By Quick answer: How do I pass Cisco CCNA?
- Plan — 14 weeks.
- Exam — see the official exam page.
- Fee — Check the official page.
- Practise — free timed tests until you pass comfortably.
Key takeaways
- Study from the official exam objectives, not just videos.
- Hands-on practice beats rereading.
- Book the exam when practice scores are consistently strong.
Cisco CCNA rewards a structured plan. This 14-week plan covers the exam format and cost, what to study when, and how to use practice tests so you walk in ready.
The exam and the resources that help
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cisco CCNACisco | Check the official page1 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 2 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store2 | 90 minutes | Free test |
| 3 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store3 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
The exam, then the resources to prepare with
- CiscoCisco CCNAThe examCheck the official page
- CompTIACompTIA Network+Earlier stepVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- CompTIACompTIA Security+Security add-onVoucher price on the CompTIA store
Cisco CCNA
- Cost
- Check the official page1
Check the official page. Format: see the official exam page. Check the official page for prerequisites. Cisco's associate credential covers network fundamentals, access, IP connectivity, services, security and automation. It's ANAB-accredited and widely recognised for network engineer roles; check Cisco's page for the fee.
Best forthe exam
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store2
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Network+. CompTIA's Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations and troubleshooting in a 90-minute exam. It's vendor-neutral and ANAB-accredited; CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience.
Best forearlier step
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store3
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
Security+. CompTIA's vendor-neutral security exam covers threats, architecture, operations and governance, and the new version adds AI-related risk. It's listed in ANAB's ISO/IEC 17024 directory; voucher prices vary by country.
Best forsecurity add-on
A 14-week study plan
- Week 1 — Set up a lab environment and read the curriculum.
- Weeks 2–12 — Daily hands-on tasks against the clock.
- Week 13 — Timed mock exams in a real environment.
- Week 14 — Review shortcuts and docs navigation, then sit the exam.
Tips that make the difference
- Speed — Practise common tasks until they're automatic.
- Docs — Know where to find things in the allowed documentation.
- Verify — Check every task's result before moving on.
- Skip and return — Don't get stuck on one task.
How we ranked these picks
Exam format, fee and prerequisites come from the official page for Cisco CCNA, checked 3 November 2026. The plan reflects common preparation patterns; adjust to your background.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for Cisco CCNA?
About 14 weeks for most people; less with experience.
How much does Cisco CCNA cost?
Check the official page.
What is the Cisco CCNA exam format?
See the official exam page.
Do I need a home lab?
A simulator or lab helps a lot.
Is there a free Cisco CCNA practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers a free practice test, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- Cisco — Cisco CCNA, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
Where to go from here
- The best online certifications of 2027 — the full top 10 across every field
- Certification Reviews 2027: Every Credential Rated — related guide
- Best AI Certifications of 2027: 10 Ranked by Career Impact — related guide
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027How to pass CompTIA A+ in 2027: a 12-week study plan and tips that workHow to pass CompTIA A+ in 2027: a 12-week study plan, exam format and cost, the best free resources and practice-test tips.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027How to pass ITIL 4 Foundation in 2027: a 3-week study plan and tips that workHow to pass ITIL 4 Foundation in 2027: a 3-week study plan, exam format and cost, the best free resources and practice-test tips.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027How to pass Salesforce Certified Administrator in 2027: a 8-week study plan and tips that workHow to pass Salesforce Certified Administrator in 2027: a 8-week study plan, exam format and cost, the best free resources and practice-test tips.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027How to pass PCEP in 2027: a 4-week study plan and tips that workHow to pass PCEP in 2027: a 4-week study plan, exam format and cost, the best free resources and practice-test tips.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027How to pass Google Cloud Generative AI Leader in 2027: a 3-week study plan and tips that workHow to pass Google Cloud Generative AI Leader in 2027: a 3-week study plan, exam format and cost, the best free resources and practice-test tips.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027How to pass Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) in 2027: a 3-week study plan and tips that workHow to pass Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) in 2027: a 3-week study plan, exam format and cost, the best free resources and practice-test tips.
Get the ideas, not the noise.
Sign up with Google and we’ll send you short UX psychology tips by email — why people tap, stall and leave, and what to do about it. Unsubscribe anytime. Prefer something to keep? Get the free Laws of UX guide as a PDF.
Prove the skill before you pay for the exam.
Start with the free Cisco CCNA Practice Test. 1,200+ free, test-based certifications graded on our server. Pass and get a founder-signed certificate with a credential ID employers can verify.