The CCNA exam cost in 2026 is US$300 for the Cisco 200-301 CCNA exam. That price covers one exam attempt through Cisco’s exam system and Pearson VUE. It doesn’t include taxes, study materials, labs, practice exams, or training.
For most candidates, the full CCNA certification cost is higher than the exam fee. A realistic budget is usually US$400 to US$2,900, depending on whether you self-study, buy practice tests, use labs, or join a structured course.
Here’s the short version:
| Cost item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| CCNA 200-301 exam fee | US$300 |
| Retake fee if you fail | US$300 per attempt |
| Books and study guides | US$50 to US$150 |
| Practice exams | US$50 to US$200 |
| Labs and simulators | Free to US$200+ |
| Training course | Free to US$4,500+ |
If you’re new to networking, you don’t need to spend on CCNA prep on day one. CompTIA’s Network+ covers the same fundamentals at a gentler pace, and our CCNA vs Network+ comparison breaks down which to start with.
This guide breaks down the CCNA exam fee, country-specific pricing notes, voucher rules, retake costs, renewal options, and the smartest ways to keep your total cost under control.
The CCNA Exam Fee: What You’ll Actually Pay
The Cisco CCNA 200-301 exam price is US$300 in 2026, according to Cisco’s official 200-301 CCNA exam page. The exam is 120 minutes long and tests network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.
That US$300 fee is the base exam price. Your checkout total may be higher depending on your country, local taxes, currency conversion, and Pearson VUE payment rules.
Here’s a quick look at what that fee covers:
- One attempt at the 120-minute exam
- 100-120 questions (multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and simulation-based)
- Results delivered immediately after completion
- Digital badge and certification if you pass
That $300 doesn’t include any study materials, practice tests, or training. It’s purely the exam sitting fee.
One thing to know: if you fail, you pay the full $300 again. No discounts on retakes. Cisco’s retake policy requires a minimum 5-day waiting period after a failed attempt, and there’s no limit on how many times you can retake it.
That retake cost alone is reason enough to invest in solid CCNA exam preparation.
Why You’ll See Both $300 and $400 Quoted
Cisco lists two different CCNA prices on its own website. Both pages were live when checked on 2026-09-01.
| Cisco page | Price shown |
|---|---|
| The 200-301 exam page | $300 |
| The CCNA certification page | $400 |
So which one do you pay? The exam page is Cisco’s page of record for exam pricing, and it says $300. The $400 on the certification page could be a list price, a stale edit, or an early signal of an increase.
Here’s what to actually do. Budget $300. Then open the Pearson VUE booking screen for your own country before you commit to a date, and screenshot the total. That final screen is the only number that binds you, and it’s the one your bank sees.
CCNA Exam Cost by Country
Cisco prices the CCNA in US dollars. What you pay is that fee plus whatever indirect tax Pearson VUE is required to collect where you sit the exam. Pearson VUE publishes those rates, so the maths isn’t a mystery.
| Country or region | Tax Pearson VUE collects | Indicative total on a $300 fee |
|---|---|---|
| India | 18% GST | about $354 |
| Australia | 10% GST | about $330 |
| UAE and GCC states | 5% VAT | about $315 |
| United Kingdom and EU | VAT at the local standard rate | $300 plus VAT, confirm at checkout |
| Canada | GST or HST, 5% to 15% by province | about $315 to $345 |
| United States | State sales tax where it applies to testing services | $300 or slightly above |
Totals are calculated from Pearson VUE’s published rates and the $300 base fee. They’re indicative, not quotes. Currency conversion happens at your card’s rate on the day.
One exception worth knowing if your employer is paying. Pearson VUE doesn’t charge Indian GST on sales to businesses registered for GST in India, because those fall under reverse charge and the business accounts for the tax itself. The same principle applies to VAT-registered businesses in the EU and UK. If the invoice goes to your company rather than your own card, the number changes.
Verified 2026-09-01 against Pearson VUE’s published India and Australia tax FAQs. The $300 base used here is Cisco’s exam-page figure.
Beyond the Exam Fee: Total CCNA Certification Cost
The CCNA exam fee is easy to calculate. The total CCNA certification cost is harder because preparation costs vary by learner.
A candidate with networking experience may only need a book, practice tests, and a lab tool. A career changer may need a structured course, instructor feedback, and guided labs. That’s why two people can pay the same US$300 exam fee but spend very different amounts before exam day.
| Preparation path | Best for | Estimated total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost self-study | Candidates with networking basics | US$400 to US$700 |
| Guided self-study | Working IT learners who need structure | US$700 to US$1,400 |
| Instructor-led training | Beginners, career switchers, busy professionals | US$1,400 to US$4,500+ |
Study Materials ($50 to $500)
| Resource | Cost range | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Official Cert Guide (OCG) by Wendell Odom | $50-$70 | The gold-standard textbook, two volumes |
| Practice exam subscriptions | $30-$100 | Boson, Pearson, or similar platforms |
| Video courses (self-paced) | $30-$200 | Platforms vary widely in quality |
| Flashcard apps and supplementary guides | $0-$50 | Good for review, not primary study |
The Official Cert Guide is pretty much non-negotiable. It’s the most thorough resource aligned with the exam objectives. Everything else depends on your learning style.
Training Courses ($0 to $4,500)
This is where the cost range gets wide. Really wide.
| Training type | Cost range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Free resources (YouTube, blogs) | $0 | Supplementary learning |
| Cisco Networking Academy | $0-$400 | Students and career changers |
| Self-paced online courses | $100-$500 | Disciplined self-learners |
| Instructor-led live training | $1,400-$4,500 | People who need structure and accountability |
Free resources are great for filling gaps, but they rarely cover the full exam blueprint. Self-paced courses work if you’ve got the discipline to stick with a schedule. Instructor-led training pays off when you need real-time feedback and a structured schedule to stay on track.
What Does Cisco Networking Academy Actually Cost?
Cisco Networking Academy (netacad.com) is Cisco’s own online learning platform. It’s a separate thing from the CCNA exam itself, and most of the content is free.
Here’s what you get at no cost:
- Self-paced courses: Introduction to Networks, Networking Basics, Cybersecurity Essentials
- Cisco Packet Tracer network simulator
- Student community, forums, and digital badges on completion
- Course access with no time limit
Paid options do exist. Some bundled packages that include an exam voucher run $150 to $400. Cisco U, Cisco’s premium learning platform (separate from netacad), starts at roughly $49/month and includes hands-on labs and guided learning paths.
The biggest point of confusion most candidates have: Cisco Networking Academy doesn’t replace the CCNA exam. It’s a study resource. You still pay the $300 exam fee to Pearson VUE to sit the actual 200-301 test, no matter where you studied.
One exception worth knowing: students who enrol through an official Cisco Networking Academy partner institution get a 50% voucher discount off the exam fee. That brings the cost down to $150 to $175 instead of the full $300.
Short answer: studying on Cisco Networking Academy is free. The CCNA 200-301 exam costs $300, regardless.
Lab Practice ($0 to $200)
Hands-on practice isn’t optional for the CCNA. The exam includes simulation questions where you configure routers and switches in real time. If you’ve only read about it, you’ll struggle.
| Lab option | Cost | Pros/cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco Packet Tracer | Free | Good for basics, limited for advanced topics |
| GNS3 | Free | More realistic, requires decent hardware |
| EVE-NG Community | Free | Full lab simulation, steeper learning curve |
| Cloud-based labs (rental) | $50-$200/month | Real equipment, no setup hassle |
| Training course labs (included) | $0 (with course) | Best option if you’re already enrolled |
If you haven’t set up a lab environment yet, our GNS3 install guide and EVE-NG install guide both walk through getting a free lab running on your own hardware, and our home lab setup guide covers the gear side of building a CCNA lab from scratch.
Most training providers bundle lab access with their courses. That’s something to factor in when comparing course prices. A $2,000 course that includes 6 months of lab access might actually be cheaper than a $500 course plus $150/month for separate lab rental.
The best way to lower your CCNA certification cost is to reduce waste: don’t buy a voucher too early, don’t pay for duplicate study tools, and don’t schedule the exam before you can pass full-length practice tests consistently.
Ways to Lower the Cost
Cisco Networking Academy Discount
If you’re enrolled in a Cisco Networking Academy programme (available at many colleges and training centres), you can get a significant discount on the exam voucher. Some academy students pay as little as $150 to $175 for the same exam, nearly half off. Worth checking if there’s an academy partner near you. Even online programmes qualify.
Exam Bundle Deals
Cisco runs a standing offer called the Associate Exam Safeguard: it costs $375 instead of the standard $300, but it builds in one free retake if you fail your first attempt. If you think there’s a real chance you’ll need a second sitting, the $75 premium saves you $225 compared to paying for a fresh $300 attempt.
Employer Sponsorship
This one gets overlooked. A lot. Many employers will cover certification costs, especially if the cert aligns with your role. Some cover just the exam fee, others cover training too. If your employer doesn’t have a formal programme, ask anyway. A quick email to your manager or HR department costs nothing.
Voucher Resellers
Authorized voucher resellers like Cisco Press occasionally offer discounts of 10-15% on exam vouchers. These are legitimate discounts through official channels.
Important: avoid any “discount voucher” sites that seem too good to be true. Counterfeit vouchers are a real problem, and if yours gets flagged, you lose both your money and your exam attempt.
Pass on the First Try
Sound obvious? Maybe. But the single best way to save money on the CCNA is to not take it twice. That second attempt costs another full $300. The most expensive way to earn your CCNA is to fail it. Every retake is another $300, plus a 5-day wait and weeks of lost momentum. Invest upfront in quality preparation, or pay for retakes on the back end. The math works out the same either way: structured, hands-on practice before exam day is the cheapest insurance against a second attempt.
Buy the Voucher at the Right Time
Vouchers expire one year from purchase and there are no extensions. In 2026 there’s a second date that matters more.
CCNA v1.1 retires on 2027-02-02 and v2.0 goes live on 2027-02-03. The exam number stays 200-301, so a voucher you bought earlier stays valid. The exam behind it does change: v2.0 drops from six domains to five, adds a section on AI in network operations, swaps Terraform in for Puppet and Chef under configuration management, and shifts roughly 28% to 30% of its topics to “troubleshoot” or “diagnose” as the action verb rather than recall.
One worry to put aside first. Passing v1.1 on its very last day still gives you a certification valid for three years. Cisco doesn’t shorten your credential because your exam version retired.
Now do the arithmetic on your own purchase. A voucher bought in September 2026 runs out in September 2027. Sit the exam any time after 2027-02-02 and you’re taking v2.0, possibly with v1.1 books and practice tests. On the study-materials figures in the table above, replacing the cert guide and a practice-test subscription runs $80 to $170 that wasn’t in your budget.
Two rules that save real money:
- Testing before 2027-02-02? Buy the voucher when you’re about six weeks out, not before.
- Testing after it? Don’t spend on study materials until v2.0-aligned editions are out.
CCNA Certification Renewal Costs
Your CCNA doesn’t last forever. It’s valid for three years from the date you pass. After that, you need to recertify or it expires.
You’ve got two options:
Option 1: Retake the Exam ($300)
Straightforward. Pay the full exam fee and pass the current version of the CCNA. This makes sense if you want a fresh validation of your skills, especially since the exam gets updated periodically.
Option 2: Continuing Education Credits (Free to $500+)
Cisco’s Continuing Education (CE) programme lets you renew without retaking the exam. You need 30 CE credits within your three-year certification window.
| CE credit source | Credits available | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco U. courses | Up to 76 credits | Free |
| Cisco Live attendance | Varies | Event ticket cost |
| Authoring exam items | Varies | Free |
| Passing a higher-level exam (CCNP) | Auto-renews CCNA | $300-$450 per exam |
The cheapest path is earning CE credits through free courses on Cisco U. You can rack up more than enough credits to renew without spending a dollar.
But here’s what most people actually do: they pursue their CCNP. Passing any CCNP concentration exam automatically renews your CCNA for another three years. So your renewal cost becomes part of your career advancement, not a separate expense. That’s a smart move if you’re planning to grow in networking. The salary jump from CCNA to CCNP alone makes the renewal investment worth it.
Is the CCNA Worth the Cost?
So you’re looking at $400 to $2,900 all in. Is it worth it? The numbers say yes.
CCNA-certified professionals earn an average salary of around $112,000 a year in the US. Entry-level positions start around $50K, and experienced CCNA holders with automation skills push past $140K.
Compare that to the median wage for computer support specialists without a networking certification, which sits at $61,860 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 data).
Even at the high end of certification costs ($2,900), you’re looking at a return on investment within the first year of a salary bump, and 56% of newly certified professionals who get a raise see it within three months, per Pearson VUE’s 2025 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report.
Plus, the CCNA opens doors. It’s recognized globally, it’s a prerequisite for CCNP and CCIE tracks, and it validates skills that apply across vendors, not just Cisco environments.
How much does the CCNA exam cost in 2026?
The CCNA exam cost in 2026 is US$300 for the Cisco 200-301 CCNA exam. This is the base Cisco exam price. Your final checkout amount may change because of taxes, currency conversion, or country-specific payment rules.
Do I have to pay again if I fail the CCNA?
Yes. Each retake costs the full $300 exam fee. There’s a mandatory 5-day waiting period between attempts, but no limit on the number of retakes.
Can I get a discount on the CCNA exam?
Yes. Cisco Networking Academy students can get significant discounts, up to 50% off. Cisco also runs the Associate Exam Safeguard bundle ($375 for a built-in free retake), and authorized resellers sometimes offer 10-15% off vouchers.
What’s the total cost of getting CCNA certified?
Most people spend between $400 and $2,900 total, including the exam fee, study materials, and training. The exact amount depends on whether you self-study or take a structured course.
How much does CCNA renewal cost?
You can renew for free using Continuing Education credits through Cisco U, or by retaking the exam for $300. Passing a CCNP exam also automatically renews your CCNA.
Is the CCNA exam fee refundable?
No. Once you purchase a voucher or schedule an exam, the fee is non-refundable. You can reschedule with enough advance notice, typically 24-48 hours before the exam, but you can’t get your money back.
How long is the CCNA exam voucher valid?
Exam vouchers expire one year from the date of purchase. There are no extensions, so don’t buy a voucher until you’re close to ready.
Do I need Network+ before CCNA?
No, it isn’t required, but it helps. If you’re new to networking, starting with Network+ builds the fundamentals so CCNA topics land faster. Our Network+ practice test is a good way to check where you stand before committing to the CCNA exam fee.
Bottom Line: Budget Smart, Prepare Well
The CCNA exam costs $300, but the real investment ranges from $400 to $2,900 depending on your preparation path. The key isn’t spending the least amount possible. It’s spending wisely on resources that actually get you to a passing score on the first try.
Here’s a practical budget breakdown for three common paths:
| Path | Exam | Materials | Training | Labs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget self-study | $300 | $100 | $0 | $0 | $400 |
| Mid-range (online course) | $300 | $70 | $300 | $50 | $720 |
| Structured live training | $300 | $70 | $1,500-$2,500 | Included | $1,870-$2,870 |
The budget path works if you’ve already got networking experience and strong self-discipline. The mid-range option suits people who learn well independently but want structured video content. Live training is the fastest, most reliable path, especially if you’re career switching or working full-time.
Your CCNA is one of the best investments you can make in your IT career. Budget for it properly, prepare thoroughly, and pass on your first attempt. That’s the real way to keep costs down.
