CCNA Course in Sri Lanka
Cisco Certified Network Associate — Your Complete Guide to CCNA 200-301 in Sri Lanka
CCNA is the gold standard entry-level networking certification. Whether you aspire to work in an ISP, corporate network team, or telecommunications company, CCNA provides the foundational credential that Sri Lankan IT employers actively seek.
Why CCNA Is Valuable in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's networking infrastructure has expanded significantly over the past decade. National broadband rollouts, 4G/5G network deployments, smart city initiatives in Colombo and Jaffna, and the rapid growth of cloud connectivity for the technology export sector have collectively created sustained demand for qualified network engineers. Cisco equipment dominates enterprise networking in Sri Lanka across all major industries, meaning CCNA-certified engineers are directly deployable with minimal retraining.
The current CCNA 200-301, introduced in February 2020, is deliberately broader than older CCNA tracks. It explicitly includes network automation, programmability with Python, software-defined networking (SDN), and cloud-aware networking concepts — positioning CCNA holders as relevant not just to traditional enterprise networking but also to modern hybrid cloud environments.
SLT-MOBITEL, Dialog Axiata, and Lanka Bell are major telcos employing large numbers of CCNA-certified engineers for both field and NOC (Network Operations Centre) roles. Large system integrators such as Millennium IT ESP, Printcare, and enterprise divisions of ICT firms also regularly hire CCNA holders for client infrastructure projects.
CCNA 200-301 at a Glance
- Awarding Body: Cisco Systems
- Exam Code: 200-301 CCNA
- Duration: 120 minutes, 100–120 questions
- Delivery: Pearson VUE test centres (Colombo and other cities)
- Validity: 3 years from date of passing
- Next Step: CCNP (Enterprise, Security, Data Centre, or DevNet specialisations)
CCNA Exam Topics and Cisco Certification Pathway
Network Fundamentals
20%OSI and TCP/IP models, IP addressing, IPv4/IPv6, cabling, switches, routers, wireless
Network Access
20%VLANs, trunking, EtherChannel, Spanning Tree, wireless LAN configurations
IP Connectivity
25%Routing concepts, static routes, OSPF, inter-VLAN routing, first-hop redundancy
IP Services
10%NAT, NTP, DHCP, DNS, QoS, SNMP, TFTP/FTP
Security Fundamentals
15%Access control lists (ACLs), VPNs, site security, password policies, port security
Automation and Programmability
10%SDN, REST APIs, Python scripting, Ansible basics, DNA Centre overview
Career Outcomes and Salary
| Role | Monthly Salary (LKR) | Employer Type |
|---|---|---|
| IT Support Engineer | 60,000 – 100,000 | SMEs, schools |
| Network Engineer (CCNA) | 90,000 – 180,000 | Telcos, ISPs, banks |
| Senior Network Engineer (CCNP) | 200,000 – 380,000 | Large corporates, MNCs |
| Network Architect / Manager | 320,000 – 500,000 | Enterprise, government |
*Indicative LKR ranges. Telco and MNC roles at the higher end of ranges. Overseas/remote roles offer substantially higher compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CCNA and who awards it?
CCNA — Cisco Certified Network Associate — is a professional networking certification awarded by Cisco Systems, the world's leading networking technology company. The current CCNA (exam code 200-301) is a single, comprehensive exam that replaced the previous multi-exam CCNA routing and switching track in 2020. It covers networking fundamentals, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability. CCNA is the most widely recognised entry-to-mid level networking certification in Sri Lanka and globally.
What does the current CCNA 200-301 exam cover?
The CCNA 200-301 exam covers six domains: Network Fundamentals (20%), Network Access (20%), IP Connectivity (25%), IP Services (10%), Security Fundamentals (15%), and Automation and Programmability (10%). The exam contains 100 to 120 questions (multiple choice, drag-and-drop, lab simulations, and fill-in-the-blank) to be completed in 120 minutes. Passing mark is approximately 825 out of 1000.
What are the entry requirements for CCNA?
Cisco does not mandate formal academic prerequisites for CCNA. However, they recommend at least one year of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions, and familiarity with basic IP addressing concepts. In practice, students with a background in IT, computer science, or even self-study in networking can prepare successfully. Candidates who have completed CompTIA Network+ or basic TCP/IP training often find the transition to CCNA preparation smoother.
What are the indicative fees for CCNA in Sri Lanka?
The CCNA 200-301 exam fee is USD 330 (approximately LKR 100,000 at current exchange rates). The exam is administered at Pearson VUE test centres. Colombo has multiple authorised test centres. Local CCNA preparation courses in Sri Lanka range from LKR 30,000 to LKR 90,000 depending on duration and delivery mode (classroom vs blended). Contact Ceylon Open Campus for current tuition fees and schedule.
How long is CCNA valid and what comes after?
CCNA is valid for three years. To recertify, you can pass the CCNA exam again, pass a higher-level Cisco exam (CCNP or CCIE), or earn Continuing Education credits through Cisco. The natural progression after CCNA is CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), which is a specialisation-based certification covering tracks such as Enterprise, Security, Data Centre, Service Provider, DevNet, and Collaboration. CCNP significantly increases earning potential.
What is the salary for a CCNA-certified network engineer in Sri Lanka?
CCNA-certified professionals in Sri Lanka typically earn LKR 70,000 to LKR 150,000 as Network Engineers or Junior IT Administrators. Mid-level Network Engineers with CCNA and two to four years of experience earn LKR 120,000 to LKR 250,000. Senior Network Engineers or Network Architects progressing to CCNP can earn LKR 250,000 to LKR 450,000. Internet service providers, telcos (SLT, Dialog, Mobitel), banks, and large corporates are among the largest employers of CCNA-qualified staff in Sri Lanka.
Enrol in CCNA at Ceylon Open Campus
Contact us to discuss CCNA preparation course schedules, exam booking at Pearson VUE, and how our practical lab sessions prepare you for the simulation questions.
Phone
075 922 0083
Mon-Sat: 9AM - 6PM
coc.ceylon@gmail.com
24-hour response time
Campus
Ceylon Open Campus
Kattankudy, Sri Lanka