How much does a CCNA make without experience?

A CCNA with no experience typically starts in the $45,000 to $70,000 annual range, averaging around $53,000, but this varies significantly by location (high-cost cities pay more) and role, with some entry-level Network Technician or IT Support roles paying less and advanced entry-level positions reaching higher, showing strong potential for growth with experience and specialized skills.

Can I get a job with CCNA and no experience?

There's plenty of people who get the CCNA with no experience and get network admin jobs. On the flip side there are people with the CCNA and help desk experience that are unable to move up at all.

Is CCNA still worth in 2025?

Yes, the CCNA is still very much worth it in 2025 for a networking career, offering essential foundational skills, strong job prospects in network administration and security, and a great ROI as a gateway to advanced certifications, despite the evolving landscape with cloud and automation. While some manual tasks are changing, the core understanding of network fundamentals provided by the CCNA remains critical for supporting modern, complex IT environments and cybersecurity roles, making it a valuable entry-point and foundational credential. 

Can I complete CCNA in 3 months?

Yes, you can complete your CCNA studies in 3 months with a focused and structured study plan. Dedicate consistent daily hours to cover all exam topics and engage in hands-on practice.

Is CCNA very difficult?

Yes, the CCNA is widely considered a challenging but achievable certification, especially for beginners, because it requires deep theoretical knowledge plus practical, hands-on configuration skills with Cisco hardware and command-line interfaces (CLI), demanding significant study, labs, and dedication. While some find it harder than CompTIA Network+ due to its Cisco-specific focus and practical labs (Packet Tracer, GNS3), thorough preparation with consistent practice makes passing realistic, even if it takes a few months for many. 

How to get a CCNA CCNP CCIE job without experience

What is the minimum salary in Cisco?

Cisco base salaries vary significantly by role, experience, and location, but generally range from entry-level roles around $50k-$70k (like an Entry-Level Engineer) up to senior engineering or management positions potentially exceeding $200k-$250k+ base pay, with total compensation including stock and bonuses pushing higher. For example, a mid-level Software Engineer might see base pay around $107k-$135k (Grade 4-6), while a Distinguished Engineer could earn over $250k in base salary. 

Is CCNA higher than Security+?

Neither CCNA nor Security+ is universally "better"; they serve different paths: Security+ is vendor-neutral, focusing broadly on core cybersecurity concepts (threats, compliance, access control), ideal for general security roles, especially in government/DoD. CCNA is Cisco-focused and deeper, covering networking fundamentals (routing, switching, configuration) with integrated security, best for networking roles, often leading to higher-paying, specialized network security jobs. Choose Security+ for a broad security entry, or CCNA for deep networking with security, depending on your career goals. 

Is CCNA good for beginners?

Yes, CCNA for beginners is not only possible—it's encouraged. Cisco designed the CCNA 200-301 certification to serve as a foundational entry into networking. You don't need prior professional experience, but a basic understanding of computers, IP addressing, and how the internet works will definitely help.

How long does CCNA expire?

How Long is the CCNA Certificate Valid? Your certification is valid for three years after your date of issue. To recertify before your certificate's expiration date, you must satisfy several recertification criteria. You don't have to do anything to keep your CCNA certification active.

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Yes, earning $200,000 a year in cybersecurity is absolutely achievable, especially in senior, specialized, or high-demand roles like CISO, Security Architect, Lead Security Engineer, Cloud Security Engineer, Sales Engineer, or penetration testers in large companies or high-cost-of-living areas, often requiring significant experience, advanced skills (coding, cloud, leadership), and sometimes certifications, with top earners exceeding this significantly. 

Is CCNA harder than CompTIA?

Yes, CCNA is considerably harder than CompTIA A+. While A+ focuses on basic computer hardware and troubleshooting, CCNA delves into complex networking concepts and specific Cisco configurations. The jump from A+ to CCNA is significant, which is why many people use Network+ as an intermediate step.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

You can earn $3,000 a month without a degree in roles like Dental/Medical Assistant (with short training), skilled trades (Electrician, HVAC), Delivery Driver (UPS, FedEx), specialized sales, Real Estate Agent, and some tech roles like AI Trainer or Medical Coder, often requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or a strong work ethic for entry, with remote options available in customer service or data entry if you have strong computer skills, notes www.nysmda.com, Tallo, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/3000-A-Month-Jobs-No-Degree. 

How many people pass CCNA on first try?

The exam is challenging, and according to Certstaffix, 95 percent of test takers fail on their first attempt. However, that shouldn't put you off because the overall pass rate is still around 85 percent, according to different sources.

Is CCNA equivalent to a degree?

They signal to recruiters that you have relevant knowledge and give you an advantage over candidates without a cert or degree. So, if they both provide similar benefits, is the CCNA equivalent to a degree? Not exactly. There are some scenarios where a CCNA won't act as a good substitute for a traditional degree.

What is the hardest Cisco exam?

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is widely regarded as Cisco's most challenging certification. Earning the CCIE requires passing both a rigorous written exam and an extensive eight-hour, hands-on lab exam.

Is CCNA stressful?

While CCNA preparation can be stressful due to the level of difficulty and exam pressure, thorough preparation, practical practice, and a structured approach can significantly reduce stress and improve your chances of success.

Is Cisco better than CompTIA?

CompTIA provides vendor-neutral IT fundamentals (like Network+ for broad knowledge), focusing on theory and universal concepts, making it a great starting point; while Cisco certifications (like CCNA) are vendor-specific, diving deep into practical, hands-on configuration and management of Cisco hardware, ideal for specializing in enterprise networking, often requiring foundational CompTIA knowledge first. Think of CompTIA as the "what" and "why" of IT, and Cisco as the "how" with a specific, industry-leading brand.
 

Is CCNA still relevant in 2025?

If your goal is to build a serious career in enterprise networking, infrastructure security, or even cloud networking, then yes, Cisco certifications are still worth it in 2025.

Is network+ or CCNA better?

The choice between CCNA vs CompTIA Network+ depends on your goals. CompTIA Network+ offers versatility and a flexible starting point for networking careers. CCNA provides technical depth for those focused on Cisco-based networking roles.

Can I get a job with just network+?

Yes, the CompTIA Network+ certification absolutely helps you get an IT job, validating foundational skills for roles like Network Technician, Help Desk Specialist, IT Support, and Network Administrator, serving as a strong starting point or complement to hands-on experience, and proving competency to employers for various entry-level to advanced positions in networking and telecommunications. 

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Engineers making $500k/year are typically highly specialized, experienced professionals, most commonly in Software Engineering, especially in AI, distributed systems, or finance/trading, working at top tech firms or successful startups where total compensation (base + significant stock/bonus) reaches this level. Other potential fields include Electrical Engineering in specialized areas like power/utilities or high-level Project Management roles. 

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Engineers earning $300k/year are typically in senior, specialized, or leadership roles, especially in Software/Tech (AI, DevOps, Embedded Systems, MLOps), Hardware, and niche fields like Autonomous Driving or Defense, often at top companies or high-growth startups, combining base pay with significant bonuses and equity, and requiring strong system design/algorithm skills. Roles like VP of Engineering, Tech Fellow, or Director level are also common paths to this income bracket. 

Is it easy to get a job in Cisco?

"When applying for a role at Cisco, think really big about your experience! Be ready to articulate how your skills align to the minimum job qualifications posted on the job description. Including a cover letter that explains why you are interested and qualified will allow you to have a much more fluid conversation."