If you’re looking to kickstart or level up your career in IT networking, you’ve most likely heard of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and might be considering whether it is a worthwhile qualification for you to have.
Offered globally by Cisco, and now available through reputable Australian training providers like Monarch Institute, CCNA is a foundational certification that validates your skills in networking fundamentals, IP connectivity, security fundamentals and more. It’s the ideal initial stepping stone to higher certifications or a key credential to land your first IT job.
What is the CCNA Certification?
The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a globally recognised entry-level certification from Cisco Systems. It’s designed to validate a professional’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks. This includes implementing and verifying connections to remote sites in a WAN.
Whether you’re an aspiring network engineer, help desk technician, or IT support professional, CCNA offers a strong foundation. In Australia, where demand for skilled IT professionals is growing, CCNA can be a significant boost to your employability and salary prospects.
What is CCNA used for?
The CCNA certification proves your ability to manage and optimise network systems. Employers often list CCNA as a required or preferred certification for roles such as:
- Junior System or Network Administrator
- Field technician or engineer
- Systems support
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Cloud infrastructure support
- Technical support and help desk
- Network Analyst
- Network Support Engineer
- Network Technician
In practical terms, CCNA gives you the confidence and recognition to manage Cisco-based networking environments, which are commonly used across enterprise systems both in Australia and globally.
Jobs are available in a wide range of sectors from finance to healthcare and government. According to JobOutlook and Seek, demand for networking professionals in Australia is expected to grow steadily over the next five years.
What is the best pathway to achieve a CCNA certification?
As a network professional, you will develop in-demand skills and credentials that you can use in future employment opportunities. By achieving a CCNA, you will demonstrate and promote that you have the skills required to configure advanced networks.
Monarch Institute offers courses designed to prepare you for the CISCO Certified Networking Associate (200-301 CCNA) exam. To be fully prepared for the certification exam you must complete all three courses in the CCNA Series or have equivalent work experience.
- Introduction to Networks
- Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials
- Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation
Once these courses are completed you’ll then be ready to take the certification exam. This can be booked through the Pearson Vue testing centres. Exam costs are not included in your course fee.
How much is the CCNA exam?
Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (200-301 CCNA) v1.1 is a 120-minute exam that tests your knowledge and skills related to network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.
As of 2025, the CCNA exam (code 200-301) costs $300USD, this equates to around $610 AUD. This is the standard fee to sit the exam through Pearson VUE, Cisco’s authorised testing partner. Pricing can vary slightly based on the currency exchange rate and whether you’re booking through a training provider or directly.
Optional training or self-study to prepare for the exam is offered through Monarch. Providing cost-effective study options and flexible payment plans to make your CCNA certification more accessible.
What is included in the CCNA exam?
The CCNA 200-301 exam syllabus covers a broad range of topics. Here is a breakdown by subject area with estimated weightings:
- Network Fundamentals (20%): IP addressing, Ethernet, TCP/IP models
- Network Access (20%): VLANs, switch operations
- IP Connectivity (25%): Routing protocols, default gateway configuration
- IP Services (10%): NAT, DHCP, NTP, QoS
- Security Fundamentals (15%): Access control, device hardening, VPNs
- Automation & Programmability (10%): Controller-based networks, APIs
To pass the exam, you’ll need a solid understanding of both theoretical concepts and real-world network scenarios. Monarch’s Cisco CCNA7 Introduction to Networks course provides a strong foundation, while the Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials and Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation courses help you master more advanced topics.
CISCO CCNA Series
Monarch is a CISCO Networking Academy Partner and our courses are offered in partnership with CISCO Networking Academy. This global recognition provides you with the confidence in knowing both the quality of training and the universal applicability of the skills learned in the course, will give you a substantial advantage in the rapidly evolving tech and IT industry.
CCNA 7: Introduction to Networks (ITN)
In this course you will learn the skills that lay the groundwork for more complex networking configurations such as building simple LANS, configuring routers, switches and network security.
The course has 17 modules that cover:
- Networking Today
- Basic Switch and End Device Configuration
- Protocols and Models
- Physical Layer
- Number Systems
- Data Link Layer
- Ethernet Switching
- Network Layer
- Address Resolution
- Basic Router Configuration
- IPv4 Addressing
- IPv6 Addressing
- ICMP
- Transport Layer
- Application Layer
- Network Security Fundamentals
- Build a Small Network
CNA 7: Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials (SRWE)
In this course you develop a deep understanding of network switching, routing, and wireless configurations, crucial for handling modern network infrastructures.
The course has 16 modules that cover:
- Basic Device Configuration
- Switching Concepts
- VLANs
- Inter-VLAN Routing
- STP Concepts
- EtherChannel
- DHCPv4
- SLAAC and DHCPv6
- FHRP Concepts
- LAN Security Concepts
- Switch Security Configuration
- WLAN Concepts
- WLAN Configuration
- Routing Concepts
- IP Static Routing
- Troubleshoot Static and Default Routes
CCNA 7: Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation (ENSA)
In this course you will gain practical experience with essential networking tools, including routers, switches, and wireless devices. It covers configuration and troubleshooting for VLANs, WLANs, and inter-VLAN routing, giving you a hands-on foundation.
The course has 14 modules that cover:
- Single-Area OSPFv2 Concepts
- Single-Area OSPFv2 Configuration
- Network Security Concepts
- ACL Concepts
- ACLs for IPv4 Configuration
- NAT for IPv4
- WAN Concepts
- VPN and IPsec Concepts
- QoS Concepts
- Network Management
- Network Design
- Network Troubleshooting
- Network Virtualisation
- Network Automation
Is obtaining the CCNA very hard?
The CCNA is a challenging certification, particularly if you’re new to IT networking. However, with structured training, real-world labs, and consistent study, it’s absolutely achievable. Monarch’s online CCNA courses are designed to make complex concepts digestible and hands-on.
Does CCNA require coding?
Not necessarily. CCNA includes a small component of automation and programmability, which introduces tools like REST APIs and basic CLI commands. But you don’t need a strong coding background to succeed. Most of the focus is on networking concepts, not software development. Is CCNA equivalent to a degree?
CCNA is not a degree, it’s an industry certification. While a degree covers a broader academic scope over several years, CCNA is more focused and practical. It can complement a degree or serve as a standalone qualification to jumpstart your IT career.
Is CCNA enough to get a job?
For many entry-level roles in IT networking, yes. Employers across Australia recognise CCNA as a benchmark for network support and administration capabilities. Pairing CCNA with a hands-on course through Monarch can make you job-ready faster.
What type of salary can I expect to be paid if I have a CCNA certification?
In Australia, entry-level network engineers with a CCNA certification can earn between $65,000 to $85,000 AUD per year. With experience, this can increase to over $100,000 annually. The CCNA is often a stepping stone to higher-level certifications like Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), which opens doors to even higher salary brackets as you progress in your career.
How long does the CCNA certification last?
Your CCNA certification is valid for three years. After that, you need to either:
- Retake the CCNA exam
- Earn Continuing Education (CE) credits
- Pass a higher-level Cisco certification (e.g. CCNP)
How does CCNA compare to other certifications?
If your career goal is network administration or security, CCNA remains one of the most respected and comprehensive entry-level certifications in the world.
| Certification | Focus | Level | Global Recognition |
| CCNA | Networking fundamentals | Entry | High |
| CompTIA Network+ | General networking | Entry | Medium |
| Juniper JNCIA | Juniper Networks | Entry | Medium |
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Cloud | Entry | High (cloud-specific) |
Frequently asked questions
Q: How long does it take to prepare for the CCNA?
A: With full-time study, 2-3 months. Part-time learners may need 4-6 months.
Q: Can I study CCNA online in Australia?
A: Yes, Monarch offers flexible online courses designed for Australian learners.
Q: What are the prerequisites for CCNA?
A: None officially, but basic computer skills and networking awareness help.
Q: Is CCNA suitable for career changers?
A: Absolutely. It’s ideal for those entering the IT industry or shifting focus within tech.
Study with Monarch
Getting CCNA certified is a smart move in today’s job market, especially in Australia’s rapidly growing tech sector. Whether you’re just starting out or pivoting your career, the CCNA gives you the skills and recognition to compete.
At Monarch, we offer three dedicated online courses that cover the entire CCNA syllabus:
- Cisco CCNA7 Introduction to Networks
- CCNA 7 Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials
- CCNA 7 Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation
With local support, flexible scheduling, and real-world labs, Monarch helps you build confidence and prepare thoroughly for the CCNA exam.
Monarch offers ‘education for the real world’. Learning experiences that make you ready for the real world, not just for the classroom. Our courses, nationally recognised and delivered entirely online, reflect what employers are already looking for, not just a bunch of intellectual theory and textbook theory.
If you’re thinking about upskilling or kickstarting your IT career, check out the options for online education Monarch Institute offers its students. A real world education for real world jobs.
Get in touch today on 1300 738 955 to find out more.
