5 Study Tips to Pass the CCNA Certification Exam
- rohit00lms
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam is one of the most popular and recognized certifications in the networking industry. If you are trying to get a start in an IT career, passing the CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate can make a big difference. It will not only look good on your resume, but it will also provide you with a pathway to entry-level and semi-senior networking jobs. That said, the CCNA exam is not an easy endeavour. The exam is comprehensive, has a fast pace, and requires a good understanding of theoretical networking concepts as well as practical skills.
1. Get Practical Experience
The CCNA is much more than just memorizing networking concepts, but applying networking concepts. Cisco expects candidates to have experience with real equipment and solve hypothetical problems that mirror real problems in companies.
How to obtain hands-on practice:
You can use the free network simulation tool Cisco Packet Tracer. Cisco Packet Tracer is a great way to start practicing as a beginner.
You should set up GNS3 or Cisco VIRL for simulation in a lab environment if you are familiar with networking concepts.
2. Obtain the Proper Study Materials
To prepare effectively for the CCNA exam, it’s crucial to gather the right study materials from reliable sources. At Evision Technoserve, we emphasize using the most updated Cisco CCNA resources, including workbooks, eBooks, PowerPoint presentations, and practical lab guides.
But remember—studying theory alone isn’t enough. Practical application is key.
Be sure to:
Complete all lab exercises and practice questions regularly.
Implement real-world tasks like configuring routers, switches, VLANs, NAT, and Access Control Lists (ACLs).
Learn to work with binary mathematics. Subnetting, addressing, and many CCNA topics rely heavily on binary calculations. Mastering this skill will give you an edge, especially in time-sensitive exam situations.
At Evision Technoserve, our CCNA program is designed to guide you through these materials step-by-step with expert mentorship, hands-on labs, and access to a curated digital library.
By combining high-quality resources with consistent practice, you’ll be fully prepared to tackle the CCNA certification with confidence.
3. Schedule Practice Tests
Schedule practice tests well in advance of your actual exam date. Setting a personal deadline and testing your knowledge periodically is one of the most effective ways to track your progress.
By attempting practice tests early, you’ll quickly identify the areas that need improvement. These insights allow you to adjust your study strategy and focus more time on weak topics.
Steps to follow:
Set a specific date for your first mock test.
Attempt the test under real exam conditions.
Analyze your results to find knowledge gaps.
Create targeted study goals to strengthen those weak areas.
Why it works: This approach improves time management, builds confidence, and prepares you for the exam format. Plus, it breaks your study sessions into achievable goals and boosts your retention over time.
At Evision Technoserve, we incorporate regular mock exams into our training programs and provide personalized feedback to help students maximize their scores.
4. Refresh Your Knowledge Right Before the Exam
As your exam date approaches, it's crucial to shift your focus toward review and reinforcement. At Evision Technoserve, we emphasize strategic revision during the final weeks to ensure every student walks into the exam fully prepared.
Start by revisiting the Cisco Press Official Cert Guide. A second read-through often helps you catch concepts or details you may have missed initially. This can also reinforce your memory and clear up any lingering doubts.
In the last two weeks before the exam:
Prioritize solving as many practice questions as possible.
Explore online platforms, forums, and mock test websites for fresh questions.
Revisit difficult topics and unclear concepts.
Why this works: By this stage, you should already have a solid grasp of networking fundamentals. The goal now is to sharpen your problem-solving skills and eliminate any weak spots. Reviewing regularly helps solidify your knowledge and gives you the confidence to tackle tricky questions.
Evision Technoserve Tip: We provide students with exclusive access to updated question banks, revision sessions, and expert guidance to make their final preparation phase both effective and efficient.
5. Take a Breather
On the final day before your CCNA exam, it’s just as important to rest as it is to review. Give yourself permission to relax and recharge, as overloading your brain with last-minute cramming can do more harm than good.
Relaxed in the last couple of days. Get a good full night's sleep. This has a demonstrated effect on memory and focus.
It is better to approach the exam with a clear and well-rested mind than to skim your books for the whole night.
More Things to Keep in Mind
The CCNA is Comprehensive
The CCNA covers so many topics in the realm of networking that it can seem overwhelming to many exam candidates, given the diversity and depth of the subjects. Evision Technoserve suggests focusing heavily on the ICND (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices) modules, as these modules are the basis for all CCNA-level exams. If you know these areas well, you will be thoroughly prepared to answer any questions during the exam
The CCNA Exam is Quick
Typically, a CCNA exam is 50–60 questions in 90 minutes. Even if you feel prepared, your pacing may become an issue during the exam. Evision Technoserve encourages you to practice with a timer to build your exam stamina and use the timer during the exam as needed. Many of the questions are real-world networking scenarios, but trust the hands-on experience and training you've been provided. Stay calm, pace yourself, flag the questions you want to review later, and trust your thoughts.
Conclusion
Preparing for the CCNA exam is not just a matter of putting in the effort, rather it is about a strategy. First you should gather everything you will need which is firstly the official cisco study materials, as well as practice tests and lastly lab products. You need to have a firm grasp of both the theoretical questions and practical, common security networking.
Incorporate active study methods and manage your time effectively. As well as include a study review at regular times, especially in final weeks leading to the exam.
At Evision Technoserve, we are here to help you succeed with our industry ready programs, expert’s mentorship and live environment opportunities. Using the strategies and trusted resources above, you will be well equipped to succeed on your CCNA exam on your first try or your next attempt. Make that leap forward into your IT career, and you will start to open new doors for yourself.
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