What happens if you fail CCNA?

It’s Not the End of the World

So, you took the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam and didn’t get the passing score. The first thing to remember is that it is absolutely okay. Many people in the information technology (IT) world have been in your shoes. The CCNA is a challenging exam that covers a wide range of topics, so not passing on the first try is more common than you might think. Think of it less as a failure and more as a practice run. You now have a better understanding of what the real test looks like, which is valuable information for your next attempt.

Failing the CCNA exam does not mean you're not cut out for a career in networking. In fact, how you respond to this setback can show a lot about your determination and commitment to your career goals. The certification is highly respected in the IT industry and can open doors to many job opportunities, such as a network engineer or administrator. It proves you have the essential skills that businesses are looking for. The key is to see this as a learning opportunity, not a final judgment on your abilities.

What to Expect from Cisco's Retake Policy

When you're ready to try again, you'll need to know about Cisco's retake policy. If you fail an associate-level exam like the CCNA, you must wait five calendar days, starting the day after your failed attempt, before you can take it again. This waiting period gives you a little time to breathe and review what went wrong. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the exam, so you have plenty of opportunities to succeed.

It's important to know that each time you retake the exam, you will have to pay the full fee again. As of early 2025, the CCNA exam costs around $300 USD. Sometimes, Cisco offers special deals, like a "Safeguard offer," which might cost a bit more upfront but includes a free retake if you need it. Keep an eye out for these offers, as they can save you money and reduce some of the stress of retaking the test. Remember, this small break is a good time to sharpen your skills before your next attempt.

Turning a Setback into a Comeback

Now that you've seen the exam, you have a secret weapon: your score report. This report will show you the areas where you did well and where you struggled. Use this information to create a new study plan that focuses on your weaker spots. Maybe you need to spend more time on subnetting or get more familiar with network automation concepts. Honing in on these specific topics will make your study time much more effective.

There are many reasons people don't pass the CCNA, including underestimating the exam's difficulty or not having enough hands-on practice. To make sure you're ready next time, mix up your study methods. Use official Cisco study guides, watch video courses, and most importantly, get your hands dirty with practice labs. Setting up a virtual lab with tools like Cisco Packet Tracer can give you the hands-on experience you need to feel confident. Joining online study groups or forums can also be a big help, as you can learn from others who are on the same journey.

Your Career is Still on Track

Don't let a failed exam attempt shake your confidence or make you question your career path. Having a CCNA certification can definitely boost your job prospects, but it's not the only thing that matters to employers. Real-world experience and a genuine understanding of networking concepts are just as important. Many successful network professionals didn't pass their certification exams on the first try. What they did was persevere, learn from their mistakes, and keep moving forward.

When you do land job interviews, you don't need to hide the fact that you didn't pass the CCNA on your first attempt. If it comes up, you can frame it as a positive experience. Talk about how it helped you identify your weaknesses and how you created a plan to overcome them. This shows employers that you are resilient, dedicated, and able to learn from challenges—all great qualities in any employee. Remember that your journey into the world of IT is a marathon, not a sprint, and this is just one bump in the road.

Understanding the Exam's Demands

The CCNA exam is designed to be thorough, which is why it's so respected. It typically has between 100 and 120 questions that you need to answer in 120 minutes. The questions come in different formats, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and simulations that test your practical skills. Cisco doesn't publish an exact passing score, but it's generally understood that you need to aim for a score between 800 and 850 out of 1000.

Because the exam covers so many topics, from network fundamentals and security to automation, it's tough to master everything. Some people struggle with the simulation-based questions, while others find the sheer volume of information overwhelming. It’s also important to manage your time well during the exam, since you can't go back to previous questions. Knowing what to expect and practicing with a variety of question types will help you feel more prepared and less anxious on exam day.