About 200-105 Exam
Cisco 200-105 Still Holds Value in 2025
You’d think an older Cisco exam like 200-105 would be irrelevant by now. But that’s not the case. Even in 2025, a lot of people still rely on the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 material. Why? Because networks aren’t always running on the newest gear or the latest software updates. Many companies are still using setups that match what’s covered in 200-105. And more importantly, the core concepts haven’t gone anywhere.
Things like static routing, dynamic protocols like OSPF, VLANs, trunking, and WAN links they’re all still active parts of today’s networks. The newer certs might repackage things, but the Cisco 200-105 exam walked through them in a way that’s super hands-on. It wasn’t just theory on paper. It pushed you to think like a network engineer in real-life troubleshooting scenarios.
Training companies still use its blueprint to teach the CCNA core. Employers still respect candidates who understand these technologies. And for folks in the field working on networks that haven’t gone full SD-WAN or cloud-native yet, the knowledge is still useful. So, yeah even in 2025, this exam holds its ground.
Employers Still Ask for These Skills
Most IT managers aren’t obsessing over which Cisco version you studied. What they care about is whether you can keep their network running when something breaks. That’s where 200-105 comes in. It teaches the basics, sure but it also goes into the kind of troubleshooting and configuration work you’ll do on a live system.
For example, you’ll know what to check if an access list is blocking traffic unexpectedly. Or how to trace route problems when OSPF neighbors aren’t forming. You’ll know why someone configured NAT a certain way and how to spot when it’s misbehaving.
These aren’t fluffy skills. They’re what network admins do on Monday mornings when the VPN won’t connect or when half the office can’t reach the DNS. That’s why hiring managers still ask about this level of experience and still value it, whether the cert is current or not.
You Don’t Just Memorize Stuff You Get Hands-On Knowledge
The thing that sets 200-105 apart from a lot of general IT certs is how focused it is on real-world tech. You’re not just memorizing port numbers or learning definitions. You’re configuring, testing, and fixing things.
Here’s what this exam helps you get comfortable with:
- Switching technologies like VLANs, STP, and EtherChannel
You’ll learn how switches communicate, how to prevent loops, and how to combine links for better bandwidth. - Routing with IPv4 and IPv6 using OSPF and EIGRP
You’ll understand how routers make decisions, how to configure multiple paths, and how to make failovers work. - WAN protocols like PPP and Frame Relay
While not as common as they once were, many businesses still use these in branch offices or internal setups. - Network services like ACLs, NAT, DHCP
These are the building blocks of secure and functional networks. Knowing how to set them up and troubleshoot issues with them gives you a major edge. - Troubleshooting tools and logic
Ping, traceroute, show commands and more importantly, knowing when to use which one. That’s what makes you fast and efficient on the job.
These aren’t just technical checklist items. They’re real tools that make you good at what you do. And once they click, they stick.
Can You Actually Land a Job After Passing 200-105?
Absolutely. Even though Cisco no longer runs the exam officially, the material from 200-105 is still being used in interviews and job filters all over the place. If you understand what’s in this exam, you’re already ahead of a huge chunk of entry-level candidates.
Common job titles include:
- Network Support Engineer
Often the go-to person when there’s a connectivity issue or something needs to be reconfigured on-site. - Junior Network Administrator
Helping manage routing tables, device configs, and monitoring tools often under the supervision of a senior admin. - Field Technician
Going on-site to deploy or troubleshoot equipment, run cabling, or assist with configuration projects. - Tier 2 Helpdesk with network responsibilities
Handling escalated tickets that involve DNS failures, DHCP issues, or VPN setups.
And the money isn’t bad either. Depending on your location and experience, you’re looking at $60,000 to $85,000 a year. Not bad for an exam you can study for over a couple of focused months.
What You’ll Face on the Actual 200-105 Exam
Even though the test itself is retired, its structure still gets used in mock exams, practice tests, and employer skill checks. So knowing what it looked like still helps.
- Number of questions: Usually between 45 to 55
- Time limit: 90 minutes
- Question types: Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and simulations
- Passing mark: Cisco never gave an official number, but most folks agree it was around 825 out of 1000
It wasn’t just about answering trivia-style questions. You’d often face short scenarios and be asked to spot the mistake in a config, choose the next step, or identify a fix. These types of questions train your brain for real-world problem-solving.
Topics That Show Up More Than Others
If you’re short on time and need to focus, don’t try to study every topic equally. Some areas show up more frequently than others. Here’s a rough breakdown based on real feedback and study guides:
Topic |
Estimated Weight |
LAN Switching & VLANs |
25% |
Routing Protocols |
20% |
WAN Technologies |
15% |
Infrastructure Services |
20% |
Infrastructure Maintenance |
20% |
VLANs, STP, OSPF, and ACLs tend to be hot zones. If you’re shaky on any of these, spend more time here. Understanding how trunk ports work or how to get OSPF neighbors to form properly will help on the test and in your job too.
How to Prepare Without Burning Out
The key to passing 200-105 is building a study plan that doesn’t drain you or feel like a second job. You don’t need to grind eight hours a day, but you do need to be consistent. Here’s what works for most people:
- Start with a baseline guide or video course
This helps you get a feel for the topics and terminology. Pick one that explains things simply, not one that throws commands at you non-stop. - Build a few labs in Packet Tracer or GNS3
Nothing sticks like doing. Set up VLANs. Configure OSPF. Break things and fix them. Repeat. - Use flashcards or write your own notes
Writing things out helps you remember. Especially command options or short configuration examples. - Mix in short quizzes to test recall
Don’t wait until the end to test yourself. Quizzing throughout helps catch weak spots early. - Keep a schedule, but be flexible
Aim for 60–90 minutes per session, 4–5 days a week. If you miss a day, no big deal just get back to it.
The trick is staying engaged and building confidence slowly. This isn’t a race. It’s about understanding and applying what you learn, which is exactly what employers want.
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