How much does CCNA certification cost?
How much does CCNA certification cost?
$300 CCNA exam fee
$5 – $80 cost for CCNA exam prep books
$800 – $4,500 cost for CCNA exam prep course
CCNA certification cost
CCNA certification costs $300 for the 200-301 exam fee alone. A CCNA test prep course is optional and costs up to $4,500, depending on the type. The CCNA certificate expires after 3 years. To stay current, you must either retake the exam, complete relevant training, or earn a higher-level certification from Cisco.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | $300* |
| Exam prep book | $5 – $80 |
| Exam prep course | $800 – $4,500 |
*Not including taxes
What is a CCNA certification?
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a certification issued by Cisco, a multinational technology company. CCNA certification is best suited to entry-level IT professionals. There are no prerequisites for taking the CCNA exam, but you’re more likely to pass if you have proper training and experience.
Most IT job listings require or prefer a CCNA or a similar network certification. CCNA tests you on Cisco tools and products only, while CompTIA Network+ is vendor-neutral and prepares you for a variety of devices. However, CCNA is more in-depth and covers more topics.
CCNA exam components
The CCNA exam covers six different components in varying degrees. Any course or study material you buy will cover all six subjects. There are no exam prerequisites, but Cisco generally wants candidates to have at least 1 year of experience with Cisco products and basic knowledge of IP addressing and networks.
| Subject | Exam percentage |
|---|---|
| IP connectivity | 25% |
| Network fundamentals | 20% |
| Network access | 20% |
| Security fundamentals | 15% |
| IP services | 10% |
| Automation & programmability | 10% |
CCNA exam cost
The 200-301 CCNA exam costs $300 plus tax. Your employer can also give you prepaid Cisco Learning Credits to pay for the exam. Some companies buy these credits for their employees to spend on the Cisco platform.
Cisco offers an official practice exam for $79 that can help you prepare for the CCNA test.
CCNA test prep cost
Courses or bootcamps for CCNA certification cost $800 to $4,500, depending on the format. Traditional in-person courses, live online classes, and self-paced online classes are available. You can also find free video walk-throughs online, though they may not be as comprehensive as a bootcamp or university course.
In-person courses in the U.S. cost about $2,000 to $4,500. Cisco offers an online course called Implementing and Administering Solutions for $800 that can help you pass the CCNA exam.
Course materials
CCNA preparation books cost $5 to $80 if they’re not covered in the course fee. These guidebooks often contain relevant information to study and practice tests. Physical copies are easier to navigate and take notes with, but they cost more than electronic or pdf versions.
Experience
Cisco does not require a certain amount of prep time or job experience to take the CCNA exam. However, you’re more likely to pass if you have extensive relevant work experience or a high competency level. You may not need to spend time and money on a formal training course if you have more experience.
Some companies pay for CCNA certification if they think it might be beneficial. Ask your manager if the company would be willing to cover the exam fee, training, or both.
How to renew CCNA certification
CCNA certificates expire after 3 years. To stay certified, you must either retake the exam, earn a higher-level cert from Cisco, or earn Continuing Education credits. You can earn credits by volunteering, going to seminars, or enrolling in professional training.
FAQs about CCNA certification
How hard is CCNA certification?
Getting a CCNA is relatively straightforward because there are no prerequisites before taking the exam. The CCNA exam is somewhat difficult for entry-level or associate employees who are new to networking. You need a score of 80% to 85% to pass the exam.
The CCNA exam has a pass rate of about 50%. If you do not pass the exam on the first try, Cisco lets you retake it after 5 days.
How long is the CCNA exam?
During the CCNA exam, you have 2 hours to answer 50 to 60 questions. The exam contains a combination of multiple-choice, simulation-based, and drag-and-drop questions.
Is CCNA worth it?
Though employers don’t necessarily require a CCNA certification, it can boost your earning potential and help you qualify for a raise or more advanced role. CCNA certification-holders may earn more than average and often have the following positions and salaries.
| Job title | Average salary |
|---|---|
| IT support specialist | $56,100 – $82,700 |
| Network specialist | $73,200 – $116,700 |
| Network administrator | $76,300 – $108,900 |
| Network engineer | $98,000 – $122,400 |
Does CCNA expire?
CCNA certification expires after 3 years. Anytime during those 3 years, you can complete training, retake the exam, or earn a higher-level certification from Cisco to keep your certification current.
What to look for in a CCNA prep course or tutor
When choosing a CCNA training course or computer science tutor, follow these guidelines:
Search for tutors or course instructors with experience in CCNA test preparation and verify their credentials.
Research their reputation by reading reviews from previous students, if possible.
Consider the teaching style or format. Some students need a structured approach, while others prefer flexibility.
Make sure the study materials include practice tests and in-depth guides.
Confirm the tutor's or class’s schedule matches your preferences and schedule.
Look for a tutor or instructor that monitors your progress and gives feedback.
Questions to ask a CCNA instructor
Ask these questions to make the most of your time with a tutor or instructor:
How will you assess my knowledge and skills?
Based on my experience, what subjects will I need to study the most?
Will you help me create a study plan?
What are the hardest sections of the CCNA exam? How should I approach those sections?
Do you have any advice on how to manage my time wisely during the exam?
How much time should I spend on independent study?
Can I come to you for support or questions between classes?
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