The Ultimate Guide to CCNA Certification Course Online
Jul 4, 2025
Many people want to start a career in IT without coding but don’t know how! Well, in this case, you must be aware of the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNA) certification course online. Introduced in 1998, CCNA is one of the most top-tier certifications in the networking industry. The best part is that it is a globally recognized certification and is in increasing demand.
In this blog, you’ll learn what CCNA certification is, why choose an online CCNA certification course, what you’ll learn in CCNA, who should take the CCNA online course, career opportunities and much more.
What is CCNA Certification?
Expanded as Cisco Certified Network Associate, CCNA is an entry-level certification meant for candidates who want to prove their expertise in networking. The exam code for CCNA certification is CCNA 200-301. The exam covers various topics such as networking basics, IP services, security, automation, etc.
CCNA certification is for the following candidates:
Fresh college graduates who want to build a career in IT infrastructure.
IT professionals such as Desktop Support Engineers and Help Desk Technicians who want to upskill for a better career.
Career switchers who want to switch from a non-technical background.
Why Choose an Online CCNA Certification Course?
When starting out, many candidates get confused as to what mode to choose to learn: offline or online. However, the benefit of learning CCNA online are as follows:
Ability to choose how to learn
There is a lot of flexibility in learning online. You can either choose to learn from an instructor or go on self-paced learning mode. You can also access session recordings in case you missed an online class. You can also watch a single video multiple times.
Affordability
Online courses are more affordable relative to offline classes. Also, offline classes are less cost-effective than online classes. You also get the flexibility to learn from home.
Labs and simulations
You can access various labs such as Cisco EVE-NG labs, Packet Tracer, GNS3, etc. and many other network simulators to design and configure virtual networks.
Easy doubt-clearing
You can easily get your doubts cleared in online mode as you can ask 1:1 with the experts.
Accessibility for students/professionals
Online training often includes flexible time slots and both weekday and weekend classes available. Therefore, there is so much room for saving time and not compromising on your job.
Note: If you want to learn online according to your schedule, you can check out our network engineer career program to learn more.
What You’ll Learn in the CCNA Course?
You will get to learn the following topics in the CCNA course:
Network Fundamentals
OSI and TCP/IP models
Ethernet fundamentals and switching
IPv4/IPv6 addressing and subnetting
Wireless principles
Virtualization fundamentals
Network Access
VLANs and trunking
EtherChannel
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
Wireless LAN configuration
Switch port security
IP Connectivity
Routing fundamentals
Static and default routing
OSPF single-area
First Hop Redundancy Protocols (HSRP, VRRP)
IP Services
NAT and PAT
NTP (Network Time Protocol)
DHCP and DNS
SNMP
Syslog
QoS concepts
SSH and console access
Security Fundamentals
Security concepts and threats
Access control lists (ACLs)
Layer 2 security features
Wireless security (WPA2, WPA3)
VPN concepts
Automation and Programmability
Network automation concepts
REST APIs
Configuration management tools
JSON and XML
Python scripting basics
Device Configuration and Troubleshooting
Router and switch configuration
Interface configuration
Troubleshooting methodologies
Network monitoring and maintenance
Device management and licensing
These topics cover the current CCNA 200-301 exam objectives and provide the foundation for network engineering careers. You can then explore various job roles in the market.
What are the CCNA Certification Exam Details?
The following are the important details of CCNA certification:
Exam Parameter | Details |
Exam code | 200-301 CCNA (v1.1) |
Duration | 120 minutes |
Number of questions | ~100 |
Passing score | 825/1000 minimum, equivalent to ~80% |
Cost | $300 USD |
Question types | Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, simulations, performance-based labs |
Testing options | Pearson VUE test centers or online proctoring |
Validity duration | 3 years from certification date |
Recertification | Earn 30 CE credits or pass higher-level exam (e.g., CCNP) |
Who Should Take the CCNA Course Online?
The following candidates can take the CCNA online course:
Those who are fresh graduates and want to start a career in networking.
Candidates who are working as a Desktop Support Engineer or Help Desk Technician and want to upskill as a Network Engineer.
Non-technical candidates who wish to switch to tech.
What are the Career Opportunities after CCNA Certification?
You can land the following job roles with CCNA certification:
Entry-level Network Engineer
Technical Support Engineer
NOC Engineer
IT Support Associate
TAC Engineer
Network Administrator
Best Tips to Prepare for the CCNA Exam Online
You can prepare for the CCNA exam online by doing the following:
Practice with labs
Having just theoretical knowledge is not enough to pass the CCNA exam. You must have practical skills. These skills include having the ability to work with labs such as Cisco EVE-NG labs, Packet Tracer, GNS3, etc.
Join study groups/forums
You can join online study groups that are present on various platforms such as Reddit, Substack Overflow, GitHub, Telegram, etc. There is also Cisco learning platform where you can post your questions and experts will answer them for you.
Exam dumps
You can also take the help of online learning resources provided by Cisco itself. For example, you can go for Cisco exam dumps that can help you qualify CCNA 200-301 exam.
Take mock tests
Taking mock tests is the best way to keep up with the skills and knowledge.
Conclusion
The affordable CCNA certification course is a flexible and affordable way to build essential networking skills. It suits fresh graduates, IT professionals, and career switchers, offering practical labs and expert support. Proper preparation with labs, study groups, and mock tests helps candidates pass the exam and access various network-related job opportunities.
FAQs:
What is the CCNA certification, and who is it for?
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is an entry-level certification for individuals who want to prove their networking expertise. It is ideal for fresh graduates, IT professionals looking to upskill, and career switchers from non-technical backgrounds.
Why should I choose an online CCNA certification course?
Online CCNA courses offer flexibility in learning style and schedule, affordability compared to offline classes, access to virtual labs and simulators, easy doubt clearing with experts, and time-saving options suitable for working professionals.
What topics are covered in the CCNA 200-301 certification course?
The course covers network fundamentals, IP connectivity, security basics, automation and programmability, device configuration, troubleshooting, VLANs, routing protocols like OSPF, IP services like DHCP and NAT, and more.
How much does the CCNA exam cost, and what is the exam format?
The CCNA exam costs $300 USD. It lasts 120 minutes with around 100 questions including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, simulations, and performance-based labs.
What career opportunities can I expect after earning the CCNA certification?
After CCNA certification, you can pursue roles such as Network Engineer, Technical Support Engineer, NOC Engineer, IT Support Associate, TAC Engineer, or Network Administrator.
