How to Pass the CCNA in 2026: A Simple Guide

You can pass the exam without spending time in labs or the CLI, but you’re doing yourself a disservice when it comes to building real skills or landing a job. Here is the best software to use.

This is the best choice for beginners. It is free and made by Cisco. It works on almost any laptop or computer. It has everything you need for the CCNA exam. Do not make things hard for yourself. Just start with this.

This is a great step up from Packet Tracer. It lets you run real Cisco software on your computer. It is very similar to the paid tools pros use. The best part is that it is free.

This is what professional engineers use at work. It looks good on a resume. However, it can be hard to set up. The free version has some limits.

This software used to be the most popular choice. It still works well. However, it feels a bit old and clunky compared to the new tools.

Do you hate installing software? Then you should buy Boson. It costs money. But it comes with labs ready to go. You do not have to set anything up.

You can usually buy this course for about 15 dollars. It is a steal. David covers everything. He also gives you lab files to use with Packet Tracer. This is the best deal you will find.

Some textbooks are boring. CBT Nuggets videos are short and fun. The teachers have a lot of energy. It is a monthly subscription. This means it costs more money over time. But it is great if you need help staying motivated.

Best for Deep Dives. This course is for people who want to know every single detail. It is very technical. It is also expensive. It might be too much information for a beginner.

You want to pass without spending too much. Here is what you should use.