How Long Should You Study Before Exam Day?
by Team CBT Nuggets Updated on September 1, 2023
There’s no question that getting a certification can help you level up your career in IT. But the journey to test day can take weeks or even months — especially if you’ll need to learn new skills or revisit technologies you haven’t used in a while.
Studying for a new cert isn’t like cracking open a textbook. You’ll need to take into account the time needed to brush up on your training from the pros, apply your knowledge to real-world situations through virtual labs, and test your preparedness through practice exams. How long you should study before taking the CCNA, for example, will depend on whether you have experience as a network administrator or engineer already under your belt. The same goes for any certification, and study times will vary depending on experience, the number of topics covered in the cert, and the amount of time you plan to spend each day studying.
But how long do most people study for their IT certification exams? It depends.
We surveyed CBT Nugget learners and IT pros to find out how long most people need to study for the certifications they’ve earned. Professionals from across IT industries — including networking admins, security pros, and cloud admins — shared how long it took to learn the material for 15 of the most popular IT certification exams.
We determined the list of top certifications based on the number of views each CBT Nuggets certification training video course received. Polls shared via LinkedIn, Twitter, and email asked respondents how long it took them to study for the list of certifications, and respondents selected their response from multiple choice answers indicating the number of weeks or months it took them to prepare for the exam. The first round of surveys launched in February 2022 and received more than 6,470 responses between launch date and August 2022. The second round of surveys collected data from another 2,622 respondents. In total, more than 9,000 people shared their experience about how long it takes to study for the most popular certifications in our online library of IT training.
25+ Most Popular IT Certification Courses | How Long Most People Need to Study |
|---|---|
3-5 months | |
5 months or more | |
Less than 3 months | |
2 months or more | |
2 months or more | |
Less than 3 months | |
Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate | 1-2 months |
5 months or more | |
3 months or more | |
1 month or more | |
Cisco CCNP Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (300-410 ENARSI) | 5 months or more |
2 months or more | |
2-4 weeks | |
3 months or more | |
1-2 months | |
1-3 months | |
1-2 months | |
Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert (MS-100 & MS-101) | 2-3 months |
2-3 months | |
IS2 CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional | 5 months or more |
2-5 months | |
Less than 6 weeks | |
1-2 months | |
1-3 months | |
Less than 6 weeks | |
Cisco CCNP Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (300-415 ENSDWI) | 3 or more months |
Less than 3 months | |
Less than 1 month | |
Less than 6 weeks | |
1-3 months |
While each individual may learn at their own pace, understanding how long it took these certified IT pros to prepare ahead of test day can help you build a study plan that’ll set you up for success.
How Long Should You Study for the Cisco CCNA (200-301)?
Our recommendation: at least 6 months
The 200-301 CCNA exam is required to earn the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. This is a valuable cert for new IT professionals who have at least a year of experience with networks, as well as experienced network administrators who’d like to validate their Cisco skills.
Out of more than 1,300 CCNA-certified pros who responded to the poll, more than 33% of respondents said it took them more than 5 months to study for the CCNA. That's also approximately the same time CBT Nuggets accountability coaches recommend studying for the exam, though several factors can impact the amount of time needed to study for the CCNA, including any on-the-job experience you have with Cisco tools or in networking roles.
CBT Nuggets coaches say you should be CCNA ready in about 26 weeks by studying 30 to 60 minutes per day. Pair the 200-301 CCNA training videos with the free CBT Nuggets CCNA 200-301 study plan so you can stay on-track ahead of test day.
How Long Should You Study for the Cisco CCNP Enterprise Core (350-401 ENCOR)?
Our recommendation: 5 months or more
Earning the CCNP Enterprise cert requires you pass at least two exams: the core exam and any one of six concentrations. It’s designed for new or aspiring network engineers, and there are numerous options for customizing your individual certification. Because there is one core exam and your pick of the concentration exam, your area of expertise can be as broad or narrow as you wish — giving you greater flexibility over your career.
Out of nearly 800 IT professionals surveyed who have their CCNP Professional certifications, most people say it takes an average of 5 months or more to prepare for the 350-401 ENCOR exam. If you already have network administrator experience, it may take less time to study for the CCNP. View the full report on how long it takes to study for the Cisco CCNP Enterprise Core (350-401 ENCOR) based on your experience.
Ready to get started? This CCNP Enterprise (350-401 ENCOR) online training will help you prep for exam day.
How Long Should You Study for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001)
Our recommendation: 3 months or less
The 220-1001 Core 1 is one of the two necessary exams to earn the CompTIA A+. Out of 563 respondents who answered how long it took to study for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001), half say it took less than 6 weeks, though newcomers who don’t use online training will likely need more than 5 months to prepare.
Online training can get you test-ready in less than 3 months. If you’re ready to get started, this CompTIA A+ (Core 220-1001) online training will help you get ready for exam day.
How Long Should You Study for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601)
Our recommendation: at least 2 months
The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) is a career entry point for many systems administrators, network administrators, and entry-level security jobs. Out of more than 500 respondents, 65% of all people who've earned their CompTIA Security+ said it took less than 2 months to prepare for the exam — but newcomers and people who don’t use online training may need more than 5 months to prepare.
If you’re not using an online course to study, you may need to set aside 5 months (or more!) to prep for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601). But following along with the CBT Nuggets CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) online course gets you all the skills and knowledge you need to pass the SY0-601 in less than 4 weeks.
How Long Should You Study for the CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
EDITOR’S NOTE: The CompTIA Network+ N10-007 was replaced by version N10-008 in June 2022, after the survey was underway. Learn more about the differences between the Network+ N10-007 vs. N10-008 so you can study for the new exam accordingly.
Our recommendation: at least 2 months
Network+ from CompTIA is a common launchpad for IT professionals who want to show they're serious about networking. It's also a great cert for anyone who needs to prove a fundamental level of familiarity with basic networking skills. The Network+ exam covers networking theory, implementing network devices, how to monitor network operations, troubleshooting, and the essentials of hardening networks against threats.
Over 445 networking professionals responded to our survey, and the length of time it took them to prepare for the exam is split between under 6 weeks and over 4 months. It was networking professionals who used an online Network+ course that got them first-hand networking experience who took less than 6 weeks, meanwhile people who didn't use a course tended to take much longer.
How Long Should You Study for the Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
Our recommendation: 3 months or less
The Microsoft Azure Administrator is one of the world's most common IT certifications because the Microsoft cloud is everywhere, and most companies are in search of talented, entry-level Azure administrators. The AZ-104 is the only exam necessary to earn the Administrator Associate, covering skills in identities and governance management, storage administration, compute resource management, virtual networking, and Azure resource maintenance.
We heard from 482 respondents about how long it took them to prepare for AZ-104. 70% needed less than 3 months to prepare for it. Only about 15% of all cloud administrators needed more than 5 months to prepare for the AZ-104. The key to preparing for the Microsoft Azure Administrator certification exam as fast as possible lies in a well-rounded robust Azure cloud administration course with lots of places to practice your skills.
How Long Should You Study for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate (MD-100 & MD-101)
Our recommendation: less than 3 months
The twin exams MD-100 and MD-101 are often the first hurdle entry-level administrators have to clear in their first jobs. Help desk personnel, network administrators and sysads all turn to the Modern Desktop Administrator Associate (MDAA) cert to prove they're ready to work the fundamentals of a Windows machine. MD-100 focuses on administering the Windows client itself, and MD-101 tests your familiarity with managing modern desktops.
The majority of 200 MDAA-certified IT professionals reported that it took them about 5 months to prepare for the MD-100 and MD-101 together. But students who found their way to an online Modern Desktop administrator course like the one from CBT Nuggets could find themselves prepared in under 3 months.
How Long Should You Study for the Cisco CCNP Security Core (350-701 SCOR)
Our recommendation: 5 months or more
Cisco offers many different certifications for IT professionals who work mostly with their technology and devices. The CCNP Security is an advanced, professional-level certification meant for people with extensive experience configuring Cisco network security devices and managing advanced configurations on Cisco networks. Passing the 350-701 SCOR is a real accomplishment in a network security administrator's career, and can lead to jobs like security engineer or network architect.
The CCNP Security certifying exam is a lengthy and challenging test. It covers a lot of information about network security generally and Cisco network security devices specifically. Out of nearly 500 network security specialists who've earned their CCNP Security, at least 5 months is typical. Even with an online course that prepares you for the 350-701 SCOR with virtual labs and real-world experience, it can take months to prepare for the CCNP Security core exam.
How Long Should You Study for the AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C01)
Our recommendation: at least 1 month
The AWS cloud is absolutely everywhere, and people who know how to develop applications and write code that bends the cloud to their will are in high demand. Cloud developers who want a career in architecting cloud solutions tend to earn the AWS Certified Developer – Associate at the start of their careers. But earning the DVA-C01 is challenging.
Of the 100 cloud developers who answered our survey, the results were almost perfectly split. It took nearly the same number of people under 6 weeks to prepare for the DVA-C01 as the number who needed more than 5 months. There's simply so much to know about the Azure cloud and developing for it that without an online course that takes you through each thing DVA-C01 expects you to know, you'll take longer than 5 months to prepare for the AWS Certified Developer exam.
How Long Should You Study for the CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-004)
Our recommendation: at least 2 months
The Linux+ certification from CompTIA is meant for administrators, developers, and IT professionals who will run into Linux at some points in their career. In other words, basically everyone. From networks to system administration, servers to security, the XK0-004 covers a lot of ground and ensures the person who passes it understands how to manage and configure Linux.
Out of 220 respondents to our survey, the exact same number of people who said it took them less than 6 weeks to prepare for the XK0-004 as the number of people who said it took them over 5 months. This difference is almost certainly due to a difference in how people prepared. The people who finished in under six weeks used an online course intentionally designed to prepare them for the XK0-004 and the others tried to figure the exam material out on their own.
How Long Should You Study for the Cisco CCNP Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (300-410 ENARSI)
Our recommendation: as much as 5 months
The 300-410 ENARSI exam, one of six concentration exams you can take to earn the CCNP Enterprise certification, is suitable for networking pros with a few years of experience. CBT Nuggets’ ENARSI training course is designed for network engineers with three to five years of experience with network infrastructure, and covers important routing and switching skills.
If you’re planning to take 300-410 ENARSI, you’ll want to set aside at least 30 minutes per day to study for at least 5 months. The largest number of responses from our 460 network professionals showed that it took more than 5 months for most people to prepare for the CCNP Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services exam.
How Long Should You Study for the Microsoft Windows 10 (MD-100)
Our recommendation: about 1 month
The MD-100 is only half of the exams you'll need to pass before you can earn the MDAA, but it's also a certifying exam that anyone can take to prove their familiarity with the entire Windows 10 operating system. By passing the MD-100, you prove you know how to navigate, customize, install and troubleshoot a device running Windows 10, which makes it perfect for IT professionals and non-IT professionals alike.
When students have an online Windows 10 course that walks them through the MD-100 exam objectives while preparing them for actually managing Windows 10 devices, it can take less than 2 weeks to prepare for the MD-100. But without the right course or preparation? Over 3 months.
How Long Should You Study for the Cisco DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC)
Our recommendation: at least 3 months
The 200-901 DEVASC is Cisco's exam for verifying a DevOps professional's comfort with automation and programmability. The Cisco DevNet Associate certification covers writing apps and using APIs that can integrate with network operations seamlessly and automate network behavior faster and more efficiently than a human ever could.
The majority of all IT professionals who'd earned their DevNet Associate reported that it took more than 3 months to prepare for the 200-901 DEVASC. About 15% reported they needed less than 6 weeks to study for it. Although not everyone who uses an online course that covers all the learning objectives of the 200-901 DEVASC certifying exam will be ready in under 6 weeks, following a clear curriculum will always be more effective than trying to figure it out on your own.
How Long Should You Study for the Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-303)
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies AZ-303 was replaced by version AZ-305 after the survey was underway.
Our recommendation: at least 3 months
The AZ-303 might now be retired, but it's not like Microsoft went and changed every last thing you need to know to architect Azure solutions. AZ-303 and AZ-305 both cover implementing Azure infrastructures, managing and security Azure deployments, administering apps with Azure, and managing data platforms in Azure. Lessons learned preparing for AZ-303 will carry over in many places to AZ-305.
And out of more than 180 Azure architects, the majority needed more than 4 months to prepare. The vast majority needed at least 2 months to study for the AZ-303, which suggests a high-quality online training is one of the best ways to study for the Azure Architect Technologies certification.
How Long Should You Study for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Our recommendation: at least 4 weeks
The certifying exam AZ-900 tests an IT professional on their familiarity with general cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, and Azure management and governance. Passing the AZ-900 earns an administrator the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification, proving their basic familiarity with Microsoft Azure and cloud services.
Out of 608 respondents, the average cloud administrator who earned their Azure Fundamentals took less than 4 weeks to prepare for it, but 20% needed more than 2 months. When it comes to fundamental certifying exams like AZ-900, it's crucial that you lay a strong foundation. An online course taught by an expert will guide you through every topic on the AZ-900 exam. A great training program won't simply help you prepare faster, it makes sure there's no part of Azure administration you don't understand as you progress through your career.
Resources to Help You Study for IT Certifications
Check out these expert-made resources to help you stay on track as you prepare to sit your cert:
Career path certification guides
Gain a better understanding of the prerequisites and experience you'll need for popular IT certifications with the CBT Nuggets Ultimate Cert Guides. They're organized by career path, so you can read up on everything you'll need to know about certain certifications and how they fit into your goals before you commit to studying for an exam.
Practice exams
All CBT Nuggets subscribers have access to more than 70 CyberVista® practice tests that you can take (...and retake, and retake…) until you’re ready for the real thing. The practice exams mimic the real IT certification exams, and can help you reinforce the concepts learned during video training ahead of exam day.
Virtual labs
Getting a job in IT requires more than understanding key concepts and terms. Virtual labs let you simulate real-world problems and get hands-on experience without investing in expensive lab equipment or risking live production environments. CBT Nuggets subscribers have access to virtual labs that let you gain hands-on experience right alongside the video training.
Studying for an IT certification won’t be easy. In fact, it’ll be a challenge. But with the right resources and enough time to learn the material, you’ll be on your way to a successful exam day.
Ready to get started?
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