What if the certification everyone tells you to get isn’t actually the right one for your career?

The CCNA gets recommended so often it’s practically a reflex. Ask about breaking into IT on any forum and someone will suggest it within the first three replies. But reflexive advice isn’t always good advice. The CCNA costs $330, takes most people 3-6 months to prepare for, and focuses heavily on Cisco-specific technologies. For some career paths, that’s a brilliant investment. For others, it’s $330 and six months you could’ve spent on something more relevant.

This isn’t a certification sales pitch. You’ll find plenty of those from training companies with courses to sell. Instead, let’s look at what the CCNA actually provides, what the salary data shows, and—most importantly—whether it makes sense for where you’re trying to go.

The Quick Verdict: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Pursue CCNA

Before diving into the details, here’s the decision framework:

Get the CCNA if you:

  • Want to become a network engineer, network administrator, or infrastructure specialist
  • Work in an environment with Cisco equipment (most enterprise networks still use it)
  • Need a technical credential that proves hands-on networking ability
  • Plan to pursue higher Cisco certifications (CCNP, CCIE) later

Skip the CCNA if you:

  • Want to work in cloud-native environments with minimal physical infrastructure
  • Are targeting DevOps, SRE, or software engineering roles
  • Have zero IT experience and no basic computer knowledge
  • Would rather specialize in security, development, or data

The rest of this article explains the reasoning behind those recommendations.

What the CCNA Actually Covers

The CCNA 200-301 exam tests your knowledge across six domains:

DomainWeightWhat It Covers
Network Fundamentals20%OSI model, TCP/IP, switching concepts, wireless basics
Network Access20%VLANs, spanning tree, EtherChannel, wireless security
IP Connectivity25%Routing protocols (OSPF), IPv4/IPv6, static and dynamic routing
IP Services10%DHCP, DNS, NAT, SNMP, QoS basics
Security Fundamentals15%ACLs, firewalls, VPNs, wireless security protocols
Automation and Programmability10%REST APIs, Ansible, Puppet, JSON/XML

That automation section is new-ish. Cisco added it to acknowledge that modern network engineers need scripting skills, not just CLI knowledge. You won’t become a Python expert from studying CCNA, but you’ll understand why automation matters for infrastructure roles.

The exam itself runs 120 minutes with roughly 100 questions. You need approximately 825 out of 1000 points to pass. Cisco doesn’t publish exact passing scores or pass rates, but the consensus from training providers suggests somewhere between 50-70% of test-takers pass on their first attempt.

CCNA Salary Data: What Certified Engineers Actually Earn

Let’s look at the numbers. Salary data varies by source, but here’s what the major compensation databases report for CCNA-certified professionals in 2026:

Experience LevelSalary RangeMedian
Entry-Level (0-2 years)$48,000 - $65,000$52,000
Mid-Career (3-5 years)$70,000 - $95,000$82,000
Senior (6+ years)$95,000 - $130,000$109,000
Top 10% (Any Level)$140,000 - $185,000+Varies

_Sources: Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, PayScale_

Location matters significantly. According to ZipRecruiter, Berkeley, CA pays 22% above the national average for CCNA roles. San Jose averages around $98,600, while New York sits closer to $83,100. If you’re in a lower cost-of-living area, expect the lower end of these ranges.

The Comparison That Actually Matters

Raw CCNA salaries don’t tell you much without context. Here’s how CCNA stacks up against comparable certifications:

CertificationAverage SalaryExam CostTime to Prepare
CCNA$82,000 - $93,000$3303-6 months
CompTIA Network+$60,000 - $70,000$3692-3 months
CompTIA Security+$75,000 - $85,000$4042-4 months
AWS Solutions Architect Associate$95,000 - $120,000$1502-4 months

The CCNA consistently outperforms the vendor-neutral CompTIA Network+ in earning potential. That salary gap reflects the depth of technical knowledge CCNA requires—you’re not just understanding networking concepts, you’re proving you can configure and troubleshoot actual Cisco equipment.

But notice that AWS certifications potentially pay more. That’s the trade-off we’ll discuss later.

The Real ROI Calculation

A $330 exam fee plus maybe $200-500 in study materials. Call it $600 total investment. If the CCNA helps you land a job paying even $5,000 more per year than you’d otherwise earn, you’ve recovered your investment in about six weeks of work.

But the calculation isn’t that simple. You also need to factor in:

Time cost: Most people need 100-200 hours of study time. If you’re working full-time, that’s 3-6 months of evenings and weekends. What else could you build in that time? A home lab? A portfolio project? Direct job experience through an entry-level position?

Opportunity cost: If you’re choosing CCNA over a cloud certification, you’re betting on traditional networking over cloud-native infrastructure. Both are legitimate paths, but they lead to different destinations.

Renewal cost: CCNA is valid for three years. You’ll need to recertify, either by retaking the exam, passing a higher-level Cisco exam, or earning continuing education credits. This isn’t unique to CCNA, but it’s worth remembering.

For someone targeting network engineer roles, the ROI calculation typically works out favorably. For someone who’d rather do cloud engineering, those 150 study hours might be better spent on AWS or Azure credentials.

CCNA vs. Network+: The Classic Comparison

This is probably the most common question people ask when evaluating CCNA, so let’s address it directly.

CompTIA Network+ Pros:

  • Vendor-neutral (knowledge applies to any networking equipment)
  • Slightly shorter study time
  • Recognized for DoD 8570 compliance (matters for government jobs)
  • Good stepping stone if you’re not sure about specializing yet

CCNA Pros:

  • Deeper technical content
  • Higher earning potential
  • Hands-on configuration skills (not just concepts)
  • Better recognized in enterprise environments
  • Leads to advanced Cisco certifications (CCNP, CCIE)

The Honest Assessment

Network+ teaches you about networking. CCNA teaches you to do networking. That’s the fundamental difference.

If you’re in an entry-level IT role and just need to demonstrate basic networking knowledge, Network+ works fine. It checks the box on job requirements and proves you understand subnets, protocols, and network architecture.

But if someone hands you a switch and says “configure VLANs for three departments with inter-VLAN routing,” Network+ won’t help. CCNA will. The certification actually requires you to know Cisco IOS commands and troubleshooting procedures.

Here’s a reasonable decision framework:

  • Choose Network+ first if you have zero networking experience and want to test whether you enjoy the field
  • Choose CCNA directly if you’ve already worked with networking (even just in a home lab) and know you want to specialize
  • Get both if you’re pursuing government/contractor roles where both appear on job requirements

When CCNA Isn’t Worth It

Full disclosure: not everyone needs this certification. Here’s who should probably skip it.

If You’re Targeting Pure Cloud Roles

Cloud architects and cloud engineers work primarily with software-defined infrastructure. Yes, the cloud runs on physical networks somewhere, but AWS doesn’t expect you to configure their data center switches. They expect you to understand VPCs, security groups, load balancers, and cloud-native networking abstractions.

For these roles, the AWS Solutions Architect or Azure certifications provide more relevant proof of skills. You’ll still need networking fundamentals—understanding TCP/IP, subnets, and routing concepts—but the CCNA’s deep dive into Cisco CLI commands won’t help you much.

If You Have Zero IT Experience

The CCNA assumes you know basic computing concepts. If terms like “IP address,” “subnet mask,” and “default gateway” are completely foreign, you’ll struggle. Not because you can’t learn them, but because you’ll be trying to learn fundamentals and advanced concepts simultaneously.

Better path: start with CompTIA A+, get an entry-level support job, then pursue CCNA once you’ve had some exposure to real networks.

If You’re Chasing Certificates Instead of Skills

This applies to any certification, not just CCNA. If you’re collecting credentials without developing genuine understanding, employers will figure that out in the technical interview. You’ll have the letters on your resume, but you won’t be able to troubleshoot a real network problem.

Certifications prove you studied. Experience proves you can do the job. The sweet spot is getting certified while building hands-on skills simultaneously.

How to Prepare: A Realistic Study Plan

If you’ve decided CCNA makes sense for your goals, here’s what preparation actually looks like.

Time Investment

Survey data from CBT Nuggets suggests most people need about 26 weeks studying 30-60 minutes daily. That aligns with the 100-200 hour range mentioned earlier.

Your mileage varies based on:

  • Prior networking experience (cuts study time significantly)
  • Quality of study materials
  • Whether you have access to practice labs
  • How much you’ve worked with Linux command lines and network fundamentals already

Someone with two years of help desk experience might pass in three months. Someone brand new to IT might need six months or longer.

Study Resources

Free options:

Paid options:

Lab practice:

  • Cisco Packet Tracer - free network simulation software from Cisco
  • GNS3 - more advanced network emulator
  • EVE-NG - professional network emulation platform
  • Physical lab equipment (used Cisco gear is cheap on eBay, but not necessary)

The combination most people recommend: one video course for conceptual understanding, Packet Tracer for hands-on practice, and Boson practice exams to assess readiness.

Building Practical Skills While Studying

Don’t just memorize commands for the exam. Build something. A home lab doesn’t need expensive equipment—you can simulate complex network topologies in Packet Tracer or GNS3.

Project ideas that reinforce CCNA concepts:

  • Configure a multi-VLAN network with inter-VLAN routing
  • Set up OSPF routing between multiple “sites”
  • Implement access control lists for security
  • Build a redundant network with spanning tree
  • Configure site-to-site VPN connections

These projects serve double duty: they reinforce exam concepts and give you something concrete to discuss in job interviews.

For Linux and command-line skills that complement networking knowledge, tools like Shell Samurai provide interactive practice that builds terminal fluency—useful whether you’re SSHing into network devices or managing Linux servers.

The Career Path After CCNA

Getting certified is step one. Here’s what comes next.

Entry Points

With CCNA and some practical experience (even home lab work counts), you can target:

  • Network Technician ($45,000-$60,000) - Installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting network equipment
  • Junior Network Engineer ($55,000-$75,000) - Configuring and managing enterprise networks
  • Help Desk with Networking Focus ($40,000-$55,000) - Support role emphasizing network troubleshooting
  • NOC Technician ($50,000-$65,000) - Monitoring and responding to network alerts

If you’re currently in a help desk role, CCNA can be the credential that helps you transition to a more specialized network position.

Growth Trajectory

The typical progression looks like:

  1. CCNA → Junior/Associate Network Engineer
  2. CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) → Network Engineer/Senior Network Engineer
  3. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) → Senior Engineer/Architect/Specialist roles

Each step up the Cisco ladder roughly corresponds to higher salaries and more complex responsibilities. CCNP holders average around $100,000-$120,000. CCIE holders can exceed $150,000, particularly in specialized areas like security or data center.

Alternatively, you might branch into:

  • Cybersecurity - CCNA Security or security-focused certifications
  • Cloud infrastructure - Add AWS/Azure certs for hybrid environments
  • Network automation - Python, Ansible, and DevNet certifications
  • Management - Technical lead or IT manager roles

The networking foundation from CCNA remains valuable even as you specialize. Security analysts need to understand network traffic. Cloud engineers need to configure virtual networks. The knowledge transfers.

The Cloud Question: Is Traditional Networking Dying?

This is the elephant in the room. With 94% of enterprises using cloud services (per multiple industry surveys), do traditional networking skills still matter?

Short answer: yes, but things are changing.

Longer answer: Physical networks aren’t disappearing. Someone has to build and maintain the infrastructure that powers the cloud. Data centers need network engineers. Office networks need people who understand switches and wireless. Service providers need experts in routing and WAN technologies.

What’s changing is the skill mix. Modern network engineers increasingly need:

  • Automation and scripting abilities (Python, Ansible)
  • Understanding of cloud networking concepts
  • Software-defined networking (SDN) knowledge
  • API integration skills

Cisco has adapted the CCNA curriculum to include automation topics for this reason. But if you’re pursuing CCNA, supplement it with scripting skills. Learn enough Python to automate repetitive network tasks. Understand how infrastructure-as-code works. The network engineers who thrive going forward will be the ones who can both configure a switch manually and write a script to configure a hundred switches.

Making Your Decision

Here’s the framework one more time:

CCNA is a strong choice if:

  • You want to specialize in networking infrastructure
  • You’re working toward network engineer, network administrator, or similar roles
  • Your target employers use Cisco equipment (most large enterprises do)
  • You’re willing to invest 3-6 months of serious study

Consider alternatives if:

  • Cloud-native environments are your goal (go for AWS/Azure instead)
  • You’re completely new to IT (start with A+ and entry-level experience)
  • You want a vendor-neutral credential (Network+ covers basics)
  • Cybersecurity is your primary interest (Security+ might be more relevant)

There’s no universally correct answer. The CCNA is genuinely valuable for the right career path. It’s a waste of time and money for the wrong one. The question isn’t whether CCNA is worth it in general—it’s whether CCNA is worth it for where you specifically want to go.

If you’re still unsure, try this: look at job postings for roles you actually want. Count how many list CCNA as required or preferred. If it shows up consistently, that’s your answer. If it’s rarely mentioned, your study time is probably better spent elsewhere.

FAQ

How long does it take to get CCNA certified?

Most people need 3-6 months of preparation, assuming 10-15 hours of study per week. With prior networking experience, you might manage it in 2-3 months. Complete beginners often need 6+ months. The key variable is your starting point—not how quickly you can memorize content, but how well you already understand networking fundamentals.

Can I get a networking job without CCNA?

Yes, but it’s harder. Many network engineer job postings list CCNA as required or strongly preferred. Without it, you’ll need to demonstrate skills another way—through a detailed home lab, relevant work experience, or an impressive technical interview. Having CCNA simplifies the process by giving recruiters an easy way to verify your knowledge level.

Is CCNA enough to get an entry-level network job?

CCNA plus demonstrated practical skills (home lab, relevant projects) is typically enough for entry-level network technician or junior engineer positions. Some employers also want to see customer service abilities from help desk experience. The certification proves knowledge; the interview proves you can apply it. See our guide on IT interview questions for what to expect.

Should I get Network+ before CCNA?

It’s not required, but it can help if you’re starting from zero. Network+ provides vendor-neutral foundational knowledge that makes CCNA material easier to absorb. However, if you already have IT experience or have worked with networks in any capacity, you can probably skip directly to CCNA. The overlap between the two certifications means studying for both might feel redundant.

How does CCNA compare to cloud certifications for salary?

Cloud certifications (AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator) often command slightly higher salaries than CCNA alone, reflecting current market demand. However, the comparison isn’t entirely fair—they’re targeting different roles. The highest earners often have both networking and cloud credentials, able to work across traditional and cloud infrastructure. Rather than choosing between them, consider which aligns with your target job, then add the other later.

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