You’ve heard the news: the CCNA certification is getting a refresh, and the CCNA v2.0 exam goes live for testing in February 2027. But what if you’re in the midst of studying for the current CCNA v1.1 exam? Should you slam on the brakes and just wait for the CCNA 2.0 exam?

Here’s your answer: Stay on track and get certified before the CCNA refresh. Not convinced? Read on for a closer look at why and exactly how to cross the finish line.

According to Hank Preston, Distinguished Architect, the CCNA revision isn’t that big a deal, since the CCNA 2.0 exam isn’t a complete and total overhaul. Rather, it takes a different approach to the depth of subject knowledge. Think practical assessments, security and AI weaved throughout, and more troubleshooting tasks.

With that in mind, hitting the pause button on your CCNA exam prep will just delay your career goals—and the gains that come with getting certified. After all, the CCNA remains the industry’s gold standard for networking, globally recognized and highly valued by employers today. It’s the ultimate “technical filter” for professionals, highlighting those with the essential “under-the-hood” knowledge of traffic flow; the ideal foundation for specializing in cybersecurity, cloud, and automation.

So if you’re currently studying, the message is clear: keep going. Now, let’s have a look at how you can stay on track, succeed with the current CCNA curriculum, and pass the 200-301 CCNA v1.1 exam by February 2027.

Finish strong and get certified by February 2, 2027 

Set your target date now. Complete the current exam by February 2, 2027 to lock in your certification while the current curriculum is active. That’s a real, resume-ready credential in your hands this year—not a someday goal.

Prepare with Cisco CCNA training and resources

Start with our Stay on Track landing page, where you’ll find a roundup of free curated CCNA resources, including our popular CCNA Prep series, and an exclusive CCNA Learning Path giveaway.

To help you cross the CCNA cert finish line, check out this content too:

• Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions | CCNA: Our comprehensive CCNA Learning Path is designed to build your core networking foundation. View Learning Path
  • Giveaway: Enter to win the CCNA Learning Path by August 31,2026 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Enter giveaway
• Cisco Learning Labs – Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions: Gain hands-on expertise through CLI-based configuration and live troubleshooting.
• Practice Exam: Test your readiness and identify gaps before you head to the testing center.
• Free Tutorials: Explore free tutorials on Cisco U., such as “Your First Switching Show Commands for the CCNA” A quick, focused tutorial to sharpen your command-line skills. View tutorial
• 200-301 CCNA Exam Safeguard Plus or Safeguard: This is a great deal that gives you peace of mind.
  • Get two chances to take the CCNA exam plus the CCNA Practice Exam. View Exam Safeguard Plus
  • Get two chances at the exam with Exam Safeguard.

Build the foundation for the CCNA refresh and the AI era

We won’t pretend the world isn’t changing. AI is reshaping how networks run, and the new curriculum leans right into it.

But here’s what’s encouraging: the CCNA refresh isn’t abandoning the fundamentals you’re learning today. It’s adding to them. The CCNA 2.0 exam will still focus on the technical core, but it also values the human side—critical thinking, clear communication, designing for real outcomes.

That means the work you’re doing right now isn’t a detour. It’s the foundation everything else gets built on. You’re not behind. You’re early.

Study smarter with the CCNA exam topics 

We’ve made it easier to guide your studies. You can now access the exam topics directly within Cisco U. Whether you’re looking at a Learning Path, a practice exam, or a lab, simply look for “Focus your studies on exam topics” in the overview section to view or download the latest requirements.

The CCNA exam topics make it easier to study exactly what you will be tested on, helping you avoid surprises on exam day.

Remember, your hard work today creates the foundation for your growth tomorrow. Stay focused, keep building your hands-on experience, and get certified before the CCNA refresh.

Let us know how you’re continuing to study for the CCNA in the comments!

Your most-asked CCNA questions, answered:

• Should I wait for the CCNA v2.0 exam or take the current CCNA exam now?
  Take the current CCNA v1.1 exam now. The current 200-301 (v1.1) exam is available through February 2, 2027, and the skills you build carry straight into CCNA v2.0. Waiting only delays your certification and the career gains that come with it.

• When does the CCNA v2.0 exam launch?
  The CCNA v2.0 exam goes live for testing on February 3, 2027.

• What’s the deadline to take the current CCNA v1.1 exam?
  The last day of testing for the 200-301 CCNA v1.1 exam is February 2, 2027.

• What’s the difference between the CCNA v2.0 and CCNA v1.1 exams?
  While the CCNA v2.0 exam isn’t a total overhaul, it takes a different approach to the depth of each topic—think practical assessments, security and AI woven throughout, and more troubleshooting tasks. For an in-depth explanation, I shared a full breakdown of the refresh over on the Cisco Learning Network. 

• Is the CCNA still worth it?
  Yes. The CCNA remains the industry’s globally recognized standard for networking and a trusted foundation for careers in cybersecurity, cloud, and automation.

• How do I start preparing for the CCNA today?
  Start with the Stay on Track landing page for free curated CCNA resources (including a givewaway!), then use the CCNA Prep series, CCNA Learning Path, hands-on labs, and the Practice Exam on Cisco U.