CCNA 200-301

I. Introduction

Cisco’s Certified Network Associate focuses on practical networking skills: switching and VLANs, basic routing, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, wireless fundamentals, troubleshooting, security basics, and introductory automation concepts.

II. Exam Breakdown

Important: CCNA is earned by passing one exam (200-301 CCNA (v1.1)) from the current version.

• 200-301 domains (v1.1)
  • Network Fundamentals (20%)
  • Network Access (20%)
  • IP Connectivity (25%)
  • IP Services (10%)
  • Security Fundamentals (15%)
  • Automation and Programmability (10%)

III. Exam Details

• Duration: 120 minutes
• Cost: $300 USD (plus applicable taxes/fees)
• Question formats: expect a mix of multiple-choice and interactive / hands-on style items (Cisco does not publish an exact question count, and it can vary by delivery).

IV. Free Study Resources

• Cisco CCNA (200-301) Official exam page
• CCNA 200-301 v1.1 Official Exam Topics (PDF)
• Free labs / practice environments
  • Cisco Packet Tracer (NetAcad)
  • Cisco DevNet Sandbox (great for automation/API practice)
• Jeremy’s IT Lab – CCNA 200-301 complete course (YouTube playlist)

V. Hands-On Labs

• Build your “CCNA home lab” (simulation works fine)
  • Use Packet Tracer for switching/routing fundamentals
  • Optional: GNS3 / EVE-NG - Network emulation platforms for simulating real-world network scenarios
• Switching & LAN labs
  • Configure VLANs, trunk ports, native VLAN, and inter-VLAN routing
  • EtherChannel basics
• Routing & IP labs
  • IPv4 subnetting drills + addressing plans
  • Static routes + default routes
  • OSPF single-area setup + verification
  • IPv6 addressing + basic routing
• Security fundamentals labs
  • Device hardening basics (secure passwords, SSH, disable unused services)
  • ACL practice (permit/deny rules and verification)
  • Layer 2 protections (ex: port security concepts)
• Automation & programmability labs
  • Use DevNet Sandbox to practice RESTCONF/NETCONF ideas at a beginner level
  • Write a tiny script that pulls device/interface info and prints a clean status report

VI. Renewal

Most Cisco certifications are active for three years. To keep CCNA active, you can recertify by re-taking an eligible exam, earning a higher certification, or earning the required Continuing Education (CE) credits (Associate-level recertification uses 30 CE credits).

VII. What to Do After CCNA

• Common next steps after CCNA:
  • Cisco CCNP Enterprise (ENCOR path) if you want deeper routing/switching and enterprise networking
  • Cisco DevNet Associate if you want more automation/APIs/software-driven networking
  • Security-focused paths (Cisco security track or Security+ if you want vendor-neutral foundations)