Certifications / CCNA guide
CCNACertification Guide for Canada & US Students
CCNA is the strongest entry point for students who want a structured networking foundation before moving into enterprise, cloud, or security roles. CISNET's CCNA training gives you live instruction, guided labs, and a direct path into roles tied to $55,000 - $75,000.
Reviewed by Mani Poopal· Lead Networking Instructor· Updated June 2026Who CCNA is for
- Career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role
- Help desk or desktop support professionals ready to move into network operations
- Students who want a vendor-recognized certification with strong employer awareness
What you will cover
- Week 1: Router Basics
Introduction to Packet Tracer (LAB software) • LAN, WAN, Router, Switch introduction
- Week 2: IP Addressing and Subnetting
Introduction to IP address and classes • Class A, B, C address types
- Week 3: TCP/IP Model, OSI Model and Access-Lists
Difference between Data, Segment, Packet and Frame • IP address vs MAC address
- Week 4: NAT, DHCP, WAN and Security
NAT, PAT, DHCP Server, DHCP Client concepts • Private/Public IP address introduction
- Week 5: IP Routing
Introduction to IP Routing (Layer 3) • Administrative Distance and Metric
- Week 6: LAN Switching
Introduction to MAC Address (L2), Frame, VLAN, VTP, Trunking • Trunking protocol (DTP, ISL & 802.1Q)
CCNA jobs and salary paths
Use CCNA to position yourself for roles that align with networking work in Canada.
Network Administrator
$55,000 - $75,000
High
Network Engineer
$70,000 - $95,000
High
IT Support Specialist
$45,000 - $65,000
Very High
How to prepare effectively
- Get comfortable with subnetting, VLANs, and basic router CLI work before your exam sprint.
- Practice labs every week instead of reading theory in big batches.
- Use the official blueprint as your checklist so you cover automation and security topics too.
Explore this certification cluster
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Popular training locations
CISNET teaches CCNA online live, so students can join from major Canadian markets without waiting for a city-specific classroom schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How is the CCNA 200-301 exam structured?
The CCNA 200-301 is a 120-minute exam with 90 to 110 questions covering six domains weighted per Cisco's official 200-301 blueprint: Network Fundamentals 20%, Network Access 20%, IP Connectivity 25%, IP Services 10%, Security Fundamentals 15%, and Automation & Programmability 10%. Question formats include multiple choice, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and hands-on simulations administered through Pearson VUE.
What are the prerequisites for CCNA?
Cisco recommends one year of experience with networking fundamentals and basic IP addressing knowledge, but there are no formal prerequisites, anyone can register for the 200-301 exam through Pearson VUE. Our CCNA bootcamp at CISNET starts from fundamentals and builds up, so prior networking experience is helpful but not required.
How much does the CCNA 200-301 exam cost in Canada?
The CCNA 200-301 exam costs $300 USD, paid directly to Pearson VUE, Cisco's exclusive testing partner. Canadian candidates typically see a higher final checkout total once HST/GST and FX conversion are applied. You register for and pay the exam fee directly through Pearson VUE.
Need help deciding if CCNA is the right next step?
Talk to CISNET and get a practical recommendation based on your current experience and target role.
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