CCNA 200-301 Exam Information

Everything you need to know about the Cisco Certified Network Associate exam

Exam Overview

Exam Code: 200-301 CCNA
Duration: 120 minutes
Questions: 100-120 questions
Question Types: Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, simulation, testlet
Passing Score: Variable (825-850 out of 1000)
Languages: English, Japanese

Exam Pricing

$ 300 USD

Note: Pricing may vary by country and region. Please check the official Cisco website for current pricing in your region.

Discounts may be available for Cisco Networking Academy students and during promotional periods.

Official Exam Topics (from Cisco)

1.0 Network Fundamentals (20%)

  • 1.1 Explain the role and function of network components
  • 1.2 Describe characteristics of network topology architectures
  • 1.3 Compare physical interface and cabling types
  • 1.4 Identify interface and cable issues (collisions, errors, mismatch duplex, and/or speed)
  • 1.5 Compare TCP to UDP
  • 1.6 Configure and verify IPv4 addressing and subnetting
  • 1.7 Describe the need for private IPv4 addressing
  • 1.8 Configure and verify IPv6 addressing and prefix
  • 1.9 Describe IPv6 address types
  • 1.10 Verify IP parameters for Client OS (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)
  • 1.11 Describe wireless principles
  • 1.12 Explain virtualization fundamentals (server virtualization, containers, and VRFs)
  • 1.13 Describe switching concepts

2.0 Network Access (20%)

  • 2.1 Configure and verify VLANs (normal range) spanning multiple switches
  • 2.2 Configure and verify interswitch connectivity
  • 2.3 Configure and verify Layer 2 discovery protocols (Cisco Discovery Protocol and LLDP)
  • 2.4 Configure and verify (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP)
  • 2.5 Interpret basic operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol
  • 2.6 Describe Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP modes
  • 2.7 Describe physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components
  • 2.8 Describe AP and WLC management access connections
  • 2.9 Configure the components of a wireless LAN access for client connectivity

3.0 IP Connectivity (25%)

  • 3.1 Interpret the components of routing table
  • 3.2 Determine how a router makes a forwarding decision by default
  • 3.3 Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 static routing
  • 3.4 Configure and verify single area OSPFv2
  • 3.5 Describe the purpose, functions, and concepts of first hop redundancy protocols

4.0 IP Services (10%)

  • 4.1 Configure and verify inside source NAT using static and pools
  • 4.2 Configure and verify NTP operating in a client and server mode
  • 4.3 Explain the role of DHCP and DNS within the network
  • 4.4 Explain the function of SNMP in network operations
  • 4.5 Describe the use of syslog features including facilities and levels
  • 4.6 Configure and verify DHCP client and relay
  • 4.7 Explain the forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB) for QoS
  • 4.8 Configure network devices for remote access using SSH
  • 4.9 Describe the capabilities and function of TFTP/FTP in the network

5.0 Security Fundamentals (15%)

  • 5.1 Define key security concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques)
  • 5.2 Describe security program elements (user awareness, training, and physical access control)
  • 5.3 Configure and verify device access control using local passwords
  • 5.4 Describe security password policies elements
  • 5.5 Describe IPsec remote access and site-to-site VPNs
  • 5.6 Configure and verify access control lists
  • 5.7 Configure and verify Layer 2 security features
  • 5.8 Compare authentication, authorization, and accounting concepts
  • 5.9 Describe wireless security protocols (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3)
  • 5.10 Configure and verify WLAN within the GUI using WPA2 PSK

6.0 Automation and Programmability (10%)

  • 6.1 Explain how automation impacts network management
  • 6.2 Compare traditional networks with controller-based networking
  • 6.3 Describe controller-based, software defined architecture (overlay, underlay, and fabric)
  • 6.4 Compare traditional campus device management with Cisco DNA Center enabled device management
  • 6.5 Describe characteristics of REST-based APIs (CRUD, HTTP verbs, and data encoding)
  • 6.6 Recognize the capabilities of configuration management mechanisms Puppet, Chef, and Ansible
  • 6.7 Recognize components of JSON-encoded data

How to Schedule Your Exam

1

Create a Cisco Account

Visit cisco.com and create a free Cisco account if you don't already have one. You'll need this to access the certification portal.

2

Choose Your Testing Provider

Cisco partners with Pearson VUE for exam delivery. You can take the exam at:

  • Pearson VUE Test Center: In-person at an authorized testing center
  • OnVUE Online Proctoring: Take the exam from home or office with live remote proctoring
3

Register for the Exam

Visit Pearson VUE - Cisco and:

  • Sign in with your Cisco credentials
  • Search for exam code "200-301"
  • Select your preferred date, time, and location (or online option)
  • Pay the exam fee ($300 USD)
4

Prepare for Exam Day

For Test Center:

  • Bring two forms of valid ID (government-issued with photo and signature)
  • Arrive 15 minutes early
  • No personal items allowed in testing room

For Online Proctoring:

  • System check 24 hours before exam
  • Clean, quiet workspace with no other people
  • Valid ID ready for verification
  • Stable internet connection (3 Mbps recommended)
  • Webcam and microphone required
5

Receive Your Results

You'll receive your score immediately after completing the exam. If you pass:

  • Digital certificate available within 5 business days
  • Physical certificate (if ordered) ships within 6-8 weeks
  • Certification valid for 3 years
  • Appears on Cisco Certification Tracking System

Additional Resources

Official Cisco Resources

Study Materials

  • Cisco Official Cert Guide (OCG)
  • Cisco Networking Academy
  • Packet Tracer (free network simulator)
  • Practice exams (Boson, Pearson)

Exam Policies

Exam Tips

📝

Time Management

You have 120 minutes for 100-120 questions. Aim for 60 seconds per question. Mark difficult questions and return later.

🔬

Lab Simulations

Simulation questions may take 5-10 minutes each. Don't skip them as they're worth more points. Practice with Packet Tracer.

📚

Know Your Commands

Memorize show commands, configuration syntax, and troubleshooting steps. Hands-on practice is essential.

✅

Read Carefully

Watch for keywords like "NOT", "EXCEPT", "BEST", and "MOST". Cisco questions can be tricky with wording.

🎯

Focus on Weak Areas

Track your progress and spend extra time on topics where you score below 70%. Use practice exams to identify gaps.

💪

Stay Calm

If you don't know an answer, eliminate wrong choices and make an educated guess. There's no penalty for wrong answers.