JNCIA Junos (JN0-105) in 2026 is Juniper Networks' entry-level core certification for network professionals, focusing on verifying the ability to master the core functions and network fundamentals of Junos OS. It is an essential cornerstone for advanced certification paths such as enterprise routing and service provider routing.

This guide comprehensively covers exam information, knowledge system, new version changes, preparation strategies, and key exam points, helping to pass the exam efficiently.

1. Core basic information of the exam

Exam code: JN0-105

Full name of the exam: Junos, Associate (JNCIA Junos)

Exam duration: 90 minutes

Number of questions: 65 multiple-choice questions, including single choice and multiple choice subtypes

Scoring rules: The maximum score is 1000 points, with a passing line of 700 points (approximately 65% accuracy)

Certification validity period: 3 years, can be renewed through continuing education or reexamination

Suggested foundation: Possess basic to intermediate network knowledge, familiar with TCP/IP protocol stack, recommended to have at least 6 months of network practical experience

Exam method: Pearson VUE computer-based exam or online remote invigilation

Exam fee: $200

Version adaptation: Focus on Junos OS 21.2 core features

2. Detailed explanation of core knowledge modules and examination points

The 2026 version of the exam outline focuses on building a system for the full lifecycle operation and maintenance capabilities of Junos OS, with weights tilted towards basic configuration and network principles, and strengthened command line practical operation and troubleshooting thinking.

(1) Basic knowledge of the internet (15%)

Build a network cognitive base that covers OSI seven layer model and TCP/IP four layer model, conflict domain and broadcast domain partitioning, router and switch core functions, Ethernet frame structure and layer 2 addressing, IPv4/IPv6 address planning, subnet partitioning and supernet aggregation, decimal and binary conversion, longest matching routing principle, quality of service (CoS) foundation, differences between connection oriented and connectionless protocols, network topology and traffic forwarding path analysis.

(2) Junos OS infrastructure (15%)

Analyze the core design concepts of Junos OS, including modular architecture, process separation mechanism, separation principle between control plane and forwarding plane, functional division between routing engine (RE) and packet forwarding engine (PFE), system startup process, configuration hierarchy (global, interface, protocol, etc.), software installation and upgrade foundation, system resource monitoring and management.

(3) User Interface and Operations (20%)

Core practical module, focusing on Junos CLI command line and J-Web graphical interface operations, including command mode switching (operation mode, configuration mode), system assistance (tab completion), configuration editing and submission process, configuration rollback and recovery, file system management, SSH remote access configuration, TACACS+/READIUS authentication integration, system log viewing and filtering, and application of basic troubleshooting commands.

(4) Basic configuration (20%)

Assess device initialization and basic service configuration capabilities, covering management IP and hostname configuration, interface basic parameters (IP address MTU、Rate/Duplex, Routing Instance Fundamentals, Static Routing Configuration, Default Routing Settings, NTP and DNS Service Deployment, User Account and Permission Management, System Time and Time Zone Configuration, Device Identification and Description Information Settings, Configuration File Backup and Recovery Process.

(5) Operation monitoring and maintenance (10%)

Strengthen the management capability of device operation status, including system status viewing commands, interface status and traffic statistics analysis, routing table and neighbor relationship verification, log collection and analysis, SNMP basic configuration and monitoring, device health check, alarm information interpretation, basic fault location and troubleshooting, system restart and process management.

(6) Fundamentals of Routing Protocol (10%)

Focusing on the core concepts of dynamic routing protocols, covering route preference, routing table structure, comparison between static and dynamic routing, basic principles of RIP, OSPF, BGP and other protocols, routing information exchange process, neighbor relationship establishment conditions, application scenarios of dynamic routing protocols, and routing convergence and stability mechanisms.

(7) Routing Strategy and Firewall Filters (10%)

Examine the ability of traffic control and routing decision-making, including default routing policies, import/export policy configurations, routing policy matching conditions and actions, the impact of policies on routing tables, firewall filter concepts and application scenarios, filter structures and terminology, packet matching conditions and processing actions, the application of filters at the interface and global level, and the practical integration of security policies and traffic control.

3. Core Changes in the 2026 Exam

Enhancement of weight in practical scenarios: The question design is closer to real network operation and maintenance, strengthening the assessment of command line operations and configuration processes, and reducing the proportion of purely theoretical memory questions.

Deep Expansion of IPv6 Content: New examination points such as IPv6 routing protocol, address planning, and transition technology have been added to adapt to the trend of IPv6 network deployment.

Security Foundation Enhancement: Add security configuration checkpoints such as SSH key authentication, access control lists, and basic firewall policies to enhance security operations awareness.

The focus of troubleshooting ability is on adding scenario based fault location questions, requiring analysis of the root cause of network problems based on command output, and strengthening practical troubleshooting thinking.

4. Efficient exam preparation plan (recommended 2-3 months)

(1) Staged Preparation Plan

Basic stage (1 month): Read through the official exam syllabus, build a knowledge framework of seven modules, master the basics of networking and Junos OS core principles, be familiar with CLI command line basic operations, and it is recommended to learn through the Juniper Open Learning free course system.

Enhancement stage (3-4 weeks): Practice by module, focusing on breaking through the two core modules of user interface operation and basic configuration, and combining EVE-NG or Juniper vMX/vSRX virtual devices for practical exercises to proficiently configure processes and command syntax.

Sprint stage (2 weeks): Full real mock exam, strictly control the 90 minute answering time, review the wrong questions and fill in the weak points, organize the command shorthand list and configuration template, strengthen the difficult modules such as routing strategy and firewall filters.

(2) Core Learning Resources

Official Information: JNCIA Junos JN0-105 Official Exam Outline, Junos OS 21. 2 Official Document, Juniper Open Learning Free Course

Experimental platform: vMX/vSRX virtual devices, EVE-NG simulator, Juniper official sandbox environment

Auxiliary courses: JNCIA Junos specialized training, SPOTO practical video

Course practice tools: official practice questions, SPOTO question bank

(3) Efficient learning methods

Command line operation driven: daily practice of CLI commands, focusing on mastering core processes such as configuration mode switching, configuration editing, submission, rollback, etc.

Scenario based learning: Combining real-life network scenarios to understand knowledge points such as routing protocols and policy configurations, avoiding rote memorization

Comparative Memory: Distinguishing the Differences between Junos OS and Other Network Operating Systems, Strengthening Junos' Unique Design Concept

Wrong question loop: Establish a wrong question book, label the reasons for errors and correct commands, regularly review and consolidate memory

Configuration template organization: Organize standardized configuration templates for common configuration scenarios to improve answering efficiency

Summary: The 2026 JNCIA Junos JN0-105 exam has a clear positioning and moderate difficulty, focusing on the two core dimensions of network foundation and Junos OS practical operation. It is an authoritative certificate for verifying the ability to enter the network and Juniper technology foundation.

The SPOTO course helps you solidify network principles, become proficient in CLI operations, master basic configurations, and strengthen troubleshooting. Through systematic learning and practical exercises, you can successfully complete the course in one go, laying a solid foundation for Juniper's technical career development.