Cisco CCNA Practice Test (200-301)
Cisco Certified Network Associate
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Cisco CCNA 200-301 Information
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is one of the most recognized credentials in the networking industry. It is designed to validate foundational knowledge and skills in networking, which are essential for IT professionals working with Cisco systems. The CCNA exam, identified as 200-301, covers a wide range of networking topics and prepares individuals for roles such as network administrator, network engineer, and help desk technician.
The CCNA certification focuses on essential networking concepts like IP connectivity, IP services, network fundamentals, security, and automation. Additionally, it introduces key aspects of programmability and automation that reflect the growing importance of these technologies in modern network environments. Candidates for the CCNA exam should ideally have some practical networking experience, although formal prerequisites are not required. Cisco recommends having a year of experience in implementing and administering Cisco solutions, which helps candidates grasp the topics covered in the exam more effectively. You can explore the certification in more detail on the official CCNA page from Cisco.
The exam is available in multiple languages, including English and Japanese, ensuring global accessibility. With a duration of 120 minutes, candidates will face approximately 100-120 questions, covering a range of topics from networking fundamentals to security and automation. The format includes multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop exercises, and simulations, which test both theoretical understanding and practical skills. The passing score typically falls between 800 and 850 out of a maximum of 1,000 points, although the exact score required to pass may vary depending on the version of the exam and its difficulty level at the time.
Preparation for the CCNA requires comprehensive study due to the breadth of topics covered in the exam. Cisco offers official study materials and practice exams, and there are various online platforms that provide training courses and hands-on labs. Cisco's own training resources and career path guide, available in the Cisco Career Path PDF, provide detailed information on the skills needed and the certification roadmap.
The CCNA certification is part of Cisco's career certifications program, which offers a clear progression for those looking to advance their networking skills. After obtaining the CCNA, professionals can pursue more specialized certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), which delve deeper into specific technologies and job roles.
Maintaining a CCNA certification requires renewal every three years. This can be achieved by retaking the current version of the exam or advancing to a higher-level Cisco certification. As networking technology continues to evolve, staying certified ensures that professionals remain up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.
The CCNA is an essential stepping stone for anyone looking to build a career in networking. It opens doors to various job opportunities and serves as a foundation for further specialization. Cisco remains a dominant player in the networking field, and its certifications are respected worldwide, making the CCNA a valuable credential for professionals seeking to validate their skills and enhance their career prospects. More information can be found directly on Cisco's official certifications page.

Free Cisco CCNA 200-301 Practice Test
- 20 Questions
- Unlimited
- Network FundamentalsNetwork AccessIP ConnectivityIP ServicesSecurity FundamentalsAutomation and Programmability
Which protocol is commonly used for collecting and organizing information about managed devices on IP networks?
SNMP
SMTP
Syslog
NetFlow
Answer Description
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is used to collect and organize information about devices on IP networks, allowing network administrators to monitor network performance, detect network faults, and configure remote devices.
Ask Bash
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What is SNMP used for in networking?
What are the components of SNMP?
What is the difference between SNMP and Syslog?
A network administrator configures a Cisco router to synchronize its time with a public NTP server. The administrator also wants internal network devices to use this router as their time source. Which statement accurately describes the router's NTP roles in this scenario?
The router functions as an NTP client in relation to the public server and as an NTP server for the internal devices.
The router can only function as an NTP client and cannot simultaneously serve time to other devices.
The router must be configured as an NTP master with a stratum of 1 to provide time to internal devices.
An
ntp peer
configuration is required on the router for it to serve time to internal devices.
Answer Description
In a standard hierarchical NTP design, a router can be configured to get its time from an authoritative upstream source, thereby acting as an NTP client. Simultaneously, it can provide time service to downstream devices, acting as an NTP server for the internal network. This is a common and valid configuration. The router's stratum level will be one higher than its upstream source; it does not need to be a stratum 1 master. An NTP peer relationship is for mutual synchronization between two servers, not for a client-server hierarchy.
Ask Bash
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What is the purpose of NTP in a network?
What is a stratum level in NTP?
What is the difference between an NTP client and an NTP server?
Which protocol adds tags in Ethernet frames on trunk links to allow multiple virtual networks to be carried over a single physical connection?
IEEE 802.1Q
IEEE 802.1D
ISL
VTP
Answer Description
IEEE 802.1Q is the standard protocol that inserts tags into Ethernet frame headers, allowing switches to distinguish between different VLANs on a single trunk link. This enables multiple VLANs to share the same physical connection while keeping their traffic separate. ISL is a Cisco-proprietary protocol that also performs frame tagging but is outdated and less commonly used today. With ISL, an Ethernet frame is encapsulated with a header that transports VLAN IDs between switches. IEEE 802.1D refers to the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which is used for preventing network loops and doesn't deal with frame tagging for virtual networks. VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) is used to distribute VLAN configuration information across switches but does not tag frames itself.
Ask Bash
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What is VLAN tagging in Ethernet frames?
How does IEEE 802.1Q differ from ISL?
Why is IEEE 802.1D (STP) not used for VLAN tagging?
A network administrator needs to ensure a Cisco router maintains accurate time by synchronizing with an external, trusted NTP server at the IP address 192.0.2.1. Which command should the administrator use to configure the router as an NTP client?
clock set 192.0.2.1
ntp master
ntp server 192.0.2.1
ntp peer 192.0.2.1
Answer Description
To configure a Cisco router to synchronize its clock with a specific Network Time Protocol (NTP) server, use the 'ntp server [ip-address]' command, where [ip-address] is the IP address of the NTP server. The 'ntp peer [ip-address]' command establishes a peer relationship for mutual time synchronization, which is different from a client-server setup. The 'ntp master' command makes the router act as an authoritative time source for other devices, not for synchronizing with an external server. The 'clock set' command manually sets the system clock but does not configure automatic synchronization with an external time source.
Ask Bash
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What is NTP and why is it important?
What is the difference between 'ntp server' and 'ntp peer' commands?
Why is 'ntp master' not used to synchronize time with an external server?
A network administrator needs to configure a static route that directs traffic to a single IPv4 address rather than an entire network. Which subnet mask should be used to accomplish this?
255.0.0.0
0.0.0.0
255.255.255.255
255.255.255.0
Answer Description
To route traffic to a single IPv4 address, a subnet mask of 255.255.255.255 (/32) is used. This subnet mask specifies a host route, which matches only one IP address. Other subnet masks like 255.255.255.0 (/24) and 255.0.0.0 (/8) correspond to larger networks, not individual hosts. A subnet mask of 0.0.0.0 is used for default routes, which matches any destination.
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What is a /32 subnet mask, and why is it used for a single IPv4 address?
What is the difference between a host route and a network route?
When would you use a default route (0.0.0.0 subnet mask)?
What command displays the SSH configuration on a device?
show ip ssh
Answer Description
This command shows the status and configuration details for SSH, verifying if it is enabled and functioning.
Ask Bash
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What is SSH and why is it used?
How can you enable SSH on a Cisco device?
What information does the 'show ip ssh' command provide?
An IT administrator is managing a traditional network where configuring each network device individually is time-consuming and prone to errors. They are considering transitioning to a controller-based network architecture. What is a key advantage of a controller-based network in this scenario?
It replaces physical network devices with virtual ones, reducing hardware requirements.
It provides centralized management, enabling automated configuration of network devices.
It requires manual configuration of each device, ensuring precise control.
It uses proprietary protocols to enhance network security.
Answer Description
Controller-based networking provides centralized management, allowing for automated configuration of network devices from a single controller. This centralization reduces the time and errors associated with configuring devices individually in a traditional network. Automation through the controller streamlines network management tasks such as deploying configurations, policies, and updates across multiple devices simultaneously. The other options are incorrect: requiring manual configuration of each device contradicts the benefit of centralization and automation; using proprietary protocols is not a defining feature of controller-based networks—they often utilize open standards; and while virtualization can be a component of modern networks, controller-based networking does not inherently replace physical devices but improves their management.
Ask Bash
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What is a controller-based network?
How does automation benefit a controller-based network?
What are the differences between traditional and controller-based networks?
A network engineer needs to transfer configuration files to several network devices that support only basic file transfer capabilities and have limited processing power. Security is not a concern as the network is isolated. Which protocol would best meet these requirements?
TFTP
FTP
HTTP
SFTP
Answer Description
Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) is designed for simple, unsecured file transfers and is ideal for devices with limited resources. It operates without authentication and has minimal overhead, making it suitable for transferring files in a controlled environment where security is not a priority. FTP requires authentication and more resources, while SFTP adds encryption and requires additional processing power. HTTP is primarily used for transferring web content, not for device configuration files in this context.
Ask Bash
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What is TFTP and how does it differ from FTP?
Why does TFTP lack authentication and encryption?
In what scenarios is TFTP preferred over SFTP?
In a network, a host sends data to another host, but the switch forwards the frame out of all ports except the one it was received on. What is the most likely reason for this behavior?
The switch's routing table is full.
The switch's MAC address table is full.
The switch does not have the source MAC address in its MAC address table.
The switch does not have the destination MAC address in its MAC address table.
Answer Description
When a switch receives a frame with a destination MAC address that is not in its MAC address table, it floods the frame out of all ports except the one it was received on. This is because the switch does not know which port leads to the destination, so it forwards the frame to all ports in an attempt to reach the intended recipient. If the switch did not have the source MAC address, it would simply learn it by associating the source MAC with the incoming port. A full MAC address table may lead to issues, but the switch would typically replace aged-out entries; it would not cause flooding in this scenario.
Ask Bash
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Why does a switch 'flood' frames when it doesn't recognize a destination MAC address?
What is a MAC address table, and how does the switch use it?
What happens when the MAC address table is full?
In network security, which process determines the network resources a user is permitted to access after their identity has been confirmed?
Auditing
Authentication
Authorization
Accounting
Answer Description
Authorization is the process that determines what resources a user can access after their identity has been verified. Authentication verifies the user's identity, while accounting tracks user activities. Auditing involves reviewing logs for compliance and security purposes.
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What is the difference between authentication and authorization?
How does authorization work in networking?
What tools or protocols are used for accounting in network security?
A small business owner requires a simple networking device that provides both wired and wireless connectivity for their home office with minimal setup. Which device BEST meets these needs?
A standalone Layer 2 switch
A next-generation firewall appliance
A dedicated wireless controller
A router with integrated switch and wireless capabilities
Answer Description
A router with integrated switch and wireless capabilities is the best choice for a SOHO environment needing minimal configuration and support for both wired and wireless devices. It combines routing, switching, and wireless functions into a single device, making it cost-effective and easy to set up. A standalone Layer 2 switch only provides connectivity for wired devices and lacks routing and wireless features. A dedicated wireless controller is unnecessary complexity for a small network and typically manages multiple access points in larger enterprise setups. A next-generation firewall appliance focuses on advanced security and does not offer the integrated wireless and switching functionalities required.
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What are the key features of a router with integrated switch and wireless capabilities?
Why isn’t a Layer 2 switch suitable for this setup?
What is the role of a wireless controller, and why isn’t it needed here?
Which of the following best describes the impact of automation on network management?
It reduces manual tasks, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors.
It has no noticeable effect on network management processes.
It increases the need for manual oversight in network configurations.
It complicates network management without significant benefits.
Answer Description
Automation reduces manual tasks in network management, leading to improved efficiency and a decrease in human errors. This streamlines processes and allows network administrators to focus on more strategic tasks.
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What is network automation?
How does automation reduce human errors in network management?
What tools or technologies are commonly used for network automation?
A network administrator is setting up a new wireless network for a corporate office. The requirements are to use the highest level of security available, provide strong protection against offline dictionary attacks, and ensure that even if a password is compromised, previously captured traffic remains secure. Which wireless security protocol should the administrator implement to meet these requirements?
WEP
WPA
WPA3
WPA2 with AES
Answer Description
WPA3 is the correct choice as it provides the most robust security for modern wireless networks. It introduces Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to protect against offline dictionary attacks, a significant vulnerability in WPA2's PSK mode. WPA3 also provides forward secrecy, meaning that even if a password is stolen, it cannot be used to decrypt previously intercepted data traffic. WEP is outdated and insecure, WPA is also considered legacy, and while WPA2 is still widely used, it is susceptible to attacks like KRACK and does not offer the same level of protection as WPA3.
Ask Bash
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What makes WPA3 more secure than WPA2?
What is Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) in WPA3?
Why are WPA and WEP considered vulnerable compared to WPA3?
A network engineer installs wireless access points throughout a multi-story office building. Despite having an access point on each floor, users on the upper floors experience weak wireless signals. Which characteristic of the access points is most likely causing this issue?
External devices are causing interference on the same frequency band.
The access points are transmitting on overlapping channels causing interference.
The antennas' radiation patterns are not suitable for multi-floor coverage.
The access points are configured with wrong network identifiers.
Answer Description
The antennas' radiation patterns are not suitable for providing coverage across multiple floors. Standard omnidirectional antennas emit signals primarily in a horizontal direction, which means their vertical coverage is limited. This can result in weak signals on floors above or below the access point. To address this, antennas with different radiation patterns, such as downtilt or directional antennas, can be used to improve vertical coverage. While overlapping channels and external interference can degrade network performance, they would affect all users in the area rather than specifically those on the upper floors. Incorrect network identifiers (SSIDs) would prevent devices from connecting to the network at all, not just cause weak signals.
Ask Bash
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What is an antenna's radiation pattern?
How do downtilt or directional antennas improve multi-floor coverage?
Why don't overlapping channels or external interference primarily cause this issue?
A network administrator needs to remotely access the web-based management interface of a network switch in a secure manner. Which method should be used to ensure encrypted communication?
Use FTP to transfer configuration files to the switch
Use HTTP to connect to the switch's management interface
Use Telnet to access the switch remotely
Use HTTPS to connect to the switch's management interface
Answer Description
To securely access the web-based management interface of a network device, the administrator should use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). HTTPS encrypts the communication between the client and the device, protecting sensitive data from interception. HTTP does not provide encryption and transmits data in plain text. Telnet is used for command-line interface access and does not encrypt data, making it insecure. FTP is intended for file transfers and is not used for accessing management interfaces.
Ask Bash
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Why is HTTPS considered secure while HTTP is not?
How does Telnet differ from SSH, and why is Telnet considered insecure?
When is FTP used, and how is it different from SFTP?
In a router's routing table, which component specifies the destination network address used to match the destination IP of incoming packets?
Administrative distance
Next hop
Network mask
Prefix
Answer Description
The prefix represents the destination network address in the routing table that a router uses to match against the destination IP address of incoming packets. It indicates the network portion of the IP address and is crucial for determining the appropriate route. The network mask defines the subnet mask associated with the prefix but does not directly specify the destination network. The next hop refers to the IP address of the next router to which the packet should be forwarded, and the administrative distance is a value that rates the trustworthiness of routing information received from different routing protocols.
Ask Bash
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What is the role of the prefix in a routing table?
How does a subnet mask relate to the prefix?
Why is the 'next hop' different from the prefix in routing?
As a network engineer in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment, you are developing an application that needs to exchange information with the SDN controller to retrieve network performance data. Which type of interface should your application use to communicate with the SDN controller?
Management Plane interface
Data Plane interface
Northbound API
Southbound API
Answer Description
Your application should use the Northbound API to communicate with the SDN controller. Northbound APIs allow external applications to interact with the controller for tasks like network management and data retrieval. The Southbound API is used by the controller to communicate with the underlying network devices. The Data Plane interface is concerned with forwarding data packets, and the Management Plane interface handles network management but not necessarily the application-to-controller communication in SDN.
Ask Bash
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What are Northbound and Southbound APIs?
What is the role of an SDN controller in a network?
How does the Data Plane differ from the Management Plane?
An engineer needs to configure a switch interface connected to an end host to allow immediate network access upon link establishment, bypassing the typical delay caused by Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) processing. Which command should be applied to the interface to achieve this requirement?
spanning-tree guard root
spanning-tree bpduguard enable
spanning-tree portfast
switchport mode access
Answer Description
The spanning-tree portfast
command enables the PortFast feature on the interface. This causes the port to bypass the usual STP listening and learning stages, allowing connected devices to access the network immediately after the link becomes active. This reduces the connectivity delay for end devices. The switchport mode access
command configures the port as an access port but does not affect STP behavior or port transition times. The spanning-tree bpduguard enable
command enables BPDU Guard on the interface, protecting against potential loops by shutting down the port if BPDUs are received, but it does not expedite port activation. The spanning-tree guard root
command prevents the port from becoming a root port but does not eliminate the STP delay upon link establishment.
Ask Bash
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Why does Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) introduce a delay when a port comes online?
What is the difference between the PortFast command and BPDU Guard?
Can PortFast be used on trunk ports, or is it only for access ports?
An administrator is working with a network that uses the subnet mask 255.255.255.192. How many usable host IP addresses are available per subnet?
62
64
126
30
Answer Description
A subnet mask of 255.255.255.192 is equivalent to a /26 prefix in CIDR notation. An IPv4 address has 32 bits; with a /26 prefix, 26 bits are used for the network portion, leaving 6 bits for the host portion (32 - 26 = 6). The total number of addresses in the subnet is 2^6, which equals 64. In every subnet, two addresses are reserved and cannot be assigned to hosts: the network address (all host bits are 0) and the broadcast address (all host bits are 1). Therefore, the number of usable host addresses is 64 - 2 = 62.
Ask Bash
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What is CIDR notation?
Why are two IP addresses in a subnet reserved?
How do you calculate the number of usable IP addresses in a subnet?
In a routing table entry, which component represents the numerical value that influences the router's selection of the best path to a destination network?
Routing protocol code
Next hop
Metric
Administrative distance
Answer Description
The metric in a routing table entry reflects the cost associated with reaching a particular network. Routers use this value to determine the most efficient path when multiple routes to the same destination exist. Lower metric values typically indicate preferred paths.
Ask Bash
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What is the role of the metric in a routing table?
How do routing protocols like OSPF or RIP calculate metrics?
How does the metric compare to administrative distance in route selection?
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