attempt draws a fresh mix of questions, so a leaked paper or a chatbot answer key will not help.
Time-boxedThe sitting is timed. When the clock ends, the attempt is submitted as it stands.
Live sandbox labsPractical tasks use a live lab with data unique to you, not a question you can paste into an AI tool.
Ranks are earned. They can’t be bought, and no amount of XP can skip a Trial. Cheating voids the attempt and can revoke a rank already awarded.
Your path in Networking
ApprenticeThis course
JourneymanCourses coming
ExpertCourses coming
MasterCourses coming
The credential you earn
Example
Guild credential
Apprentice · Networking
Proctored
Awarded to
Your name
Course
Networking Fundamentals
Credential ID
GS-XXXX-XXXX
Awarded by
Guild of Skills
Assessment
Proctored Rank Trial
Check it at
guildofskills.com/verify
Example only. Each real rank gets its own ID, a Proctored badge and a verify page.
On your resume
Add it under Licences & Certifications: Apprentice, Networking · Guild of Skills, the month you passed, and your credential ID so employers can check it.
On LinkedIn
Open your profile and add a Licence or certification
Name: Apprentice, Networking. Issuing organisation: Guild of Skills
Add the issue date, your credential ID and your verify link
Add to LinkedInUnlocks when you pass the Trial
Your instructor
Guild-approved instructor coming soon
Every instructor is reviewed and approved by the Guild Council before they can teach, and every lesson and video link is checked before students see it.
Covers topics relevant to CompTIA Network+ objectives. A Guild credential is not a vendor certification and does not include an exam voucher.
Questions about this course
Do I need real network equipment?
No. All labs run in a free network simulator on your own computer.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is announced at launch. Some courses may be free and some paid.
When can I start?
Enrolment is open now. Create a free account, confirm your email, then enrol from this page. Lessons, pricing and live cohorts are confirmed at launch.
Do I get a certificate just for finishing?
Finishing the course unlocks the Rank Trial. Your rank, certificate and verify page are awarded only when you pass the Trial.
Is this the same as an industry certification?
No. A Guild rank is a Guild of Skills credential with its own published standard and public verify page. It isn’t a vendor certification and doesn’t include any vendor exam.
Can I use AI in the Rank Trial?
No. The Trial is closed-book and proctored. AI assistants, notes and other people are not allowed. A flagged attempt can be voided.
Can I use AI while I learn?
Yes, where a module says so, especially in the AI courses, where using the tools is part of the skill. You must disclose any AI you use in a project or capstone.
What is a viva?
After you submit your capstone you walk an assessor or teacher through it, live, for five to ten minutes, and answer follow-up questions. The session is recorded. It starts at launch.
What happens if I cheat?
The attempt is voided. You wait to re-sit, at least seven days, and longer for a serious breach. A rank already awarded can be revoked, and the public verify page will show that.
Leads toApprentice rank in Networking
JourneymanCourses coming
ExpertCourses coming
MasterCourses coming
