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Cisco CCNA Study Guide

Complete Guide to CCNA 200-301

Master networking fundamentals with Cisco technologies. Learn routing, switching, security, and automation for modern networks.
6-8 weeks

Study Time

6

Exam Domains

Intermediate

Difficulty

100-120

Questions

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Exam Overview

Everything you need to know about the Cisco CCNA 200-301 certification exam.
Exam Details

Exam Code

CCNA 200-301

Duration

120 minutes

Questions

100-120 questions

Passing Score

825/1000 (82.5%)

Exam Fee

$300

Validity

3 years

Study Time

6-8 weeks

What You'll Learn
  • Network fundamentals and protocols
  • VLAN configuration and management
  • Routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP)
  • Network security and access control
  • IP services (DHCP, NAT, QoS)
  • Network automation and programmability
Career Benefits

CCNA certification opens doors to networking roles at top companies with average salaries of $70K+.

Study Domains

The CCNA 200-301 exam covers six key domains. Here's what you need to study for each.
Network Fundamentals
20%

Understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and architectures

Key Topics:

  • OSI model and TCP/IP protocols

  • Network topologies and architectures

  • IP addressing and subnetting

  • Network media and cabling

  • Network troubleshooting methodologies

Recommended Study Time: 20 hours

Network Access
20%

Configuration and troubleshooting of network access technologies

Key Topics:

  • VLAN configuration and management

  • Ethernet switching concepts

  • Wireless network fundamentals

  • Network security basics

  • Port security and access control

Recommended Study Time: 20 hours

IP Connectivity
25%

Routing concepts and configuration of IP connectivity

Key Topics:

  • Routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP)

  • IP routing concepts and configuration

  • Network troubleshooting and diagnostics

  • Router configuration and management

  • Network address translation (NAT)

Recommended Study Time: 25 hours

IP Services
10%

Configuration and verification of IP services

Key Topics:

  • DHCP configuration and troubleshooting

  • NAT and PAT implementation

  • NTP configuration and management

  • QoS concepts and implementation

  • Network time protocols

Recommended Study Time: 10 hours

Security Fundamentals
15%

Network security concepts and implementation

Key Topics:

  • Access control lists (ACLs)

  • VPN technologies and configuration

  • Network security threats and mitigation

  • Security best practices

  • Authentication and authorization

Recommended Study Time: 15 hours

Automation and Programmability
10%

Network automation and programmability concepts

Key Topics:

  • Network automation concepts

  • Software-defined networking (SDN)

  • REST APIs and JSON

  • Network programmability

  • Automation tools and frameworks

Recommended Study Time: 10 hours

8-Week Study Plan

A structured approach to help you master all CCNA domains and pass your exam.
Week 1
Network Fundamentals

Activities:

  • Study OSI model and TCP/IP protocols

  • Practice IP addressing and subnetting

  • Complete practice questions on network fundamentals

  • Set up lab environment

Week 2
Network Access

Activities:

  • Configure VLANs and trunking

  • Practice Ethernet switching concepts

  • Study wireless network fundamentals

  • Complete hands-on labs

Week 3
IP Connectivity

Activities:

  • Configure routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP)

  • Practice IP routing configuration

  • Study network troubleshooting

  • Complete routing labs

Week 4
IP Services

Activities:

  • Configure DHCP and NAT

  • Study QoS concepts

  • Practice IP services configuration

  • Complete service configuration labs

Week 5
Security Fundamentals

Activities:

  • Configure ACLs and VPNs

  • Study network security threats

  • Practice security configurations

  • Complete security labs

Week 6
Automation and Programmability

Activities:

  • Study SDN and automation concepts

  • Practice REST APIs and JSON

  • Complete automation labs

  • Review all domains

Week 7
Comprehensive Review

Activities:

  • Review all exam domains

  • Take full-length practice exams

  • Identify weak areas

  • Focus on problem areas

Week 8
Final Preparation

Activities:

  • Take multiple practice exams

  • Review exam strategies

  • Final domain review

  • Exam day preparation

Ready to Start Studying?

Follow this study guide and combine it with our practice tests for the best results. Join thousands of networking professionals advancing their careers.
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