Is CCNA retired?

Yes, many specific CCNA tracks (like Security, Voice, Wireless, Data Center, etc.) were retired by Cisco in February 2020https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/retired.html. They were consolidated into a single, unified CCNA certification (200-301), which covers a broad range of fundamental networking skills, including security fundamentals. So, while the old tracks are gone, the core CCNA itself is very much active, just restructured.

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 CCNA security retired?

Cisco announced the discontinuation of CCNA Security certification in 2020. The last day to test was February 24, 2020. Cisco decided to simplify its certification offerings by discontinuing it. Cisco wanted to focus on newer and more relevant security certifications.

Is CCNA changing in 2026?

Very helpful. In this regard, I came across the news that beginning Feb. 3, 2026, Cybersecurity certifications will get new names: CCNA Cybersecurity and CCNP Cybersecurity. Exam topics will remain the same.

Is CCNA still worth?

Yes, CCNA is worth it in 2026 and beyond. It will act as a stepping stone to your professional career, which can further help you go for a higher networking job role. Also, the knowledge that you get from CCNA is best suited for the IT industry and is in demand.

My experience taking the CCNA Exam on my second attempt.

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

Yes, making $200,000 a year in cybersecurity is achievable, especially in senior roles like CISO, Security Architect, or Lead Software Security Engineer, or with specialized skills in high-demand areas, though it's less common and typically requires significant experience, certifications, and potentially strategic career moves like moving into sales engineering or management. Entry-level to mid-level roles usually start lower, but a clear career path with continuous learning can lead to six-figure incomes and beyond, with some tech giants even offering $200k+ for early-career security engineers. 

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.

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.

How much does a CCNA make in 2025?

Average CCNA salary in 2025

According to CyberSeek, there are 240,971 job openings for networking professionals, and the CCNA is the most requested certification. In the U.S., the average CCNA salary falls between $75,319 and $87,000, with a rough average of around $81,828.

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 CCNA or CCNP higher?

CCNA is an associate-level certification that evaluates a professional's understanding of switching and routing fundamentals. In contrast, CCNP is an advanced certification that demands a more in-depth knowledge of WANs, LANs, and their integration.

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.

How to mention CCNA in resume?

Since you're applying for a CCNA role, it's essential to prominently display your Cisco certifications on your resume. List all relevant certifications, including the CCNA, as well as any other Cisco certifications you've earned (e.g., CCNP, CCIE). Show the date you obtained the certification and its validity period.

Why is Cisco falling?

There isn't a single "Cisco down" event; rather, it refers to stock dips due to intense AI networking competition (Nvidia, Arista) and market shifts, alongside ongoing challenges like a shift to services, security spending focus, and past issues with core network revenue decline, even as they invest heavily in AI infrastructure, indicating market adaptation and investor caution. If a specific Cisco service (like Webex or Secure Endpoint) is down, it's usually a temporary, localized incident, often found on their status pages. 

Is CCNA worth IT with AI?

The Cisco CCNA certification remains incredibly valuable in a world increasingly influenced by AI. It provides the essential knowledge and practical skills that form the bedrock of any successful networking career. Without this foundation, attempts to leverage AI in networking will be superficial and ineffective.

Is $50,000 a good entry-level salary?

Yes, $50k is generally a decent starting salary, often considered middle-class and comfortable for a single person in lower to medium cost-of-living areas, but its value heavily depends on your location, field of work, and expenses, potentially requiring budgeting in expensive cities or certain industries. It's a solid baseline for recent graduates, especially in high-demand fields, and provides a good foundation for career growth, but managing it requires awareness of your local market. 

What is the highest salary of CCNA?

Highest reported salary offered who know CCNA in Bangalore is ₹97.5lakhs. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹29.2lakhs per year. The top 1% earn more than a whopping ₹50.3lakhs per year.

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 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. 

Is the CCNA exam hard?

The CCNA exam is challenging, requiring significant dedication and hands-on practice, especially for beginners, as it covers a broad range of complex networking concepts and Cisco-specific configurations. While difficult due to its depth and practical application focus, it's achievable with thorough study, consistent labs using simulators like Packet Tracer, and developing strong test-taking skills, with many sources emphasizing that preparation, not just inherent ability, determines success. 

Does CCNA require coding?

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a certification program that validates networking knowledge and skills, preparing individuals for various IT networking roles. CCNA does not require coding, but understanding basic scripting can be beneficial for automation tasks.

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 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.

Is Ccnp harder than CCNA?

Yes, CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is significantly harder and more advanced than CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) because it requires deeper technical knowledge, covers more complex topics, and involves passing multiple exams (a core and a concentration) instead of just one, demanding greater study commitment and hands-on experience for advanced roles. While CCNA builds foundational skills, CCNP validates expertise in specialized areas, making it a logical next step for career advancement.