PrepWhat is CCNA?
CCNA is Cisco's associate-level networking certification, earned by passing one exam, 200-301 Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions. It proves you can build, switch, route, secure and automate networks, using Cisco equipment as the reference. The current v1.1 exam covers network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals and automation. It is a common first serious credential for network and infrastructure jobs.
How much does the CCNA exam cost?
The CCNA 200-301 exam costs USD 300 per attempt, payable directly or with Cisco Learning Credits. Cisco also offers Exam Safeguard Plus for USD 450, which includes a second attempt within 90 days. Local taxes and currency can change the amount you pay. See our CCNA exam cost page for retakes and renewal costs.
How hard is the CCNA?
The CCNA is a demanding exam for an associate-level certification, mainly because it is broad and expects hands-on skill. Subnetting, routing and switching need real lab practice, and you have only 120 minutes. People who study only theory without labs usually find it hard. Our CCNA study guide explains where candidates lose marks.
What CCNA training or course do I need?
You do not need any specific course to take the CCNA, because Cisco sets no training requirement or prerequisite. What you need is coverage of every item in the official 200-301 exam topics plus plenty of lab practice, in a network simulator or on used Cisco equipment. Practise VLANs, trunks, OSPF, NAT, ACLs and reading show command output. Our CCNA study guide sets out a plan.
How do I get CCNA certified?
You get CCNA certified by passing a single exam, 200-301, booked through Pearson VUE. There are no prerequisites, and Cisco says the certification assumes little to no prior networking knowledge. Study the official exam topics, practise in a lab, pay the USD 300 fee, and pass within the 120-minute exam. The certification is then valid for three years.
What does CCNA stand for?
CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate. "Associate" is the level in Cisco's certification ladder, one step below the professional-level CCNP. The exam behind it is 200-301 Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions. Compare the next level in our CCNA vs CCNP guide.
How many questions are on the CCNA exam?
Cisco does not publish the number of questions on the CCNA exam. Prep sites report roughly 100 to 120 questions, but treat that as an estimate. What Cisco does confirm is the 120-minute time limit. Secondary sources describe multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and simulation-style questions, so practise configuring devices as well as answering theory.
How long does it take to study for the CCNA, and can I pass in one month?
Without a networking background, many people study for three to six months part-time. One month is realistic only if you already work with networks daily and mainly need to fill gaps against the exam topics. Lab practice is the part most people underestimate. Our CCNA study guide has a study plan.
Is the CCNA worth it in 2026, or should I wait for v2.0?
The CCNA is worth it if you want a networking career, and the certification is valid for three years whichever exam version you pass. According to Cisco's Learning blog, the last day to test on v1.1 is February 2, 2027 and CCNA v2.0 starts on February 3, 2027, with more troubleshooting and AI-assisted operations. If you are well into v1.1 study, take it before the cutoff; if you are starting now, plan around v2.0. See CCNA v2.0 changes.
CCNA v2.0 changes: what the February 2027 exam means for you
Do you have to retake the CCNA every 3 years?
No, you do not have to retake the CCNA exam itself, but you must recertify every three years. You can pass the current CCNA exam again, pass a higher-level Cisco certification exam, or earn 30 Continuing Education (CE) credits through Cisco training, webinars or approved courses. If you do none of these before the three years are up, the certification expires.
Is Cisco certification free?
No, the CCNA exam is not free: it costs USD 300 per attempt, or USD 450 with Exam Safeguard Plus, which adds a second attempt within 90 days. You can prepare largely for free, though. Cisco publishes the official exam topics as a free PDF, network simulators let you lab without hardware, and our free CCNA practice test checks your readiness.
What is the CCNA salary?
There is no single CCNA salary, because pay depends on the job, location and experience rather than the certificate alone. CCNA holders often work as network or systems administrators, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $99,130 for network and computer systems administrators in May 2025. Computer network support specialists, a common first networking role, had a median of $76,220 in the same data.
What is the CCNA passing score?
Cisco does not publish a fixed passing score for the CCNA; the exam is reported only as pass or fail. Secondary sources say Cisco sets passing scores statistically and that they can change, so a number you see quoted online may not apply to your exam. Aim to score well above the borderline in timed practice before you book.
Should I take Network+ or CCNA first?
Take CCNA first if you want a networking career and are ready for hands-on Cisco configuration; take Network+ first if you want a broader, vendor-neutral foundation or a route into security. Neither is a prerequisite for the other. CCNA goes deeper into routing and switching in a two-hour exam. Read our CCNA vs Network+ comparison or the Network+ FAQ.
CCNA vs Network+: side-by-side comparison and decision guide