The CCNA exam costs $300 in the US. That fee covers one attempt at 200-301 CCNA, the only exam you need to become a Cisco Certified Network Associate. Study materials are optional, and they range from free Cisco Networking Academy courses to an $800 official learning path.
Once you pass, the credential stays valid for three years. This guide breaks down each fee, the ways to pay less, and what renewal involves. That way, you can plan your budget before you book a test date.
The 200-301 CCNA exam fee in the US
for one attempt, or pay with Cisco Learning Credits
What Are All the CCNA Fees?
Cisco sets a single exam fee and sells a few optional extras around it. The table below lists the official prices we confirmed on Cisco’s own pages and the Cisco Press store.
Fees
Every Official CCNA Fee at a Glance
| Item | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| 200-301 CCNA exam | $300 | One attempt; Cisco Learning Credits also accepted |
| CCNA exam voucher | $300 | The same exam, prepaid; valid 365 days from purchase |
| Exam Safeguard Plus | $450 | The exam plus a second attempt within 90 days |
| Cisco U. CCNA learning path | $800 | 180 days of self-paced lessons and labs; 30 CE credits |
| Official Cert Guide Library | $79.99 | Two-volume Cisco Press book set (list price) |
| Cisco Networking Academy | Free | Online and in-person networking courses |
US prices published by Cisco and Cisco Press, checked Oct 5, 2026. Full references in the Sources section.
A voucher costs the same as booking directly, but it gives you a year to schedule. Exam Safeguard Plus suits nervous test-takers: for $150 more, you get a second attempt if the first one doesn’t go your way. Your employer can also pay with prepaid Cisco Learning Credits, which some companies buy for their teams.
What Is the CCNA Certification?
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is Cisco’s associate-level networking certification. It suits people starting out in IT, and Cisco lists no formal prerequisites. The exam lasts 120 minutes, is offered in English and Japanese, and is graded pass or fail.
CCNA focuses on Cisco solutions, while CompTIA Network+ is vendor-neutral and covers equipment from any maker. If you already work with Cisco gear, or plan to, CCNA is the more targeted choice.
What Does the CCNA Exam Cover?
The current exam, CCNA v1.1, tests six topic areas. Cisco weights each one differently, so a smart study plan follows the same split.
- IP connectivity: 25%
- Network fundamentals: 20%
- Network access: 20%
- Security fundamentals: 15%
- IP services: 10%
- Automation and programmability: 10%
How Much Does CCNA Prep Cost?
CCNA prep can cost nothing at all or several hundred dollars, depending on how you like to learn. Cisco Networking Academy offers free networking courses, both online and in person. The Cisco Learning Network adds a free community where candidates swap tips and resources.
For a structured path, Cisco’s own course is Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA). On Cisco U., the self-paced learning path costs $800 for 180 days of access. It includes lessons, assessments, and hands-on labs, and it also earns 30 continuing education (CE) credits.
Study Books and Practice Tests
The CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library from Cisco Press lists at $79.99 for the two-volume print set. When we checked, it was on sale for $63.99, and a book-plus-eBook bundle was $95.49. Cisco also sells an official practice exam through Cisco U. to help you check your readiness.
Begin with free Cisco Networking Academy courses. Once you know your weak topics, spend money only where you need extra help, such as labs or a practice exam.
Experience and Employer Support
Cisco doesn’t require a set amount of job experience before you sit the exam. Still, hands-on time with routers and switches makes the material click faster. Experienced candidates often skip paid training and study on their own.
Passing that CCNA exam triggered a chain of events I could never have predicted.
Elvin Arias Soto, CloudOps engineer, in a Cisco certification success story
Many employers value CCNA skills enough to cover the cost. Ask your manager whether the company will pay for the exam, the training, or both. Some teams already hold Cisco Learning Credits that you can put toward the fee.
How Do You Renew a CCNA?
A CCNA certification is valid for three years. To keep it active, you need to meet one of Cisco’s recertification requirements before the expiration date.
- Retake the exam: pass the current 200-301 CCNA exam again, for $300.
- Earn CE credits: collect 30 continuing education credits from Cisco training, webinars, or approved courses.
- Move up a level: pass a higher-level Cisco certification exam, which also renews your CCNA.
The CE route can cost less than you think. Cisco’s own CCNA learning path carries 30 CE credits, so training you already take can count toward renewal. Many people pick the option that also builds their next skill.
What to Look for in a CCNA Prep Course or Tutor
A good course or tutor can shorten your study time. When you compare options, keep these points in mind:
- Look for instructors with real CCNA prep experience, and check their credentials.
- Read reviews from previous students, where you can find them.
- Match the format to your style: some learners like structure, others prefer flexibility.
- Make sure the materials include practice tests, labs, and in-depth guides.
- Confirm that the schedule fits your week.
- Choose someone who tracks your progress and gives regular feedback.
Questions to Ask a CCNA Instructor
A short conversation before you commit helps you get the most from every session. Try these questions:
- How will you assess my current knowledge and skills?
- Based on my experience, which topics should I focus on most?
- Will you help me build a study plan?
- Which sections of the exam do students find hardest, and how should I approach them?
- How should I manage my time during the exam?
- How much independent study should I plan each week?
- Can I reach you with questions between sessions?
Sources
- "CCNA," Cisco Systems. Available at: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/enterprise/ccna/index.html. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "200-301 CCNA," Cisco Systems. Available at: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/exams/ccna.html. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "CCNA Exams and Training," Cisco Systems. Available at: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/enterprise/ccna/exams-and-training.html. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "CCNA Exam v1.1 (200-301) Exam Topics," Cisco Systems. Available at: https://learningcontent.cisco.com/documents/marketing/exam-topics/200-301-CCNA-v1.1.pdf. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA)," Cisco Systems. Available at: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/training/courses/ccna.html. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions," Cisco U.. Available at: https://u.cisco.com/paths/implementing-administering-cisco-solutions-248. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "Recertification Policy," Cisco Systems. Available at: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/recertification/index.html. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "Exam, Testing, and Certification Policies," Cisco Systems. Available at: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/exams/policies.html. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "Elvin Arias Soto," Cisco Systems. Available at: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/success-stories/elvin-arias.html. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "Cisco," Pearson VUE. Available at: https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/cisco.html. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library, 2nd Edition," Cisco Press, 2024. Available at: https://www.ciscopress.com/store/ccna-200-301-official-cert-guide-library-9780138221393. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "How to Choose the Best Certification for Computer Networking," CompTIA. Available at: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/blog/how-to-choose-which-certification-is-best-for-networking/. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "Network and Computer Systems Administrators," Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Available at: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
- "Computer Support Specialists," Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Available at: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
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