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.
Full program: 6 decks, 791 cards.
What's on the exam
CCNA 200-301 exam topics (v1.1, current through Feb 2, 2027; v2.0 arrives Feb 3, 2027 with restructured domains: 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%)
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. Cisco lists US$300 (or Cisco Learning Credits); the amount charged at Pearson VUE checkout can be higher after local currency conversion and taxes.
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?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: 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%). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
Ready to prepare?
Our CCNA program is organized by this outline's domains and scheduled by spaced repetition, with a path from first card to test day.
Flashcards are a memory tool. Learn the material first, then use NoReread to retain it and refresh what you already know. It doesn't replace studying the subject.