Inside the CCNA v1.1 exam update: AI, machine learning, and more

Whether you're already preparing for the exam or thinking about getting your CCNA certification, you've probably heard about the minor updates arriving in the latest version of the 200-301 CCNA exam. AI is playing a major role in everything we do these days, including networking. And since we are already incorporating AI in Cisco technologies, it only makes sense that we keep our training and exams relevant with the same updates to meet job-role demands.

Although the minor updates make up only 10 percent of the 200-301 CCNA v1.1 exam, I thought they deserved a more in-depth explanation. Read on for a closer look at the CCNA exam's v1.1 update, tips to help you prepare, and where to find training for the new content on the exam.

CCNA exam updates: generative AI, predictive AI, and machine learning

One of our main goals was to ensure that the CCNA's exam topics and certification met the market's needs. In addition to the requests for AI training from trainers, Cisco Networking Academy, subject matter experts, and CCNA candidates, we wanted to ensure the safe, respectful, and responsible use of AI. That meant providing updated training and testing.

A major change in the updated CCNA exam is the removal of traditional campus device management with DNA Center. Now, you'll be tested on your ability to explain generative and predictive AI, as well as machine learning (ML) in network operations. Yet another important addition is cloud-managed access, included in the task of describing network device management access. We've also added root guard, loop guard, BPDU filter, and BPDU guard to the task of interpreting basic operations in the Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol.

Study tip: Understand what the task is asking

As with any Cisco certification exam, it's important to attend training sessions and join a study community. Buty most of all, you need to pay attention to what the task is actually asking as you study the exam topics. If the task says explain, that's a lot different than configure. If you see the term, configure, you'll need hands-on experience. But if you see the term, explain, you need to know the details. With compare you need to know the similarities and differences. Don't just skim past those terms.

Understanding the verb in the task will help you figure out how deep you need to go. So, when you see verbs like configure and verify, this means you'll need to actually configure and verify routers and switches in such a way that applies to real-world use of Cisco products and services. You can't just tell us what IP addressing is; you'll need to apply your knowledge of IP addressing and how to make it work in a network. There's a big jump between describing something and configuring something.

In one of the new tasks (with the addition of root guard, loop guard, BPDU filter, and BPDU guard), you're being asked to interpret the basic operations of Rapid PVST + Spanning Tree Protocol. That means you'll need to understand how the pieces fit together to interpret what's going on within these tasks.

Here are more ways to understand the 6.4 task request: Explain AI (generative and predictive) and machine learning in network operations.

• Explain: Need high-level knowledge of AI and machine learning

You'll need to understand generative and predictive AI. The task asks you to explain, so you don't need detailed configuration knowledge but only high-level knowledge. You do need to know what they do, how they interact with data and within networks, and how AI would interact with machine learning.

• Recognize: Understand integration of Terraform and Ansible

Today's CCNA certification holders are generalists, possessing a wide range of knowledge across multiple technology areas. Years ago, the keywords were automation and programmability. Now we're focusing more on Terraform and Ansible, the leaders in automation and programmability. It's important to understand how these technologies integrate with configuration management within networks. The task asks you to recognize what they can do and how they can improve network configuration management.

Main skills and competencies haven't changed

The updated exam still validates the same skills and competencies, which are similar to what we have in the previous version. You'll still need to know how to configure routers and switches as well as how to interpret what is happening within the network during a snapshot in time. We haven't added any major leaps in skills and competencies. So if you're midway through your study process, keep going, but add in what we've added to the exam topics blueprint.

Study skills, research, hands-on lab are key before taking the exam

I recommend you have a lot of hands-on experience, even if it's just lab experience, with routers and switches-even with the updated cert. That's very important to pass the exam. But enhanced study skills are essential. You'll need to be able to take this blueprint overall and break it up, look at things like fundamentals, and dig deeper. Research is key; be proficient in researching topics to figure out how to get to the knowledge level you need. Even though these are entry-level topics, you'll still need to have hands-on practice with labs. So these three things (study skills, research, and hands-on labs) are important to help you get the best results.

Benefits of CCNA: confidence, jobs, and higher certifications

Similar to the previous CCNA, the updated exam is for an entry-level person with a general understanding of many things regarding networking, such as junior engineers and people who are kickstarting their career or wanting to jump into call centers.

Obtaining the CCNA certification means you have the skills necessary to study in advance. Of course you can go up to another level quickly if you want, but the CCNA cert gives you the confidence for the next certification. You have enough of a generalist understanding so that you can dig deeper into your CCNP and pick your specialist-security, wireless, or automation programmability if that's what you want.

Let's get started!

I feel so passionate about having at least a CCNA when you're starting out in your career. It really does validate your skillset! If you can do what we're asking you to do, and you've obtained the cert, that's your ticket; it validates your credibility to employers. And it gives you a boost even on a personal level. You know you have the skills to do the job. That can bring you confidence, even in an interview process.

So what are you waiting for? The exam is now live, so let's get you started on your new path to a CCNA and the career you've always wanted!

• Download the exam topics for further study, and check out the release notes to see a list of updates between CCNA v1.0 and v1.1.
• For the latest ILT and Cisco U. training information, visit the CCNA Training Overview.
• Access free tutorials that highlight the latest minor updates to the CCNA certification:
  • Basic Operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol
  • Understanding AI and LLMs as a Network Engineer
  • Learning Device Management Access
• You can also join the discussion around the updated CCNA exam.

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