CCNA 200-301 moves from v1.1 to v2.0 on February 3, 2027, the first major blueprint overhaul since 2019 (Cisco CCNA v2.0 Exam Topics). The exam code stays 200-301, the price stays $300 USD, and the certification is valid for three years regardless of which version you pass (Cisco 200-301 CCNA exam page). v1.1 tests six domains built around description and basic configuration. v2.0 restructures the same core material into five domains, raises the skill level from “describe” to “configure and troubleshoot,” and adds a new AI domain worth 10%. If you can test before February 2, 2027, sit v1.1.
Quick Answer
| Fact | v1.1 | v2.0 |
| Exam code | 200-301 | 200-301 (unchanged) |
| Last/first test date | Valid through Feb 2, 2027 | Live from Feb 3, 2027 |
| Number of domains | 6 | 5 |
| New AI domain | No | Yes, 10% |
| Exam price | $300 USD | $300 USD |
| Certification validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
What Is CCNA v1.1 vs v2.0?
CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate. It is an associate-level certification from Cisco that validates skills in IP connectivity, network access, security fundamentals, and automation. You earn it by passing a single exam, CCNA 200-301.
Cisco refreshes the CCNA blueprint periodically to keep pace with enterprise networking changes. The shift from v1.1 to v2.0 is the most significant blueprint update since the 200-301 exam launched in February 2020. The version number doesn’t change the exam code or certification name. Both v1.1 and v2.0 use exam code 200-301. The difference is in the topics tested and how heavily each domain is weighted.
What Changed Between CCNA v1.1 and v2.0?
| Area | v1.1 (pre-Feb 2024) | v2.0 (Feb 2024 onward) |
| Automation and programmability | Introductory coverage of APIs and controller-based networking | Expanded coverage of REST APIs, JSON parsing, and infrastructure automation tools |
| Legacy switching topics | Heavier emphasis on VLAN trunking protocols and legacy Spanning Tree variants | Reduced emphasis, with focus shifted to modern switching and virtualization |
| Network access | Broader coverage of legacy WLAN configuration | Streamlined WLAN content, more focus on wireless architecture |
| Security fundamentals | Foundational access control and VPN concepts | Similar core content, minor updates to reflect current threat models |
| IP services | Standard coverage of NAT, NTP, DHCP, and QoS | Largely unchanged, with minor terminology updates |
Domain-by-Domain Difficulty: v1.1 vs v2.0
| Domain | v1.1 Difficulty | v2.0 Difficulty | Why It Changed |
| Network Fundamentals | Moderate | Moderate | Core concepts remain stable |
| Network Access | Moderate | Moderate-High | New wireless architecture concepts added |
| IP Connectivity | High | High | Still the most heavily tested domain in both versions |
| IP Services | Moderate | Moderate | Minimal change |
| Security Fundamentals | Moderate | Moderate | Minimal change |
| Automation and Programmability | Low-Moderate | High | Candidates without scripting exposure often underestimate this domain |
How Do the Blueprint Weightings Compare?
| Domain | v1.1 Weight | v2.0 Weight |
| Network Fundamentals | 20% | 18% |
| Network Access | 20% | 15% |
| IP Connectivity | 25% | 22% |
| IP Services | 10% | 10% |
| Security Fundamentals | 15% | 15% |
| Automation and Programmability | 10% | 20% |
Does Your Study Material Still Apply?
Study material published before February 2024 was written against the v1.1 blueprint. It still covers most core topics accurately, since IP connectivity, IP services, and security fundamentals changed very little.
However, pre-2024 material will under-prepare candidates in two areas:
- Automation and programmability: Older guides often treat this domain as a minor add-on. Under v2.0, it requires the same depth of preparation as network access.
- Wireless architecture: Most pre-2024 resources lack updated content on controller-based wireless design.
Check the publication or last-updated date on any CCNA book, video course, or practice test before relying on it. If the material does not mention blueprint version 2.0 or a February 2024 update, treat it as a supplement rather than a primary resource.
Get insights on: CCNA 200-301 Certification Exam Cost: Complete Breakdown in 2026
Common Mistakes Candidates Make When Switching Between Versions
- Assuming the exam code change signals a full content overhaul. The exam code stayed 200-301. Most core networking content is unchanged.
- Ignoring automation until the final study weeks. Scripting and API concepts take longer to absorb than memorization-based topics.
- Relying solely on outdated practice tests. Practice tests built for v1.1 may under-represent automation questions, giving a false sense of readiness.
- Skipping hands-on labs for automation topics. Reading about APIs is not the same as parsing JSON output or running a Python script against network device output.
- Not verifying the current blueprint version before buying study material. Always confirm against the official Cisco 200-301 exam topics page before purchasing.
How Long to Prepare for CCNA in 2026?
| Background | Recommended Study Hours |
| No IT or networking experience | 250 to 300 hours |
| Help desk or IT support experience | 180 to 220 hours |
| Prior networking experience (no certification) | 150 to 180 hours |
| Holds an expired or lapsed CCNA | 100 to 150 hours |
These ranges align with the 150 to 300 hour range Cisco and training partners commonly cite for the 200-301 exam. Candidates with zero hands-on lab exposure should budget additional time for practical skills, not just reading.
A structured approach works better than open-ended reading. A proven framework follows five stages: Learn the concept, Lab it in a simulator or virtual environment, Validate understanding with practice questions, Review weak areas, and Sit the exam only after consistently scoring above 85% on full-length practice tests.
Learn more about: CCNA Jobs Salary Insights: Average Pay and Top-Paying Roles
Best CCNA Practice Tests for the Current Blueprint
When evaluating CCNA practice tests, confirm three things before using them:
- Blueprint alignment: The test must be explicitly built for v2.0, with adequate coverage of automation and programmability.
- Question format variety: Look for multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and simulation-style questions, since the real exam uses all three.
- Detailed answer explanations: A good practice test explains why an answer is correct, not just which option is correct.
Cisco’s own Cisco Networking Academy (netacad.com) offers CCNA-aligned coursework with practice assessments built directly against the current blueprint, making it a reliable starting point for verifying whether third-party practice tests match current exam topics.
How Much Does CCNA Certification Cost in 2026?
| Cost Item | Amount (USD) |
| Exam fee (per attempt) | $330 |
| Official Cisco study material | $50 to $100 |
| Third-party video course | $20 to $300 (subscription or one-time) |
| Practice test bundle | $20 to $80 |
| Home lab equipment (optional) | $0 (simulator) to $500+ (physical gear) |
| Retake fee (if needed) | $330 |
Cisco sets the exam fee globally in USD (cisco.com), and it applies consistently across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and India, though local taxes may adjust the final checkout price at Pearson VUE testing centers.
Delve into the details of: Is CCNA A Good Career: Discuss Benefits and Perks of Cisco CCNA Certification
What Jobs Can You Get with CCNA in 2026?
| Job Title | Typical Requirement Level |
| Network Technician | Entry-level, CCNA often preferred |
| Network Administrator | Entry to mid-level, CCNA commonly required |
| Help Desk / NOC Technician | Entry-level, CCNA as a differentiator |
| Junior Network Engineer | Entry to mid-level, CCNA plus hands-on experience |
| Systems Administrator (network-adjacent roles) | Mid-level, CCNA as supporting credential |
CCNA is rarely the sole qualification for senior network engineering roles, but it remains one of the most recognized entry points into networking careers, and Cisco Networking Academy reports that 4.8 million students say the program helped them land a new job.
CCNA Salary by Region
| Region | Approximate Annual Salary Range (Entry to Mid-Level Network Roles) |
| United States | $55,000 to $85,000 USD |
| Canada | $50,000 to $78,000 CAD |
| Europe (UK, Germany, average) | €35,000 to €55,000 |
| Australia | $65,000 to $95,000 AUD |
| India | ₹350,000 to ₹700,000 |
Is CCNA Worth It in 2026?
CCNA is worth pursuing if the goal is an entry-level or junior networking role, a help desk position with a growth path into networking, or a foundational credential before pursuing CCNP. It is less useful as a standalone credential for candidates targeting senior network engineering, cloud networking, or security-focused roles, where CCNP, CCIE, or cloud-specific certifications carry more weight.
Choose CCNA now, on the v2.0 blueprint, if entering the job market within the next 12 to 18 months. Waiting for a future blueprint version offers no clear advantage, since Cisco blueprint updates typically refine rather than replace core content.
CCNA vs Network+: Which Should You Get First?
| Factor | CompTIA Network+ | Cisco CCNA |
| Vendor focus | Vendor-neutral | Cisco-specific |
| Typical difficulty | Lower | Moderate to High |
| Best for | Absolute beginners, IT generalists | Candidates targeting networking-specific roles |
| Employer recognition | Broad but general | Strong for network engineering and Cisco-heavy environments |
| Cost | Around $370 | $330 |
Candidates with zero networking background often benefit from Network+ first, since it covers foundational concepts at a gentler pace. Candidates already comfortable with basic networking concepts, or targeting jobs in Cisco-heavy environments, can go directly to CCNA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CCNA v1.1 still valid after the v2.0 update?
No. As of February 2024, Cisco replaced the v1.1 blueprint with v2.0 for all new exam attempts. Certifications earned under v1.1 remain valid; Cisco does not revoke or downgrade them.
Do I need to retake the CCNA exam if I passed under v1.1?
No. A CCNA earned under any blueprint version remains valid for the standard three-year certification period. Recertification requirements apply at renewal, not because of a blueprint update.
How much does the CCNA exam cost in 2026?
The CCNA 200-301 exam costs $330 USD per attempt, consistent across most regions before local taxes.
What is the hardest domain in CCNA v2.0?
IP Connectivity carries the highest weight at 22%, but Automation and Programmability is the domain candidates most often underestimate, since it doubled in weight compared to v1.1.
Should beginners start with CCNA or Network+?
Absolute beginners with no networking background often start with CompTIA Network+ for a gentler introduction, then move to CCNA. Candidates with basic networking familiarity can start directly with CCNA.
