What if you fail CCNA?

Failing the CCNA isn't the end; you can retake it after a 5-day wait, paying the fee again, but you'll get a score report highlighting weak areas to focus your next study session on, and many successful professionals recommend using it as a learning experience to master tough topics before retesting. Cisco offers an "Exam Safeguard" option for a second free attempt if purchased upfront, and you can take the exam multiple times, with some candidates passing after several tries.

What is the fail rate for CCNA?

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 many times can I retake CCNA?

Cisco's CCNA Retake Policy:

If you fail the exam, you must wait 5 days before retaking it. You will have to pay the full exam fee again (around $300). There is no limit to how many times you can retake the CCNA exam. If you pass, you cannot retake the exam for at least 180 days.

How many attempts are allowed for the CCNA exam?

Once passed, a candidate must wait a minimum of 180 days before taking the same exam with an identical exam number. Candidates who fail an Online / Un-Proctored Cisco (700-xxx series) exam must wait a period of forty-eight hours (48hrs) after the failed attempt, before they may retest for the same exam.

How hard is it to pass the CCNA?

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. 

4 Reasons You WILL FAIL The New CCNA!

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. 

How many people pass the CCNA first try?

Pass Rate Variability

First-Attempt Pass Rates: Some sources suggest that up to 95% of candidates may not pass the CCNA exam on their first attempt. Overall Pass Rates: Other reports indicate an overall pass rate of approximately 85%, though this can fluctuate with different exam versions and candidate preparedness.

What happens if you fail the CCNA exam?

If I don't pass the exam, can I retake it? You can retake the exam for the same cost, unless you purchased CCNA Exam Safeguard.

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.

How many years is CCNA good for?

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 get CCNA for free?

Yes, this CCNA course is 100% free. You will receive unrestricted access to the full 5 hours of content, free and clear.

How much does it cost to retake the CCNA exam?

CCNA Exam Fee

As of 2023, the cost to register for the CCNA exam is approximately $300 USD. This fee grants you access to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or via online proctoring. It's essential to budget for this amount when planning your certification journey.

What are the hardest parts of the CCNA?

The hardest topics in CCNA often include subnetting, routing protocols (like OSPF and EIGRP), and network security concepts, as they require a deep understanding of networking principles and configurations.

Can I get a CCNA job with no experience?

It is possible to get an entry-level job as a no experience CCNA.

What is a passing score for CCNA?

You may become CCNA certified by taking and passing only one test, the 200-301 CCNA. The number of questions you will encounter on the exam is not fixed, but it will generally be around 110 to 120. The minimum passing score is around 800-850 out of a maximum score of 1000.

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.

What happens if you fail the CCNA test?

If you fail the CRA certification exam, you can usually retake it after a short waiting period, depending on your certifying body's policy. Most allow multiple attempts within a one-year eligibility window.

What to do if you failed your test?

6 steps for dealing with exam failure:

1. explore your resit options. ...
2. learn from your last exam. ...
3. make a new plan of action. ...
4. perfect your exam routine. ...
5. don't put off telling people you've failed. ...
6. reach out to us.

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 $50,000 a good entry-level salary?

Yes, $50k is generally a decent to good starting salary, especially for a single person, but its value heavily depends on your location's cost of living, your industry, and your career goals, being great in low-cost areas but potentially tight in expensive cities, notes SoFi and Quora users, Reddit users. It's often considered middle-class for a single person and a solid foundation, though you'll need to budget carefully in pricier regions like NYC or San Francisco, says SoFi and Quora users, Reddit users. 

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.

Can I pass CCNA in a week?

According to most, it is indeed possible to study for and pass the CCNA exam in a week, albeit gruelling.

How hard is CCNA to pass?

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.