Why is Cisco's CCNA Cert so tough? (2024)

FAQs

Why are Cisco exams so hard? ›

The depth and breadth of topics can be overwhelming for those who are new to networking. Technical complexity: The CCNA certification requires a strong understanding of complex technical concepts such as subnetting, VLANs, and routing protocols.

CCNA is Comprehensive

With so much to study, the exams may seem tough to pass. We recommend a focus on ICDN, which serves the base for all types of Cisco CCNA exams. This requires candidates to go through the length and breadth of the topics.

The CCNA routing/switching exam passing rate is 85%. However, according to some resources, the test's failure rate on the first attempt is +/- 95%. Although it is not difficult, the exam can be challenging for newcomers to network.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Here's our vote for the #1 toughest certification! It's Cisco's top-level certification and a highly valued “badge of competency” in the industry.

CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert)

The second stage exam is 8 hours long in duration and hardly 1% of the total number of candidates can clear it. CCIE certification is considered the most prestigious certificate in the entire networking industry, but qualifying for this exam is not an easy task.

Practice Mock Tests

Try to attempt practice tests online. There are so many websites offering different practice tests for CCNA certification. By taking mock tests, one will be able to understand how much he is prepared for the actual exam. He can have a glimpse of the real-time Cisco exams.

This is what one Pakistani girl, Ayesh Fatima, has done by gaining the title: youngest-ever Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) professional in the world. The impressive seven-year-old has passed the certification and broken the record of an Indian girl named K.

It is a globally recognized certification that validates your knowledge and skills in entry-level networking. It is also a prerequisite for many other Cisco certifications, such as the CCNP and CCIE.

Based on my non-expert experience, if you have studied and passed the old CCENT you are more than 50% towards being able to pass the new CCNA (probably closer to 60-65% of the way there). Complicated subjects like EIRGP have been excluded, for instance.

Cisco's CCIE Data Center certification is a prestigious credential that validates a candidate's expertise in designing, deploying, operating, and optimizing complex data center networks. Holding this certification demonstrates an individual's comprehensive knowledge and skills in managing data center infrastructures.

What is the toughest exam in the world? ›

1. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) takes the top spot as the most challenging exam in the US, with an average preparation time ranging from 200 to 400 hours for each of its three steps.

The CCNP ENCOR exam is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right approach and resources, passing it is within reach. Gather your materials, buckle down on your studies, and prepare to conquer one of the most significant hurdles in the networking world.

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.

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.

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.