What Is CCNA Certification? Meaning, Exam & Career Guide

If you’ve ever searched for entry-level IT certifications, you’ve almost certainly encountered the term CCNA. But what is CCNA, and why is it considered one of the most influential credentials in the networking industry? Today’s IT landscape demands professionals who understand networking fundamentals, security, IP services, automation, and modern network architectures. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification validates these skills and proves you can configure, operate, and troubleshoot real-world networks. So, this guide will break down everything you need to know, from CCNA meaning to requirements, exam structure, salary expectations, and how to become CCNA certified.

What is CCNA certification?

What is CCNA certification?

The CCNA certification, which stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate, is an industry-recognized credential offered by Cisco Systems, the world’s largest networking technology company. CCNA validates your ability to manage and support small to medium-sized networks while providing a strong foundation for advanced Cisco certifications.

The current CCNA exam (200-301) assesses core networking knowledge across multiple domains, including:

• Network fundamentals: OSI model, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, cabling, and architectures
• IP connectivity: Routing concepts, static routes, OSPFv2, and first-hop redundancy
• Network access: VLANs, trunks, spanning tree protocol (STP), and EtherChannel
• Security fundamentals: Access control lists (ACLs), VPN concepts, wireless security
• IP services: DHCP, NTP, SNMP, NAT, DNS, and QoS
• Automation & programmability: APIs, JSON, controller-based networking, SDN

If you’re searching for terms like what is a CCNA certificate, CCNA definition, Cisco certification CCNA, or CCNA networking, this is the globally recognized credential that validates essential networking expertise.

Who should take the CCNA certification?

Who should take the CCNA certification?

Anyone pursuing a career in networking, IT infrastructure, or cybersecurity, especially network technicians, system administrators, helpdesk engineers, and early-career professionals, should take the CCNA certification to validate practical skills in routing, switching, IP services, security, and automation.

1. Junior network technician

Junior technicians who work with switches, routers, VLANs, and basic routing need strong fundamentals. The CCNA for network technicians validates essential hands-on skills employers expect in L1/L2 roles. It serves as the ideal entry-level CCNA path, helping new engineers troubleshoot confidently and grow into more advanced responsibilities.

2. Helpdesk professional

Helpdesk professional

Helpdesk professionals aiming to move into network support need deeper IP troubleshooting skills. The CCNA provides the structured knowledge needed to reduce escalation time and transition into networking roles. It’s perfect for those exploring a CCNA career change or searching for CCNA for helpdesk opportunities.

3. Systems/cloud administrator

Systems/cloud administrator

Sysadmins and cloud admins often lack networking depth, especially with subnetting, routing, and connectivity. CCNA helps bridge this gap by strengthening cloud networking fundamentals for hybrid environments. For those asking “what is CCNA for sysadmin?”, it enhances architectural decision-making and cross-team collaboration.

4. Cybersecurity beginner

Cybersecurity beginner

Cybersecurity professionals need to understand traffic flows, ACLs, and network segmentation before tackling advanced security concepts. CCNA builds this essential foundation and strengthens situational awareness during incident response. Keywords like CCNA for cybersecurity and CCNA Security Foundation align perfectly with this learning path.

5. Career changer or student

Career changers and students need a recognized credential to get past entry-level hiring filters. CCNA provides proof of technical ability and commitment, even without prior IT experience. For those searching “how to start CCNA” or CCNA for beginners, it’s the most accessible path into networking and IT support.

CCNA exam details

CCNA exam details

The CCNA (Cisco 200-301) is a single, 120-minute proctored exam that tests network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation & programmability. Register through Pearson VUE; the exam fee is typically $300 USD (local taxes may apply). 

Overview & purpose

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301 CCNA) exam validates your ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks, plus foundational knowledge of security, automation, and programmability. It is the single exam required to earn the CCNA credential. 

Exam format

• Duration: 120 minutes.
• Number of questions: Typically ~100–120 (Cisco does not publish a fixed number; counts may vary).

Question types you must expect:

• Multiple-choice (single and multiple answers)
• Drag-and-drop / matching
• Simulations / performance-based labs (configuration and troubleshooting tasks)
• Fill-in or simulation-style interactive items 

These formats are intended to test both conceptual knowledge and hands-on troubleshooting skills; practice with labs and timed mocks is crucial. 

Exam domains

The CCNA 200-301 exam covers six major topic domains. These domains are defined in Cisco’s official exam topics blueprint (v1.1) and outline the essential skills every network professional must master. 

Exam scoring & passing guidance

Cisco uses a scaled scoring system and does not publish a fixed percentage pass mark. Industry reports and candidate experience generally suggest aiming for a strong score (many learners target the equivalent of ~80–85% on practice tests to be safe). Focus on consistent practice and mastering performance-based labs rather than fixating on an exact “passing percentage.”

CCNA requirements

CCNA requirements

There are no formal prerequisites to sit the CCNA (200-301) exam. Anyone who meets Cisco’s and Pearson VUE’s registration and ID rules can register. There are some requirements related to documents you should consider before testing.  

Eligibility & age

Cisco does not require any prior certification or formal education to attempt the CCNA 200-301 exam; it’s open to all candidates who comply with exam policies. Younger candidates should check regional rules and Pearson VUE policies (test-taker under 13 typically cannot register; candidate ages 13–17 may need parental/guardian consent per local regulations). Always confirm age-related restrictions when scheduling.

ID, registration & test-day rules

When you schedule the CCNA, you’ll register via Pearson VUE (in-center) or OnVUE (online proctoring). On test day:

• Bring the required ID(s): Test centers generally require one primary government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, national ID) and, in some cases, a secondary ID. Both names must match your exam registration exactly. For OnVUE, follow the specific ID list and environment checks.
• ID check & security: You will have your digital photo and/or signature captured during check-in; mismatched names or missing IDs can prevent you from testing.

Languages & accommodations

The CCNA 200-301 exam is offered in English and Japanese; availability in other languages varies by region. If you need testing accommodations (for disability or language), request them well in advance via Cisco/Pearson VUE. Approval and documentation timelines vary.

How to get the CCNA certification?

How to get the CCNA certification?

Becoming CCNA certified involves 5 main steps:

Step 1. Learn the exam blueprint

Study the CCNA exam topics, which outline every skill tested.

Step 2. Build hands-on skills

CCNA is a practical exam, so your success depends heavily on hands-on practice. The most effective approach is to work through realistic labs that help you apply networking concepts, configure devices, and troubleshoot in a simulated environment.

Step 3. Study with reliable materials

To learn efficiently, you need resources that explain concepts clearly and give you opportunities to test your understanding as you go. The best method is to follow a structured study path and regular practice tests.

This allows you to evaluate your strengths, identify weak areas, and study more strategically without wasting time jumping between random materials. 

Step 4. Take practice exams

Once you’ve built a solid foundation, practice exams become essential for checking how well you can apply your knowledge under real exam conditions. Start with topic-based quizzes to reinforce individual skills such as subnetting, routing, VLAN configuration, or automation concepts with the CCNA practice test.

After that, challenge yourself with a full-length CCNA practice test that mirrors the timing, difficulty, and question style of the real 200-301 exam. This is the best way to build exam stamina, reduce test anxiety, and understand your true readiness.

Step 5. Schedule and pass the exam

Register on Pearson VUE, choose your exam date, and complete the test online or in person. Once you pass, you’re officially CCNA certified!

FAQs

1. Do you learn about CCNA in certification A+?

Not directly. CompTIA A+ focuses on hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and basic networking. It does not cover CCNA-level routing, switching, or network design. However, an A+ can still be a helpful stepping stone because it builds the foundational IT knowledge you need before jumping into more complex networking.

2. What does a CCNA certificate do?

A CCNA certificate validates that you can configure, secure, and troubleshoot modern networks. It signals to employers that you understand real-world networking fundamentals and can work with Cisco technologies. You can qualify for roles like Network Technician, Network Administrator, or Technical Support Engineer with your CCNA certificate.

3. What is a CCNA salary?

The average CCNA salary in the United States ranges from $78,000 to $82,000 per year, reflecting strong industry demand. Data from Glassdoor also shows that job roles typically requiring CCNA-level skills offer salaries such as:

• Network Engineer: $107,534
• Network Consulting Engineer: $106,296
• Network & Computer Systems Administrator: $57,329
• Network Engineer: $64,656
• Network Administrator: $63,169

4. How much does the CCNA exam cost?

The official price for the CCNA 200-301 exam is $300 USD per attempt, not including local taxes or fees charged by Pearson VUE. This cost applies worldwide and must be paid each time you sit for the exam, including retakes.

5. Is CCNA equivalent to a degree?

No. CCNA is a professional certification, not an academic degree. However, CCNA can strengthen your employability because many employers value technical certifications as much as, sometimes even more than, traditional degrees for hands-on IT roles.

6. Is CCNA really entry-level?

Yes. The CCNA is officially considered an entry-level networking certification, but it is one of the most challenging certifications at this tier. Cisco places CCNA at the Associate level, which serves as the starting point in their certification pathway after retiring the old CCENT exam. This makes CCNA the foundational credential for anyone beginning a networking career.

7. Is CCNA worth the money?

Yes. The CCNA is generally worth the investment because it provides recognized, job-ready networking skills that employers actively search for. CCNA-certified professionals typically earn competitive salaries (many roles range from about $70k to $80k, depending on experience), and the certification helps candidates break into networking, infrastructure, and entry-level cybersecurity roles. Its value is highest when paired with hands-on labs and practical projects, which make you stand out to recruiters.

8. How long is CCNA valid for?

The CCNA certification is valid for three years, after which you must recertify to keep it active. You can renew by retaking the CCNA exam, passing a higher-level Cisco exam, or earning enough Continuing Education (CE) credits through approved Cisco courses and training. As long as you complete one of these options before the three-year expiration date, your CCNA will extend for another full cycle.

Final thoughts

At its core, what is CCNA comes down to is this: a foundational, industry-trusted certification that proves you understand the essentials of networking and can apply them in real-world environments. If you’re aiming for a strong start in IT or want a credential that opens doors to better roles, higher pay, and advanced Cisco tracks, the CCNA remains one of the most valuable and future-proof certifications you can earn. It’s practical, respected, and a strategic investment in your long-term tech career.