Cisco / Associate / 200-301 v1.1
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Turn networking concepts into Cisco configuration decisions: VLANs, OSPF, access controls, wireless and automation.
Targets v1.1, including AI/ML and Terraform concepts. Cisco announces v2.0 testing from 3 February 2027. Do not assume this v1.1 map covers the new blueprint; verify your booked version. Practise configure-and-verify objectives in a simulator or lab.
THE REVISION PATH
Your topics, in order.
Read. Recall. Explain the alternative.
Models, Packets and Network Devices
Name the layer, then name the job.
IPv4, IPv6 and Subnetting
Prefix is the boundary; longest match wins.
Ports, DNS, DHCP and Time
Resolve the name, obtain the lease, trust the clock.
Switching, VLANs and Loop Prevention
VLAN separates; trunk carries; spanning tree prevents loops.
Routing, NAT and Resilient Gateways
Specific route first; preference next; metric within the protocol.
Wireless and Network Access Security
Signal quality, channel plan and identity all matter.
Cabling, Cloud and Physical Design
Match medium, distance, power and failure domain.
Network Operations and Recovery
Baseline normal; control change; restore what matters.
Troubleshooting Networks
Define the symptom; test one layer; verify the whole path.
Cisco VLANs, Trunks, EtherChannel and STP
Configure the path, then inspect the operational result.
Cisco Routing Tables and OSPF
Neighbor first, route second, packet path last.
Cisco IP Services and Management
Translate, relay, mark and monitor deliberately.
Cisco ACLs, Layer 2 Protections and AAA
Match the packet before you apply the rule.
Network Automation, APIs, AI and Terraform
Model desired state; authenticate the API; verify the result.
How this guide is organised
Original revision notes arranged around practical decisions. The linked official objectives define the mapped scope; primary documentation supports the explanations. Read each topic, answer without looking, then explain why another option would fail.
- Official exam guide ↗ Scope authority
- Cisco U and CCNA preparation ↗ Vendor learning sequence
- Cisco announced version transition ↗ Version notice
Revision material supports preparation; it does not guarantee every possible exam question. Check the exam version and official objectives before booking.