Cisco Certified Network Associate
The most recognized vendor-specific networking certification globally. Covers IP routing, switching, VLANs, subnetting, security fundamentals, automation, and network programmability. Cisco holds ~31% of Ethernet switch market share globally. Required or preferred in many network administrator and engineer job postings. Valid 3 years. Cisco announced CCNA v2.0 (same 200-301 exam code) effective 2027-02-03, adding a 10 percent AI and network operations domain; the current v1.1 exam remains available through 2027-02-02.
What you'll prove
- Configure and troubleshoot Cisco routers and switches in enterprise environments
- Implement VLANs, STP, and inter-VLAN routing
- Configure OSPF and understand routing protocols
- Implement network security including access control lists and VPNs
- Configure wireless networks and understand wireless security
- Apply network automation concepts using Python and Cisco APIs
- Troubleshoot network connectivity using systematic methodologies
Frequently asked
How much does CCNA cost?
$300 USD globally via Pearson VUE.
CCNA vs CompTIA Network+: which should I get?
Network+ is vendor-neutral and DoD 8570 approved; better for government roles and multi-vendor environments. CCNA goes deeper into Cisco-specific routing and switching and is better for enterprise network engineering roles at Cisco-heavy organizations. Many engineers hold both.
Where this fits