CCNA renewal requirements: How to maintain your certification

You've earned your CCNA certification — congratulations! But here's the thing about professional credentials in networking: they don't last forever. Your CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification stays valid for three years, and then you'll need to tackle the CCNA renewal requirements to keep it active.

The good news? You have multiple paths to renew CCNA certification, and some of them can actually help you level up your skills while you're at it. Let's break down everything you need to know about the CCNA recertification process, from exam options to continuing education credits.

Before we dive in, if you're just starting your CCNA journey, check out our comprehensive CCNA certification overview to understand the full scope of this valuable credential.

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Understanding CCNA certification maintenance

Your CCNA certification is valid for three years from the day you pass the 200-301 CCNA exam. During those three years, you don't need to do anything to keep it active — it simply remains in good standing.

Cisco regularly updates its certification program, but if any changes affect CCNA while your certification is active, your credential stays valid until your individual expiration date. That means you can focus on your work without worrying about sudden policy changes invalidating your certification.

Two main paths for CCNA recertification

When it comes to maintaining CCNA certification, you have two primary options: pass an exam or earn continuing professional education credits. Let's explore both paths.

Option 1: Pass an exam to recertify

The exam-based CCNA recertification requirements give you several choices. You can retake the same exam, level up to a higher certification, or branch out into related specialties. Here are your options:

Associate-level exams

The most straightforward choice is to pass the 200-301 CCNA exam again. However, Cisco also offers two other associate-level exams that can recertify your CCNA while adding another certification to your resume:

• 200-901 DEVASC (Cisco Certified DevNet Associate)
• 200-201 CBROPS (Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate)

Technology core exams

This is where the CCNA renewal process gets interesting. Cisco offers technology core exams for each of the five CCNP tracks: Enterprise, Data Center, Security, Service Provider and Collaboration. The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional and Cisco Cybersecurity Professional certifications also have core exams you can use to recertify.

Here's the bonus: passing a core exam doesn't just renew your CCNA – it also earns you a specialist certification. For example, pass the CCNP Enterprise core exam and you'll get the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core certification. You'd need to pass both the core exam and a concentration exam to earn the full professional certification, but the specialist cert is a solid stepping stone.

Professional concentration exams

You can pass any professional concentration exam associated with the five CCNP certifications, Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional or Cisco Certified DevNet Professional to satisfy your CCNA recertification requirements.

Option 2: Earn continuing education credits

The Cisco Continuing Education (CE) program offers a flexible alternative to the exam-based CCNA renewal process. For CCNA recertification, you need to earn 30 CE credits within your three-year certification cycle.

You can earn CE credits through several activities:

• Taking Cisco courses through authorized learning partners
• Attending Cisco Live technical sessions
• Completing eligible Cisco U. learning paths
• Writing exam items for Cisco
• Participating in other approved professional development activities

The CE program represents Cisco's commitment to ongoing professional development and helps ensure certified professionals stay current with networking technologies, automation and emerging trends.

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How long is CCNA certification valid?

Your CCNA certification maintains its validity for exactly three years from your certification date. You must complete your chosen CCNA recertification requirements before your expiration date. Cisco doesn't provide extensions.

This certification cycle requires some planning on your part, but Cisco helps by sending recertification reminders to your registered email address before expiration.

What happens if your CCNA expires?

If your certification expires, you'll need to pass the 200-301 CCNA exam again to regain your certified status. This is where timing becomes critical.

If you're planning to recertify by earning a higher-level certification or using CE credits, you must complete all requirements before your CCNA expiration date. Let's say you're working toward a CCNP core exam to recertify your CCNA and earn a specialist certification. If you take that exam after your CCNA expires, you'll only earn the specialist certification. You won't get your CCNA back.

The same rule applies to CE credits. Any credits earned after your certification expires won't count toward bringing your CCNA back to active status.

The five-day retake policy

Here's a critical detail for the CCNA recertification process: Cisco enforces a five-day exam retake policy. If you fail an exam, you must wait five calendar days (starting the day after your attempt) before you can take it again.

This policy becomes especially important if you're scheduling your recertification exam close to your expiration date. Imagine scheduling your exam three days before expiration, failing it, and then being unable to retake it before your certification lapses. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of buffer time.

For more details on getting started with CCNA, see our guide on CCNA certification requirements.

CCNA maintenance fees and exam costs

The 200-301 CCNA exam costs $300. Depending on your location and applicable taxes, the actual amount might vary slightly, but $300 is the standard price point.

That's not pocket change, which is why being well-prepared before taking the exam matters so much. A failed first attempt means you'll need to pay another $300 for your second try (after waiting those five days, of course). However, professionals who train via an Infosec CCNA Boot Camp get an Exam Pass Guarantee, which includes a second exam voucher if you fail on your first attempt.

You can schedule and pay for your CCNA exam through Pearson VUE. The exam is traditionally taken at a Pearson VUE testing center, though you also have the option to take an online proctored exam from your home or office.

Choosing your best CCNA renewal strategy

The simplest approach is to pass the 200-301 CCNA exam again before your certification expires. This keeps your CCNA active for another three years, though it doesn't add any new certifications to your credentials.

The smarter strategy? Use your CCNA recertification requirements as an opportunity to advance your career. Passing a technology core exam not only renews your CCNA but also earns you a specialist certification and sets you up for pursuing professional-level credentials.

This approach transforms professional credential renewal from a maintenance task into a strategic career move. You're not just maintaining network knowledge currency – you're actively expanding your expertise and making yourself more valuable in the job market.

If you prefer the continuing education route, earning 30 CE credits through approved activities gives you flexibility and lets you focus on specific skill areas relevant to your work. However, for most networking professionals, the exam option provides better career value.

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Final thoughts on maintaining your CCNA

Your CCNA certification represents a significant investment of time, effort and money. Once you earn it, you have three years before you need to think about the CCNA renewal process.

When that time comes, treat recertification as more than just a box to check. Whether you choose to take an advanced exam or pursue continuing education credits, use this opportunity to expand your skills and advance your networking career.

The time and resources needed to prepare properly for the exam underscore the importance of thorough preparation, whether you're recertifying with the same CCNA exam or pursuing a higher-level credential. Plan ahead, study well, and make your recertification count.