Does CCNA Expire? Explore How to Renew CCNA

Does CCNA Expire? Yes, CCNA certification is valid for a limited time from the date you pass the exam. Once it becomes inactive, you need to take steps to renew it to maintain its value. Many networking professionals aren’t sure how long their certification remains valid or what the renewal process involves.

In this article, we’ll help you find out exactly how long the CCNA Certificate is valid and explain how to renew it, covering all available recertification options so you can keep your certification current and relevant for your career.

Does CCNA expire?

Does CCNA expire?

Yes, the CCNA certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. After this period, it becomes inactive, and an expired CCNA is no longer recognized as current, which may impact job opportunities, promotions, or compliance requirements for roles that require an active certification.

For more details on the certification’s duration, see our article: How Long Does the CCNA Certification Last?

How to renew CCNA certification?

How to renew CCNA certification?

Cisco provides three official ways to renew CCNA. Professionals can choose the method that best fits their career path and schedule.

Option 1: Retake the CCNA exam

The most straightforward way to renew your CCNA certification is to retake the CCNA 200‑301 exam or any equivalent Associate-level exam. Passing the exam will extend your certification for an additional 3 years.

You can register through Pearson VUE:

• Website: https://home.pearsonvue.com/cisco
• Choose between an in-person test center or an online proctored exam.

If your CCNA certification has already expired, retaking the exam is the primary method to regain active status and continue validating your networking skills. Here’s a CCNA practice test you can use to prepare for the exam.

Option 2: Earn a higher-level Cisco certification

Another effective way to renew your CCNA is to achieve a higher-level Cisco certification before your current CCNA expires. This includes:

• Professional-level certifications (e.g., CCNP Enterprise)
• Specialist-level certifications
• Expert-level certifications

For example, passing the CCNP Enterprise exam will automatically renew both your CCNA and CCNP certifications for an additional 3 years.

This approach is ideal for professionals who want to upgrade their skills while simultaneously renewing their CCNA, combining career advancement with certification maintenance.

Option 3: Use Cisco Continuing Education (CE) credits

Cisco also offers a Continuing Education (CE) program, allowing CCNA holders to renew their certification without taking an exam.

• To renew, you must earn 30 CE credits before your CCNA expires.
  
• CE credits can be obtained through:
  
  • Cisco official training courses
  • Online courses or virtual workshops
  • Cisco Live sessions or approved third-party courses
    
• Once you have earned the required credits, submit them through the Cisco Continuing Education portal to maintain an active certification status.

Note: CE credits are only valid if earned while your certification is active. If your CCNA has already expired, CE credits alone cannot renew it—you would need to retake the exam.

This method provides flexibility for professionals who prefer learning and training over exam-taking, while still ensuring their certification remains current.

FAQs

1. How much is CCNA renewal?

The cost of renewing your CCNA depends on the method you choose:

• Retaking the CCNA exam: Around $300 USD (may vary by country).
• Earning a higher-level Cisco certification: Exam fees for CCNP or Specialist-level exams vary, typically $300–$400 USD per exam.
• Using Continuing Education (CE) credits: Costs depend on the training or courses you take. Some Cisco online courses or Cisco Live sessions may be free, while official instructor-led courses can range from a few hundred to over a thousand USD.

2. Is CCNA still relevant in 2026?

Yes, the CCNA remains a highly recognized entry-level certification in networking. It validates foundational knowledge in:

• Networking fundamentals (LAN/WAN, IP, routing, switching)
• Security basics
• Automation and programmability

While technology evolves, Cisco updates the exam content regularly, ensuring that CCNA-certified professionals have skills that are still in demand across enterprises worldwide.

3. Do you have to retake CCNA every 3 years?

Not necessarily. You don’t have to retake the exam every 3 years if you choose one of the other renewal methods:

• Earning a higher-level Cisco certification automatically renews your CCNA.
  
• Accumulating 30 CE credits through Cisco’s Continuing Education program also renews CCNA without taking the exam.

However, if your certification has expired and you haven’t completed CE credits, then retaking the exam is required to regain active status.

Final thoughts

Does CCNA Expire? Yes, it is valid for three years, and to keep it active, you need to understand how to renew your CCNA. Cisco offers three main recertification options: retaking the exam, earning a higher-level certification, or using Continuing Education (CE) credits. Following these methods ensures your certification stays current, helping you maintain professional credibility and advance your networking career.