Cisco Learning Network (2024)

FAQs

How many questions do you need to get right to pass the CCNA? ›

Number of questions: Cisco does not publish an exact number, but expect around 100 questions during the 120 minutes of the exam. Passing score: This is also not published information, but a general rule tends to be around 80% correct answers to pass the exam.

Overall, the CCNA certification is challenging due to the technical complexity, depth and breadth of topics, high standard, time pressure, and continuous updates.

Most students who are new to networking find it very difficult to understand and memorize everything they need to know to pass (Cisco) exams. Many of us never learned “how” to study in school. Whether it's CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE. What these exams have in common is that you need to learn and remember a LOT of information.

Candidates who fail an Entry-, Associate-, Professional-, Specialist-level, or CCDE written exam must wait five calendar days, beginning the day after the failed attempt, before they may retest for the same exam.

Over 90% of students quit while studying for their CCNA exam. Of the 10% who actually take it, 50% fail on their first attempt. In fact, the average pass rate is 2.5 attempts so $750 per pass.

The most notable change in the new CCNA exam is that there will be no specialization, the specialization will now be done at the CCNP level. Is the new CCNA exam harder than the current one? The new CCNA on the whole is a little harder than the previous exam.

CCNA is Comprehensive

The CCNA exam includes questions on a variety of topics based on TCP/IP studies—to the most comprehensive routing protocols with spanning trees. With so much to study, the exams may seem tough to pass.

CCNA certifications can be useful in landing both entry-level and higher-level networking positions. Here are some of the job titles that can request CCNA certifications, and how much they make on average in the US.

CBT Nuggets coaches say you should be CCNA ready in about 26 weeks by studying 30 to 60 minutes per day. Pair the 200-301 CCNA training videos with the free CBT Nuggets CCNA 200-301 study plan so you can stay on-track ahead of test day. View the full report on how long it takes to study for the Cisco CCNA here.

With the availability of online resources such as study materials, tutorials, practice exams, and virtual labs, you can learn and prepare for the CCNA certification independently. However, self-study requires discipline, dedication, and a structured study plan to cover all the necessary topics effectively.

Is CCNA harder than Network+? ›

Generally, CCNA is considered to be more difficult than Network+ due to the depth of knowledge required, the complexity of the topics covered, and the format of the exam. However, both exams are challenging in their own right and require a solid understanding of networking concepts and practical experience to pass.

You can gain a lifetime of experience with a CCNA certification. CCNA is the industry standard when it comes to the technical industry. You can further explore a number of job opportunities after CCNA. Also, the best part is that you can always upgrade to Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification.

Generally, the pass rate for first-time takers falls in the range of 80% to 90% based on historical data, but this statistic is subject to change over time as exam content and difficulty evolve.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Cisco's CCIE is a prestigious and challenging certification for network engineers. Candidates must pass a hands-on lab exam that tests their ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex networking solutions.

Holding a Cisco certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills in networking technologies, which can enhance your credibility and career opportunities. Career Advancement: Cisco certifications can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

You may become CCNA certified by taking and passing only one test, the 200-301 CCNA. The number of questions you will encounter on the exam is not fixed, but it will generally be around 110 to 120. The minimum passing score is around 800-850 out of a maximum score of 1000.

The CCNA is designed to validate your knowledge on fundamental networking concepts often requested in networking roles in IT positions. Here's a quick rundown of key facts: To get the CCNA certification you'll have to pass one exam, the 200-301 CCNA.

Final Thoughts. The Latest CCNA overall is considered to be a bit harder than the previous one. It is asking new IT professionals to display a broader set of skills. The excellent news would be that it's preparing you for real-world expectations.

You'll need both theoretical and practical knowledge to pass the CCNA exam. As you prepare for the exam, you should be able to use theoretical information in real-world troubleshooting and networking issues.