How Long Does CCNA Certification Last?

How long does CCNA certification last? Three years is the official validity. After this period, the certification expires unless renewed through Cisco’s established recertification process. Understanding this timeline is crucial for career planning, especially for IT professionals who rely on active credentials for job eligibility and professional growth. Let’s break down the CCNA certification cycle in this guide, from validity and renewal options to what happens if the credential expires.

How long does the CCNA certification last?

How long does the CCNA certification last?

The CCNA certification is valid for three years from the date of completion. After this period, your certification will expire unless you take steps to renew it.

Why this matters:

• Job eligibility: Many network, security, and IT roles require an active CCNA. If your certification lapses, you may lose eligibility for these positions or limit new opportunities.
• Skill relevance: Networking technologies evolve rapidly. An expired CCNA can give the impression that your knowledge is outdated compared to professionals with active credentials.
• Career progression: Advanced Cisco certifications like CCNP or CCIE require an active CCNA. Letting your CCNA expire can delay promotions or slow your path to higher-level roles.

How to renew the CCNA certification?

Keeping your CCNA active is essential to ensure your networking skills remain officially recognized. Cisco provides three main renewal methods, each suited to different professional goals and circumstances.

Option 1: Retake the CCNA Exam

Retake the CCNA Exam

Renewing your CCNA can be as simple as taking the exam again. Successfully passing the exam will extend your certification for another three years.

Registration is available through Pearson VUE, offering both in-person test centers and online proctored exams.

If your CCNA has already expired, retaking the exam is the only method to regain an active credential. Remember to take the CCNA practice test carefully to get the best result. 

This path is best for professionals who:

• Want the simplest and clearest renewal route available.
• Prefer a test‑based validation of continuing knowledge.
• Are comfortable with exam preparation and confident they can pass on the first or second attempt.

Option 2: Achieve a Higher-Level Cisco Certification

Achieve a Higher-Level Cisco Certification

Instead of simply retaking the CCNA exam, you can renew your certification by earning a higher-level Cisco credential before your current CCNA expires. This strategy not only keeps your CCNA active but also boosts your skills and career prospects.

Eligible higher-level certifications include:

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

For example, passing the CCNP Enterprise exam automatically renews both your CCNA and CCNP certifications for an additional three years.

This option suits professionals who:

• Are actively advancing beyond entry‑level networking into more strategic or senior roles.
• Want to avoid repeat CCNA exams by earning an upgrade while renewing.
• Are planning a long‑term certification roadmap (e.g., CCNA → CCNP → CCIE).

Option 3: Use Cisco Continuing Education (CE) Credits

Use Cisco Continuing Education (CE) Credits

Cisco’s Continuing Education program provides a flexible alternative to exam-based renewal. By accumulating 30 CE credits before your CCNA expires, you can renew your certification without taking another exam.

CE credits can be earned through:

• Cisco official training courses
• Online courses or virtual workshops
• Cisco Live sessions or approved third-party programs

Once the required credits are earned, submit them through the Cisco CE portal to maintain active certification.

Important: CE credits are valid only if earned while your CCNA is active. If your certification has already expired, retaking the exam is necessary to reactivate it.

CE renewal is most appropriate for professionals who:

• Prefer learning and skill development over exam retakes.
• Enjoy structured learning environments with video courses, labs, and training sessions.
• Want to stay actively engaged with new networking topics while maintaining certification validity.

FAQs

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

Not necessarily. Cisco provides three valid recertification methods:

• Retake the CCNA exam
• Earn a higher-level certification (CCNP, Specialist, Expert)
• Use Continuing Education (CE) credits

Choosing the best method depends on your career goals, schedule, and preferred learning style.

2. Is the CCNA retake free?

No, retaking the CCNA exam is not free. Registration fees apply through Pearson VUE, and costs may vary depending on your location and chosen exam format (in-person or online proctored).
For a detailed breakdown of costs, check out our guide on CCNA certification costs.

Final thoughts

How Long Does CCNA Certification Last? It lasts three years, and knowing this helps you plan your career and certification path wisely. Staying on top of your CCNA ensures you remain eligible for advanced Cisco certifications, keep your skills recognized, and maintain a competitive edge in the IT networking field.