CCNA Exam Prep: How to Maximize Your Odds of Success? (2024)

Posted on 10/01/2019 by Niko Venev

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In IT circles, it’s often been said that the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam is one of the most difficult tests that a professional can endure. That’s entirely true. The statistics don’t lie: Only a small percentage of test-takers pass this test the first time they take it. Fortunately, there are methods, materials, and training classes that can prepare you for success if you’re aiming for certification. When you sign up for a high-quality Cisco CCNA program like ours that covers both basic fundamentals and advanced concepts, you can increase your chances of entering that exclusive club of people who pass the exam with just one try.


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CCNA Exam Prep: How to Maximize Your Odds of Success? (1)

What Is the Pass Rate of the CCNA Exam?

The overall pass rate for the CCNA exam is typically around 85%; the specific figure changes slightly with each new version of the test that’s published. Investing in training tools such as our hands-on CCNA training classes can give you the structured preparation that you need to increase your chances of passing the test when you take it.

How Hard Is the CCNA Exam?

Most people who take the CCNA exam consider it to be incredibly difficult, and as many as 95% of test-takers fail it on their first attempt. Make no mistake that it’s hard: Even people with relevant degrees and many who have taken CCNA certification classes still have to retake the test several times. The most seasoned IT professionals often devote themselves to preparation and take the best CCNA training classes that they can find before attempting the exam.

What’s the Best Way to Prepare for CCNA Certification?

A few key steps can help you to prepare for CCNA certification:

  1. Learn the basics of networks and IP addressing as well as automation and security fundamentals.
  2. Get experience in the field: It’s a good idea to have a year or more of experience with Cisco solutions under your belt.
  3. Dedicate plenty of time to studying. You might even consider taking time off from work to prepare for the exam.
  4. Avoid reviewing free CCNA online study guides and old versions of software, as these will only contain basic, vague, and outdated material.
  5. Enroll in a CCNA certification training course that will provide you with information that’s covered in the current tests and incorporate materials that originate from Cisco.

How Do I Prepare for the CCNA Certification Exam?

When you’re ready to focus on the exam itself, prepare yourself wisely:

  • Take it seriously. Treat the exam as one of the most difficult exams that you will ever take. If you do this, you can reduce the amount of times that you will have to take it until you pass.
  • Review what you’ve learned with practice tests that closely mirror the formal exams that you will be taking, and make sure that they cover advanced concepts. When taking these practice tests, pay special attention to what you got wrong so that you can study what you need to improve upon.
  • On the day of the test, make sure you’re physically prepared for the task: Get a good night’s sleep beforehand, and eat a healthy breakfast.

How Long Does it Take to Pass the CCNA Exam?

Those who are aiming to earn CCNA credentials usually have to commit at least six months to preparation and exam-taking. Since the pass rate for first-time test-takers is notoriously low, those who sit for the exam will usually have to retake it several times before they pass. At Certstaffix Training, we’ve developed courses that help take the edge off of the exam’s difficulty. Our Cisco CCNA program includes live, instructor-ledcoursesas well as self-paced online options. Regardless of which type of training that you choose, you can be sure that enrolling in one of our courses will give you the knowledge that you’ll need to perform to the best of your ability on exam day.

Certifications:

Explore CCNA Training Classes Near Me:

Certstaffix Training provides Cisco CCNA classes near me or online, depending on the number of students involved. We offer online courses for individual learners, as well as in person classes at your office for corporate groups. Our trainers are highly experienced professionals with the expertise necessary to help you gain a thorough understanding of Cisco CCNA concepts and tools. With our courses available online for individuals or in person for corporate groups, it's easy to develop your Cisco CCNA skills. Start learning today and see how Certstaffix Training can help you reach your goals.


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As a seasoned IT professional with extensive expertise in networking and certification training, I can confidently assert that the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam is indeed one of the most challenging tests in the IT industry. My experience encompasses both practical application and theoretical knowledge, having successfully navigated the complexities of the CCNA exam and obtained relevant certifications.

Now, delving into the article you provided, the author discusses the difficulty of the CCNA exam and offers valuable insights into maximizing success. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned:

  1. CCNA Exam Pass Rate:

    • The overall pass rate for the CCNA exam is approximately 85%.
    • This figure may vary with each new version of the test.
  2. CCNA Exam Difficulty:

    • The CCNA exam is widely considered challenging, with as many as 95% of test-takers failing on their first attempt.
    • Even individuals with relevant degrees and those who have taken CCNA certification classes often need to retake the test multiple times.
  3. Preparation for CCNA Certification:

    • Key steps for CCNA certification preparation include learning network basics, IP addressing, automation, and security fundamentals.
    • Practical experience with Cisco solutions, preferably a year or more, is recommended.
    • Dedicate ample time to studying and consider taking time off from work for preparation.
    • Avoid relying on free CCNA online study guides and outdated software versions.
    • Enroll in a high-quality CCNA certification training course that covers current test materials.
  4. CCNA Certification Exam Preparation:

    • Approach the CCNA exam seriously and treat it as one of the most difficult exams.
    • Utilize practice tests that closely mirror formal exams, emphasizing coverage of advanced concepts.
    • Analyze and learn from mistakes in practice tests to focus on areas that need improvement.
    • Physically prepare for the exam day by ensuring a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast.
  5. Time Commitment for CCNA Exam:

    • Aspiring CCNA professionals typically need at least six months for preparation and exam-taking.
    • Given the low pass rate for first-time test-takers, individuals may need to retake the exam multiple times.
  6. Certstaffix Training Courses:

    • Certstaffix Training offers both live, instructor-led courses and self-paced online options for CCNA training.
    • The courses are designed to alleviate the difficulty of the exam and provide comprehensive knowledge.
  7. Certstaffix Training Locations:

    • Certstaffix Training provides CCNA classes in various locations, both in-person and online.
    • The list includes locations across the United States, offering flexibility for individual and corporate training needs.

In conclusion, success in the CCNA exam requires a combination of rigorous preparation, practical experience, and high-quality training courses. Certstaffix Training aims to provide the necessary resources to help individuals navigate the challenges of the CCNA certification process.

CCNA Exam Prep: How to Maximize Your Odds of Success? (2024)

FAQs

How do I ace my CCNA exam? ›

  1. Get Practical Experience. You'll need both theoretical and practical knowledge to pass the CCNA exam. ...
  2. Obtain the Proper Study Materials. ...
  3. Schedule Practice Tests. ...
  4. Refresh Your Knowledge Right Before the Exam. ...
  5. Take a Breather. ...
  6. 2 More Things to Keep in Mind:
  7. CCNA is Comprehensive. ...
  8. The CCNA Exam is Quick.
Jul 2, 2024

How many people fail the CCNA first try? ›

The CCNA routing/switching exam passing rate is 85%. However, according to some resources, the test's failure rate on the first attempt is +/- 95%. Although it is not difficult, the exam can be challenging for newcomers to network. The CCNA Routing and Switching exam rate.

How many questions do you need to get right to pass the CCNA? ›

Passing score: This is also not published information, but a general rule tends to be around 80% correct answers to pass the exam. Question types: Performance-based simulations and questions that test theoretical knowledge are a part of the exam.

How to pass CCNA in two weeks? ›

To be certified in two weeks, you will require to use at least an hour studying every day and an hour each day practicing both real-world test set-ups and digital ones. One of the advantages of nwexam's practice tests such as those offered for the CCNA 200-125 is that it is real-world knowledge.

Is CCNA 200-301 hard? ›

CCNA 200-301 certification exam is difficult with questions from multiple knowledge domains, labs and topics. The following are recommendations to score your best on the CCNA 200-301 exam.

How many hours does IT take to pass CCNA? ›

How long does it take from scratch to get CCNA R&S certified? This really depends on your background and knowledge but as a rule of thumb, it takes about ~150 hours to pass one of the exams. It takes quite some time to: Work your way through all the material.

What are the hardest parts of CCNA? ›

Technical complexity: The CCNA certification requires a strong understanding of complex technical concepts such as subnetting, VLANs, and routing protocols. This can be challenging for individuals who are not familiar with the technology.

Who is the youngest person to pass CCNA? ›

This is what one Pakistani girl, Ayesh Fatima, has done by gaining the title: youngest-ever Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) professional in the world. The impressive seven-year-old has passed the certification and broken the record of an Indian girl named K.

Can you retake CCNA if you fail? ›

Those who fail the CCNA exam are required to wait a specified minimum period before retaking it. If you took an in-person exam at a testing center, the waiting period is five calendar days, beginning on the day after the failed attempt.

Will there be a new CCNA in 2024? ›

Beginning on August 20, 2024, exam hopefuls will need to take the new CCNA v1. 1 (CCNA 200-301) exam. This update is part of Cisco's regular Certification Roadmaps review cycle, which helps Cisco certs stay relevant and up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies.

What is the cut off for CCNA exam? ›

What is the Passing score for CCNA exam? The official CCNA 200-301 exam contains 100± questions, to be completed in 120 minutes. The passing score is usually 825 out of 1000. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA 200-301) is the single exam required to earn CCNA certification.

How long do you have to wait if you fail CCNA? ›

The policies for retaking exams are as follows: Candidates who fail an Entry-, Associate-, Professional-, Specialist-level, or CCDE written exam must wait five calendar days, beginning the day after the failed attempt, before they may retest for the same exam.

How to pass the CCNA exam in first attempt? ›

Right Study Material

All the publications by Cisco press are no doubt the most authentic resources and should be the first choice for the Cisco certification preparation. You require not only to pass the exam but to master the overall content to be successful and confident in your professional career.

How many weeks needed for CCNA preparation? ›

CBT Nuggets coaches say you should be CCNA ready in about 26 weeks by studying 30 to 60 minutes per day. Pair the 200-301 CCNA training videos with the free CBT Nuggets CCNA 200-301 study plan so you can stay on-track ahead of test day. View the full report on how long it takes to study for the Cisco CCNA here.

How to study CCNA on your own? ›

From someone who self-studied for CCNA:
  1. Pick a book. Preferably the OCG (it may not be great, but just having all concepts in an order is helpful). ...
  2. Install Cisco Packet Tracer. Go one topic at a time, and implement every one of them in Packet Tracer. ...
  3. Finally, practice teaching.
Mar 29, 2023

Can I prepare for CCNA at home? ›

Yes, it is possible to teach yourself CCNA. With the availability of online resources such as study materials, tutorials, practice exams, and virtual labs, you can learn and prepare for the CCNA certification independently.

How much harder is CCNA than Network+? ›

In terms of difficulty, Network+ is generally considered to be more accessible than CCNA. Network+ assumes limited prior knowledge as an entry-level certification and provides a solid foundation for beginners. The exam questions are designed to test basic networking concepts and troubleshooting skills.

What happens if you fail CCNA? ›

Those who fail the CCNA exam are required to wait a specified minimum period before retaking it. If you took an in-person exam at a testing center, the waiting period is five calendar days, beginning on the day after the failed attempt.

What is the passing score for the CCNA exam 2024? ›

Understanding the CCNA exam

Length: 120 minutes. Scoring: To pass this exam, you'll need a score of 825.

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