Flat 60% off
Flat 60% off
Summer sale on All Video Courses.
Day
Hr
Min
Sec
Get Flat 60%
USD ($)
$
United States Dollar
India Rupee

Study Tips to Pass CCNA (200-301) Certification Exam

Created by Kumar Pal in Articles 5 Jun 2025
Share
«Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Preparing for the CCNA 200-301 exam is a crucial step for aspiring networking professionals looking to validate their skills in the field. This certification not only covers fundamental networking concepts but also emphasizes the importance of network security training.

With the right preparation and resources, success in the CCNA 200-301 exam is within reach.  In this article, we have provided the CCNA exam guide and highlighted the study tips for the CCNA exam.

Furthermore, if you are looking for professional help and training, you can check out our Cisco training courses, where we have provided CCNA. CCNP and many Cisco Certification courses.

What is CCNA Certification?

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is an entry-level  IT certification made by Cisco. It validates your knowledge and skills in networking fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability.  To earn the CCNA certification, a candidate must pass the CCNA (200-301) exam.


Live CCNA Certification TrainingGet Live CCNA training and virtual lab for practice.Explore course
custom banner static image

Topics to Prepare for CCNA

Here are the 6 core domains in CCNA exam:

1. Network Fundamentals: 20%

2. Network Access: 20%

3. IP Connectivity: 25%

4. IP Services: 10%

5. Security Fundamentals: 15%

6. Automation and Programmability: 10%

For these given domains, there are important concepts you should master.

DomainConcepts
Network FundamentalsBasics of networking, IP addressing and subnetting, Network topologies and types
Network AccessVLANs and trunking, Wireless networks, Switching concepts
IP ConnectivityRouting protocols (OSPF, EIGRP), Static and dynamic routing, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing
IP ServicesDHCP, DNS, NAT, Network Time Protocol (NTP), Quality of Service (QoS)
Security FundamentalsAccess control lists (ACLs), VPNs, firewalls, Security best practices
Automation and ProgrammabilityNetwork automation concepts, REST APIs, and Configuration management tools

Tips for CCNA Exam Preparation in 2025

Here are some strategies for CCNA Exam preparation that ensure you're ready to appear in the CCNA 200-301 exam and pass it.

1) Download exam objectives from the official site

2) Set a goal for your exam date and take an assessment.

3) Create a timetable to study, and keep these things in check:

● Time of day

● Hours of sessions on topics

● Break

● Place and resources.

4) Commit to goals for each study session and work through exam objectives.

5) Take the first assessment at 50% of the study

6) Take a last assessment at 100% of the study.

7) Get hands-on lab experience with online CCNA virtual labs and workbooks.

CCNA Study Resources

For the resources, you need to buy the CCNA 200-301 official study guide, volume one and volume two. You can find them on Amazon, the Kindle version will cost you around twenty dollars.

If you want to go for the more expensive hardcover, you would pay around $37 for volume one and $34 for volume two.

There is a website called O’Reilly. They have a good piece of material all related to this course.

Is the CCNA Exam Difficult?

The CCNA exam is considered moderately challenging. It requires a solid understanding of networking concepts and hands-on practice with Cisco tools. While it's not the easiest certification to obtain, with dedicated study and practical experience, many candidates successfully pass the exam. The key is consistent practice and familiarity with the exam format.

Summing Up!

So, if you want to pass the CCNA exam, go through the resources and do your research. Stay committed if you want to make it,  study daily for three hours every day, and take mock tests.

Not only should the network be everything in your life when you are in your car listening to some networking podcast, when you are at home, and instead of watching, play any YouTube videos about networking on your TV.

So you have to go to the level!!!!!

How to Study for CCNA Exam? Tips and ...»
Kumar Pal

Kumar Pal is a Senior Network Solution Architect and an expert on Riverbed WAN optimization and Routing and Switching technologies. He has been working in IT networking industry since 2010. Kumar Pal has done CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, CCIE Enterprise, F5, LTM, F5 DNS, Riverbed certification courses that makes him most versatile professional in ...

More... | Author`s Bog | Book a Meeting

Related Articles

#Explore latest news and articles

BGP in Networking - Full-Form, Uses and Benefits 23 May 2025

BGP in Networking - Full-Form, Uses and Benefits

Learn about BGP, a key internet routing protocol connecting networks via Autonomous Systems (AS). Discover its path attributes, best path criteria, and tools.
What is Subnet Mask? Definition, Purpose, and Working 19 May 2025

What is Subnet Mask? Definition, Purpose, and Working

Discover the what is subnet masks in networking. Learn how subnet masks work, their role in dividing IP addresses, and how they enhance network efficiency and ...

FAQ

The CCNA 200-301 exam is considered moderately difficult, requiring a broad knowledge base of networking concepts, including automation and security.
Most candidates take about 3 to 5 months to prepare for the CCNA 200-301 exam, depending on their prior knowledge and study commitment.
Self-study for the CCNA exam can be done using online courses, textbooks, practice exams, and hands-on labs with tools like Cisco Packet Tracer.
While exact failure rates are not published, many candidates report that passing requires significant preparation, indicating a notable number may not pass on their first attempt.
CCNA is not considered easy; it requires diligent study and hands-on practice to grasp the comprehensive topics covered in the exam.
The passing score for the CCNA 200-301 exam is typically around 800 out of 1000 points, though it may vary slightly.

Comments (0)

Kumar Pal

Kumar Pal

Senior Network Solution Architect & Trainer Instructor role
★★★★★ 4.97
Faithful User
Junior Vendor
Silver Classes
King Seller
Fantastic Support
+91 8383 96 16 46

Enquire Now

Captcha
Share to your friends

Share

Share this post with others

Contact learning advisor

Captcha image