Validate your knowledge and skills in network fundamentals and access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and more. Take your IT career in any direction by earning a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.

CCNA certification

Validate your knowledge and skills in network fundamentals and access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and more. Take your IT career in any direction by earning a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.

Overview Exams and training Community Resources

Your career in networking begins with CCNA


Your career in networking begins with CCNA

CCNA Certification

Take your IT career in any direction by earning a CCNA. CCNA validates a broad range of fundamentals for all IT careers - from networking technologies, to security, to software development - proving you have the skills businesses need to meet market demands.

Networking fundamentals

Showcase your knowledge of networking equipment and configuration. Be able to troubleshoot connectivity issues and effectively manage networks.

IP Services

Demonstrate your ability to configure routing for different IP versions and describe the purpose of redundancy protocols. Be able to interpret the components of a routing table.

Security fundamentals

Understand threats and ways to prevent them. Identify key elements of a security program, like user awareness and training. Demonstrate practical skills like setting up secure access to devices and networks.

Automation

Understand how automation affects network management, and compare traditional networks with controller-based networking. Leverage APIs, and understand configuration management tools.


How it works

No formal prerequisites

CCNA is an asset to IT professionals of all experience levels, but learners often benefit from one or more years of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions.

Example learner profiles

  • Individuals looking to move into the IT field
  • IT professionals looking to stand out in the job market
  • IT professionals looking to enrich their current roles with additional networking skills
To earn the CCNA certification, you’ll need to pass a single required exam.

Getting started

To earn this certification, you’ll need to pass a single required exam.

A variety of resources are available to help you study - from guided learning to self-study and a community forum.


Maintain your certification

Your certification is valid for three years. You can renew with Continuing Education credits or retake exams before they expire.

Resources

CCNA essentials webinar series

Learn what to expect from the CCNA exam, and chart your path to certification success.

CCNA certification guide

Get familiar with Cisco’s learning environment, find study resources, and discover helpful hints for earning your CCNA.

CCNA Prep Program

Packed with 50+ hours of resources, webinars, and practice quizzes, CCNA Prep On Demand is your ultimate study buddy.


Enhance your learning journey

Stay up to date

Get the latest news about Cisco certifications, plus tools and insights to help you get where you want to go.

CCNA community

Not sure where to begin? Head to the Cisco CCNA community to get advice and connect with experts.