CCNA Exam Topics

Overview

The “200-301 Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam” covers fundamental networking concepts and Cisco device configuration.

1. Network Fundamentals 20%

1.1 Explain the role and function of network components
1.2 Describe characteristics of network topology architectures
1.3 Compare physical interface and cabling types
1.4 Identify interface and cable issues (collisions, errors, mismatch duplex, and/or speed)
1.5 Compare TCP to UDP
1.6 Configure and verify IPv4 addressing and subnetting
1.7 Describe private IPv4 addressing
1.8 Configure and verify IPv6 addressing and prefix
1.9 Describe IPv6 address types
1.10 Verify IP parameters for Client OS (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)
1.11 Describe wireless principles* **
1.12 Explain virtualization fundamentals (server virtualization, containers, and RFs)
1.13 Describe switching concepts

2. Network Access 20%

2.1 Configure and verify VLANs (normal range) spanning multiple switches
2.2 Configure and verify interswitch connectivity
2.3 Configure and verify Layer 2 discovery protocols (Cisco Discovery Protocol and LLDP)
2.4 Configure and verify (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP)
2.5 Interpret basic operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol
2.6 Describe Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP modes
2.7 Describe physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components (AP, WLC, access/trunk ports, and LAG)
2.8 Describe network device management access (Telnet, SSH, HTTP, HTTPS, console, TACACS+/RADIUS, and cloud managed)
2.9 Interpret the wireless LAN GUI configuration for client connectivity, such as WLAN creation, security settings, QoS profiles, and advanced settings

3. IP Connectivity 25%

3.1 Interpret the components of routing table
3.2 Determine how a router makes a forwarding decision by default
3.3 Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 static routing
3.4 Configure and verify single area OSPFv2
3.5 Describe the purpose, functions, and concepts of first hop redundancy protocols

4. IP Services 10%

4.1 Configure and verify inside source NAT using static and pools
4.2 Configure and verify NTP operating in a client and server mode
4.3 Explain the role of DHCP and DNS within the network
4.4 Explain the function of SNMP in network operations
4.5 Describe the use of syslog features including facilities and levels
4.6 Configure and verify DHCP client and relay
4.7 Explain the forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB) for QoS, such as classification, marking, queuing, congestion, policing, and shaping
4.8 Configure network devices for remote access using SSH
4.9 Describe the capabilities and functions of TFTP/FTP in the network

5. Security Fundamentals 15%

5.1 Define key security concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques)
5.2 Describe security program elements (user awareness, training, and physical access control)
5.3 Configure and verify device access control using local passwords
5.4 Describe security password policies elements, such as management, complexity, and password alternatives (multifactor authentication, certificates, and biometrics)
5.5 Describe IPsec remote access and site-to-site VPNs
5.6 Configure and verify access control lists
5.7 Configure and verify Layer 2 security features (DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and port security)
5.8 Compare authentication, authorization, and accounting concepts
5.9 Describe wireless security protocols (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3)
5.10 Configure and verify WLAN within the GUI using WPA2 PSK

6. Automation and Programmability 10%

6.1 Explain how automation impacts network management
6.2 Compare traditional networks with controller-based networking
6.3 Describe controller-based, software defined architecture (overlay, underlay, and fabric)
6.4 Explain AI (generative and predictive) and machine learning in network operations
6.5 Describe characteristics of REST-based APIs (authentication types, CRUD, HTTP verbs, and data encoding)
6.6 Recognize the capabilities of configuration management mechanisms, such as Ansible and Terraform
6.7 Recognize components of JSON-encoded data