About 800-150 Exam
A Look Inside the Cisco 800-150 Certification
The Cisco 800-150 certification is centered on validating skills that field technicians use daily. It focuses on supporting Cisco devices in customer environments, which makes it ideal for hands-on professionals managing physical networks. This cert is built to measure how well someone can handle, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco hardware in real-world settings.
This certification holds strong value in today’s job market because of its practical focus. It doesn’t cater to theory-heavy networking roles but instead speaks directly to people solving problems onsite. From routers to switches, and everything in between, this credential gives recognition to those who already deal with these systems but need that formal badge of credibility.
The target audience includes junior engineers, onsite support staff, and IT technicians working on-site or in small-scale enterprise settings. It’s not uncommon to see techs using this cert to step into NOC roles or client support engineering. Those managing initial configurations, handling rack-mounted equipment, or troubleshooting unplanned outages will find the knowledge areas of this cert directly applicable.
The 800-150 exam is more than a stepping stone. It acts as a bridge into advanced support and field operations roles. While Cisco offers more complex certifications later on, this one is a perfect starting point for anyone who prefers hands-on work rather than sitting in front of dashboards.
People who clear this exam usually move into jobs that pay better than average for entry-level techs. A typical annual salary for roles tied to this cert falls between $55,000 and $75,000, depending on experience, travel, and region. This makes it one of the better early-stage technical certifications for career growth.
Skills and Scenarios You’ll Need to Know
The Cisco 800-150 exam goes straight into practical territory. If you’ve ever replaced a router under pressure or figured out why a switch isn’t powering on, you’re already doing the kind of work this exam tests. It’s not packed with obscure protocols it’s loaded with real things that happen in real IT closets.
Some of the main skills assessed include:
- Recognizing Cisco hardware models and ports
- Installing new devices correctly
- Selecting the right cables and connections
- Diagnosing power or connectivity issues
- Handling configuration at the initial stage
- Using standard Cisco field tools for testing or setup
- Understanding environmental basics like airflow or rack space
Each question is meant to show whether you can take action on-site. You won’t be asked to explain OSPF adjacency in depth, but you might need to identify the correct connector for a given port or troubleshoot a startup failure.
Topics You’ll See in the Cisco 800-150 Exam
There are no surprises if you’ve reviewed the core areas. Cisco organizes the exam around real-world scenarios, rather than strict textbook chapters.
Here’s a list of key domains and what they include:
Domain |
What It Covers |
Device Identification |
Model numbers, port recognition, labeling, LED behavior |
Installation Tasks |
Mounting, cable routing, startup sequences |
Troubleshooting Basics |
Diagnosing power issues, network dropouts, boot failures |
Cable Types and Standards |
Recognizing connectors, using correct lengths and ratings |
Environmental Factors |
Cooling, airflow, proper rack installation |
Cisco Tools Usage |
Portable test devices, setup apps, field documentation |
Missing just one domain can lower your chances of passing. You don’t have to be an expert in each area, but you do need to understand the workflow for each task Cisco expects from a field technician.
How the Cisco 800-150 Exam is Structured
The structure of the exam reflects its goal: test what you know, fast. It doesn’t try to stretch your time or include trick questions just for the sake of difficulty.
Here’s a snapshot of the exam format:
Exam Element |
Details |
Total Questions |
55–65 |
Duration |
75–90 minutes |
Language |
English |
Question Types |
Mostly single-answer, some multiple choice |
Test Mode |
Proctored center or online |
Score to Pass |
Cisco doesn’t reveal this, but ~75% is typical |
You won’t need to write essays or solve packet flows. Instead, you’ll choose the right answer from several options, usually tied to a physical situation. Many questions present short scenarios like “A client site reports no activity on port 3. What should you check first?”
Practical Scenarios That Often Show Up
Unlike theoretical exams, the Cisco 800-150 throws real situations at you. If you’ve worked in the field before, some of these will feel strangely familiar.
Here are a few example types of scenarios you can expect:
- A router was just installed but doesn’t power on. You need to figure out where the failure is.
- The client reports intermittent connection drops across all ports. What’s your first check?
- The wrong cable was used for a backbone connection. Which type should replace it?
- You’re on-site, and the switch is showing no LED activity. What steps should you follow?
These examples don’t just check knowledge they test decision-making speed. That’s what makes this cert so respected by field support managers.
A Smart Way to Study Without Burning Out
You don’t need to overcomplicate your study routine. Many candidates fall into the trap of collecting multiple books, overanalyzing forums, or studying features that never show up.
Here are five tips that can actually help:
- Stick to Cisco’s official device manuals. These are short and show real model images and specs.
- Watch hands-on videos. YouTube has dozens of walkthroughs for installing Cisco gear.
- Practice with questions regularly. Even 10 questions a day can build accuracy over time.
- Focus on what you see in the field. If you don’t use a concept at work, it’s likely low priority.
- Take short quizzes instead of long sessions. A steady rhythm helps far more than marathon study hours.
Many successful candidates simply study a few hours a week, reinforcing what they already know. It’s not about memorizing obscure terms. It’s about recognizing situations quickly and responding with the right action.
Damian (verified owner) –
Cert Empire helped me prepare effectively for my exam. The questions focused on important concepts and provided the right practice to feel confident going into the test.