Comprehensive OBJECTIVE
ASSESSMENT Guide to AP
Networking & AP Cybersecurity
2026 (EARLY ACCESS)
1. Understanding AP Networking & Cybersecurity
Advanced Placement (AP) Networking and AP
Cybersecurity are specialized courses designed to provide
high school students with college-level knowledge in
computer networking and information security. These
programs prepare students for careers in IT, cybersecurity,
and network engineering.
2. AP Networking
A. Core Concepts
Definition:
AP Networking focuses on the design, implementation,
and management of computer networks, including wired
and wireless systems.
Key Topics Covered:
Network Fundamentals
OSI & TCP/IP models
IP addressing (IPv4 & IPv6)
Subnetting and VLANs
Network Hardware
,Routers, switches, firewalls
Wireless access points (APs)
Protocols & Services
DHCP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP
VPNs, NAT, QoS
Network Security Basics
Encryption, authentication, ACLs
Troubleshooting & Monitoring
Ping, traceroute, Wireshark
SNMP, syslog
B. Skills Developed
✅ Configuring routers & switches
✅ Designing scalable networks
✅ Diagnosing network issues
✅ Securing network infrastructure
C. Exam Structure (Hypothetical)
Forma Weig
Section
t ht
Multiple
60 Qs 50%
Choice
Lab 3-4
30%
Simulations tasks
Free 2
20%
Response essays
3. AP Cybersecurity
A. Core Concepts
,Definition:
AP Cybersecurity teaches threat prevention, ethical
hacking, and risk management to protect digital systems.
Key Topics Covered:
Cyber Threats
Malware, phishing, DDoS, zero-day exploits
Defense Strategies
Firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM
Endpoint protection (EDR)
Cryptography
Symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption
SSL/TLS, PKI, hashing
Ethical Hacking
Penetration testing (Kali Linux)
Vulnerability scanning (Nmap)
Legal & Compliance
GDPR, HIPAA, NIST frameworks
Incident response plans
B. Skills Developed
✅ Identifying vulnerabilities
✅ Implementing security policies
✅ Conducting penetration tests
✅ Responding to cyber incidents
C. Exam Structure (Hypothetical)
Weig
Section Format
ht
Multiple 70 Qs 50%
, Weig
Section Format
ht
Choice
Hands-On 2-3
30%
Labs tasks
2
Case
scenari 20%
Studies
os
4. Comparison: AP Networking vs. AP Cybersecurity
Feature AP Networking AP Cybersecurity
Focus Building networks Protecting networks
Cisco Packet
Tools Used Kali Linux, Metasploit
Tracer, Wireshark
Network Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst,
Career Paths
SysAdmin Ethical Hacker
Certification
CCNA, Network+ Security+, CEH
Alignment
5. Why Take These AP Courses?
Benefits
College Credit – Earn advanced standing in IT/CS degrees.
Industry Certifications – Prep for CompTIA, Cisco, and EC-
Council exams.
Hands-On Experience – Configure real networks and hack
ethically.
Career Readiness – High demand for network/security
professionals.
ASSESSMENT Guide to AP
Networking & AP Cybersecurity
2026 (EARLY ACCESS)
1. Understanding AP Networking & Cybersecurity
Advanced Placement (AP) Networking and AP
Cybersecurity are specialized courses designed to provide
high school students with college-level knowledge in
computer networking and information security. These
programs prepare students for careers in IT, cybersecurity,
and network engineering.
2. AP Networking
A. Core Concepts
Definition:
AP Networking focuses on the design, implementation,
and management of computer networks, including wired
and wireless systems.
Key Topics Covered:
Network Fundamentals
OSI & TCP/IP models
IP addressing (IPv4 & IPv6)
Subnetting and VLANs
Network Hardware
,Routers, switches, firewalls
Wireless access points (APs)
Protocols & Services
DHCP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP
VPNs, NAT, QoS
Network Security Basics
Encryption, authentication, ACLs
Troubleshooting & Monitoring
Ping, traceroute, Wireshark
SNMP, syslog
B. Skills Developed
✅ Configuring routers & switches
✅ Designing scalable networks
✅ Diagnosing network issues
✅ Securing network infrastructure
C. Exam Structure (Hypothetical)
Forma Weig
Section
t ht
Multiple
60 Qs 50%
Choice
Lab 3-4
30%
Simulations tasks
Free 2
20%
Response essays
3. AP Cybersecurity
A. Core Concepts
,Definition:
AP Cybersecurity teaches threat prevention, ethical
hacking, and risk management to protect digital systems.
Key Topics Covered:
Cyber Threats
Malware, phishing, DDoS, zero-day exploits
Defense Strategies
Firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM
Endpoint protection (EDR)
Cryptography
Symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption
SSL/TLS, PKI, hashing
Ethical Hacking
Penetration testing (Kali Linux)
Vulnerability scanning (Nmap)
Legal & Compliance
GDPR, HIPAA, NIST frameworks
Incident response plans
B. Skills Developed
✅ Identifying vulnerabilities
✅ Implementing security policies
✅ Conducting penetration tests
✅ Responding to cyber incidents
C. Exam Structure (Hypothetical)
Weig
Section Format
ht
Multiple 70 Qs 50%
, Weig
Section Format
ht
Choice
Hands-On 2-3
30%
Labs tasks
2
Case
scenari 20%
Studies
os
4. Comparison: AP Networking vs. AP Cybersecurity
Feature AP Networking AP Cybersecurity
Focus Building networks Protecting networks
Cisco Packet
Tools Used Kali Linux, Metasploit
Tracer, Wireshark
Network Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst,
Career Paths
SysAdmin Ethical Hacker
Certification
CCNA, Network+ Security+, CEH
Alignment
5. Why Take These AP Courses?
Benefits
College Credit – Earn advanced standing in IT/CS degrees.
Industry Certifications – Prep for CompTIA, Cisco, and EC-
Council exams.
Hands-On Experience – Configure real networks and hack
ethically.
Career Readiness – High demand for network/security
professionals.
