Evolving the CCNA in the Age of AI

The CCNA is evolving to help learners build practical, job-ready networking skills for a world increasingly shaped by AI, automation, security, and cloud-managed architectures. In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift sits down with Mubasher Nawaz, Cisco Certification Portfolio Manager, to discuss the newly refreshed CCNA certification and what learners can expect when the updated exam launches in February 2027. Together, they explore why Cisco is updating the CCNA, how the certification is shifting toward hands-on, scenario-based learning, and why troubleshooting, automation, AI-enabled network operations, and real-world skills are becoming even more important for early-in-career networking professionals. Whether you’re just beginning your networking journey, actively preparing for the current CCNA, or looking ahead to future certification updates, this episode offers helpful context on where the CCNA is headed and how learners can continue preparing with confidence. CCNA Update Blog: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/blogs/a0DQO00000616W92AI/ccna-announcement-blog CCNA Podcast Thread: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5QO00002GdwWx0AJ/allnew-cisco-learning-network-podcast-episodes-coming-your-way-