Validates knowledge of security operations work, including security concepts, monitoring, host-based analysis, network intrusion analysis and security procedures.
CCNA Cybersecurity (exam 200-201) tests security operations work: monitoring, host and network intrusion analysis and security procedures. A good course covers v1.2 and includes log and packet practice. We compared the options on version, labs, format and price.
Most people should start with the Official Cert Guide at $48, the low-cost core resource. Choose CBT Nuggets for video lessons and virtual labs for v1.2, Cisco U. when an employer pays for the official course with 16 labs, and Networking Academy only through a school.
| Course | Best for | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals (CBROPS) | Employer-funded study | Interactive | $1,800/year |
 CCNA Cybersecurity CCNACBR 200-201 Official Cert Guide | Low-cost book | Book | $48 |
 CCNA Cybersecurity (200-201 CCNACBR) v1.2 | Video with virtual labs | Video | $599/year |
Cisco's own learning path for 200-201 v1.2, with 21 courses, 14 assessments and 16 hands-on labs, about 43 hours in total. Completing it also earns 30 CE credits.
Great fit if your employer pays for Cisco training or you want the official labs
Poor fit if you are paying yourself; the Official Cert Guide costs far less
Omar Santos's 688-page guide to the 200-201 exam, with chapter quizzes and Pearson Test Prep practice software. It is a one-time purchase rather than a subscription.
Great fit if you learn from books and want a low-cost core resource
Poor fit if you want video, labs or v1.2 material; choose CBT Nuggets or the Cisco U. path
Video training from four CBT Nuggets trainers for 200-201 v1.2, with virtual labs covering SIEM, NetFlow, tcpdump, malware analysis and incident response. The subscription also includes unlimited practice exams.
Great fit if you are paying yourself and want video lessons with labs for v1.2
Poor fit if you want a one-time purchase; choose the Official Cert Guide
Cisco Networking Academy's 28-module SOC course, with checkpoint exams and a v1.2 certification practice exam. You take it through a school, college or training partner, which sets the price.
Great fit if you can join through a school, college or training partner
Poor fit if you want to start on your own today; choose the Cert Guide or the Cisco U. path
For most people paying themselves, the Official Cert Guide at $48. CBT Nuggets suits learners who want video and virtual labs, and Cisco U. suits employer-funded study.
Yes. Cisco renamed CyberOps Associate to Cybersecurity Associate in 2025 and to CCNA Cybersecurity on February 3, 2026. The exam is still 200-201.
Cisco U.'s learning path runs about 43 hours, and Networking Academy's course has 28 modules. Plan for about 60 hours of preparation in total.
No. There is no prerequisite. Networking knowledge makes the material much easier.