Cisco Learning Network (2024)

FAQs

How many questions do you need to get right to pass the CCNA? ›

Passing score: This is also not published information, but a general rule tends to be around 80% correct answers to pass the exam. Question types: Performance-based simulations and questions that test theoretical knowledge are a part of the exam.

The depth and breadth of topics can be overwhelming for those who are new to networking. Technical complexity: The CCNA certification requires a strong understanding of complex technical concepts such as subnetting, VLANs, and routing protocols.

The CCNA exam includes questions on a variety of topics based on TCP/IP studies—to the most comprehensive routing protocols with spanning trees. With so much to study, the exams may seem tough to pass. We recommend a focus on ICDN, which serves the base for all types of Cisco CCNA exams.

Candidates who fail an Entry-, Associate-, Professional-, Specialist-level, or CCDE written exam must wait five calendar days, beginning the day after the failed attempt, before they may retest for the same exam.

The CCNA routing/switching exam passing rate is 85%. However, according to some resources, the test's failure rate on the first attempt is +/- 95%. Although it is not difficult, the exam can be challenging for newcomers to network. The CCNA Routing and Switching exam rate.

The CCNA is an entry-level networking certification that can prepare you for networking roles in IT like network specialist, network administrator, and network engineer.

Difficulty Level of CCNA

Candidates must study extensively and gain hands-on experience with Cisco equipment to excel in the CCNA certification. Due to its greater depth and specificity, CCNA is generally considered more difficult than Network+.

This means that even if you've taken CompTIA Network+, you'll still need to learn about Cisco-specific networking hardware and architecture prior to taking the exam. If you have no prior IT knowledge, expect to spend 200–300 hours of study time to adequately prepare for the exam.

Recertification Fees & Costs for the CCNA Certification

The CCNA exam can be retaken for $300.

Is the CCNA exam open book? ›

There is no word on whether this will be a permanent option, so if you'd like to take your test at home, now is the time! This does not mean that your CCNA 200-301 exam is now an “open-book” test; it's quite the opposite. You will be proctored online while you take the exam.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Less than 3% of Cisco-certified engineers obtain the CCIE certification, which translates to less than 1% of networking professionals worldwide. Certainly, it's not easy to become a CCIE. Once you become one, you must recertify every two years, or your CCIE will be suspended.

In order to claim the Cisco CCNA Certification, one is required to clear the exam with the code CCNA 200-301 comprising 120 questions to be answered in 120 minutes where only the score of 82.5% or 825 marks out of 1000 is considered pass.

The CCNA is designed to validate your knowledge on fundamental networking concepts often requested in networking roles in IT positions. Here's a quick rundown of key facts: To get the CCNA certification you'll have to pass one exam, the 200-301 CCNA.

CCNA 200-301 is a single exam that is 120-minutes in duration with approximately 100 questions. Cisco has updated 10% of the CCNA exam with new topics effective 08/20/2024.