IT & Cloud
Cisco CCNA (200-301)
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Free CCNA practice questions 30 questions with full answer explanations. No sign-up. Start practice →Overview
The Cisco CCNA (200-301) is the best-known entry-level networking certification. It covers network fundamentals, IP connectivity and services, security fundamentals, and a growing share of automation and programmability.
It is a single exam with no prerequisites, but it is broad and includes hands-on simulations, so candidates usually practise in a lab (physical kit or a simulator). It remains a strong foundation even as networking shifts toward cloud and automation.
✓ Who it is for
- Help-desk and IT support technicians who want to move into a dedicated networking role
- Aspiring network engineers and administrators building their first recognised credential
- NOC and junior infrastructure staff who configure and troubleshoot Cisco gear
- Career changers entering IT who want a structured, hands-on networking foundation
- Engineers in Cisco-heavy environments who need vendor-specific depth beyond a neutral cert
✕ Who it is not for
- People targeting cloud-only or security-only roles (look at AWS or Security+).
- Absolute beginners may find it steep, though no prerequisite is required.
- Those who want a vendor-neutral cert (consider Network+).
Exam structure
| Network Fundamentals | 20% |
|---|---|
| Network Access | 20% |
| IP Connectivity | 25% |
| IP Services | 10% |
| Security Fundamentals | 15% |
| Automation and Programmability | 10% |
How the exam is weighted
- Network Fundamentals 20%
- Network Access 20%
- IP Connectivity 25%
- IP Services 10%
- Security Fundamentals 15%
- Automation & Programmability 10%
What each domain covers
- Network Fundamentals
- Components & topologies · IPv4/IPv6 addressing · Cabling & interfaces
- Network Access
- VLANs & trunking · Switching concepts · Wireless (WLAN) basics
- IP Connectivity
- Routing concepts · Static & dynamic routing (OSPF) · Inter-VLAN & default routing
- IP Services
- NAT, DHCP, DNS, NTP · QoS basics · SNMP & syslog
- Security Fundamentals
- Threats & access control · Layer-2 security & ACLs · VPN & wireless security
- Automation & Programmability
- Automation concepts · Controller-based networking · REST APIs, JSON, IaC basics
Realistic study time
- Some networking/IT 80-120 hours over 2-3 months
- New to networking 150-200 hours
Bars show relative effort, not a guarantee. Your time depends on background and study method.
Turn this into a week-by-week schedule with the Study Plan Generator.
What it really costs
Fees change and vary by region. Confirm the current amount on the official site before you register.
Want your full out-of-pocket figure? Try the Cost Calculator.
Salary & career value
Indicative ranges for orientation only - not surveyed data, and not financial or career advice. Sources and date below.
CCNA is a respected networking credential. US network engineers and administrators who hold it commonly report roughly US$70k-110k, rising with experience into senior network and security-adjacent roles.
Pass rate: Not published. Cisco does not release official pass rates for the CCNA and does not disclose the exact passing score, noting that exam questions and passing scores can change without notice. Results are scaled (historically discussed as roughly 800-850 out of 1000), but treat any specific figure as unofficial.
Indicative annual pay (USD), each role's typical band on a shared scale.
Other markets (indicative)
| United Kingdom | ~£28k-55k |
|---|---|
| Canada | ~CA$65k-100k |
Jobs that often ask for it:
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- NOC / Support Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Network Security (junior)
Is it worth it?
Worth it for anyone starting in networking or infrastructure; CCNA is widely recognised and a strong base for higher Cisco tracks or security. If your career is moving purely into cloud or software, a cloud certification may be a better first investment.
Not sure this is the right exam for you? Compare your options with the Exam Finder.
Compare CCNA with other exams
Independent, like-for-like comparisons to help you choose the right one.
Career paths featuring CCNA
What to do next
CCNA is the networking foundation; next is CCNP. Compare CCNA vs Network+ if choosing your first networking cert.
On exam day
Delivered at Pearson VUE centres (with online options); roughly 100-120 questions in 120 minutes. You cannot return to previous questions, so answer each carefully.
Keeping your certification
Valid 3 years. Recertify by retaking, by passing a higher Cisco exam, or by earning Continuing Education credits before expiry.
FAQ
- Is CCNA still worth it in 2026?
- Yes for networking and infrastructure roles. Networks still underpin everything, and CCNA is a recognised foundation, though it increasingly pairs well with cloud and automation skills.
- How hard is the CCNA?
- It is a broad intermediate exam with simulations. Most people study three to four months and practise in a lab or simulator.
- CCNA or CompTIA Network+?
- Network+ is vendor-neutral and slightly gentler; CCNA is Cisco-specific, more in-depth, and more directly recognised for networking jobs. Many start with Network+ then move to CCNA.
- Can I self-study for CCNA?
- Yes. The free Cisco Networking Academy materials and Packet Tracer simulator, plus practice questions, let most people self-study. Hands-on lab practice matters for the configuration-heavy content.
- What jobs can CCNA help me get?
- Network administrator, network engineer, NOC and support engineer, and systems roles. It is the recognised networking foundation in many IT teams.
- How much does CCNA cost in total?
- The exam is around US$300. Materials can be free (NetAcad, Packet Tracer) up to a few hundred dollars for paid courses; budget a retake fee only if needed.
- How do I keep CCNA valid?
- It is valid three years. Recertify by retaking, by passing a higher Cisco exam, or by earning Continuing Education credits before it expires.
Related exams
- CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) - CompTIA
- CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) - CompTIA