Overview
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is Cisco's associate-level networking certification. It is earned by passing a single exam, 200-301 CCNA, which covers core networking knowledge: IP addressing and routing, switching, wireless, security basics, and the fundamentals of network automation and programmability. Cisco positions CCNA as a broad, foundational credential for people starting or early in an IT networking career, rather than a certification tied to one product line.
Who can apply
Cisco sets no formal prerequisite for CCNA. You do not need an earlier Cisco certification, a degree, or a minimum amount of work experience to register for the 200-301 exam. Cisco does recommend that candidates already have a basic grasp of networking concepts and some familiarity with IP addressing before attempting the exam, since it assumes no prior Cisco-specific knowledge but still tests practical skills.
Exam pattern
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | 200-301 CCNA |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Question formats | Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and interactive/simulation items that ask you to configure or troubleshoot a small topology |
| Languages | English and Japanese |
| Delivery | Proctored, at a Pearson VUE test centre or via Pearson VUE's online proctoring |
| Result | Pass or fail shown on screen at the end of the exam, with a percentage breakdown by domain; Cisco does not publish the numeric passing score, since it is set statistically for each exam form |
Syllabus
The 200-301 exam draws questions from six domains. Cisco states the following weight for each domain in exam topics v1.1:
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1.0 Network Fundamentals | 20% |
| 2.0 Network Access | 20% |
| 3.0 IP Connectivity | 25% |
| 4.0 IP Services | 10% |
| 5.0 Security Fundamentals | 15% |
| 6.0 Automation and Programmability | 10% |
Network Fundamentals covers devices, topologies, cabling, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, and basic subnetting. Network Access covers VLANs, trunking, and wireless concepts. IP Connectivity covers routing concepts and configuring routing protocols. IP Services covers NAT, NTP, DHCP, DNS, and QoS basics. Security Fundamentals covers security concepts, device access control, and wireless security. Automation and Programmability covers the purpose of automation, APIs, and basic configuration management concepts.
Fees
For 2026, Cisco lists the 200-301 CCNA exam fee as $300 USD, plus any applicable tax. You can pay by credit card when you book the exam, or prepay with an exam voucher bought through Cisco's learning store; a voucher is valid for 365 days from purchase. You can also pay with Cisco Learning Credits instead of cash.
How to apply
Create or sign in to your Cisco.com account, which doubles as your Certification Tracker profile.
Go to Pearson VUE, Cisco's exam delivery partner, and choose the 200-301 CCNA exam.
Pick a test centre and a time slot, or choose Pearson's online-proctored option if it is offered in your country, and pay the exam fee (or apply a voucher/Learning Credits).
Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID that matches your registration name to the exam, whether at a test centre or for online proctoring.
After the exam
You get a pass/fail result on screen as soon as the exam ends, along with a breakdown of your performance by domain. If you pass, Cisco emails confirmation and the certification is added to your Cisco Certification Tracker, typically within a day.
CCNA is valid for 3 years from the date you pass the exam. To keep the certification active, you must recertify before it expires, by retaking the current 200-301 exam, passing a higher-level Cisco exam, or earning the required Continuing Education (CE) credits through Cisco's Continuing Education program.
If you do not pass, Cisco requires a 5-calendar-day wait, counted from the day after the failed attempt, before you can retake the same exam.
Preparation tips
Work through the official 200-301 exam topics document point by point; every question maps to one of its listed subtopics.
Since IP Connectivity and the combined Network Fundamentals/Network Access domains make up most of the exam, prioritise subnetting, routing concepts, and VLAN/trunking configuration in your practice.
Practise in a simulator or lab environment, not just by reading, since the exam includes hands-on configuration and troubleshooting items.
Leave time to revise Security Fundamentals and Automation and Programmability; they carry less weight individually but are still required to pass.
FAQs
Do I need any earlier certification before CCNA?
No. Cisco sets no formal prerequisite for the 200-301 CCNA exam. It assumes no previous Cisco certification, though basic familiarity with networking concepts helps.
How many exams does CCNA require?
One. CCNA is earned by passing a single exam, 200-301 CCNA, which is 120 minutes long and covers all six domains in one sitting.
How long does the CCNA certification stay valid?
3 years from the date you pass the exam. You recertify by retaking the current exam, passing a higher-level exam, or earning the required Continuing Education credits before it expires.
Where do I take the CCNA exam?
Through Pearson VUE, Cisco's testing partner, either at a physical test centre or through Pearson's online-proctored option where it is available in your country.