Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The CCNA is Cisco's associate-level networking certification. It covers how networks are built, switched, routed, secured and automated, using Cisco equipment as the reference. It is a common first serious credential for network and infrastructure roles. Until early 2027 the exam follows the v1.1 topics; a v2.0 blueprint with more troubleshooting and AI-assisted operations is due to replace it.
Who it is for
- People starting a career in networking, such as help desk staff moving into network support
- Junior network, system or cloud administrators who configure switches, routers and wireless networks
- Security and cloud professionals who need a solid grounding in IP addressing, routing and switching
- Students and career changers who want a recognized, vendor-backed networking credential
The exam at a glance
| 200-301 CCNA v1.1 | 200-301 CCNA v2.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam | Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (200-301 CCNA) | Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (200-301 CCNA) v2.0 (upcoming) |
| Questions | Not published by Cisco (secondary sources report roughly 100 to 120) | Not published by Cisco |
| Time | 120 min | 120 min |
| Format | Computer-based exam delivered through Pearson VUE. Cisco does not publish the item mix; secondary sources describe multiple choice, drag-and-drop and simulation-style questions. Languages: English and Japanese. | Cisco's v2.0 exam topics say you may be asked to evaluate output and recommendations from agentic AI and digital network assistants for network operations and troubleshooting. |
| Passing | Pass/fail. Cisco does not publish a fixed passing score; secondary sources say passing scores are set statistically and can change. | Pass/fail. Cisco does not publish a fixed passing score. |
| Price | USD 300, or payable with Cisco Learning Credits. Cisco also offers an Exam Safeguard Plus option at USD 450 that includes a second attempt within 90 days. | Assumed unchanged at USD 300 (same exam code); not confirmed for v2.0. |
| Prerequisites | None. Cisco describes the certification as suitable for entry- to mid-level IT professionals and assumes little to no prior networking knowledge. | None. |
| Validity | Valid for 3 years. Recertify by passing the current CCNA exam or a higher-level Cisco certification exam, or by earning 30 Continuing Education (CE) credits through Cisco training, webinars or approved courses. | Same CCNA certification and 3-year recertification rules. |
Checked against the official Cisco pages on 2026-11-06: www.cisco.com, www.cisco.com, learningcontent.cisco.com, learningcontent.cisco.com, trainingcamp.com. Exam details change; confirm on the issuer's site before you book. Some details could only be confirmed from secondary sources and are marked for re-checking.
Exam domains
200-301 CCNA v1.1
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Network Fundamentals | 20% |
| Network Access | 20% |
| IP Connectivity | 25% |
| IP Services | 10% |
| Security Fundamentals | 15% |
| Automation and Programmability | 10% |
200-301 CCNA v2.0
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Network Infrastructure and Connectivity | 25% |
| Switching and Network Access | 25% |
| IP Routing | 20% |
| Network Services and Security | 20% |
| AI, and Network Operations and Management | 10% |
How to prepare
- Download the official CCNA exam topics for the version you will sit (v1.1 until the changeover, then v2.0) and use the numbered objectives as your checklist.
- Master IPv4 subnetting and IPv6 addressing until you can work out subnets quickly and accurately without a calculator.
- Build labs in a network simulator or with used Cisco equipment and practice VLANs, trunks, EtherChannel, static routing, OSPF, NAT, DHCP, ACLs and port security from the command line.
- Learn to read show command output, such as routing tables, interface status and spanning tree, because many questions ask you to interpret output.
- Cover the smaller domains too: wireless basics, security concepts, REST APIs, JSON and configuration management tools.
- Take timed practice exams of about two hours, and decide your exam version based on your booking date relative to the v2.0 changeover.
FAQ
How hard is the CCNA?
It is a broad exam for an associate-level credential. Subnetting, routing and switching need real hands-on practice, and you have to answer within a two-hour limit. Candidates who only read theory without lab work usually find it hard.
How long does it take to prepare?
With no networking background, many people study for three to six months part-time. If you already work with networks every day, it can be much shorter. Lab practice is the part most people underestimate.
How do I renew the CCNA?
The CCNA is valid for 3 years. You can renew by passing the current CCNA exam or a higher-level Cisco exam, or by earning 30 Continuing Education credits through Cisco training, webinars or approved courses.
How much does the CCNA cost, and should I wait for v2.0?
The exam costs USD 300, payable directly or with Cisco Learning Credits. If you are already well prepared for v1.1, secondary sources indicate you can sit it until early February 2027, and the certification is valid for 3 years either way. If you are just starting, plan around the v2.0 topics.