CCNA Automation study guide
CCNA Automation · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The CCNA is Cisco's associate-level networking certification, aimed at candidates who need to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot small-to-medium enterprise networks. This independent study page covers the automation and programmability portion of the blueprint alongside the broader networking topics a candidate must master, because automation questions rarely appear in isolation - they assume solid grounding in switching, routing, and IP services. The CCNA Automation study guide has 6 sections and about 2,405 words.
01Network Fundamentals
The Network Fundamentals domain carries 20% of the CCNA 200-301 exam and tests how data is encapsulated, addressed, and carried across LAN and WAN topologies. Questions often ask you to read a topology description, choose the right cable or device, or calculate subnet values - so precision with masks and PDU names matters more than memorizing marketing terms.
418 words, about 2 min02Network Access
The Network Access domain (20%) tests VLAN segmentation, trunking, Spanning Tree, EtherChannel, and wireless access. Expect configuration-style questions: which VLAN is allowed on a trunk, which switch becomes root, or why an EtherChannel stayed down.
441 words, about 2 min03IP Connectivity
The IP Connectivity domain is the largest at 25% and tests the routing table, static routes, single-area OSPFv2, and first-hop redundancy. You must explain why a specific route is chosen, not just configure one.
380 words, about 2 min04IP Services
The IP Services domain (10%) covers the supporting services that make a network usable: DHCP, DNS, NAT, NTP, SNMP, syslog, and QoS. Questions tend to be about message flows, address translation terms, and severity or stratum values.
366 words, about 2 min05Security Fundamentals
The Security Fundamentals domain (15%) tests security concepts, AAA, ACLs, Layer 2 protections, VPNs, and device hardening. Most questions ask you to select the control that fits a threat or to evaluate an ACL's effect.
388 words, about 2 min06Automation and Programmability
The Automation and Programmability domain (10%) tests how software-defined networking, APIs, data formats, and configuration-management tools change network operations. Expect definition-based questions plus simple JSON or REST interpretation.
412 words, about 2 min