CCNP Enterprise Certification: Complete Guide 2026
Advanced Cisco networking certification for senior network engineers.
What is CCNP Enterprise?
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise validates advanced skills in enterprise networking solutions. It covers implementation and troubleshooting of complex enterprise infrastructure including dual-stack (IPv4/IPv6), SD-WAN, and network automation.
CCNP is the professional-level certification between CCNA and CCIE, designed for network engineers with 3-5 years of experience.
Certification Requirements
- Core Exam: 350-401 ENCOR (required)
- Concentration Exam: Choose 1 of 6 options
- Prerequisites: None (CCNA recommended)
- Core Exam Duration: 120 minutes
- Cost: $400 per exam (~$800 total)
- Validity: 3 years
ENCOR (350-401) Core Exam Domains
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1. Architecture | 15% |
| 2. Virtualization | 10% |
| 3. Infrastructure | 30% |
| 4. Network Assurance | 10% |
| 5. Security | 20% |
| 6. Automation | 15% |
Domain 3: Infrastructure (30%)
- Layer 2: STP, EtherChannel, VLANs
- Layer 3: OSPF, EIGRP, BGP routing
- Wireless: WLAN deployment and troubleshooting
- IP Services: DHCP, NAT, NTP, SNMP
Domain 5: Security (20%)
- Infrastructure security (CoPP, ACLs)
- 802.1X and MAB authentication
- Wireless security (WPA3, WIPS)
- Network access control
Concentration Exam Options
| Exam | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| 300-410 ENARSI | Advanced Routing & Services |
| 300-415 ENSDWI | SD-WAN Solutions |
| 300-420 ENSLD | Enterprise Network Design |
| 300-425 ENWLSD | Wireless Design |
| 300-430 ENWLSI | Wireless Implementation |
| 300-435 ENAUTO | Network Automation |
Study Strategy
- Lab practice: Essential for Infrastructure domain
- Cisco documentation: Configuration guides are exam-aligned
- Automation: Learn Python and REST APIs
- Study time: 3-6 months for both exams
Career Impact
- Average salary: $100,000 - $130,000 USD
- Senior Network Engineer and Architect roles
- Required for many enterprise networking positions
- Stepping stone to CCIE certification
Plan Your Study Journey
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