Cisco
CCNA
Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301)
Cisco's associate-level networking certification, the de facto baseline for network engineer and network administrator roles. One exam (200-301) covering networking fundamentals, IP connectivity, security, and automation.
What's on the exam
CCNA 200-301 exam topics (v1.1)
Network Fundamentals
20%Network components and topology architectures · Interface and cabling types · IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting · Switching concepts · Wireless principles
Network Access
20%VLANs and trunking · EtherChannel · Spanning Tree Protocol · Cisco wireless architectures and AP modes · Layer 2 discovery protocols (CDP, LLDP)
IP Connectivity
25%Routing table components · Router forwarding decisions · Static routing · Single-area OSPFv2 · First-hop redundancy protocols
IP Services
10%NAT and NTP · DHCP and DNS · SNMP and syslog · QoS concepts · SSH, FTP, and TFTP
Security Fundamentals
15%Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation · Device access control and passwords · Access control lists · Layer 2 security features (DHCP snooping, DAI, port security) · Wireless security and VPNs
Automation and Programmability
10%Impact of automation on network management · Controller-based networking and SDN · REST APIs · Configuration management tools (Ansible, Terraform) · Interpreting JSON data
Frequently asked questions
How much does the CCNA cost?
The CCNA costs $300. Exam voucher; regional pricing and taxes may vary.
How long is the CCNA and how many questions does it have?
Approximately 100 questions — 120 minutes.
What do you need to pass the CCNA?
Scaled passing score set by Cisco (pass/fail; exact cut score not published).
Can you retake the CCNA?
5 calendar days after a failed attempt.
What is the best way to study for the CCNA?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Network Fundamentals 20%, Network Access 20%, IP Connectivity 25%, IP Services 10%, Security Fundamentals 15%, Automation and Programmability 10%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 7 exam.
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