8 New Cisco Certifications Books Redefining Networking in 2025

These Cisco Certifications Books by Todd Lammle, Jeremy McDowell, Wendell Odom, and others offer the latest insights and strategies for certification success in 2025.

Updated on June 26, 2025
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The Cisco Certifications landscape changed dramatically in 2024, ushering in new exam objectives and evolving networking technologies. As automation, AI, and advanced security reshape the field, staying current is no longer optional — it's critical. Whether you're aiming for the CCNA or the CCST, understanding these developments can set you apart in a competitive market.

Leading experts like Todd Lammle, Jeremy McDowell, and Wendell Odom have authored books that not only cover foundational topics but also integrate fresh insights into automation, wireless technologies, and network security. Their clear, practical approaches reflect years of real-world experience, helping you confidently master both theory and hands-on skills.

While these cutting-edge books provide the latest insights, readers seeking the newest content tailored to their specific Cisco Certifications goals might consider creating a personalized Cisco Certifications book that builds on these emerging trends, ensuring your learning plan matches your background and career objectives precisely.

Best for mastering core CCNA concepts
The CCNA Certification Study Guide Volume 1 by Todd Lammle and Donald Robb offers a clear and updated roadmap through the latest CCNA exam requirements. This guide stands out by incorporating emerging topics like automation and artificial intelligence alongside core networking principles, making it especially useful for IT professionals aiming to stay current. Covering everything from VLANs to OSPF routing, it provides a thoughtfully organized framework that helps you grasp both foundational and advanced Cisco networking concepts. Whether refreshing skills or preparing for certification, this book addresses the evolving landscape of Cisco Certifications with practical depth.
2024·672 pages·Cisco Certifications, Study Guides, Cisco, Networking, Network Fundamentals

Unlike most Cisco certification books that overwhelm you with jargon, Todd Lammle and Donald Robb have crafted a guide that breaks down the updated CCNA exam topics with clarity and practical focus. You'll gain hands-on knowledge of network fundamentals, IP connectivity, security basics, and even dive into automation and AI applications relevant to Cisco environments. The book’s chapters on VLANs and OSPF routing stand out for their clear explanations, making complex concepts approachable whether you're refreshing skills or preparing for the test. If you're aiming to master the current CCNA exam or solidify your networking foundation, this guide offers targeted insights without unnecessary fluff.

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Best for foundational CCNA protocols and theory
Jeremy McDowell’s expertise as a senior network engineer and educator shines through in this guide, designed specifically for those tackling the CCNA exam. The book breaks down foundational concepts like IP routing, VLANs, and subnetting with clear explanations and useful diagrams. It focuses on the latest exam objectives, helping you build strong practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Whether you’re new to networking or brushing up for certification, this volume offers a structured path through the essential protocols and technologies shaping Cisco network environments today.
2024·608 pages·Cisco Certifications, Network Protocols, Networking, IP Routing, Subnetting

Jeremy McDowell, a senior network engineer and educator known for his popular YouTube channel Jeremy’s IT Lab, wrote this book to simplify the complex terrain of the CCNA certification exam. You’ll gain practical understanding of key networking concepts like IP routing, subnetting, VLANs, and dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, all laid out with clear diagrams and a hands-on approach. The book’s detailed chapter structure builds your knowledge step-by-step, making tough topics like access control lists and EtherChannel manageable. If you’re starting fresh or aiming to strengthen your IT networking foundation, this book offers targeted insights to prepare you thoroughly for the CCNA exam and real-world networking tasks.

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Best for custom certification plans
This AI-created book on Cisco Certifications is tailored to your specific goals and background in networking. Based on your interests and experience level, it focuses on the latest 2025 developments in Cisco’s certification landscape. This personalized approach makes it easier to concentrate on what matters most to you, whether that’s automation, security, or new exam objectives. Instead of generic material, you get a book crafted to fit exactly what you need to succeed in the evolving world of Cisco networking.
2025·50-300 pages·Cisco Certifications, Networking Technologies, Exam Updates, Automation Integration, Security Protocols

This tailored book explores the latest developments and discoveries in Cisco Certifications for 2025, focusing on your unique background and goals. It examines emerging networking technologies, updated exam objectives, and new certification paths to keep you ahead in a rapidly evolving field. By matching your interests and skill level, it reveals cutting-edge insights into automation, security protocols, wireless advancements, and network programmability. This personalized guide helps you navigate complex certification landscapes with content designed specifically for your learning journey, ensuring you gain relevant knowledge efficiently while exploring innovative concepts essential to Cisco’s future certifications.

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Certification Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for advanced networking and security learners
Acing the CCNA Exam, Volume 2 offers a focused dive into the demanding later stages of the CCNA certification, emphasizing advanced networking and security topics critical for today’s network professionals. Jeremy McDowell distills years of teaching and real-world experience into a resource that demystifies complex subjects like wireless network security, network automation, and essential protocols such as DHCP and DNS. This book builds upon fundamental knowledge to prepare you for the toughest parts of the exam, making it a valuable tool for anyone aiming to elevate their Cisco networking expertise and successfully pass the CCNA.
2024·592 pages·Networking, Cisco Certifications, Network Security, Wireless LAN, WAN Architectures

Drawing from his extensive experience as a senior network engineer and educator, Jeremy McDowell tackles the most challenging aspects of the CCNA exam in this second volume. You’ll gain a deep understanding of network security, complex LAN and WAN architectures, wireless networking, and critical services like DHCP and DNS. McDowell’s clear explanations and practical examples, such as his treatment of network automation using Ansible and Terraform, help you grasp difficult concepts without getting lost in jargon. If you’ve mastered the basics and want to confidently handle advanced networking topics, this book guides you through exactly what you need to know.

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Best for comprehensive CCNA exam preparation
Wendell Odom, renowned for authoring ten editions of Cisco’s best-selling CCNA guides and bringing hands-on expertise as a network engineer and instructor, crafted this updated edition to align precisely with the latest CCNA 200-301 exam changes. His extensive background ensures the material balances theory with practical application, supported by video mentoring and interactive tools, making it an essential resource for anyone aiming to navigate Cisco’s certification requirements confidently.
CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library book cover

by Wendell Odom, David Hucaby, Jason Gooley··You?

Drawing from decades of experience as a network engineer and instructor, Wendell Odom delivers a thorough preparation resource for the CCNA 200-301 exam in this two-volume guide. You’ll engage with updated content covering everything from networking fundamentals and VLANs to IPv6 and network automation, including practical tools like quizzes, simulation software, and video mentoring to sharpen both conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills. The book’s structured approach helps you identify weak spots with targeted review, making it suited for those committed to mastering Cisco’s evolving certification landscape. Whether you’re new to networking or refreshing your skills, this guide offers a methodical path through complex exam topics.

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Best for hands-on practice with wireless and ACLs
This guide stands out in Cisco Certifications for its focused coverage of the latest CCNA 200-301 exam updates, offering a structured study approach with quizzes, detailed review tasks, and hands-on lab exercises using Cisco’s Network Simulator Lite software. Its methodology centers on blending conceptual mastery with practical command-line training, ideal for those aiming to confidently navigate Cisco’s exam requirements and real-world networking challenges. The book’s integration of video mentoring and interactive flashcards further supports diverse learning styles, making it a comprehensive tool for certification success.
CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 2 book cover

by Wendell Odom, Jason Gooley, David Hucaby·You?

2024·752 pages·Cisco, Cisco Certifications, Networking, Network Automation, Wireless LANs

Drawing from Wendell Odom's extensive experience as a Cisco certification author, this guide dives deep into the latest CCNA 200-301 exam topics, particularly focusing on wireless LANs, ACLs, and network automation. You gain a structured study routine, with chapter-opening quizzes and hands-on lab exercises that sharpen both conceptual understanding and command-line skills, such as those found in the ACL configuration scenarios. If you’re preparing to certify or update your networking expertise, this book offers a detailed path through Cisco’s evolving exam content, though it demands dedication and prior networking knowledge to fully leverage its breadth.

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Best for future-ready plans
This custom AI book on Cisco certifications is created based on your specific background, skill level, and areas of interest. By integrating your goals and the latest industry trends, it offers a uniquely tailored guide to upcoming certification challenges. Personalizing your learning journey in this way helps you focus on what matters most in your Cisco career advancement. This approach makes mastering new developments more efficient and relevant, ensuring you stay ahead in the evolving networking landscape.
2025·50-300 pages·Cisco Certifications, Networking Trends, Automation Advances, Security Innovations, Exam Preparation

This personalized AI-created book delves into the evolving world of Cisco certifications, focusing on the latest developments and discoveries shaping 2025 and beyond. It explores emerging networking technologies, automation advances, and new certification challenges tailored specifically to your background and goals. By addressing your unique interests, this book reveals future-ready insights that keep you ahead in a rapidly shifting landscape. You engage with content that matches your skill level and desired specializations, ensuring a focused learning experience that reflects the cutting-edge trends in Cisco certification pathways. This tailored exploration empowers you to navigate upcoming Cisco certification challenges with confidence and clarity.

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3,000+ Books Generated
Best for solidifying fundamentals with lab exercises
Wendell Odom, CCIE Enterprise No. 1624 and pioneer Cisco Press author, brings his four decades of networking experience to this updated CCNA 200-301 guide. His commitment to clear instruction and practical labs reflects his ongoing dedication to helping professionals master Cisco certifications. Through his blog, YouTube channel, and courses, Odom continually shapes how aspiring network engineers approach their certification journey.

Wendell Odom, with over 40 years in networking and as the first author of Cisco certification guides, delivers a focused study experience tailored to the CCNA 200-301 exam. You’ll navigate through networking fundamentals, VLANs, IPv4 and IPv6 routing, and OSPF with structured quizzes and practical lab exercises, like configuring VLANs and switch security, that sharpen both your conceptual and hands-on skills. The book’s assessment tools, including chapter-opening quizzes and performance-tracking software, help you pinpoint and improve weak areas, making your preparation efficient. This volume suits anyone aiming to pass the CCNA exam with solid technical grounding, though it demands commitment to fully engage with its depth and volume.

Published by Cisco Press
Second Edition Release June 2024
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Best for structured stepwise exam readiness
This guide offers a thorough framework for mastering the CCNA 200-301 certification, combining clear explanations with practical tools like labs, real-world scenarios, and extensive practice tests. It addresses the latest exam updates and equips you with both foundational networking knowledge and advanced troubleshooting techniques. If you want to navigate the complexities of Cisco certifications with a structured and supportive approach, this book provides the resources and guidance to help you succeed and advance your IT career.
2024·294 pages·Cisco Certifications, Cisco, Networking Fundamentals, Exam Preparation, Troubleshooting

While working as an IT educator, Steven Singlers noticed how overwhelming the CCNA 200-301 exam preparation could be for many candidates. This book breaks down complex networking concepts like protocols, configurations, and troubleshooting into manageable parts, supported by hands-on labs and real-world examples. You’ll gain clarity on essential Cisco IOS commands, exam strategies, and advanced security practices that are crucial for the certification and practical application. It’s tailored for anyone aiming to transition from beginner to networking professional, especially those who prefer a structured, stepwise approach to mastering the exam content.

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Allan Johnson’s 31 Days Before Your Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking 100-150 Exam offers a practical, day-by-day study plan designed to guide you through the essentials of Cisco Certifications. The book breaks down complex topics into manageable daily summaries covering standards, addressing, subnetting, infrastructure, and security. It also includes checklists and strategies to help you organize your preparation, making it easier to balance study with a busy schedule. This approach benefits anyone aiming to pass the CCST exam by providing clear direction and a structured path through the certification process.
2024·336 pages·Cisco Certifications, Networking, Exam Preparation, Subnetting, Security

What happens when expert exam preparation meets practical scheduling? Allan Johnson's guide provides a day-by-day breakdown tailored specifically for the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking 100-150 exam. Instead of overwhelming you with dense theory, it offers digestible daily summaries spanning standards, subnetting, infrastructure, and security fundamentals, making it easier to fit study time into your busy life. You’ll also find checklists and strategies to organize your mental and physical readiness, helping you stay on track without burnout. If you’re preparing for the CCST Networking certification and need clear guidance to structure your study, this book delivers a straightforward, manageable plan.

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Conclusion

Across these eight books, a few clear themes emerge: the integration of automation and AI into Cisco networking, the increasing importance of security and wireless technologies, and the value of hands-on labs to bridge theory and practice. Together, they paint a picture of a field that’s both evolving and demanding ever-higher expertise.

If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with "CCNA Certification Study Guide Volume 1" and Jeremy McDowell’s two-volume "Acing the CCNA Exam" series for a strong foundation and advanced knowledge. For cutting-edge implementation, combine Wendell Odom’s Official Cert Guides with Steven Singlers’ Complete Study Guide for practical exam readiness.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Cisco Certifications book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "CCNA Certification Study Guide Volume 1" by Todd Lammle and Donald Robb. It breaks down core concepts clearly and prepares you for the current CCNA exam, making it a solid starting point for beginners and those refreshing their knowledge.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Cisco Certifications?

Not at all. Books like Jeremy McDowell’s "Acing the CCNA Exam, Volume 1" are designed to guide newcomers step-by-step, while others build on that foundation for more advanced topics, so you can progress at your own pace.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides such as Lammle and McDowell’s first volumes, then move to the advanced topics covered in McDowell's Volume 2 and Wendell Odom’s Official Cert Guides for comprehensive preparation and hands-on practice.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals. For broad coverage, the Official Cert Guide Library works well. If you prefer focused study, choose books aligned with your exam or skill level, like the CCST-focused "31 Days Before Your Cisco Certified Support Technician" for last-minute review.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Odom’s Official Cert Guides blend theory with extensive lab exercises, while Steven Singlers’ Complete Study Guide emphasizes practical labs, real examples, and practice tests. Jeremy McDowell’s volumes balance both approaches with clear diagrams and hands-on tasks.

How can I get study materials tailored to my specific Cisco Certifications goals and background?

Great question! While expert-authored books provide solid foundations, personalized books can complement them by focusing exactly on your experience level and career objectives. You can create a customized Cisco Certifications book that adapts the latest insights specifically for you, helping you study smarter and more efficiently.

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