JN0-106 vs JN0-105: What's Changed in the New JNCIA-Junos Exam?

The JNCIA-Junos certification has recently undergone an important update with the release of the new JN0-106 exam, officially replacing the previous JN0-105 version, which was retired on April 5, 2026. As one of the most popular entry-level certifications for networking professionals working with Juniper technologies, this change has drawn significant attention from candidates preparing to validate their Junos OS knowledge. Understanding what has changed between JN0-105 and JN0-106 is essential for anyone planning to take the exam and stay aligned with the latest industry standards.

Overview of Retired JN0-105 Exam

The JN0-105 exam was designed for beginners and validated foundational knowledge of networking and Junos OS. It typically included:

●Around 65 multiple-choice questions

●90-minute duration

●Focus on core Junos OS operations and networking basics

The exam emphasized practical understanding, requiring candidates to apply concepts like routing, monitoring, and configuration in real-world scenarios .

Introduction to New JN0-106 Exam

The JN0-106 exam, launched in April 2026, is now the current requirement for earning the JNCIA-Junos certification. 

While it maintains the same foundational purpose, it introduces updated objectives and better alignment with modern networking environments.

Key Changes: JN0-106 vs JN0-105

Exam Status and Availability

●JN0-105: Retired (April 5, 2026)

●JN0-106: Active and required for certification

This means all new candidates must now prepare for JN0-106.

Updated Exam Objectives

The core structure remains similar, but JN0-106 includes refined and updated domains, such as:

●Networking Fundamentals

●Junos OS Fundamentals

●User Interfaces

●Configuration Basics

●Operational Monitoring and Maintenance

●Routing Fundamentals

●Routing Policy and Firewall Filters

Compared to JN0-105, which already covered monitoring tools, routing basics, and system operations , the new version places greater emphasis on clarity, organization, and modern use cases.

Alignment with Current Junos OS Features

JN0-106 reflects newer Junos OS capabilities and workflows, ensuring candidates learn:

●Updated CLI operations

●Modern network troubleshooting approaches

●Current best practices in configuration and security

This keeps the certification relevant to today’s enterprise networking environments.

Improved Focus on Practical Skills

Although JN0-105 already tested real-world knowledge, JN0-106 further strengthens this by:

●Emphasizing hands-on understanding

●Testing operational and troubleshooting skills

●Encouraging practical application over memorization

This aligns with industry demand for job-ready networking professionals.

Streamlined Learning Path

JN0-106 offers a more structured and beginner-friendly blueprint, making it easier for candidates to:

●Understand exam expectations

●Follow a clear study path

●Transition to higher-level Juniper certifications

What Has Stayed the Same?

Despite the updates, several important aspects remain unchanged:

Entry-level difficulty (beginner to intermediate) 

Focus on Junos OS fundamentals 

Core networking concepts (routing, interfaces, protocols) 

No formal prerequisites

This means candidates familiar with JN0-105 content will still find much of their knowledge relevant.

Which Exam Should You Take?

The answer is simple:

●If you haven't taken the exam yet → Choose JN0-106 

●If you were preparing for JN0-105 → Transition your study plan to JN0-106

Since the older exam is retired, JN0-106 is now the only valid path to certification.

How to Transition from JN0-105 to JN0-106

If you were already studying for JN0-105, you don’t need to start from scratch. Instead:

●Keep your networking fundamentals knowledge

●Update your study materials to match JN0-106 objectives

●Focus on new topics like routing policy and firewall filters

●Practice more hands-on labs with Junos OS

The transition from JN0-105 to JN0-106 is an evolution rather than a complete overhaul. While the foundation remains the same, the new exam introduces updated objectives, improved structure, and stronger alignment with real-world networking skills. For aspiring network professionals, JN0-106 offers a more modern and practical certification path - making it the best starting point for a career in Juniper networking.