The CCNA 200-301 exam is still one of the top certifications for those entering the networking field. Cisco lists the exam fee at $300 USD, but the true cost of earning the CCNA in 2026 extends beyond just the base fee. From taxes and study materials to retakes and practice exams, there are several hidden costs to consider before starting your certification journey.
This comprehensive guide will break down:
- CCNA exam cost breakdown by region
- Preparation costs for books, courses, labs, and practice exams
- Retake fees and policies
- Tips for budget-friendly preparation
We’ll also provide actionable insights to help you plan your budget for the CCNA 200-301 exam and certification process.
What Is the Official CCNA 200-301 Exam Fee in 2026?
Cisco’s official exam fee for the CCNA 200-301 is $300 USD, which is standard across most regions. This covers:
- One attempt at the CCNA exam
- Test delivery at a Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam
- Scoring and a digital exam report
- Issuance of the CCNA certification upon passing the exam
However, additional costs must be factored in, such as local taxes, currency conversion rates, and any optional preparation materials you choose to invest in.
What the Exam Fee Does Not Include:
- Study materials such as books and courses
- Practice exams
- Lab equipment or virtual labs
- Retakes (if you fail the exam)
- Travel expenses (if attending a test center rather than taking the exam online)
Understanding these extra costs is critical to planning your certification journey effectively.
CCNA 200-301 Exam Cost by Country/Region in 2026
While the base exam fee remains the same, regional variations can significantly impact the total cost. Below is a breakdown of CCNA pricing by region, showing the conversion of the $300 USD fee into local currencies, with applicable taxes included.
United States
In the United States, the cost is typically around $300 USD; however, state-level taxes may be added, depending on the state.
| Component | Amount |
| Base exam fee | $300 |
| State taxes | $0–$30 |
| Total cost | $300–$330 |
The final cost in most U.S. states will be close to $300, though taxes may slightly raise the total in certain states.
Canada
Canada’s CCNA cost is impacted by currency conversion and GST/HST taxes, which vary by province.
| Component | Amount in CAD |
| Base exam fee | ~$400–$440 |
| GST/HST | $25–$65 |
| Total cost | $425–$506 |
Canada’s higher conversion rates and tax rates make it one of the more expensive countries for CCNA certification.
United Kingdom
In the UK, the CCNA exam cost is translated into GBP, with 20% VAT included.
| Component | Amount (GBP) |
| Base exam fee | ~£240–£260 |
| VAT (20%) | ~£48–£52 |
| Total cost | £247–£295 |
This reflects the higher VAT rate applied to certifications, resulting in a higher cost compared to other regions.
Eurozone (Germany, France, Spain, etc.)
The Eurozone typically experiences slightly higher costs due to VAT. Here’s what you can expect to pay in major EU countries.
| Country | Total Cost (EUR) |
| Germany | €290–€340 |
| France | €285–€335 |
| Spain | €280–€330 |
| Netherlands | €292–€338 |
EU candidates will pay €290–€340, depending on their country and VAT rate.
Australia
Australia is one of the more expensive regions for CCNA certification due to the GST and the AUD/USD exchange rate.
| Component | Amount (AUD) |
| Base exam fee | ~$450–$470 |
| GST (10%) | ~$45 |
| Total cost | A$480–A$520 |
Australia’s high GST adds an additional 10% to the base cost.
India
India’s cost for CCNA certification is affected by the GST of 18%, making it one of the higher-priced regions relative to local income levels.
| Component | Amount in INR |
| Base exam fee | ₹24,000–₹25,500 |
| GST (18%) | ₹4,300–₹4,600 |
| Total cost | ₹25,963–₹30,000 |
Despite the high local costs, CCNA remains extremely popular in India due to the booming tech industry.
Middle East (UAE & Saudi Arabia)
The Middle East has a relatively predictable pricing structure, with lower VAT compared to Europe or Australia.
UAE (Dubai)
| Component | Amount (AED) |
| Base exam fee | ~1,000–1,100 AED |
| VAT (5%) | ~50 AED |
| Total cost | ~1,102 AED |
Saudi Arabia
| Component | Amount (SAR) |
| Base exam fee | ~1,000–1,100 SAR |
| VAT (15%) | ~150–170 SAR |
| Total cost | ~1,126 SAR |
Both UAE and Saudi Arabia offer competitive pricing with minimal VAT impact compared to other regions.
How Much Does It Cost to Prepare for the CCNA Exam?
Now that you know the base exam fees, it’s important to factor in the cost of preparation. The total cost of the CCNA 200-301 certification goes well beyond the exam fee itself. Candidates typically spend money on:
- Study materials (books, courses, practice exams)
- Labs (physical or virtual equipment)
- Training courses (online or in-person)
- Practice tests
Below is an overview of the costs associated with each preparation option.
CCNA Study Materials and Cost Breakdown
| Material Type | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
| Official Cisco Study Guides | $40–$90 | Cisco Press books and exam prep guides |
| Online Video Courses | $15–$150 | Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight |
| Practice Exams | $20–$100 | Official or third-party practice tests |
| Bootcamp/Instructor-led Courses | $600–$3,000+ | Instructor-led training programs |
| Lab Equipment (Physical) | $50–$1,250 | Used routers, switches, etc. |
| Lab Simulators (Virtual) | Free–$200 | Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3 |
Total Estimated Prep Cost Scenarios
Let’s look at realistic cost estimates for each prep approach, depending on how much you’re willing to invest:
- Budget Self-Study
- Exam Fee: $300
- Books & Course (Udemy): $50
- Practice Tests: $40
- Total: $390
- Exam Fee: $300
- Balanced Self-Study (Most Common)
- Exam Fee: $300
- Online Course: $80
- Cisco Press Book: $50
- Practice Tests: $60
- Total: $490
- Exam Fee: $300
- Premium Self-Study + Labs
- Exam Fee: $300
- Instructor-Led Training: $1,000
- Labs & Equipment: $500
- Practice Tests: $100
- Total: $1,900
- Exam Fee: $300
- Bootcamp + Official Study
- Exam Fee: $300
- Bootcamp (5-Day): $2,500
- Practice Tests: $50
- Total: $2,850
- Exam Fee: $300
Retake Fees – What Happens If You Fail the CCNA Exam?
Cisco’s retake policy for the CCNA 200-301 exam is straightforward but costly. If you fail your first attempt, you will need to:
- Pay the full $300 USD exam fee again
- Wait 5 calendar days before attempting the exam again
- No free retakes or discounted rates are available for second attempts
Here’s a breakdown of retake costs:
| Component | Amount |
| First attempt fee | $300 |
| Second attempt fee | $300 |
| Total (after failure) | $600 |
Conclusion
The CCNA 200-301 exam continues to be one of the most valuable certifications for those looking to enter or advance in the networking field. While the official exam fee of $300 USD is consistent, the total cost depends on where you live, the resources you choose for studying, and the likelihood of needing a retake. By budgeting wisely, selecting the right materials, and avoiding retakes, you can significantly reduce the total cost of your CCNA journey.
To ensure a smooth path, make sure to:
- Research regional costs, including taxes and currency conversions
- Plan for preparation expenses (books, courses, labs)
- Minimize retake costs by adequately preparing before attempting the exam
The CCNA certification provides valuable networking knowledge and opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, making it a wise investment in your professional future.
Last Updated on by Team CE
