Juniper Networks · 2026 Edition
A complete preparation guide written by Juniper Networks-certified engineers. Covers the exam format,all 6 blueprint domains, a week-by-week study plan, and proven tips for passing first time.
4–8 weeks
Prep time
Beginner
Difficulty
65
Exam questions
700/1000
Pass mark
Exam code
JNCIA-JUNOS
Full name
JNCIA-Junos
Vendor
Juniper Networks
Duration
90 minutes
Questions
65 items
Passing score
700/1000 (scaled)
Domains covered
6 blueprint domains
Recommended experience
Basic networking knowledge (IP addressing, OSI model); no formal prerequisites
Typical prep time
4–8 weeks
JNCIA-Junos is the entry-level Juniper certification and the foundation for all Juniper specialist tracks. It validates operational knowledge of Junos OS — the operating system running on all Juniper routing, switching, and security platforms.
Job roles this opens
Domain percentage weights are not currently available for this exam. The checklist below is still useful for planning your study.
Weeks 1–2
Junos OS Fundamentals: software architecture, routing engine vs packet forwarding engine, interfaces
Tip: Junos OS has a unique architecture tested directly on JNCIA-Junos: the Routing Engine (control plane — runs routing protocols, manages the routing table) is separate from the Packet Forwarding Engine (data plane — forwards packets at line rate). Know what each handles and why the separation matters for availability.
Weeks 3–4
User Interfaces and Configuration Basics: CLI modes, hierarchical configuration, show commands
Tip: Junos CLI has two modes: operational mode (> prompt — show commands, ping, traceroute) and configuration mode (# prompt — edit, set, delete, commit). Know how to: enter configuration mode (configure), make a change, preview it (show | compare), commit it, and roll back if needed (rollback 1).
Weeks 5–6
Routing Fundamentals: routing table, static routes, OSPF basics, policy framework
Tip: The Junos routing table structure is tested: inet.0 (IPv4 unicast), inet.6 (IPv6 unicast), inet.2 (IPv4 multicast RPF). Know that Junos installs the best route from all routing protocols into inet.0, and that the route preference (administrative distance equivalent) is used when multiple protocols learn the same prefix: Direct=0, Static=5, OSPF=10, BGP=170.
Weeks 7–8
Routing Policy and Firewall Filters: policy terms, match conditions, actions
Tip: Junos routing policy syntax: policy-statement → term → from (match conditions: route, prefix-list, community, protocol) → then (actions: accept, reject, next term, set local-preference). Know that a policy without an explicit accept or reject falls through to the default action (varies by context — import vs export policies have different defaults).
JN0-104 exam: 65 questions, 90 minutes. No live lab component — it is a knowledge-based exam. Juniper provides free learning resources at learningportal.juniper.net, including the Open Learning JNCIA-Junos course.
Junos commit model is one of the biggest differences from Cisco IOS. Changes are staged in a candidate configuration and only take effect when you commit. Know: commit (apply changes immediately), commit confirmed X (auto-rollback after X minutes unless confirmed), commit check (validate without applying), and rollback N (restore a previous configuration version, 0–49 stored).
Junos interface naming: interfaces are named by type, slot, PIC (Physical Interface Card), and port. For example, ge-0/0/0 is a GigabitEthernet interface, slot 0, PIC 0, port 0. xe- prefix is 10GbE, et- is 100GbE. Know that logical unit numbers (ge-0/0/0.0) define Layer 3 sub-interfaces.
Junos firewall filters are equivalent to ACLs in IOS. Key difference: Junos filters are applied to interfaces in a specific direction (input or output) and have an explicit final term that defines default action. An implicit deny is NOT applied at the end of a Junos filter — if no term matches, the packet is accepted by default unless you add a final deny term.
JNCIA-Junos is valid for 3 years. It can be renewed by passing any Juniper Associate, Specialist, or Professional exam within the certification period. Passing a higher-level Juniper exam automatically renews all lower-level certifications in that track.
Apply everything in this guide with adaptive practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and domain analytics.
Deep-dive explanations of the key topics tested on JNCIA-JUNOS — with exam key points and common misconceptions.