Important Topics for CCNA Certification Exam

The CCNA certification is an essential starting point for anyone pursuing a career in Cisco networking. As an associate-level examination, main topics of CCNA are networking fundamentals, LAN Switching Technologies, Routing Technologies, WAN Technologies, Infrastructure Services, etc.

In this article, we will list the 6 important topics for CCNA exam and the sub topics under it. By revising all these CCNA topics you can ensure covering the entire CCNA syllabus. With the efficient learning and increased chances of clearing the CCNA exam and answering every CCNA interview question.

For people who have not taken formal Cisco enterprise training, this article can help you prepare for the CCNA exam and start your career in networking.

6 Most Important Topics for CCNA According to Cisco

Here we will discuss the top 6 CCNA core concepts that everyone appearing for CCNA should learn. Perfecting these topics and sub-topics for CCNA exam, will improve your chances of passing the CCNA exam

We have mentioned 6 CCNA main topics and covered what to prepare for these main topics. This list is updated as the latest CCNA syllabus by Cisco covering a range of essential networking concepts, each carrying a specific weightage in the total exam marks. 

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1. Network Fundamentals (20%)

This topic covers the basics of networking, including network components like routers, switches, and servers. It also includes understanding network topologies, cabling types, and the differences between TCP and UDP protocols. Additionally, it addresses IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting.

Sub Topics to prepare in Network Fundamentals are:

● Explain the role and function of network components

● Describe characteristics of network topology architectures

● Compare physical interface and cabling types

● Identify interface and cable issues (collisions, errors, mismatch duplex, and/or speed)

● Compare TCP to UDP

● Configure and verify IPv4 addressing and subnetting

● Describe the need for private IPv4 addressing

● Configure and verify IPv6 addressing and prefix

● Compare IPv6 address types

● Verify IP parameters for Client OS (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)

● Describe wireless principles

● Explain virtualization fundamentals (virtual machines)

● Describe switching concepts

2. Network Access (20%)

Network access focuses on connecting devices within a local area network (LAN). Key concepts include configuring VLANs, inter-switch connectivity using trunk ports, and understanding Layer 2 protocols. It also covers EtherChannel configurations and Spanning Tree Protocol to prevent loops in the network.

Sub Topics to prepare in Network Access are:

● Configure and verify VLANs (normal range) spanning multiple switches

● Configure and verify Interswitch connectivity

● Configure and verify Layer 2 discovery protocols (Cisco Discovery Protocol and LLDP)

● Configure and verify (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP)

● Describe the need for and basic operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol and identify basic operations

● Compare Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP modes

● Describe physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components (AP, WLC, access/trunk ports, and LAG)

● Describe AP and WLC management access connections (Telnet, SSH, HTTP, HTTPS, console, and TACACS+/RADIUS)

● Configure the components of a wireless LAN access for client  connectivity using GUI only such as WLAN creation, security settings, QoS profiles, and advanced WLAN settings

3. IP Connectivity (25%)

IP connectivity involves routing data across networks. This includes static routing, dynamic routing protocols like OSPF and EIGRP, and understanding how to troubleshoot routing issues. It also emphasizes the importance of IPv4 and IPv6 addressing for effective communication between devices.

Sub Topics to prepare in IP Connectivity are:

● Interpret the components of the routing table

● Determine how a router makes a forwarding decision by default

● Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 static routing

● Configure and verify single area OSPFv2

● Describe the purpose of first-hop redundancy protocol

4. IP Services (10%)

IP services cover essential network functions such as Network Address Translation (NAT), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Domain Name System (DNS). It also includes understanding the role of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and network time synchronization through NTP.

Sub Topics to prepare in IP Services are:

● Configure and verify inside source NAT using static and pools

● Configure and verify NTP operating in a client and server mode

● Explain the role of DHCP and DNS within the network

● Explain the function of SNMP in network operations

● Describe the use of syslog features including facilities and levels

● Configure and verify DHCP client and relay

● Explain the forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB) for QoS such as classification, marking, queuing, congestion, policing, shaping

● Configure network devices for remote access using SSH

● Describe the capabilities and function of TFTP/FTP in the network

5. Security Fundamentals (15%)

Security fundamentals introduce key concepts like vulnerabilities and exploits in networking. It covers methods for securing network devices, implementing access controls, and understanding security protocols. This topic is crucial for protecting data and maintaining network integrity against threats.

Sub Topics to prepare in Security Fundamentals are:

● Define key security concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques)

● Describe security program elements (user awareness, training, and physical access control)

● Configure device access control using local passwords

● Describe security password policy elements, such as management, complexity, and password alternatives (multifactor authentication, certificates, and biometrics)

● Describe remote access and site-to-site VPNs

● Configure and verify access control lists

● Configure Layer 2 security features (DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and port security)

● Differentiate authentication, authorization, and accounting concepts

● Describe wireless security protocols (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3)

● Configure WLAN using WPA2 PSK using the GUI

6. Automation and Programmability (10%)

This topic focuses on modern networking trends that involve automation tools and programming skills. It includes understanding APIs, configuration management tools like Ansible, and the basics of network automation to improve efficiency in managing network devices and services.

Sub Topics to prepare in Automation and Programmability are:

● Explain how automation impacts network management

● Compare traditional networks with controller-based networking

● Describe controller-based and software-defined architectures (overlay, underlay, and fabric)

● Separation of control plane and data plane

● North-bound and south-bound APIs

● Compare traditional campus device management with Cisco DNA Center-enabled device management

● Describe characteristics of REST-based APIs (CRUD, HTTP verbs, and data encoding)

●Recognize the capabilities of configuration management mechanisms Puppet, Chef, and Ansible

● Interpret JSON-encoded data

CCNA Important Topics - Summing Up

The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification covers essential topics in IT infrastructure training, providing a solid foundation in networking fundamentals.

CCNA Key concepts include the OSI model, IP addressing, basic router, and switch configurations, LAN and WAN concepts, and CCNA basic commands such as show, config t, interface, IP address, and no shutdown.

Mastering these topics is crucial for understanding and troubleshooting network issues, making the CCNA an important stepping stone for aspiring network professionals.