Cisco CCNA
A networking credential focused on core routing and switching concepts, IP connectivity, network access, security fundamentals, automation, and troubleshooting.
Last verified: 2026-09-01
Overview
Cisco CCNA is an associate-level networking certification that validates practical knowledge across network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability. It is designed to show that a candidate can understand, configure, operate, and troubleshoot modern enterprise networks while working with both traditional networking concepts and newer automation-focused technologies.\n\nThe current 200-301 CCNA v1.1 exam covers foundational routing and switching, IPv4 and IPv6, wireless, network services, basic security, and automation concepts. Cisco also includes newer topics such as AI and machine learning concepts where they relate to network operations.\n\nCCNA is commonly used as a foundation for networking and infrastructure careers and can also support progression into Cisco professional-level certifications. Because it covers a broad set of networking skills, it can be useful for administrators, support professionals, engineers, and other IT practitioners who work with enterprise networks.
- Recommended experience
- Cisco lists no formal prerequisites for the CCNA exam. Candidates will benefit from practical familiarity with basic networking, IP addressing, routing and switching, operating systems, and hands-on configuration or troubleshooting before attempting the exam.
- Estimated study time
- 80–140 hours
- Target job roles
- Network AdministratorNetwork EngineerNetwork Support SpecialistSystems AdministratorInfrastructure EngineerNOC Technician
Exam Details
Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam
- Exam code
- 200-301 CCNA v1.1
- Number of exams
- 1
- Duration
- 120 minutes
- Question count
- Cisco does not publish a fixed question count
- Delivery method
- Cisco certification exam; scheduling and available delivery options are provided through Cisco certification testing services
- Price
- $400 USD (Cisco-listed U.S. price; verify current pricing before registration)
Skills and Domains
Network Fundamentals
20%Covers networking components and architectures, cabling and interfaces, TCP and UDP, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, wireless principles, virtualization, and foundational network behavior.
Network Access
20%Covers VLANs, trunks, discovery protocols, EtherChannel, spanning tree, wireless architectures, and management of network access technologies.
IP Connectivity
25%Covers routing tables, forwarding decisions, static routing, single-area OSPF, first-hop redundancy, and the concepts used to move traffic between IP networks.
IP Services
10%Covers services such as NAT, NTP, DHCP, DNS, SNMP, syslog, QoS, SSH, and other operational services used in enterprise networks.
Security Fundamentals
15%Covers common threats and vulnerabilities, device access control, Layer 2 security, authentication concepts, access control lists, wireless security, and basic security practices.
Automation and Programmability
10%Covers controller-based networking, APIs, data formats, automation concepts, configuration management, software-defined networking, and introductory AI and machine learning concepts relevant to network operations.
Study Resources
Cisco CCNA Certification
Official resourceDocumentation · Free
Official Cisco overview of the CCNA certification, exam pathway, training options, and certification validity.
View resourceCisco 200-301 CCNA Exam Topics
Official resourceOfficial Guide · Free
Official Cisco exam-topic outline showing the current CCNA domains and their percentage weights.
View resourceCisco U. CCNA Learning Path
Official resourceOfficial Training · Freemium
Official Cisco learning platform with guided CCNA preparation and training resources.
View resourceCisco Recertification Policy
Official resourceDocumentation · Free
Official Cisco information about certification validity, Continuing Education credits, and recertification options.
View resourceRenewal
- Validity period
- 3 years
- Renewal method
- Recertify before expiration by meeting Cisco's current Associate-level requirements, such as earning 30 Continuing Education credits, retaking an eligible certification exam, or advancing through another qualifying Cisco certification path.
- Notes
- Cisco Associate certifications are valid for three years. Cisco currently lists 30 CE credits as the Continuing Education route for Associate-level recertification. Requirements can change, so candidates should confirm current options with Cisco before their expiration date.
Related Certifications
Recommended Before
Verify with official provider.
Recommended After
Verify with official provider.
Alternatives
Verify with official provider.
Specializations
Verify with official provider.
Keep exploring on ThirdBadge
Connect this certification to its broader technology area, career roadmaps, training, and study resources.
Explore certification categories
Browse focused certification guides by technology and career domain.