Cisco CCNA Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the Cisco CCNA, eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$330
Provider
Cisco
Validity
3 years
Available
Global
Education
Check official exam requirements
Experience
1-3 years of hands-on experience recommended
Specific Requirements
- None. Cisco sets no formal prerequisite for 200-301 and no prior certification is required.
- Cisco applies age requirements and policies concerning minors under its Certification and Confidentiality Agreement, so candidates below the stated age need parental or guardian consent.
- You must accept the Cisco Certification and Confidentiality Agreement at registration and again before the exam starts. Refusing it ends the exam and forfeits the full fee.
- Residents of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Belarus and Russia are prohibited from testing under Cisco's embargoed countries policy.
- A Cisco Networking Academy student must have their Networking Academy ID in their Pearson VUE profile or the academy voucher will not work and results may not count toward certification.
- Practically, budget for a lab. Packet Tracer is free with a Networking Academy account and covers the blueprint; no physical hardware purchase is required.
Number of Questions
Cisco does not publish the number of items on 200-301. The on-screen counter shows your own total at the start of the exam.
Duration
120 minutes
Question Format
Multiple choice, single correct answer, Multiple choice, multiple correct answers with the number required stated in the stem, Drag and drop matching, Command-line simulation items on a simulated Cisco IOS device, Scenario items built on a topology diagram and show command output
Passing Requirement
Not published in advance. Cisco states passing scores are subject to change and may vary from exam to exam without notice, and discloses the figure only on the score report handed to you at the end of the session.
How It Is Delivered
Pearson VUE test centre, or OnVUE online proctored from home or office. Pearson VUE states all written proctored Cisco exams can be taken online except 400-007, the CCDE written exam.
Languages Offered
English, Japanese
Visit the official Cisco certification page
Create an account and select your exam
Choose a test center or online proctoring option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
Score Scale
Cisco reports a numeric score with a per-section performance breakout. It does not publish the scale endpoints for 200-301, and the frequently cited 300 to 1000 range is not sourced to a current Cisco document.
Score You Need
Not published in advance. Cisco states passing scores are subject to change and may vary from exam to exam without notice, and discloses the figure only on the score report handed to you at the end of the session.
How It Is Calculated
Cisco sets passing scores by statistical analysis rather than a fixed percentage, and scores are scaled so that different exam forms are comparable. Scoring is compensatory across the six sections: strength in IP Connectivity can offset weakness in Automation, since Cisco reports one overall result rather than a per-section pass requirement. No published Cisco policy describes a penalty for wrong answers, so leave nothing blank.
When You Get Results
A score report is issued at the end of the session. Cisco states it shows a score for each exam section and the passing score for that exam, so you learn the cut score after you sit rather than before. Within 24 hours of passing, Cisco emails the instructions for claiming the certification. The 48-hour figure widely quoted for CCNA results is Cisco's policy for lab and practical exams, not for written exams like 200-301. Scores may be revised after testing if misconduct, scoring inaccuracies or aberrant response patterns are found.
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation email
- For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the Cisco CCNA?
None. Cisco sets no formal prerequisite for 200-301 and no prior certification is required.. Cisco applies age requirements and policies concerning minors under its Certification and Confidentiality Agreement, so candidates below the stated age need parental or guardian consent.. You must accept the Cisco Certification and Confidentiality Agreement at registration and again before the exam starts. Refusing it ends the exam and forfeits the full fee.. Residents of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Belarus and Russia are prohibited from testing under Cisco's embargoed countries policy.. A Cisco Networking Academy student must have their Networking Academy ID in their Pearson VUE profile or the academy voucher will not work and results may not count toward certification.. Practically, budget for a lab. Packet Tracer is free with a Networking Academy account and covers the blueprint; no physical hardware purchase is required..
How much does the Cisco CCNA cost?
The Cisco CCNA exam costs $330. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the Cisco CCNA?
Visit the official Cisco certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the Cisco CCNA?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.
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