Cisco
Cisco CCNA Pass Rate 2026
Complete analysis of Cisco CCNA exam difficulty, pass rates, and strategies to pass on your first attempt.
Pass Rate Overview
~60%
Pass Rate
60% Pass
40% Fail
Difficulty Verdict
Moderately Challenging
Recommended Study Time
4-8 weeks
Typical Attempts
1-2 attempts typical
Why is the Cisco CCNA Pass Rate ~60%?
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 5 days (written), 30 days (lab) before retaking. The certification is valid for 3 years, so investing in solid prep pays off long-term.
Top Reasons Candidates Fail Cisco CCNA:
30%
Insufficient hands-on practical experience with real equipment
25%
Not studying the specific code standards and regulations tested
20%
Relying on experience alone without reviewing updated materials
15%
Weak understanding of safety protocols and compliance rules
10%
Not practicing with the exam's specific question format
How to Beat the ~60% Pass Rate
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?
Get our complete Cisco CCNA study guide with practice questions.