Associate Cisco · Exam 200-301

Cisco CCNA 200-301 Study Guide

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is the foundational networking certification from Cisco, earned by passing a single exam: 200-301. It runs 120 minutes, costs $400 USD, is offered in English only, and is graded pass/fail with results online within 48 hours. The blueprint covers network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability — and the simulation questions put you at a command line, so configuration has to be muscle memory rather than recognition.

Overview

Level

Associate

Vendor

Cisco

Audience

Help desk and support technicians moving toward infrastructure, career changers targeting networking or network security, and developers and cloud engineers who keep hitting routing and subnetting they do not understand. There are no prerequisites. Cisco suggests around a year of hands-on experience with its solutions, but a large share of candidates pass on lab time alone — Packet Tracer, GNS3 or a shelf of second-hand switches all count.

Why get CCNA

CCNA establishes credibility in networking. It demonstrates you understand how IP networks function—not just that you followed a tutorial. Employers use it as a baseline filter for network technician and junior engineer roles. The exam covers real-world skills: subnetting, routing protocols, switching, VLANs, security fundamentals, and network automation basics. It also satisfies a meaningful portion of the knowledge base needed for higher-level Cisco and non-Cisco certifications.

Salary expectations

Typical salary range

$60,000 – $110,000

Entry-level roles—network technician, junior network engineer, and help-desk-to-networking transitions—typically start around $55K–$70K. With 2–3 years of hands-on experience, network engineer roles commonly reach $85K–$110K. Specializing in network automation or advancing to CCNP pushes compensation past $120K. Figures vary widely by region, employer, and the full scope of your skills.

When to get CCNA

Take CCNA if you want to work in networking, network security or infrastructure, and take it early: it opens doors before you have the experience to open them yourself, and it is named in job postings more often than any other networking credential. Budget two to four months. If you want something cheaper, broader and vendor-neutral first, Network+ covers similar ground at a fraction of the price — but if networking is the destination rather than a stepping stone, most people are better off going straight to CCNA. With two or more years of hands-on networking behind you and a senior role in view, consider going directly to CCNP. Note the version timing: the current v1.1 exam has a last test date of 2 February 2027, and the refreshed v2.0 blueprint launches the next day under the same 200-301 code.

Exam details

Exam Quick Reference

Exam Code
200-301
Vendor
Cisco
Level
Associate
Duration
120 minutes
Format
Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and simulation questions. Approximately 100–120 questions. Version note: the current v1.1 exam has a last test date of Feb 2, 2027 — the refreshed 'new CCNA' v2.0 (adds AI topics, restructures to 5 domains) launches Feb 3, 2027 under the SAME 200-301 code. Testing in 2026? Study v1.1 materials confidently. Planning for mid-2027 or later? Wait for v2.0-aligned materials.
Questions
100–120 questions (approximate; Cisco does not publish the exact count)
Official exam page Verify current pricing

Renewal: CCNA is valid for 3 years. Renew by passing any Cisco exam, completing continuing education credits through the Cisco Continuing Education Program, or earning a higher-level Cisco certification.

Facts on this page last verified September 24, 2026 against official Cisco sources.

Skills covered

Network Fundamentals

  • OSI and TCP/IP models
  • IP addressing and subnetting (IPv4 and IPv6)
  • Ethernet and LAN switching basics
  • Wireless LAN fundamentals
  • Network topology types

IP Connectivity

  • Static routing
  • OSPF (single area)
  • Default routes
  • IP routing concepts and forwarding decisions

IP Services

  • NAT and PAT
  • DHCP
  • DNS
  • NTP
  • SNMP
  • Syslog
  • QoS concepts

Security Fundamentals

  • VPN concepts
  • Access control lists (ACLs)
  • Layer 2 security (port security, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection)
  • AAA concepts
  • Wireless security protocols (WPA2, WPA3)

Automation and Programmability

  • Network automation concepts
  • REST APIs
  • JSON data formats
  • Cisco DNA Center overview
  • SDN and controller-based networking concepts
  • Python scripting basics (conceptual)

Step-by-step study path

This sequence reflects what consistently works. Follow it in order—don't skip ahead.

  1. 1

    Understand the exam scope

    Download the official CCNA 200-301 exam topics from Cisco's website. Review every topic area before buying any course material. Knowing what the exam actually covers prevents wasted study time on irrelevant material.

  2. 2

    Learn networking fundamentals first

    If you are new to networking, start with the OSI model, IP addressing, and subnetting before touching a video course. Subnetting must become second nature before exam day. Use practice tools until you can subnet quickly without a calculator.

  3. 3

    Work through a primary video course

    Choose one comprehensive video course and work through it completely. Do not jump between multiple courses at the same time. Udemy instructors like Jeremy's IT Lab offer full CCNA courses that align directly with the exam topics. Watch, pause, and practice as you go.

  4. 4

    Read supporting material

    The official Cisco Press CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide (two-volume set) is the most thorough written resource. Use it alongside your video course to reinforce concepts, especially for topics that need more depth than video alone provides.

  5. 5

    Build hands-on lab skills

    Cisco Packet Tracer (free, requires a Cisco Networking Academy account) is the primary lab tool for most CCNA candidates. GNS3 and EVE-NG are alternatives for those who want closer-to-real-hardware simulation. Lab work is not optional—the exam includes simulation questions.

  6. 6

    Take practice exams

    Begin practice exams once you have covered all topics. Boson ExSim is widely considered the gold standard for CCNA practice tests. Aim to consistently score above 85% before scheduling your real exam. Review every wrong answer—understand why, not just what.

  7. 7

    Review weak areas systematically

    Use your practice exam results to identify weak areas. Return to your video course, notes, or the official cert guide for those specific topics. Repeat targeted practice until the weak areas become strengths.

  8. 8

    Schedule and sit the exam

    Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE. You can take it at a testing center or online proctored. Book about two weeks out to give yourself a clear deadline. The exam is 120 minutes. Arrive rested and do not cram the night before.

Starting step 3?

Jeremy's IT Lab is the most-recommended CCNA video course. See the paid resources section below for options and pricing.

View course options →

Practice labs

NetDrill, a network simulator that runs in your browser, maps its labs to the CCNA objectives. You configure routers, switches and PCs from the command line, and each lab is graded on what the network does, not on the commands you typed. Each topic below opens at its first hands-on lab, in a new tab.

NetDrill follows the v2.0 exam topics, the version testing from February 3, 2027, so the domains below are v2.0's rather than the v1.1 list above.

CCNA v2.0 · 200-301 22 of 29 objectives graded hands-on

Capstones

A whole network built from blank in milestones, then run in Operate mode, where tickets arrive with one fault each.

Enterprise campus to Internet edgePublish a web server behind a firewallBranch office to HQ over a leased line

Reps

Once a topic is built, do it again on a newly generated network each time, graded like the labs.

VLANs and inter-VLAN routingSpanning tree and EtherChannelStatic routingOSPFHSRP and VRRPACLsDHCPNATDevice access (SSH)

NetDrill is made by the team behind CertBlueprint and is free during its beta, with no account. Objective numbers are Cisco's; which labs practice each one is NetDrill's own mapping. Open NetDrill →

Free resources

Official Documentation Cisco CCNA Exam Topics (Official)

Download the official exam topics PDF directly from Cisco. This is your study roadmap.
Video Course Jeremy's IT Lab – Full CCNA Course (YouTube)

Free, comprehensive CCNA course on YouTube. Widely regarded as one of the best free CCNA resources available.
Lab Tool Cisco Packet Tracer

Free network simulation tool from Cisco. Requires a free Cisco Networking Academy account.
Hands-on Labs Cisco DevNet Learning Labs

Free interactive labs covering automation and programmability topics on the CCNA exam.
Hands-on Labs NetDrill — network labs in your browser

A free network simulator that runs in your browser, made by the team behind CertBlueprint (in beta, no account). Configure routers, switches and PCs from the CLI; each lab is graded on what the network does, and the labs are mapped to the CCNA v2.0 objectives (see Practice labs above).
Community r/ccna on Reddit

Active study community. Search before posting—most common questions are already answered.

Vouchers & exam cost

Buy CCNA Exam Voucher – Cisco Official

Always verify current pricing on the official Cisco site before purchasing. Prices change periodically.

Frequently asked questions

Is CCNA good for beginners?

Yes, if you are serious about networking. It is not a trivial certification—expect 3 to 6 months of dedicated study. But it is designed as an entry-level credential and does not require prior IT experience to pass.

How long does it take to study for CCNA?

Most candidates spend 3 to 6 months studying part-time. Those with existing networking experience may prepare in 6 to 8 weeks. Those brand new to IT should plan for the longer end of that range.

How hard is the CCNA exam?

It is a legitimately challenging exam. The simulation questions require hands-on skill, not just memorization. Consistent study over several months, combined with lab practice and practice exams, is what separates passing candidates from failing ones.

What score do you need to pass CCNA?

Cisco uses a scaled scoring system with a maximum score of 1000. The passing score for CCNA 200-301 is 825. Cisco does not publish individual question weights.

Can I get a job with just CCNA?

Yes. CCNA is recognized by employers as a qualification for network technician, junior network engineer, and helpdesk-to-networking transition roles. Pairing it with hands-on homelab or real work experience significantly improves job prospects.

Is CompTIA Network+ better than CCNA?

They serve different goals. Network+ is vendor-neutral and broader; CCNA is vendor-specific and deeper. CCNA carries more weight in enterprise networking roles. Network+ is a reasonable first step if you want a gentler introduction before committing to CCNA.

What certification comes after CCNA?

The natural progression is CCNP Enterprise for networking roles, CCNP Security for security roles, or CCNA Automation (formerly Cisco DevNet Associate) for automation/programmability. The path depends on the direction you want to take your career.

Does CCNA expire?

Yes. CCNA is valid for three years. Renew it by passing any Cisco exam, completing Cisco Continuing Education credits, or earning a higher-level Cisco certification before the expiration date.

Jobs where CCNA shows up

10 roles in our Career Navigator list CCNA as worth having. Each page covers what the job involves day to day, its honest downside, and the typical pay.

Not sure which of these fits you? Take the free Navigator assessment →

Deciding between this and another cert?

More Cisco certifications

The full Cisco roadmap →

Ready to study?

Start with Jeremy's IT Lab on YouTube (free) or the Udemy course. Add Packet Tracer for labs. Use Boson ExSim when you are ready to test yourself.

Udemy View recommended course
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