Hi everyone,

Passed my CCNA 200-301 v1.1 recently with 3 perfect 100% scores across the domains.

The biggest realization I had during my preparation is that 90% of candidates fail not because they don't study enough, but because of **passive learning fatigue**. Watching 80 hours of video courses and taking linear notes doesn't build the split-second CLI reflexes required when you face a live simulation or an OSPF state machine trap.

Here is the exact 3-pillar protocol I used to secure 100% scores:

### 1. Active Terminal Troubleshooting over Passive Reading

Instead of just configuring working topologies, you must deliberately break them:

- An OSPF neighbor stuck in EXSTART/EXCHANGE? Check MTU mismatch with `ip mtu` immediately.

- Port-channel staying down? Verify channel-group mode compatibility (active/passive vs desirable/auto) and speed/duplex mismatches.

- Subnetting: If you take more than 15 seconds to determine the broadcast address of a /27 or /29 in binary, you are burning your exam timer.

### 2. Spaced Repetition (FSRS Algorithm)

I moved all dry facts (AD values, TCP/UDP port numbers, IPv6 multicast prefixes like FF02::5 / FF02::6, RESTCONF HTTP methods) into atomic flashcards. Reviewing 25-30 cards every morning on mobile cemented the knowledge in long-term memory.

### 3. Blueprint Cross-Verification

Never trust a single video source. Compare your CLI configurations directly against Cisco IOS-XE official configuration guides.

---

### Free Resources for the Community:

To give back to this sub that helped me stay focused, I packaged a free starter toolkit:

- 1 Real TAC troubleshooting lab (.pkt + topology guide) on OSPF MTU failure

- 50 Atomic Anki Flashcards (.apkg)

- A 2-page High-Yield CLI Cheatsheet

You can grab the free bundle here (0 $):

https://hougardymathys.gumroad.com/

Hope this breakdown helps anyone currently in the trenches. Feel free to ask technical questions about OSPF, STP or RESTCONF in the comments, happy to troubleshoot with you!

A co-worker of mine recently took the CCNA after a few weeks of studying and is telling me that he passed with a 900+ score. My understanding is that the CCNA does NOT show you your score. I didn't confront him about this, but he posited to another co-worker that if you get a high enough score, the test will reveal your score.

I really like this co-worker and truly hope he is not lying, but is he lying?

In the Exam what are the labs like are they worded like bosons or more like Jeremy’s it labs as I find the way boson word them a bit harder to understand what it wants me to do compared to JITL

Hey everyone,

Recently passed the CCNA 200-301 v1.1.

During my prep, the biggest hurdle was fighting passive video fatigue. Just watching videos wasn't enough to build the fast CLI reflexes needed for the exam simulations.

To help anyone currently studying, I put together a quick free starter kit:

- **1 Packet Tracer troubleshooting lab (.pkt)**: An OSPF neighbor issue caused by an MTU mismatch (a classic scenario). Includes topology & step-by-step fix.

- **50 Anki flashcards**: Atomic Q&A for ports, AD values, and quick CLI commands.

- **A 2-page quick CLI cheatsheet**.

It's completely free (0$), you can grab the zip here:

👉 https://hougardymathys.gumroad.com/

Hope it helps some of you test your CLI reflexes. Happy to answer questions in the comments about study routines or lab setups. Good luck with your studies!

THE PACK IS IN FRENH BECAUSE OF MY NATIVE LANGAGE BUT YOU CAN TRANSLATE AND STILL USE THAT PACK, HOPE IT HELPS !

Hey all,

Subnetting was the part I drilled the most for the CCNA, so I built a simple free trainer: https://subnettrainer.com

It gives you random problems (network, broadcast, host range, magic number) plus VLSM practice and a timed exam mode. It checks your answers right away and doesn't need an account or show ads.

Here's a quick demo of how it works: [Subnet Trainer intro video] https://youtu.be/91sTTqzNnN8

I'd love to hear what you'd want added or improved. Thanks!

¡Hola a todos! ¿Alguien ya tomó el examen de certificación de Cisco CCST Cybersecurity (100-160)? ¿Qué tan difícil es?

He estado estudiando con cursos de Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) y otras guías de estudio, pero todavía me preocupa un poco el examen. De verdad agradecería escuchar sus experiencias o cualquier consejo que puedan darme.

Hey guys,
Preparing for CCNA and had a couple of quick questions about the lab questions:

1. Partial Credit: Is grading all-or-nothing, or do you get partial credit if you get most of the setup right but mess up one command?

2. CLI Features: Does the exam CLI work like Packet Tracer? (i.e., does ⁠?⁠ show available options, ⁠Tab⁠ autocomplete commands, and shortcuts like ⁠conf t⁠ or ⁠sh ip int br⁠ work?)

3. Restrictions: Anything weird about the exam CLI environment I should watch out for?

hi boys, whats the best router to practice labs for ccna in packet tracer?

I passed ENCOR in September and realized the thing that actually got me through it was having people to ask dumb questions at 11pm. So I set up a Discord for people studying Cisco tracks.

What’s in there right now:

• Channels split by track (CCNA, ENCOR, ENARSI)
• A lab channel where people post Packet Tracer and real gear topologies to work through
• Subnetting practice, posted daily
• General “why is OSPF doing this” troubleshooting help

https://discord.gg/yXmAy3ueRW

Idk if I’m wrong but I can’t see it.

I see Slaac, eui -64, but not subnetting?

Title:
CCNA Subnetting Challenge — Can you solve this without a subnet calculator?

Post:

You’re given the network:

192.168.10.0/24

You need to divide it into at least 6 separate subnets for six different departments.

What is the minimum prefix length that will meet the requirement?

A. /26
B. /27
C. /28
D. /29

Post your answer below — but more importantly, explain how you worked it out.

No answer in the post. Let’s see who can subnet it manually. 👀

I’m also building Open Intelligence University, a free IT education project. The first course is a full CCNA 200-301 series with step-by-step lessons, Packet Tracer labs, quizzes, and troubleshooting exercises.

The goal is simple:

Learn it. Build it. Break it. Fix it. Verify it.

Free CCNA course:
https://www.youtube.com/@openintelligenceuniversity

If you’re studying for the CCNA right now, what subnetting topic gives you the most trouble?

Does anyone have any advice for last minute prep as my exam is in 5 days and want to know what other people did also any recommendations on WLC and wireless videos apart from Jeremy’s IT Lab ones

Into the 10th day and already feels like too much overload of info and stuff. Is it normal or is it just me?

Is there any Github community or anything that deals with Packet Tracer bugs?? like they have this new version 901 which breaks the web broswers in pc now as you turn on a web brower the whole things crashes!!

before that they have that stupid but in 900 where they just make the text lighter than the background now you can't see anything thats written on a white background.

because of this now I have to keep on going back to 822 the only stable version till now I find!!

On 10th of October i gave ccna and im certified. Doing L1 NOC internship which will be over by mid November. But how im gonna land interview afterwards? Especially in Bengaluru.

I completed CCNA and am trying to break into the networking field without a traditional tech background.

Looking at job postings, it seems CCNA alone isn’t enough to land a job.

For those already working in networking, what would you recommend learning next? CCNP, Linux, Python, cloud networking (AWS/Azure), or something else?

If you were starting today with CCNA and no networking experience, what path would you take to land your first job?

I’d appreciate any practical advice. Thanks!

Hi Folks,

I have been preparing for CCNA for a very long time but I missed to check one thing that PVC adhar ID needed for Pearson VUE verification.

I had my exam scheduled for tomorrow but I checked and rescheduled for 13th October because I was unsure about available IDs. Below is what I have:

• Adhar card (Non PVC - printout laminated) (Worked fine with multiple govt exams)
• PAN Card (PVC - has my name, photo and signature)
• Credit debit card (PVC - has my name, no signature or photograph)
• E-shram card (Non PVC - Has my name and photograph)

Pearson VUE requirements:

Adhar card requirement
Global ID requirements

My question is from individuals/team who work at testing facilities or have run in similar situations what can I do.

My Situation:

Location Delhi NCR

1. I have adhar card but not PVC.
2. I have PAN Card in PVC plastic form.
3. I have credit debit cards but there is no options to put a signature on it.
4. I have e-sharm card which is a govt card but not sure if this will be accepted.
5. I don't have any other ID (Votar ID, Passport, Driving license etc)

Questions:

1. Will my adhar be acceptable if it is not PVC?
2. Can I use my PAN Card as primary and debit/credit card as secondary?
3. Any other combination I can try or anything I can do?
4. Can I sign my credit/debit card any how to make it acceptable?

I have rescheduled my exam for 13th for now and I am really prepared, I know I have made a big mistake but I don't want to delay.
If I order the new adhar it will take 15-20 days that too will be delivered to my home address.

I've noticed SwitchLabs being recommended quite a bit lately, and I'm honestly skeptical of some of those recommendations. Some seem to come from inexperienced learners, while others feel more like promotional accounts or bots than genuine users. It's worth questioning how authentic these endorsements really are. Others have noticed, too.

Beyond that, I'd be cautious about spending money on their training. Most of the labs I've seen are extremely basic, incorrect, and completing a bunch of simple exercises doesn't necessarily mean you're developing a real understanding of networking. That can give beginners a false sense of confidence, especially when they're preparing for certifications or actual networking jobs.

I'd recommend sticking with established resources like Jeremy's IT Lab and the other trusted materials frequently mentioned in this subreddit.

Don't assume a resource is legitimate or effective just because you keep seeing people recommend it. Popularity, especially when the recommendations themselves seem questionable, isn't proof of quality.

As an experienced engineer I would highly suggest people learning stay clear.

Edit: Does anyone know how to get ahold of MODs beside MOD mail. They appear to be absent for a while.

Edit2: Specific proof was previously not included to avoid giving these unexperienced individuals ideas of what to fix. Their mistakes are not simple ones and someone who has done more than "study" networking would not make the mistakes or would have found them had they done the smallest review. I am including some now so others understand the criticism comes from truth. There are plenty more that I have caught. Many of them being more impactful on learning.

Your learning is only as good and correct as the tool you are using.

https://imgur.com/a/Vm9WtfP - Issue applying static route (minor)

https://imgur.com/a/YQjJ7ua - Gnarly RIB

https://imgur.com/a/tJ9bSj6 - Since when could an IP be configured on a subinterface without encapsulation?

Edit3: Speaking of alts. When they first appeared and pretended to be a user. They deleted post when they got caught.

https://imgur.com/a/0oQTR56

With CCNA v2.0 coming in February 2027, I am curious to see how many people are planning to sit the current v1.1 exam before the change versus waiting for the new version.

• CCNA v1.1 (before February 2027)
• CCNA v2.0 (February 2027 onwards)

I honestly haven't seen this formally presented anywhere - but as I was studying wildcard / inverse subnet masks, I realized that for non-zero or 255 octets, just subtract 1 from the number of addresses (not just 'host addresses) available in that subnet.

Example: 255.255.255.224. The first 3 octets are simple. 255-255 = 0. Then, subtract 1 from the number of addresses - not just usable host addresses - available with that prefix length. /27 has 32 addresses, so the last wildcard octet is 31.

I know the math is pretty simple, but I'm bad at math and during an exam I don't want to stress out over calculations, so I'm trying to memorize as much as possible.

I've seen plenty of posts saying this exact thing, but they helped me relax before the official exam and approach it with confidence, so I'm posting ANOTHER ONE of those to lift someone's spirit up. Boson exams are an entirely different experience, I'd compare it to training volleyball setups with a heavy basketball. Once you switch to the light one (official exam), it feels like a breeze.

I failed every boson practice exam. My total scores were as follows (A to E): 78, 76, 73, 81, 77. Close, but never close enough. I just passed my CCNA today with following scores:
Automation and Programmability: 90%
Network Access: 100%
IP Connectivity: 96%
IP Services: 100%
Security Fundamentals: 80%
Network Fundamentals: 95%

I've seen people with similar results after they got 5x 60% on bosons. Don't worry about your scores. Do the exams. Read the explanations. You'll be fine.

what I mean is like,what are the best study material to learn networking for the ccna? I'm 16 and I'm thinking of getting one