CCNACisco Certified Network Associate
The gold standard in networking certifications
Details last reviewed January 2026. Fees and exam formats change — always confirm on the official page.
About this certification
The CCNA is Cisco's foundational certification that validates core networking skills including IP addressing, routing, switching, security fundamentals, and automation. It's one of the most respected networking credentials in the world and a prerequisite for advanced Cisco certifications.
What you'll validate
- ✓IP connectivity and routing
- ✓Switching and VLANs
- ✓Security fundamentals
- ✓Network automation
- ✓Wireless fundamentals
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Most recognized networking cert globally
- +Vendor-specific depth — valued at Cisco-heavy shops
- +Excellent salary premium
- +Foundation for CCNP and specialist paths
Disadvantages
- −Vendor-specific (Cisco)
- −Requires significant study time
- −Single exam but very challenging
Who it's for
Best for
- →Networking professionals targeting enterprise roles
- →Those in Cisco-heavy environments
- →Anyone pursuing network engineering careers
Not ideal for
- ×Vendor-agnostic environments (use Network+)
- ×Beginners (start with Network+)
Career paths this unlocks
CCNA: quick answers
- How much does the CCNA exam cost?
- The listed exam fee is $330 (USD). Fees vary by region and change over time — confirm on the official page before you buy.
- How long does it take to prepare for CCNA?
- We estimate roughly 200 hours of study for most candidates; your time depends on prior experience.
- How long is the CCNA exam?
- The exam is 120 minutes with about 100 questions.
- How long is the CCNA credential valid?
- 3 years. Continuing education or exam retake every 3 years
Study Resources
Contains affiliate linksTop picks for CCNA
Register for the exam
Book through Pearson VUE; Cisco Learning Credits available from Cisco-authorized resellers
More places to study
Self-paced video courses from independent instructors
Courses and certificates from universities and companies
Practice tests and hands-on labs for IT certifications
Printed and Kindle exam guides
Subscription video courses
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Jobs for CCNA holders
Pay depends on role, location, and experience more than on any single credential. Check current postings below for real ranges in your market.
LinkedIn Jobs
Posted in the last 7 days
Indeed
Dice (tech roles)
Tech-focused job board
Job links open external sites. Search results are live and not curated by MyCertPath.
Quick Facts
- Exam Cost
- $330
- Exam Duration
- 120 minutes
- Questions
- ~100
- Passing Score
- ~825/1000 (varies)
- Exam Format
- Multiple Choice + Performance
- Study Time
- ~200 hours
- Validity
- 3 years
- Salary Impact
- Strong (editorial rating)
- Last Reviewed
- January 2026
Prerequisites
- !No formal prerequisites; hands-on networking experience recommended
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