Monday, November 17, 2025

CISCO CCNP CERTIFICATION COMPLETE GUIDE

CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW

The Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification requires passing two exams: a core exam and an enterprise concentration exam of the candidate’s choice. The core exam is 350-401 ENCOR, covering enterprise infrastructure, dual-stack (IPv4 and IPv6), virtualization, network assurance, security, and automation. The concentration exam example is 300-410 ENARSI, which focuses on advanced routing and services in enterprise networks. 

KEY FEATURES

  • Core exam (350-401 ENCOR): more than 100 questions, 120 minutes, passing score 825/1000. 

  • Concentration exam (300-410 ENARSI): 55-65 questions, 90 minutes duration. 

  • Domain breakdown for ENCOR: Architecture 15 %, Virtualization 10 %, Infrastructure 30 %, Network Assurance 10 %, Security 20 %, Automation 15 %. 

  • Domain breakdown for ENARSI: Layer 3 Technologies 35 %, VPN Technologies 20 %, Infrastructure Security 20 %, Infrastructure Services 25 %. 

  • CCNP ENCOR Cram Notes

  • CCNP ENARSI Cram Notes

STRENGTHS

  • Advanced, vendor-specific certification from Cisco, well-recognised in enterprise networking roles.

  • Focuses on real-world enterprise infrastructure, automation, security, dual-stack network environments.

  • Clear domain breakdown allowing targeted preparation.

  • Helps elevate networking professionals from generalist to specialist roles in enterprise settings.

LIMITATIONS

  • Presumes substantial prior networking knowledge and practical experience; not suitable for complete beginners.

  • Vendor-specific (Cisco) focus may limit portability if working with non-Cisco environments.

  • Passing the exams doesn’t guarantee job placement practical skill and experience still matter.

  • The breadth of topics (architecture, automation, security, routing) makes preparation demanding and time-intensive.

PREPARATION TIPS

  • Map your study plan to domain weightings: devote large time blocks to Infrastructure in ENCOR (30 %) and Layer 3 Technologies in ENARSI (35 %).

  • Build hands-on practice using Cisco equipment or simulation tools for advanced routing, services, automation and dual-stack scenarios.

  • Use timed mock tests to adapt to the exam format and pace.

  • Strengthen your automation knowledge (EN COR covers automation 15 %) such as scripting, APIs, modern network orchestration. 

  • Review security, virtualization and network assurance thoroughly these are critical in modern enterprise networks.

  • For the ENARSI exam, focus on VPN technologies, infrastructure security and services in depth.

CONCLUSION
The Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification is a strong credential for networking professionals aiming at advanced enterprise roles. It combines core knowledge from the ENCOR exam with specialist depth via a chosen concentration exam like ENARSI. With disciplined preparation, hands-on practice, and focused domain study, this certification can significantly enhance career prospects in enterprise networking environments.

AUTHOR BIO
Written by an IT certification content specialist dedicated to summarising complex networking credentials into clear, structured guides for professionals and learners.

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