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Pick up to 3 certifications and compare them side-by-side on cost, exam format, recertification, salary signal, quality, and domain coverage.

Cisco · associate
CCNA
Cisco Certified Network Associate

The CCNA is the most well-known entry-level certification in networking and provides a broad foundation: network fundamentals, routing & switching, IP services, security basics, as well as automation and cloud. Although primarily a networking certificate, it covers security fundamentals and is therefore also relevant for security beginners. The job market for CCNA holders is stable with consistently over 6,500 open positions per week (as of spring 2026). With version 1.1 (August 2024), AI/ML and cloud management topics were incorporated for the first time. Without hands-on experience in Cisco environments, completion remains rather theoretical.

Official page

Cost

Exam fee
CCNA$300
Annual maintenance fee
CCNA
3-year cost of ownership
CCNA$300

Exam mechanics

Pass mark
CCNA
Retake policy
CCNA$300 fee · 5d wait
Study time
CCNA80–160 hrs
Validity
CCNA3 yrs
CPE / yr
CCNA30 CPEs
Delivery
CCNAtest center

Salary signal (US base)

Range
CCNA
Median
CCNA
Premium %
CCNA
Role context
CCNA

Quality (4-axis rubric · 0–10)

Schema quality
CCNA8.0
Practice evidence
CCNA6.0
Maintenance
CCNA9.0
Market recognition
CCNA9.0
Average
CCNA8.0

Recognition & lifecycle

Recognition
CCNAGlobal
ISO 17024 accredited
CCNA
DoD 8140 baseline
CCNA
Holders worldwide
CCNA2,400,000
Current version
CCNA

Domain coverage

A2Network Security
CCNA● core

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