Let me be real with you: I'm not some networking genius. I don't have a home lab with three Cisco switches and a rack-mounted router. I have a regular 9-to-5, a laptop, and about 2 hours of free time per day.
And I passed the CCNA in 60 days.
Here's exactly how.
Day 1-5: The Reality Check
Before I started studying, I took a diagnostic practice test. Scored 34%. Brutal. But also useful — it showed me exactly where my gaps were.
The CCNA 200-301 covers a LOT of ground:
- Network Fundamentals (20%)
- Network Access (20%)
- IP Connectivity (25%)
- IP Services (10%)
- Security Fundamentals (15%)
- Automation and Programmability (10%)
IP Connectivity at 25% is the biggest chunk. That's routing protocols (OSPF), static routing, and — everybody's favorite — subnetting.
Day 6-20: The Foundation Phase
I used Neil Anderson's CCNA course on Udemy ($15 on sale). Watched 2-3 lectures per day during lunch breaks and after work.
Key topics I focused on first:
- OSI model
- IPv4 addressing and subnetting (spent 3 full days on this alone)
- Switching fundamentals (VLANs, trunking, STP)
- Basic routing (static routes, default routes)
Day 21-40: Labs and Hands-On
Cisco Packet Tracer (free) is your best friend. I built:
- A multi-VLAN network with inter-VLAN routing
- An OSPF network with 4 routers across 3 areas
- ACLs filtering traffic between subnets
- NAT configuration (static, dynamic, PAT)
Day 41-55: Practice Questions — The Secret Weapon
I switched from learning mode to testing mode. 50 practice questions per day. I used ExamCert's CCNA practice tests because the questions are scenario-based and the explanations actually explain why each wrong answer is wrong.
By day 50, I was consistently scoring 80-85% on practice exams.
Day 56-60: Final Sprint
Full-length practice exam on day 56 (scored 82%). Reviewed all wrong answers. Focused exclusively on weak areas.
The Exam Day
120 minutes. Mix of multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and simulation questions. I finished in 95 minutes and passed with an 860.
What It Cost Me
- Udemy course: $15
- ExamCert lifetime access: $4.99
- Packet Tracer: Free
- Exam fee: $330
- Total: ~$350
Start here: free CCNA 200-301 practice test. See where you stand. Then commit to 60 days.
If I can do it working full-time with no lab equipment, you can too.
Top comments (0)