CCNA Practice Exam Breakdown: Topics, Format & Tips
Are you about to sit for the CCNA certification and wondering what to expect from the practice exam? Whether you are starting your journey into networking or refreshing your skills for a retake, knowing the CCNA practice exam format, topics, and preparation methods can greatly improve the likelihood of passing.
Here, I will describe the whole structure of the CCNA exam, explore each topic, provide sample questions, and provide you with a few proven preparation methods – all mapped to the latest CCNA 200-301 exam blueprint.
Table of Contents
What Is the CCNA Certification?
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a basic-level, entry-level certification from Cisco that validates your knowledge in networking concepts, IP connectivity, security, automation, and more. CCNA certifications are widely recognized and provide a great first step towards your next level of Cisco certifications and/or IT positions.
Why Take a CCNA Practice Exam?
A CCNA practice exam will help you:
- Get acquainted with the actual exam environment
- Identify areas of misunderstanding or weakness in your knowledge
- Manage time better during the actual exam
- Build confidence for the actual exam
But most importantly, it will simulate real-life scenarios that network engineers have to deal with every day.
CCNA Practice Exam Overview (200-301)
Component | Details |
Exam Code | 200-301 |
Duration | 120 minutes |
Format | Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, performance-based questions |
Passing Score | Varies (usually around 825/1000) |
Cost | $300 USD |
Prerequisites | None |
Exam Format: What to Expect
The CCNA practice exam tests your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot networks. Here’s how the exam format is structured:
Types of Questions
- Multiple Choice (Single and Multiple Answers)
- Drag and Drop Matching
- Simulations / Performance-Based Labs
- Fill-in-the-Blanks
CCNA Exam Topics Breakdown (2025 Update)
The CCNA exam is divided into six sections, and each section is important in its own right. Understanding these sections helps you better plan your study time.
1. Network Fundamentals (20%)
This chapter forms the basis for learning networks. It describes OSI and TCP/IP frameworks that specify how data moves across networks. You also require knowledge of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and subnetting concepts to design good networks.
Switching fundamentals such as MAC addresses, ARP, and VLAN operation are essential concepts that must be known for everyday work on a network.
2. Network Access (20%)
Network Access addresses interconnecting devices within a LAN. VLANs and trunking, through which logical network separation is enabled, are what you will learn. EtherChannel enables link aggregation for redundancy and bandwidth optimization.
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides loop-free topologies, while WLAN configuration assists in wireless access management within enterprise networks.
3. IP Connectivity (25%)
This is the most critical section of the CCNA exam. It examines routing concepts, static and dynamic. You must be familiar with OSPF in a single-area configuration, which is a significant routing protocol on the CCNA exam.
Additionally, First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRPs) such as HSRP ensure the network remains operational and provide backup solutions for default gateways.
4. IP Services (10%)
IP Services encompasses the key protocols that enable networks to function properly. The subjects are NAT, NTP, and DHCP, which address translation, synchronization, and IP address assignment, respectively.
Management and monitoring tools such as Syslog and SNMP, and quality of service techniques such as QoS will also be examined by you, and Simple DNS and HTTP operations round out the portion.
5. Security Fundamentals (15%)
Security is one of the most critical aspects of contemporary networking. Here, you will discover how to use VPNs for secure communication and access control lists (ACLs) for traffic filtering. Device hardening techniques, such as secure configurations, resist attacks.
AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) concepts give access control and accountability on devices.
6. Automation and Programming (10%)
This portion demonstrates how significant software-defined networks are becoming. You have to know about data formats such as JSON and how REST APIs function in automation.
Cisco DNA Center is introduced as a management solution for business networks. Configuration management tools are also discussed, preparing you for network automation practices these days.
Proven Tips to Ace Your CCNA Practice Exam
1. Read the Exam Blueprint
Cisco offers you an extensive exam plan that tells you all the subjects you are going to be tested on. Make it your personal checklist so that you don’t miss any topic. It also helps you concentrate on the more important areas for the exam.
2. Mimic Exam Conditions
Practice as if it is the actual test via timed mock tests. This makes you ready to perform under pressure and enhances the management of time in the actual test. Simulations also determine your weak areas so that you can prepare accordingly.
3. Emphasize on Labs
Hands-on practice is highly important to achieve CCNA success. Tools like Cisco Packet Tracer, Boson ExSim, and GNS3 allow you to gain real-time experience of configuring and fixing devices. This will not only make you aware of concepts, but you will also be able to implement them in real situations.
4. Utilize Flashcards and Mind Maps
Flashcards and mind maps are great tools for remembering. They are extremely useful for subnetting techniques, remembering port numbers, and remembering OSI layers. Regular practice keeps such basics in your head.
5. Join Study Groups
Participate in online groups on Reddit, Discord, and LinkedIn. Study groups provide you with encouragement from friends, common resources, and innovative approaches to solving tough problems. Studying becomes simpler and more enjoyable when you do it with friends.
6. Avoid Common Mistakes
Participate in online groups on Reddit, Discord, and LinkedIn. Study groups provide you with encouragement from friends, common resources, and innovative approaches to solving tough problems. Studying becomes simpler and more enjoyable when you do it with friends.
Free CCNA Practice Questions (2025 Edition)
Here are a few sample questions for ccna practice exam to test your skills:
- Ques. Which FHRP allows load balancing across multiple active gateways while using a single virtual IP?
A. HSRP
B. VRRP
C. GLBP
D. OSPF
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: GLBP (Gateway Load Balancing Protocol) is Cisco-proprietary and can forward traffic across multiple active gateways, unlike HSRP/VRRP which use an active/standby model.
Ques. In OSPF, which packet type is used to discover and maintain neighbor relationships?
A. LSA Update
B. Hello
C. Link State Request
D. Database Description
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: OSPF neighbors are discovered and kept alive with Hello packets exchanged at regular intervals.
Ques. Which transport protocol and ports does DHCP use between client and server?
A. TCP ports 67/68
B. UDP ports 67/68
C. UDP port 53
D. TCP port 80
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: DHCP uses UDP; servers listen on port 67 and clients use port 68.
Ques. Which command shows active trunk ports and their encapsulation on a Cisco switch?
A. show vlan brief
B. show interfaces status
C. show interfaces trunk
D. show spanning-tree vlan
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: show interfaces trunk lists trunking interfaces, allowed VLANs, and encapsulation.
Ques. How many usable host addresses exist in the subnet 192.168.1.0/26?
A. 30
B. 32
C. 62
D. 64
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A /26 provides 64 addresses; subtract network and broadcast → 62 usable hosts.
Ques. Which ACL statement permits all hosts on 10.1.4.0/22?
A. access-list 10 permit 10.1.4.0 0.0.0.31
B. access-list 10 permit 10.1.4.0 0.0.3.255
C. access-list 10 permit 10.1.4.0 255.255.252.0
D. access-list 10 permit 10.1.4.0 0.0.255.255
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: /22 mask equals wildcard 0.0.3.255; this matches 10.1.4.0–10.1.7.255.
Ques. On a non-root switch, which port becomes the STP Root Port?
A. The port with the lowest total path cost to the Root Bridge
B. The port with the highest bandwidth
C. The port with the lowest MAC address
D. Any designated port on the switch
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: STP selects the Root Port based on the lowest cumulative cost toward the Root Bridge (tie-breakers follow).
Ques. What NAT type maps many inside hosts to a single public IP using different port numbers?
A. Static NAT
B. Dynamic NAT (pool)
C. PAT (NAT overload)
D. Destination NAT
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: PAT multiplexes sessions by translating both IP and transport ports to share one public address.
Ques. Which syslog severity level indicates a system is unusable?
A. Alert (1)
B. Critical (2)
C. Emergency (0)
D. Error (3)
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Severity 0 is “Emergency,” the highest severity where the system is unusable.
Ques. In RESTful APIs, which HTTP method is idempotent and replaces a resource entirely?
A. POST
B. PUT
C. PATCH
D. CONNECT
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: PUT is idempotent and updates/replaces the full resource; POST is non-idempotent, and PATCH applies partial updates.
Wrapping up
The CCNA practice exam is your gateway to understanding the real exam format and identifying your readiness. By focusing on the right topics, taking timed mock tests, and building hands-on lab skills, you can walk into the exam with confidence.
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Pass on your first attempt with AI-powered prep, hands-on labs, and real mock tests. Start free today at CCNA from Certify360.
FAQs:
How many questions are on the CCNA exam?
Typically, between 100 to 120 questions covering all major topics.
Is the CCNA exam difficult?
It’s challenging for beginners, but manageable with hands-on practice and solid theory understanding.
Can I take the CCNA exam online?
Yes, Cisco offers online proctored exams via Pearson VUE.
How long should I study for CCNA?
Most learners need 3–4 months of regular study and lab practice.
