Best Ccna Book for Working Professionals (2026): 4 Books Compared

Working professionals studying for a networking certification need study time that fits around a job, and the best ccna book for working professionals pairs full exam coverage with a quick-reference format. This list compares cert guides and command guides, using only what each listing publishes.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	CCNA 200-301 Cert Guide Vol 1 by Odom	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
2	CCNA 200-301 Cert Guide Vol 2 by Odom	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	CCNA 200-301 Portable Guide by Empson	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
4	CCNA Portable Command Guide by Empson	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

CCNA 200-301 Cert Guide Vol 1 by Odom

Wendell Odom·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A complete study package for the CCNA 200-301 exam, with quizzes, practice test software and video mentoring.

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Pros

• 795 pages with chapter-opening quizzes and exam preparation tasks
• Practice test software with exam-realistic questions
• More than 90 minutes of video mentoring from the author

Cons

• 2019 first edition
• No reading age or grade level is stated
• Needs Volume 2 to cover all exam topics

2

CCNA 200-301 Cert Guide Vol 2 by Odom

Wendell Odom·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The companion volume for the CCNA 200-301 exam, with quizzes, practice software and a network simulator.

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Pros

• 624 pages with chapter-opening quizzes and key topic tables
• Network Simulator Lite software with lab exercises
• More than 50 minutes of video mentoring from the author

Cons

• 2019 first edition
• No reading age or grade level is stated
• Needs Volume 1 to cover all exam topics

3

CCNA 200-301 Portable Guide by Empson

Scott Empson·9.5/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A portable quick reference for CCNA commands, updated for the 200-301 exam.

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Pros

• 320 pages in a 5th edition updated for the 200-301 exam
• Covers network fundamentals, switching, routing, IP services, security and wireless
• Compact size for a server room or equipment closet

Cons

• 2019 edition
• No reading age or grade level is stated
• Quick reference only, not a full study course

4

CCNA Portable Command Guide by Empson

Scott D. Empson·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A handy self-study reference for CCNA commands, keywords and prompts.

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Pros

• 356 pages of command summaries with sample configurations
• Covers keywords, command arguments and prompts
• Intermediate level stated

Cons

• 2008 second edition, predating the 200-301 exam
• No practice software or video mentoring is described
• Covers commands only, with no study plan or quizzes described

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• CCNA 200-301 Cert Guide LibrarySuits readers wanting both Odom volumes in one package.Check on Amazon
• CCNA Study Guide and Practice KitSuits readers wanting study guides plus practice tests.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. One pick lists a skill level, Intermediate, and the rest list no reading age or grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best ccna book for working professionals

Full guide or quick reference

Cert guides teach and drill, while command guides summarize for review. The Odom volumes include quizzes, practice test software and video mentoring, while the Empson guides summarize commands, keywords and prompts. Pick the format that matches the study time available, or browse our certification exam prep list for more exam guides.

Check the edition against the exam

Edition years run from 2008 to 2019, so check the listing before buying. The Odom and Empson 200-301 books are 2019 editions, while the older Empson guide is a 2008 second edition. The 200-301 books match the current exam name in their titles, while the older guide predates it.

Volume one, volume two, or both

The Odom volumes split the exam: Volume 1 runs 795 pages and Volume 2 runs 624 pages, and the listing states that together they cover all exam topics. Buying one volume alone leaves gaps, so working professionals short on time should start with the volume that matches their weakest area, and our test prep list covers more exam books.

Before you buy

• Check the edition year: Odom Volume 1, first edition 2019; the older Empson guide, second edition 2008.
• Check the page count: Empson 200-301, 320 pages; Odom Volume 1, 795 pages.
• Check the format: cert guides include practice software and video, while command guides summarize commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book should I start with?

Start with Odom Volume 1 for full exam coverage, or with the Empson 200-301 guide for a quick command reference.

Do I need both Odom volumes?

The listing states that Volumes 1 and 2 together cover all exam topics, so one volume alone does not cover everything.

Which edition should I buy?

Buy the edition the listing names: the 200-301 books are 2019 editions, while the older Empson guide is a 2008 second edition.

Still deciding? Our top pickCCNA 200-301 Cert Guide Vol 1 by Odom

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