The CCNA Exam Duration is 120 minutes for Cisco’s current 200-301 CCNA v1.1 exam. You sit one exam, and Cisco says it tests network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.
If you are planning to book the exam soon, that two-hour window is the main number to remember. It is long enough to finish the test, but it moves quickly once you are working through different question styles and checking your answers. Cisco also lists the exam in English and Japanese and prices it at US$300.
For Australian candidates, the smartest move is to treat the test like a timed skills check, not just a theory quiz. If you want any guidance , visit our CCNA Exam Duration page for training support built for Australian learners.
CCNA exam facts
Here is the short version you can scan in under a minute.
| Item | Current detail |
|---|---|
| Exam code | 200-301 CCNA v1.1 |
| Exam duration | 120 minutes |
| Format | One core exam for CCNA |
| Languages | English and Japanese |
| Price | US$300 |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE test centre or online proctored exam |
| Results | Pass or fail, usually online within 48 hours |
What the 120 minutes really means
A lot of people read “120 minutes” and think they get two calm hours with room to spare. That is not how the CCNA feels on the day. The clock is firm, and you need to manage it from the first question.
Cisco state that the exam itself is 120 minutes, but Pearson VUE notes that your appointment length may include extra time for tutorials or surveys, and many Cisco exam appointments include an additional 15 to 20 minutes for those non-scored sections.
Why timing matters on CCNA
CCNA is broad. You are not sitting a narrow exam on one topic. Cisco spreads the content across six knowledge areas, which means you switch mental gears often during the test.
That is why exam duration matters so much. You need enough time for subnetting, routing logic, switching behaviour, wireless basics, security fundamentals, and automation topics.
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CCNA format and pacing
Cisco tells it is a mix of performance-based questions, multiple choice, and drag-and-drop items.
That mix is important because not every question takes the same amount of time. A straight theory question may take seconds. A performance-based item can take longer because you need to read carefully, inspect output, and make the right call before moving on.
This is where many first-time candidates lose time. They treat every question the same. A better approach is to move briskly on anything you know well, then use the saved time on more technical items that need extra thought.
Online or test centre?
Australian candidates usually choose between a Pearson VUE test centre and an online proctored exam. Cisco’s official online testing FAQ confirms you can test at home or in your office, and Pearson VUE’s OnVUE page lists the technical and room requirements.
If you sit online, Pearson VUE says you need a working webcam, microphone, and speaker, one display screen only, and a stable internet connection of at least 6 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. It also says VPNs, corporate networks, and public or shared networks are not allowed.
For many people in Melbourne and across Australia, a test centre feels simpler because the environment is controlled. If your home internet is patchy or your room setup is not ideal, a centre can reduce stress before the CCNA Exam even starts.
What to do before exam day
Good timing starts before you see the first question. Pearson VUE advises online candidates to run the system test on the same device and network they will use on exam day.
Cisco’s online testing FAQ also says you can start check-in 30 minutes before your appointment, and the check-in process itself takes about 15 minutes for candidates who have already completed a system test. Cisco adds that due to demand, check-in waits may be up to 30 minutes.
That means you should not plan your day too tightly. Give yourself breathing room. If you book your exam before work, uni, or a family commitment, the added pressure can hurt your focus.
A practical time plan
You cannot control the exact mix of questions, but you can control your pace. This is a practical way to use the CCNA Exam Duration well.
First 20 minutes
Start clean and settle your nerves. Read carefully, answer the direct questions confidently, and avoid second-guessing every line.
Middle 70 minutes
This is where discipline matters. Keep moving. If a question needs more thought, stay calm and work methodically instead of staring at it in frustration.
Final 30 minutes
Use the back end of the exam to stay sharp. Watch clock, read prompts properly, and make sure you do not rush the last stretch just because time feels tight.
That is not an official Cisco method. It is a practical pacing habit that works well for broad technical exams with mixed question types.
Is 120 minutes enough?
Yes, 120 minutes is enough for a prepared candidate. Cisco sets the current CCNA at that length, and thousands of candidates pass it on that timing.
But “enough” depends on your prep style. If your study is mostly passive reading, two hours can feel short. If you practise with timed questions, command-line tasks, and quick problem solving, the same two hours feels far more manageable.
The best way to judge readiness is simple. Sit a realistic practice block, avoid distractions, and see whether you still think clearly after the first hour. Stamina matters just as much as knowledge.
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Need local CCNA help?
If you want help turning the CCNA Exam Duration into a practical study plan, we can help you prepare with a local Australian focus. Visit ccna certification to get support that matches the current exam and the way candidates actually sit it.
You can also visit us at Suite 3, 53 Dryburgh Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003 if you want local training support closer to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long is the CCNA exam?
Answer: The current CCNA exam runs for 120 minutes. Cisco lists the 200-301 CCNA v1.1 exam as a two-hour test, so you need to manage your time well from the first question to the last one.
That time is for the exam itself. Your full appointment can feel longer because check-in, instructions, and any post-exam screens may add extra time around the actual test session.
2) Can I take the CCNA exam online in Australia?
Answer: Yes, you can take the CCNA exam online in Australia if your setup meets Cisco and Pearson VUE rules. Cisco offers written certification exams both in person and online, and Pearson VUE handles the online delivery.
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3) Can I take a break during the CCNA exam?
Answer: No, you should not plan on taking a break during an online CCNA exam. Cisco’s online testing rules say breaks are not allowed, and leaving your computer during the exam can end your session.
That is why it helps to get settled before the exam starts. Have water beforehand, use the bathroom early, and make sure your room is ready so you are not caught out once the clock begins.
4) How much does the CCNA exam cost?
Answer: The official CCNA exam price is US$300 per attempt. Cisco lists the current CCNA exam at that price, and that is the key fee to budget for when you book.
If you are booking from Australia, your final payment may vary a bit once currency conversion and any local charges are applied at checkout. The main official price point, though, is still US$300.
5) What question types are in the CCNA exam?
Answer: The CCNA exam uses a mix of multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. Cisco’s official exam topics page says to expect more than one format, so the exam checks both your knowledge and how you apply it.
That means you should not study as if it is only a theory test. It is smart to practise reading questions quickly, working through network logic, and handling hands-on style tasks under time pressure.
6) What is the passing score for the CCNA exam?
Answer: Cisco does not publicly list a fixed passing score for the current CCNA written exam. Cisco says passing scores can change, and candidates now receive a pass or fail result with a breakdown by exam domain rather than a simple public pass mark to aim at.