What is the CCNA exam pass rate?

There's no official, fixed CCNA pass rate, but the consensus suggests a passing score of around 80-85% (800-850 out of 1000 points) on Cisco's scaled system, though actual pass rates vary widely by individual, with first-time failure rates sometimes cited as high as 95%, while overall pass rates hover around 80-85% for prepared candidates. The exam's difficulty is scaled, so it's not a simple percentage, but you need strong performance in core areas like Network Fundamentals, IP Connectivity, and Access.

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 hard is IT to pass the CCNA?

The CCNA exam (200-301) is considered challenging but manageable, requiring dedication, consistent study, and hands-on practice with Cisco Packet Tracer or real equipment, especially for beginners, due to its broad scope covering network fundamentals, IP connectivity, security, and automation with practical labs and command-line interface (CLI) tasks. While high first-attempt failure rates are sometimes cited, success hinges on dedicated, structured study and practical application, not just memorization, making it a significant but attainable hurdle for aspiring network professionals. 

What is the passing score for CCNA?

The passing score for the CCNA exam typically ranges from 700 to 800 out of a possible 1000 points. However, Cisco does not publicly disclose the exact passing score as it can vary based on the difficulty level of the questions in any given exam version.

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 to Guarantee you will pass your CCNA

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. 

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 people passed CCNA?

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 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.

Can I self-study for the CCNA?

Welcome to Study-CCNA.com, a free CCNA tutorial site where you can study for your CCNA exam. This site was designed to help you pass the current CCNA 200-301 exam, but it can also be used as a reference for anything networking related. You'll find all the materials needed to study for your CCNA exam here.

Which is better, CCNA or Security+?

CCNA is best for those pursuing networking roles that focus on configuring and managing network infrastructure. Security+ is ideal for those interested in cybersecurity because it covers security principles, risk management and compliance.

Can I get a CCNA job with no experience?

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

Is CCNA in high demand?

The demand for CCNA and CCNP certifications is expected to remain strong in 2026, driven by the growing complexity of digital networks and an ongoing need for specialists in networking work.

How much does CCNA cost?

The CCNA exam cost is typically $300 USD, but total costs vary widely, from under $100 for self-study with free resources (like Packet Tracer and YouTube videos and Udemy courses), to several thousand dollars for instructor-led bootcamps ($2,200 - $4,500+) or official Cisco training packages that include vouchers and learning paths ($800+).
 

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.

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. 

Is CCNA a remote job?

Remote CCNA jobs are positions that require Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and allow individuals to work from locations outside of a traditional office, often from home.

Is CCNA worth IT for cyber?

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.

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.

Do Cisco certificates expire?

Most Cisco certifications are active for three years from the date you earn the certification. Your certification becomes active on the day you complete all required Continuing Education. It will be valid for another three years.

How many hours to study for CCNA?

Work experience in IT is also a major factor impacting how long you'll need to study for CCNA. With prior IT knowledge, you may require as little as 100-150 hours of study time to pass the exam.