A major evolution for the international networking certification: Cisco announces CCNA v2.0 starting February 2027

Since its last major overhaul in 2020, the world of technology and network infrastructure has taken giant leaps forward. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept but has directly integrated into daily operations, while information security (cybersecurity) has become a default requirement for every business.

To meet the real-world demand for "job-ready" professionals, Cisco has officially announced an update to the CCNA certification to version v2.0, effective from February 2027. This update opens a new, practical chapter for the world’s most renowned networking certification, focusing on a core philosophy: Candidates must not only grasp the theory but also possess the hands-on capability to get the job done from day one.

Shift in mindset: From manual operator to intelligent orchestrator

For years, network engineers primarily acted as Operatorsb - handling tasks like configuring devices, securing systems, and troubleshooting via the Command Line Interface (CLI). Cisco's new direction does not discard these fundamental elements; instead, it expands the engineer's role into that of an Orchestrator.

Cisco announced that CCNA version v2.0 will be available from February 2027.

In this new era, they will work alongside AI to design, protect, and optimize increasingly automated network systems.

The CCNA v2.0 program will focus on evaluating students' capabilities through real-world scenarios:

• The ability to troubleshoot active, production networks under time pressure.

• The capacity to verify and detect inaccuracies in AI-generated outputs.

• The mindset to integrate security into the system right from the initial design phase, rather than patching vulnerabilities after completion.

Four core innovations in the CCNA v2.0 curriculum

1. Centralizing troubleshooting skills

Instead of memorizing commands to configure devices and pass the exam like before, students must now make analytical and problem-solving skills their core focus. The ability to quickly isolate and resolve issues is highly valued by employers over rote memorization of command syntaxes.

2. Integrated security throughout

Information security is no longer a separate, afterthought chapter at the end of the textbook. In version v2.0, security will be woven into all contents, from Layer 2 Security, Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA), Secure File Transfer, Secure Management, and Access Control, to system hardening.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) officially introduced to the exam

Working with AI has become a baseline skill for modern network engineers.

AI will officially be included in the CCNA 2027 exam

The new exam will test practical knowledge, including:

• Applying Agentic AI in network operations.

• Utilizing Digital Network Assistants.

• Evaluating and filtering outputs from AI tools.

• Prompt Engineering for troubleshooting purposes.

4. Prioritizing practical assessment over rote memorization

Cisco is shifting its exam format toward evaluating candidates' hands-on performance. The exam will include scenario-based questions, practical skill assessments, and hands-on validation to prove that the candidate can genuinely do the work.

New competency structure in the exam

The CCNA v2.0 blueprint is divided into 5 main domain areas:

• Network Infrastructure & Connectivity (25%): Building, establishing links, and maintaining the infrastructure system.

• Switching and Network Access (25%): Configuring and troubleshooting at the access layer.

• IP Routing (20%): Mastering packet flows and resolving routing errors.

• Network Services and Security (20%): Managing system services combined with information security.

• AI and Network Operations (10%): Collaborating with artificial intelligence tools to operate the network.

Advice for those currently studying the program

For students currently pursuing CCNA version v1.1, Cisco recommends continuing your study path. The current exam remains fully valid and effective until February 2027.

To support students, VnPro will update and teach the new topics to current students, allowing them the flexibility to take the current exam format or fully prepare for the CCNA 2.0 curriculum.

Transition support programs for learners

To help learners easily adapt to the new version, Cisco and VnPro will collaborate to provide learning resources, including:

• Free training content on the Cisco U platform and VnPro’s online media channels (Forum, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook Community, and website vnpro.vn).

• Premium learning paths (VnPro's NetCenter).

• Scenario-based labs and practical hands-on exercises.

• New tutorial materials.

The arrival of CCNA v2.0 proves that the network administration industry is shifting heavily toward automation, AI-assisted operations, a security-first design mindset, and real-world troubleshooting capabilities. While the traditional command-line interface still exists, it is no longer the entirety of an engineer's job. The future of networking does not lack job opportunities; rather, the nature of the role and the skill requirements for professionals will noticeably change.