If you’ve started researching CCNA certification cost Australia, you’ve probably noticed the numbers vary a lot depending on where you look. That’s because the total cost depends on three separate things: the Cisco exam fee itself, whether you self-study or take instructor-led training, and where in Australia you’re based. This guide breaks down the real numbers for 2026 exam fees, training prices, and what CCNA-certified professionals actually earn in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra so you can budget properly before you commit.
What Is CCNA Certification?
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is Cisco’s entry-level networking credential, covering network fundamentals, IP addressing and subnetting, routing and switching, network security basics, and automation. It’s designed for beginners and career-changers as much as working IT professionals, and it doesn’t require any prior certification to sit. See the full CCNA certification overview and course modules for exactly what’s covered.
CCNA Exam Cost in Australia 2026
Cisco sets the CCNA 200-301 exam fee globally in US dollars, which is then converted to AUD plus local tax at checkout. As a 2026 guide:
- Base exam fee: USD $300, set directly by Cisco
- Australian conversion: typically around AUD $450–$530 once currency conversion and GST are applied
- Retake fee: the full exam fee again there’s no discounted retake, so it pays to be genuinely exam-ready before booking
Exams are booked and delivered through Pearson VUE, either at a test centre or via online proctoring. Because exchange rates shift, it’s worth checking the official Cisco CCNA page and Pearson VUE Cisco booking portal for the exact current price before you pay.
CCNA Training Course Price in Australia
Beyond the exam itself, most candidates invest in some form of structured preparation. Costs vary widely by format:
- Self-study: books, Cisco’s official guides and practice tests typically run AUD $50–$300 total, plus your own lab environment or Packet Tracer time
- Online instructor-led training: generally AUD $500–$2,000 depending on provider and lab access
- Full bootcamp with exam included: typically around AUD $1,995–$2,500, bundling instructor-led labs, mentorship and the exam voucher into one price see the CCNA Bootcamp for an example of this format
Some providers include the exam voucher in the course fee; others charge it separately. Always confirm this before enrolling it’s the single biggest variable in comparing quoted prices. The CCNA training course page breaks down exactly what’s bundled.
Total Cost to Get CCNA Certified: Budget Breakdown
Putting it together, most candidates in Australia spend somewhere in this range depending on their study approach:
- Self-study route: roughly AUD $800–$1,200 total (exam fee + materials + practice tests)
- Instructor-led / bootcamp route: roughly AUD $2,000–$3,500 total, with the exam usually included
Self-study saves money up front but takes longer and carries a higher risk of needing a retake, which quickly erases the savings. Instructor-led training costs more initially but tends to produce better first-attempt pass rates, particularly for people newer to networking.
Is CCNA Certification Worth the Cost in 2026?
Cisco networking equipment still underpins a large share of enterprise and government networks in Australia, which keeps CCNA relevant as a hiring filter for entry-level networking and IT support roles. For most career changers and IT beginners, the certification pays for itself through:
- Access to roles that specifically list CCNA as a requirement or strong preference
- A credential that’s recognised globally, not just in Australia
- A stepping stone toward higher-paying certifications like CCNP
- Practical skills subnetting, routing, troubleshooting that transfer directly into day-one job tasks
CCNA Salary in Australia: What You Can Earn
CCNA on its own is a foundations-level credential, so salary depends heavily on the specific role and experience level. As a 2026 guide for Australia:
- Network Support Engineer (entry-level): roughly AUD $65,000–$95,000
- IT Support Specialist: competitive entry-level pay with high demand across healthcare, education and enterprise sectors
- Junior Network Engineer / Network Administrator: similar entry range, rising quickly with 1–2 years of hands-on experience
The biggest salary jumps tend to come after 2–3 years of real network experience combined with a follow-on certification such as CCNP CCNA is best understood as the credential that gets you in the door, not the ceiling on your earning potential.
What’s in the CCNA 200-301 Exam?
- 90–120 questions across multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based formats
- 120 minutes total exam time
- Covers network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation/programmability
- Certification is valid for three years before renewal is required
Most candidates need roughly two to four months of preparation, depending on prior IT experience. The CCNA exam preparation guide, exam tips and how to pass CCNA 200-301 resources cover this in more depth.
CCNA Training Options Across Australia
Instructor-led and hybrid CCNA training is available in every major Australian city, alongside nationwide online delivery:
- CCNA course in Sydney — strong demand from enterprise and managed service providers
- CCNA course in Melbourne — one of the most active networking job markets nationally
- CCNA training in Brisbane — growing demand alongside regional IT infrastructure projects
- CCNA training in Perth — resources-sector businesses hiring network support staff
- CCNA training in Adelaide — defence and government-adjacent networking roles
- CCNA course in Canberra — steady public-sector demand for network administrators
Live online and in-house delivery also covers Hobart and other regional areas, so location doesn’t have to limit your training options.
How to Reduce Your CCNA Certification Cost
- Use Cisco’s official free learning resources before paying for third-party materials
- Compare whether the exam voucher is bundled into a course fee before assuming self-study is cheaper overall
- Study thoroughly before booking a single retake at full price often costs more than the gap between self-study and instructor-led training
- Ask training providers directly whether group or referral discounts are available
CCNA vs Other Entry-Level IT Certifications
CCNA sits at the higher end of entry-level certification pricing because it covers a broad, vendor-specific blueprint and carries strong recognition with hiring managers. Compared to more general fundamentals-level exams, CCNA leans more technical and networking-specific a better fit if you already know you want a hands-on networking or infrastructure career rather than a broad IT generalist path.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CCNA certification cost in Australia?
Budget roughly AUD $450–$530 for the exam alone, or AUD $800–$3,500 total once study materials or instructor-led training are included, depending on your preparation route.
Does the CCNA exam fee include training?
No the Cisco exam fee only covers the exam itself. Some training providers bundle the exam voucher into their course price; others charge it separately, so always confirm before enrolling.
Is CCNA certification worth the cost in 2026?
For most career changers and IT beginners, yes Cisco networking skills remain in demand across Australian enterprise and government sectors, and CCNA is often a listed requirement for entry-level networking roles.
How long does CCNA certification last?
Three years from the date you pass, after which you’ll need to retake the exam, earn continuing education credits, or achieve a higher-level Cisco certification to keep it current.
What salary can I expect with a CCNA certification in Australia?
Entry-level roles such as Network Support Engineer typically pay around AUD $65,000–$95,000, with faster growth once combined with hands-on experience or a follow-on certification.
Final Thoughts: Budgeting for CCNA Certification in Australia
The real CCNA certification cost in Australia depends less on the exam fee itself and more on which training route you choose and whether you pass on the first attempt. Budget realistically, confirm exactly what’s included in any course price, and treat thorough preparation as the cheapest way to keep your total cost down. Ready to compare options? Get in touch or check the full CCNA cost breakdown for more detail.