CCNA Roadmap 2026
6 phases · 12 weeks · build one project in every phase.
Step-by-step plan
- OSI and TCP/IP models
- TCP, UDP and ports
- Cabling and Ethernet basics
- IOS CLI navigation
- Packet Tracer and Wireshark
Project: Build a small office topology in Packet Tracer and capture a TCP handshake in Wireshark
- IPv4 subnetting by block size
- VLSM design
- Route summarization
- IPv6 addressing and SLAAC
- ARP and Neighbor Discovery
Project: Design a VLSM addressing plan for a head office and three branches with IPv6
- VLANs and 802.1Q trunks
- Inter-VLAN routing
- Rapid PVST+ and root bridge tuning
- PortFast and BPDU Guard
- LACP EtherChannel
Project: Build a redundant two-tier campus with VLANs, SVIs, EtherChannel and a planned root bridge
- Static, default and floating routes
- Single-area OSPFv2
- DR and BDR election
- OSPF troubleshooting
- HSRP gateway redundancy
Project: Connect three sites with OSPF, a floating static backup route and HSRP gateways
- DHCP, relay and DNS
- NAT and PAT
- NTP, syslog and SNMPv3
- ACLs and port security
- DHCP snooping, DAI and AAA
Project: Secure a branch with PAT, DHCP relay, extended ACLs, SSH-only access and DHCP snooping
- WLAN controllers and WPA3
- REST APIs and JSON
- Python with Netmiko
- Ansible playbooks
- Mock exams and interview practice
Project: Write a Python script that backs up configs from five devices and an Ansible NTP playbook
Practise each topic
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn CCNA?
Following this roadmap takes about 12 weeks with regular practice. Working professionals usually need a little longer.
What should I learn first in CCNA?
Start with phase 1: OSI and TCP/IP models, TCP, UDP and ports, Cabling and Ethernet basics. Build the phase project before moving on.
How do I know I am job-ready in CCNA?
When you can finish all phase projects on your own, solve the medium questions in the topic sheets and clear the mock interview comfortably.