CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
Cisco's CCNA covers network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability. Candidates pass a single exam, 200-301 CCNA, which Cisco designs as a starting point that assumes little to no networking knowledge.
Updated
Exam Change
2027-02-03: The v2.0 blueprint replaces the six v1.1 domains with five: Network Infrastructure and Connectivity, Switching and Network Access, IP Routing, Network Services and Security, and AI, and Network Operations and Management. It adds agentic and generative AI topics and hands-on practical skill assessments, and keeps the 120-minute duration and 300 USD price.
2027-02-02: The current exam (200-301 CCNA v1.1) retires.
Exam Details
- Issuer
- Cisco
- Level
- Entry
- Exam code
- 200-301 CCNA
- Exam type
- Multiple choice and performance-based
- Questions
- Not published
- Duration
- 120 minutes
- Passing score
- Pass/fail only; no scaled score is published
- Exam fee
- $300
- Validity
- 3 years
- Tracks
- Network Security, Foundations
One exam, graded pass/fail with results available online within 48 hours. Question types include performance-based questions, multiple choice, and drag and drop. Pearson VUE delivers the proctored exam in English and Japanese, and a failed attempt can be retaken after five calendar days.
Cisco also accepts Cisco Learning Credits. CCNA Exam Safeguard Plus costs 450 USD and allows a second attempt if the first attempt within 90 days is not passed.
Requirements and Renewal
Prerequisites
None.
Renewal
Within the 3-year period, earn 30 Continuing Education credits, or pass the current CCNA exam or any higher-level Cisco certification exam.
Current Version
200-301 CCNA v1.1, in effect since August 20, 2024.
Exam Domains
6 domains| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Network Fundamentals | 20% |
| Network Access | 20% |
| IP Connectivity | 25% |
| IP Services | 10% |
| Security Fundamentals | 15% |
| Automation and Programmability | 10% |
DoD 8140 Work Roles
1 work rolesThe DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix V2.1 lists CCNA as a foundational qualification option for these DoD Cyber Workforce Framework work roles, up to the proficiency level shown. Lower levels of the same work role are also covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CCNA stand for?→
CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate. It is earned by passing one exam, Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (200-301 CCNA).
How much does the CCNA exam cost?→
The 200-301 CCNA exam costs 300 USD, or Cisco Learning Credits. CCNA Exam Safeguard Plus costs 450 USD and allows a second attempt if the first attempt within 90 days is not passed.
What changes with CCNA v2.0?→
The last date to test on v1.1 is February 2, 2027, and testing on v2.0 begins on February 3, 2027. The v2.0 blueprint has five domains: Network Infrastructure and Connectivity (25%), Switching and Network Access (25%), IP Routing (20%), Network Services and Security (20%), and AI, and Network Operations and Management (10%). Cisco adds hands-on practical skill assessments to the exam.
How do I renew CCNA?→
The certification is valid for three years. Holders renew by earning 30 Continuing Education credits, or by passing the current CCNA exam or any higher-level Cisco certification exam, within that period.
Sources
- Cisco: CCNA
- Cisco: 200-301 CCNA exam
- Cisco Learning Network: 200-301 CCNA v1.1 exam topics
- Cisco: CCNA Exam v1.1 (200-301) exam topics
- Cisco Learning Network: 200-301 CCNA v2.0 exam topics
- Cisco Learning Network: Steps to the Future: The Modern CCNA
- Cisco Blogs: CCNA in the Age of AI
- Cisco: Recertification Policy
Exam details are checked against official Cisco pages. Fees, exam versions, and renewal rules change; confirm with Cisco before registering. CCNA is a trademark of its owner. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cisco.