Cisco CCNA Pass Rate 2026
Complete analysis of Cisco CCNA exam difficulty, pass rates, and strategies to pass on your first attempt.
Pass Rate
Difficulty Verdict
Moderately Challenging
Recommended Study Time
4-8 weeks
Typical Attempts
1-2 attempts typical
Cisco CCNA's ~60% pass rate means roughly 40 out of 100 candidates fail. For a hard-difficulty Cisco exam, this is in line with expectations. Success requires covering all exam objectives, not just the ones you're comfortable with. At $330 per attempt, failing is costly. If you fail, you'll wait Five calendar days, beginning the day after the failed attempt, before you may sit the same written exam again. before retaking. The certification is valid for 3 years, so investing in solid prep pays off long-term.
Top Reasons Candidates Fail Cisco CCNA:
Do This for Cisco CCNA
- Online proctored or test center
- Covers networking fundamentals extensively
- Packet Tracer for hands-on practice
- Boson ExSim for practice exams
Avoid This
- Relying solely on work experience without studying code updates
- Skipping the math and calculation portions in practice
- Not reviewing safety and compliance regulations thoroughly
- Ignoring the specific format differences between practice and real exam
Ready to Beat the Odds?
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