Cisco ENNA 300-445
Cisco Certified Network Associate Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation (ENNA 300-445)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Cisco ENNA 300-445 exam is a concentration exam in Cisco's associate-level certification track that focuses on enterprise networking, security, and automation. It is aimed at candidates who already hold foundational networking knowledge and want to demonstrate practical skills across routing and switching, WAN access, network security controls, and programmatic network management. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Cisco. The exam spans six broad areas: network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability. Expect questions that test configuration and verification reasoning rather than pure trivia, including multiple-choice and multiple-response items. Preparation should combine hands-on lab work on routers and switches with structured review of each domain, weighted toward IP connectivity and the two 20 percent domains. Build labs that exercise VLANs, trunking, OSPF, static routing, NAT, DHCP, ACLs, port security, and basic device automation, then practice verifying your work with show commands and troubleshooting scenarios. Candidates should confirm current exam topics, scheduling, pricing, and retake rules directly with the official certification body, which publishes the authoritative details on its website.
What you'll study
About Cisco ENNA 300-445 preparation
What is the format of the ENNA 300-445 exam?
It is a proctored certification exam delivered as computer-based multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. The official certification body publishes the current delivery options and any updates to item types on its website, so check there before scheduling rather than relying on third-party descriptions.
How difficult is the exam?
Most candidates find it moderate but broad. Individual questions are rarely trick questions, but the range across routing, switching, security, and automation rewards candidates who have actually configured and troubleshot these technologies. If you only memorize command syntax without lab practice, expect the scenario items to expose the gap.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes, retakes are generally permitted after a waiting period, but the exact policy, waiting time, and any fee implications are set by the official certification body. Confirm the current retake rules on its website before you book a second attempt.
How much time should I schedule for the exam?
The official body publishes the current appointment length and any tutorial time on its site, and that figure can change. Book your slot with buffer around it, arrive early for check-in, and plan your pacing so you leave time to review flagged questions rather than rushing the final items.
What study order works best?
Start with network fundamentals and access, because VLANs, trunking, and switching behavior underpin later topics. Move to IP connectivity for routing and OSPF, then IP services such as NAT and DHCP. Add security fundamentals next, and finish with automation so programmability concepts sit on top of working device knowledge.
Do I need hands-on labs, or is reading enough?
Hands-on practice matters. Reading explains concepts, but the exam asks you to interpret output and reason about misconfigurations. Build small topologies, break them deliberately, and practice reading show command output. Packet Tracer or physical gear both work; the goal is fluency with verification, not just configuration.
What are common reasons candidates fail?
Three recurring problems: skipping labs and relying on memorization, neglecting the lower-weight domains such as IP services and automation, and weak troubleshooting habits. Candidates also lose points by misreading multiple-response items and selecting too few or too many options. Practice reading each question's exact requirement before answering.
Is this exam enough to earn a certification on its own?
No. A concentration exam is typically combined with a core exam to earn a full certification. The official certification body defines which combinations qualify and how long the credential remains valid, so verify the current structure on its website before planning your certification path.
How current is the material on this page?
This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with Cisco. Exam topics, weights, and logistics can change, so treat this as a study aid and confirm the authoritative exam topics, scheduling, and pricing with the official certification body before you register.