At a Glance
The numbers that matter, all in one place.
Question Types
Five formats you'll encounter — each tests a different skill.
Multiple Choice
Tests core definitions, protocol behavior, feature functionality, and terminology across all six domains. Read every option — Cisco loves "best" and "most" qualifiers.
Multiple Answer
Same as MCQ but multiple correct options. Partial credit is not given — miss one and the entire question is wrong. Always count the answers required.
Drag & Drop
Sequence steps, match components to functions, or organize concepts. Common for OSI layers, troubleshooting workflows, and protocol-to-port-number matching.
Sim (Simulation)
You're dropped into a simulated network and must configure or troubleshoot using real Cisco CLI syntax. Multiple show and config commands required. Time-heavy: budget 8–15 minutes.
Simlet
A network scenario you can inspect with show commands but not configure. Then answer 3–5 multiple-choice questions about it. Tests diagnostic reading skill.
Testlet
Static scenario (topology, output, config snippet) with multiple multiple-choice questions tied to it. No CLI access — purely interpretation.
Domain Weights
Where to invest your study hours.
| Domain | Weight | Approx Questions* | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 Network Fundamentals | 20% | ~20 | High — broad foundation |
| 2.0 Network Access | 20% | ~20 | High — switching & wireless |
| 3.0 IP Connectivity | 25% | ~25 | Highest — most weighted, often has sims |
| 4.0 IP Services | 10% | ~10 | Medium |
| 5.0 Security Fundamentals | 15% | ~15 | Medium-high |
| 6.0 Automation & Programmability | 10% | ~10 | Medium — conceptual |
*Approximate. Cisco does not disclose exact question counts per domain and they vary per delivery.
Pricing in Malaysia
The exact MYR figure is finalized at Pearson VUE checkout.
Cisco lists the CCNA 200-301 exam at USD $300 (base list price). Final MYR depends on FX rate at checkout and includes 6% SST.
Some sources also cite USD $330 as a reference — historically Cisco's published price has fluctuated between $300 and $355 USD. Confirm the live amount in the Pearson VUE scheduler before paying.
What's included
- One full attempt at exam 200-301
- Score report at end of session
- Digital badge + cert (if you pass)
- 3-year certification validity
What's NOT included
- Retake fee (full price each time)
- Reschedule fee if < 24h notice
- No-show fee = 100% forfeit
- Study materials / training
Booking, Reschedule & Retake Rules
The fine print that costs people money when they ignore it.
📅 Reschedule
- ≥ 24 hours before scheduled time → free reschedule
- < 24 hours → entire fee forfeited
- No-show → entire fee forfeited, no refund
- Reschedule via the Pearson VUE scheduler under your Cisco/CertMetrics account
🔁 Retake Policy
- First failure: 5-day waiting period before retake
- Subsequent failures: still 5 days (no escalating wait)
- Each retake = full exam fee again
- No limit on total retakes within the 12-month window per attempt
🆔 ID Requirements
- Two forms of ID, both with your name as registered
- Primary: government photo ID (NRIC, passport, driver's license)
- Secondary: signed credit card, employee ID, etc.
- Names must match Pearson VUE registration exactly — including middle names
⏰ At the Center
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early
- Lockers provided — no phones, watches, food in test room
- Whiteboard + marker provided for working out subnets
- Late by > 15 min = may be turned away as no-show
📜 Result & Certification
- Pass/fail shown immediately at exam end
- Score report printed at desk; digital report on CertMetrics within 24h
- Digital badge from Cisco within 7–10 days
- Certificate is valid for 3 years from pass date
🔄 Recertification
- Pass any current associate-level Cisco exam, OR
- Pass a higher-level Cisco exam (CCNP, etc.), OR
- Earn 30 Continuing Education credits through Cisco programs
- Recert before expiry — lapsed certs require full re-exam
Booking Walkthrough
The exact path from "I'm ready" to "I have a slot."
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1
Verify CertMetrics account
Log in to cp.certmetrics.com/cisco with your Cisco ID (the email tied to your Pearson VUE / Cisco Learning Network account). Confirm name spelling matches your IDs exactly.
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2
Select exam 200-301
From the scheduler, choose "Schedule a proctored exam" → search "200-301" → select the v1.1 listing.
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3
Choose: test center vs OnVUE
Test center recommended for CCNA — Iverson @ Bayan Bay or Disted @ Macalister. OnVUE (online proctored from home) is available but adds risk: connectivity, noise, room scan failures.
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4
Pick date & time
Iverson typically opens slots Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. Avoid the first slot of the day if you live far — traffic in Bayan Lepas. Also avoid Friday afternoon slots if Friday prayers affect the area.
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5
Apply voucher (if any) and pay
Voucher field is on the payment screen. Final RM total appears here — this is your authoritative price. Pay with credit card; receipt emailed.
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6
Save the confirmation
Confirmation email contains the test center address, your appointment ID, and check-in instructions. Print it — some centers want a physical copy at check-in.
Beyond the Basics
The stuff that doesn't make it into standard tip lists — but bites people on exam day.
The NDA Is Real
Before the exam starts, you'll digitally sign Cisco's Certification Confidentiality Agreement. It's not a formality.
- You agree never to discuss, post, or screenshot specific exam questions afterward
- Penalty: lifetime ban from all Cisco certs + nullification of existing ones
- No "what was on my CCNA" Reddit threads, even casually
- Don't engage with exam-dump sites even after passing
- The NDA timer eats your 120 minutes if you take too long. Skim, accept, move on.
Tutorial Screen Burns Time
Before the real exam, there's a 15-minute tutorial walking you through the interface, sim controls, and drag-drop mechanics.
- Doesn't count against your 120-minute timer if you click through it
- If you let it expire, it auto-advances and you've wasted clock you can't recover
- Click through in 60 seconds — you've already practiced this format with Boson
Calculator & Whiteboard
You get tools — but the slow ones will cost you the exam.
- On-screen calculator: basic, slow. For subnetting, the whiteboard is faster.
- Practice on paper during prep, not with a calculator
- Test your markers before the exam starts — ask for replacements if dry. Once started, you can't.
- Iverson typically provides 1 laminated whiteboard + 2 markers
- Use the in-sim digital notepad for tracking config steps
OnVUE Gotchas (Online Testing)
If you ever consider home testing, these will catch you out:
- No bathroom breaks. Start = finish, or fail.
- Background noise (traffic, renovation, family) → proctor can suspend or fail you
- Webcam room scan — every wall, desk surface, under-desk. Any visible second monitor, paper, phone, smartwatch = disqualified.
- Wi-Fi disconnect = exam aborted. Use wired ethernet.
What Happens After You Pass
- Cisco.com profile: create it before the exam. Without it, you'll spend 3 days emailing support to claim your cert.
- Digital badge arrives via Credly within 7–10 days — set up Credly in advance
- Physical certificate is no longer mailed by default; request via Cisco store if needed
- LinkedIn: add the cert immediately — recruiters in Penang/KL filter heavily by Cisco certs for network roles
- Recert reminder for month 30 — easiest path: pass CCNP Encor, or earn 30 CE credits
Topics With Disproportionate Density
These get more questions than their domain weight suggests, per recent passers:
| Topic | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| OSPFv2 single-area | Almost guaranteed sim or testlet |
| VLANs + trunking | Foundation for many other questions |
| Standard & extended ACLs | Hidden in security AND services questions |
| NAT (static + pool) | Common sim topic |
| Wireless GUI config | New emphasis in v1.1 — don't skip WLC interface |
show ip route interpretation | Shows up everywhere |
Mental Traps People Fall Into
- "I'll start after I buy the books" — start now with Jeremy's IT Lab (free YouTube). Books arrive whenever.
- "I'll book when I feel ready" — you never will. Book 2–3 weeks out from hitting Boson 800+. Deadline pressure drives the final push.
- "I failed the Boson practice — I'm not ready" — Boson is harder than the real exam by design. 750+ on Boson likely means passing the real thing.
- "I'll do simulations last" — wrong order. Sims often appear at the start when your nerves are highest. Do them first if confident; mark & skip if not.
- Caffeine overdose on exam morning → jittery, can't focus. Stick to your normal routine.
Malaysia-Specific Final Reminders
- Print your appointment confirmation — some Iverson admin staff still want it physically
- Parking at Bayan Bay is street-side off Persiaran Bayan Indah; tight from 10–11am. Arrive by 8:45am for a 9:30 slot
- Dress in layers. Air-con cold at 9am, warm by noon
- NRIC is the simplest primary ID — no need for passport unless your CertMetrics name uses non-Malaysian spelling
- Avoid Friday afternoon slots if Friday prayers affect Bayan Lepas traffic patterns
Authoritative Sources
Always verify pricing and policy here before paying.
Cisco — Official 200-301 Page
Authoritative exam description and current version status.
v1.1 Blueprint PDF
Official exam topics document — verbatim source for the topic tracker.
Pearson VUE Scheduler
Live availability + final MYR price at checkout.
OnVUE Online Testing
Home-proctored exam option — read system requirements carefully.