200-301 · ● Active · Associate · Cisco
Exam facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | $300 USD |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Questions | ~100 (multiple choice, drag-drop, fill-in-blank, simulations) |
| Passing | 825/1000 (scaled score) |
| Format | Multiple choice · Drag-and-drop · Simulations (simlets) |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE |
| Languages | English (primary) |
| Valid | 3 years |
| Renewal | Continuing Education (CE) credits or retake |
| Prerequisites | None (no formal prerequisites; hands-on experience recommended) |
| Released | August 20, 2024 (v1.1) |
| Retiring | N/A |
Vendor source — Cisco CCNA 200-301 ↗
Official exam guide — CCNA v1.1 Exam Blueprint PDF ↗
Exam objectives — CCNA Exam Topics ↗
About
The CCNA is Cisco's entry-level networking certification, validating foundational knowledge and skills in network fundamentals, switching, routing, security, and automation. Launched in its current form (200-301) in February 2020 and updated to v1.1 in August 2024 to include cloud and AI/ML topics, the CCNA is the most widely recognized credential for junior and mid-career network engineers globally. It serves as the prerequisite foundation for all advanced Cisco certifications (CCNP, CCIE tracks) and is often required or strongly preferred by employers in network operations, support, and engineering roles.
Domain context — Networking
Vendor-specific enterprise and data-center networking via Cisco hardware and software platforms. The Cisco Ecosystem encompasses switching, routing, SD-WAN, wireless LAN (Meraki), firewalls (ASA), and management platforms (Cisco DNA Center).
Read full deep dive — Cisco Ecosystem →
Topics covered
The CCNA 200-301 v1.1 exam blueprint covers six weighted domains:
- Network Fundamentals (20%) — OSI & TCP/IP models, media types, cabling, topologies, virtualization, switching mechanics, device roles (router, switch, firewall, access point, PoE)
- Network Access (20%) — VLANs, trunking (802.1Q), Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), EtherChannel, wireless LAN (802.11, WPA), switch security
- IP Connectivity (25%) — IPv4 & IPv6 addressing, static routing, OSPF, EIGRP, default gateway, first-hop redundancy protocols (HSRP, VRRP)
- IP Services (10%) — DHCP, DNS, NAT/PAT, NTP, QoS, syslog, SNMP
- Security Fundamentals (15%) — Access control lists (ACLs), AAA, device authentication (SSH, Telnet), port security, threats & mitigation
- Automation and Programmability (10%) — REST APIs, JSON/XML, Python basics, network automation concepts, Cisco DNA Center, IOS XE
Source: Official exam guide ↗
Common skills at Networking · Associate
Shared content for the Networking domain at Associate level — not specific to this cert.
- IP addressing and subnetting (IPv4 and IPv6)
- Switching and VLAN configuration
- Static and dynamic routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP fundamentals)
- Basic network troubleshooting and diagnostics
- Device configuration via CLI and management interfaces
- Access control and basic security controls
- Understanding network topologies and service delivery models
- Reading network diagrams and documentation
Recommended courses at Networking · Associate
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Networking Academy | CCNA Enterprise Infrastructure (full pathway) | Free (enrollment required) | ↗ |
| Jeremy's IT Lab | Free CCNA 200-301 Complete Course v1.1 | Free | ↗ |
| Jeremy's IT Lab | CCNA 200-301 Full Course (premium ad-free) | $197–$297 | ↗ |
| Udemy (Neil Anderson) | Cisco CCNA 200-301 – The Complete Guide to Getting Certified | $15–$99 | ↗ |
| Udemy (David Bombal) | Cisco CCNA 200-301 Complete Course: Packet Tracer Labs | $15–$99 | ↗ |
| CBT Nuggets (Jeremy Cioara) | CCNA 200-301 Video Training | $299–$599/year | ↗ |
| NetworkChuck | FREE CCNA 200-301 Complete Course | Free | ↗ |
Course-selection rule: The above courses are specifically for CCNA 200-301 (or v1.1). Jeremy's IT Lab, NetworkChuck, and Udemy (Anderson/Bombal) are the three most popular pathways; Cisco Networking Academy is free and official but requires enrollment.
Practice exams
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boson | ExSim-Max for Cisco 200-301 CCNA | $99/year | ↗ |
| Pearson IT Certification | Pearson Test Prep for CCNA 200-301 | $99–$199 | ↗ |
| MeasureUp | CCNA 200-301 Practice Tests | $79–$159 | ↗ |
| Cisco Learning Network | Free CCNA Practice Exam (sample questions) | Free | ↗ |
Practice exam rule: Boson ExSim-Max is the gold-standard third-party practice exam suite (5 full exams, 370+ questions). Pearson and MeasureUp are official or vendor-authorized. Start with free practice questions from Cisco Learning Network; supplement with Boson if targeting 825+.
Books
| Title | Author | Publisher | Year | ISBN | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1 | Wendell Odom | Pearson IT Certification | 2024 | 978-0138229702 | ↗ |
| CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 2 | Wendell Odom | Pearson IT Certification | 2024 | 978-0138229719 | ↗ |
| CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library (2-vol set) | Wendell Odom, David Hucaby, Jason Gooley | Pearson IT Certification | 2024 | 978-0138221393 | ↗ |
| 31 Days Before Your CCNA Exam | Allan Johnson | Pearson IT Certification | 2024 | 978-0138214948 | ↗ |
Book rule: The Odom Official Cert Guides (Volume 1 & 2, or Library set) are the canonical reference and updated for 2024 CCNA 200-301. These are comprehensive and vendor-authored. The 31 Days book is a condensed study guide suitable for final review. All cited ISBNs are for the current (2024) exam version.
Typical job titles at Networking · Associate
Network Engineer · Network Administrator · Junior Network Engineer · Network Operations Engineer (NOC Engineer) · Network Support Engineer · Associate Network Engineer
(Job titles drawn from current job-board postings that list CCNA as required or preferred for entry-to-mid-level roles.)
Salary
| Region | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| USD | $105,742 – $162,997 | Glassdoor ↗ · ZipRecruiter ↗ |
| ZAR | R122,000 – R590,000 | PayScale ZA ↗ · Jobted ↗ |
| GBP | £30,992 – £45,199 | Glassdoor UK ↗ · IT Jobs Watch ↗ |
| EUR | €35,000 – €55,000 | Regional variation; no unified benchmark available — consult local job boards |
| AUD | A$85,000 – A$120,000 | Regional variation; consult local job boards such as SEEK or LinkedIn |
Salary rule: Figures reflect roles requiring or preferring CCNA at Associate level. Entry-level positions typically align with 25th–50th percentile; experienced CCNA-holders approach or exceed 75th percentile. Salary heavily depends on location, employer size, and additional certifications (CCNP, security credentials).
Skills validated
Cert-specific — what this exam actually tests, distinct from the shared "Common skills" above.
- Cisco IOS CLI operation and device configuration (switches, routers)
- IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting, and routing
- Ethernet switching, VLAN tagging, and Spanning Tree Protocol
- OSPF and EIGRP dynamic routing protocol configuration
- DHCP, DNS, NAT, and IP services
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) and basic firewall concepts
- Device authentication (SSH, password security)
- Wireless LAN fundamentals (802.11, WPA2/WPA3)
- QoS (Quality of Service) and traffic management
- SNMP, syslog, and device monitoring
- REST APIs and JSON/XML for network automation
- Python scripting for network tasks (basics)
- Cisco DNA Center and SD-WAN concepts
Related certifications
- Stacks with: CCST Networking ↗ (entry-level; CCNA is the natural progression)
- Prerequisite for: CCNP Enterprise (300-401 ENCOR) ↗ · CCNP Security (300-730 SNCF) ↗ · CCNP Service Provider ↗
- Replaces: CCNA (old 640-802, retired 2013)
- Equivalents at this level: CompTIA Network+ · Juniper JNCIA-Junos (JN0-105)
- Vendor overview: Cisco Vendor Overview ↗
Sources
- Cisco CCNA 200-301 exam page
- CCNA v1.1 Exam Blueprint PDF
- CCNA Exam Topics (Learning Network)
- Glassdoor CCNA Network Engineer Salary (USD)
- ZipRecruiter CCNA Salary Data
- PayScale CCNA Salary (ZAR)
- Glassdoor UK CCNA Salary (GBP)
- IT Jobs Watch CCNA (UK)
- Jeremy's IT Lab CCNA YouTube
- Jeremy's IT Lab CCNA Premium Course
- Udemy Neil Anderson CCNA Complete Guide
- Udemy David Bombal CCNA Course
- CBT Nuggets CCNA Training
- NetworkChuck CCNA YouTube Playlist
- Boson ExSim-Max CCNA Practice Exams
- Pearson IT Certification CCNA
- MeasureUp CCNA Practice Tests
- Pearson CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Volume 1
- Cisco Press CCNA Library
- CCNA v1.1 Launch Date (CBT Nuggets)
Last verified: 2026-05-01 Parent ecosystem: Cisco Ecosystem Parent domain: Networking Vendor overview: Cisco Vendor Overview