IT, Cloud & Cybersecurity • Certification
Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise
Professional enterprise networking
Researched and maintained by TestPrepPilot Editorial BoardCloud, IT & cybersecurity certifications desk · Figures last verified August 2026
The short version
What is the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise and is it worth it?
CCNP Enterprise needs the ENCOR core exam (350-401) plus one concentration such as ENARSI, ENSLD or wireless.
- Professional level
- Flexible concentrations
- Renews every 3 years
What is it?
What exactly is the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise?
Professional enterprise networking
CCNP Enterprise certifies professional-level skills across enterprise routing, switching, wireless and automation. It requires one core exam (ENCOR) plus one concentration exam.
Before you book
Who is eligible to sit the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise?
Who it is for: Enterprise network engineers
The test itself
What is the format of the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise?
The Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise is administered by Pearson VUE and runs 120 minutes (core), contains 90–110 (core) questions and requires ~825 of 1000 to pass.
| Administered by | Pearson VUE |
|---|---|
| Questions | 90–110 (core) |
| Time limit | 120 minutes (core) |
| Pass mark | ~825 of 1000 |
| Exam fee | $400 per exam |
| Format | Multiple-choice and simulations |
Content outline
What topics are on the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise?
The Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise is weighted across 5 domains; the largest are ENCOR: infrastructure (30%), ENCOR: security (20%), ENCOR: architecture (15%).
Weightings come from the official exam outline. Study time is best allocated in roughly these proportions rather than evenly across domains.
- ENCOR: architecture 15%
- ENCOR: virtualization 10%
- ENCOR: infrastructure 30%
- ENCOR: security 20%
- ENCOR: automation 15%
Money & time
How much does the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise cost?
For the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise, the exam fee is $400 per exam; the all-in cost is typically $700+; most candidates spend 4–8 months preparing.
Cost breakdown
| ENCOR | $400 |
|---|---|
| Concentration | $300 |
| Typical total | $700+ |
Each exam is paid separately.
Timeline
- Pass ENCOR test day
- Pass a concentration test day
- Earn CCNP immediate
Typical prep: 4–8 months
The path
How do you register for the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise?
- 1
Create a Cisco & testing account~15 minutes
Set up a free Cisco profile and a Pearson VUE (or Certiport for CCST) candidate profile to schedule and track exams.
- Register at the Cisco Certification Tracking System
- Create a Pearson VUE / Certiport candidate profile
- Confirm your ID documents meet testing requirements
- 2
Choose your certification & exam1-2 hours planning
Select the target credential and note the exact exam code (e.g., 100-160, 200-201, 350-701 + a concentration).
- Review the official exam blueprint and topic weights
- Decide self-study, Cisco U., or instructor-led training
- 3
Prepare with official trainingVaries (weeks-months)
Use Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco U. courses, official labs, and practice tests aligned to the blueprint.
- Complete the aligned Cisco U. / NetAcad course
- Hands-on labs and practice exams
- 4
Schedule the exam via Pearson VUE~10 minutes
Book a test-center slot or online OnVUE appointment; pay the exam fee (or redeem Cisco Learning Credits).
- Pick date, time, and location/time zone
- Pay fee (CCST $125; Associate $300; SCOR $400; concentration $300)
- 5
Take the proctored exam50-120 minutes
Arrive with valid government ID; complete the exam at a Pearson VUE center or via online proctoring.
- Check in and pass security/room scan (online)
- Complete the timed exam
- 6
Get results & digital badgeWithin 48 hours
Receive a pass/fail result (usually within 48 hours) and, on passing, a Credly digital badge plus certificate; track status in the Certification Tracking System.
- View section-level score report
- Accept Credly badge and share it
The fine print
What are the retake and renewal rules for the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise?
- Proctoring & delivery
- Delivered by Pearson VUE: at authorized test centers or online via OnVUE remote proctoring (CCST uses the Certiport/Pearson VUE platform). A government-issued photo ID is required; online tests include a room/environment scan.
- Retake policy
- If you fail, Cisco requires a waiting period of 5 calendar days before you may retake the same exam. Each attempt requires full payment of the exam fee. Cisco does not cap total attempts, but some exams limit attempts within a 12-month window.
- Score reporting
- Results are reported as pass/fail and made available online (Cisco Certification Tracking System) typically within 48 hours. A section-level performance breakdown is provided to help target further study; scaled scores use a 300-1000 range (CCNA/CCNP-style exams).
- Recertification
- All Cisco certifications are valid for 3 years from the date earned. Recertify before expiry by (a) passing a higher-or-equal level qualifying exam, (b) earning Continuing Education (CE) credits through eligible training/activities, or (c) a combination of exam + CE. For associate-level certs 30 CE credits are required; for professional-level 40 CE credits. Certificates can also be extended via the Cisco Continuing Education program.
- Refunds & rescheduling
- Exam fees are generally non-refundable once scheduled, but Pearson VUE allows rescheduling or cancellation up to 24-48 hours before the appointment without penalty; no-shows forfeit the fee. CCST/Certiport policies may differ by region.
Context
Cisco cybersecurity certifications compared
| Credential | Level | Focus | Exam | Validity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCST Cybersecurity | Foundational / Entry | Entry-level security concepts & support | 100-160 (1 exam, ~$125) | 3 years | |
| CCNA Cybersecurity | Associate | SOC analyst: monitoring, intrusion & incident analysis | 200-201 CBROPS (1 exam, $300) | 3 years | |
| CCNP Cybersecurity | Professional | Professional security core + concentration | SCOR 350-701 ($400) + 1 concentration ($300) | 3 years |
What it pays
How much does this credential pay?
$96,900 median for network and computer systems administrators (BLS, May 2024)
There is no Bureau of Labor Statistics occupation called "CCNP" — the Cisco Certified Network Professional credential validates professional-level networking skill, and the wage question belongs to the role you perform with it. The closest official BLS occupation is Network and Computer Systems Administrators, SOC 15-1244, which had a May 2024 median wage of $96,900, with the lowest 10 percent under $56,190 and the highest 10 percent above $157,420. The fit is deliberate: CCNP Enterprise holders work as senior network engineers, network architects and infrastructure leads — the professional tier above the network administrator baseline — so the realistic benchmark for the credential sits in the upper half of the distribution. BLS counted 217,500 network and computer systems administrator jobs in 2024 and projects 1 percent growth from 2024 to 2034, with about 15,100 openings a year; the modest headline growth reflects the shift of infrastructure work toward cloud and automation, which is precisely the direction the modern CCNP Enterprise curriculum pushes. The limitation to state plainly: the BLS median covers the whole occupation at all levels, and senior network engineers typically earn well above it in employer surveys, which are not BLS data; read the government figure as the market floor for the occupation.
| Measure | Figure | Source / note |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage, network and computer systems administrators | $96,900 | BLS OOH, SOC 15-1244, May 2024 |
| Lowest 10 percent | Under $56,190 | BLS OOH, SOC 15-1244, May 2024 |
| Highest 10 percent | Above $157,420 | BLS OOH, SOC 15-1244, May 2024 |
| Median, software developers (adjacent track) | $132,270 | BLS OOH, SOC 15-1252, May 2024 |
Job growth.BLS projects 1 percent growth for network and computer systems administrators from 2024 to 2034, about 15,100 openings per year.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Your odds
What are the pass rates?
Cisco publishes no pass rate — it publishes the passing score: 825 of 1000, with a 102-question, 120-minute core exam
Cisco does not publish cohort pass rates for its certification exams, and third-party surveys are not official data, so we do not treat them as authoritative. What Cisco does publish is the format and the passing standard: the CCNP Enterprise core exam (350-401 ENCOR) has 102 questions, a 120-minute time limit, and a passing score of 825 on the 300-1000 scale. Earning the CCNP Enterprise requires passing the core exam plus one concentration exam (such as 300-410 ENARSI), each with its own item count, time limit and passing score. The exams are delivered at Pearson VUE centres or through online proctoring, and the certification is valid for three years, renewable through continuing education credits or recertification exams. The absence of a published pass rate is not an absence of standards: the ENCOR 825 line on a 300-1000 scale is high, and the exam rewards hands-on configuration knowledge of routing, switching, wireless, automation and security fundamentals. The practical reading: target 85 percent-plus on practice exams and use Cisco's official exam topics and practice materials, the closest thing to the real item style.
Read this before quoting the number.Cisco publishes the passing score and format but no pass rate; any percentage circulating online is a third-party estimate.
Your schedule
How long should I study for it?
150-250 hours over 12-16 weeks (core), plus 40-80 hours for the concentration exam of focused study
The CCNP Enterprise is a two-exam certification: the 350-401 ENCOR core exam (102 questions, 120 minutes, 825/1000 passing) plus one concentration exam such as 300-410 ENARSI. ENCOR covers the enterprise network at the professional level: architecture, virtualisation and network assurance; dual-stack routing and switching; wireless; automation and programmability (Python, APIs, controller-based networking); and security fundamentals. A defensible plan runs 150 to 250 hours over 12 to 16 weeks. Weeks 1-4 build the routing and switching core: OSPF, EIGRP, BGP at the professional level, with heavy lab work. Weeks 5-7 cover architecture, virtualisation and wireless: SD-Access/SD-WAN concepts, device virtualisation and wireless design and operations. Weeks 8-10 cover automation and programmability: Python fundamentals for network engineers, REST APIs, NETCONF/RESTCONF and controller-based automation. Weeks 11-12 drill security fundamentals and integration scenarios. Weeks 13-16 add question-bank drilling and two full timed practice exams, then the concentration exam plan. The plan is lab-heavy because ENCOR rewards configuration knowledge, and the concentration exam adds another 6-8 weeks on top for most candidates.
- Weeks 1-460
Routing and switching core
- OSPF, EIGRP and BGP at the professional level
- Layer 2 technologies and redundancy
- Lab every protocol until configuration is fluent
- Weeks 5-745
Architecture, virtualisation, wireless
- SD-Access and SD-WAN concepts
- Device virtualisation and network assurance
- Wireless design and operations
- Weeks 8-1045
Automation and programmability
- Python for network engineers
- REST APIs, NETCONF/RESTCONF
- Controller-based automation labs
- Weeks 11-1230
Security fundamentals
- Security controls in the enterprise network
- Integration scenarios across the domains
- First full practice exam
- Weeks 13-1640
Drill and mocks
- Question-bank drilling in volume
- Second full timed practice exam
- Concentration exam study plan
Adjusting the pace
CCNA already earned.Compress the foundation; the professional-level depth and automation are the new material.
Choosing the concentration.ENARSI (advanced routing) is the most common pick; review the concentration exam topics before committing.
How to study
How do I prepare most effectively?
The ENCOR exam rewards hands-on configuration knowledge, so the dominant strategy is lab work: every protocol should be configured in a lab environment until the configuration is fluent, because the exam items test what a professional network engineer does, not what a textbook says. Second, treat automation and programmability as a first-class domain: candidates with no Python or API experience routinely under-prepare this block, which is a large part of what distinguishes the modern CCNP. Third, use the official Cisco exam topics as the scope map, and Cisco's practice materials where available, because third-party courses drift from the current exam. Fourth, take at least two full timed practice exams; 102 questions in 120 minutes is about 70 seconds per item, and the scenario items are reading-heavy. Fifth, plan the concentration exam deliberately: the two-exam structure means the certification timeline includes the concentration choice, and candidates who pick a concentration aligned with their job (advanced routing for enterprise engineers, security for security-focused roles) study more efficiently. Finally, budget for the three-year renewal cycle from the start.
Lab everything
Configure every protocol until fluent; the exam tests professional practice.
Master automation
Python, APIs and controller-based automation are first-class ENCOR domains.
Use the official exam topics
The authoritative scope; third-party courses drift from the current exam.
Run two full simulations
102 questions in 120 minutes; drill the pace.
Plan the concentration
Pick the concentration aligned with your job; it shapes the whole study timeline.
What to buy
Which study resources are worth paying for?
CCNP Enterprise prep centres on lab access plus a course. Cisco's official learning resources include the official exam topics (free), Cisco U. courses and the Cisco Learning Network; the official Cisco Press books for ENCOR are the standard reference (roughly $50-$80). Third-party training companies offer full ENCOR courses and labs from roughly $100 to $1,000 depending on format (self-paced vs instructor-led). Lab access is non-negotiable — either a paid lab subscription (roughly $50-$200) or a local virtual lab environment — because the exam rewards configuration practice. A realistic total budget is $400 to $1,500 per exam attempt including the $400 core exam fee and the $300 concentration fee. Prices below are list prices as of mid-2026 and change frequently; we rank nothing by commission.
| Resource | Price | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco exam topics + Learning Network | Free | Official scope and community | The authoritative map; read it first |
| Cisco Press ENCOR Official Cert Guide | $50-$80 | Printed or digital book | The standard structured reference |
| Cisco U. / official courses | $100-$800 | Self-paced or instructor-led | Official instruction aligned to the exam |
| Third-party courses + labs | $100-$1,000 | Video courses with lab environments | Structured learners needing lab time |
| Standalone lab subscriptions | $50-$200 | Online lab environments | Hands-on configuration practice |
List prices as of mid-2026, subject to change; ENCOR is $400 and concentration exams about $300; no commission or affiliate ranking is implied.
Avoid these
What mistakes do candidates most often make?
The most common ENCOR mistake is studying without labs: candidates who read the official guide but never configure OSPF, BGP or an automation script find the exam's configuration-heavy items impossible to answer confidently. The fix is lab time from week one. The second mistake is under-preparing automation and programmability, the domain that most distinguishes the modern CCNP from older-generation exams. Third, candidates underestimate the two-exam structure and plan only the core, then stall on the concentration choice; decide the concentration early. Fourth, many candidates skip full timed simulations and misjudge the 70-second-per-item pace on reading-heavy scenarios. Fifth, some candidates rely on a single third-party course without reading the official exam topics, losing the exact scope. Finally, ignoring the three-year renewal cycle is a quiet mistake: the certification expires, and continuing-education credits must be earned or a recertification exam passed.
✕Studying without labs
✓Configure every protocol in a lab until fluent; the exam tests practice.
✕Under-preparing automation
✓Python, APIs and controller automation are first-class domains; drill them.
✕Planning only the core exam
✓The CCNP is two exams; decide the concentration early.
✕Skipping timed simulations
✓102 questions in 120 minutes; run two full simulations.
✕Ignoring the renewal cycle
✓The certification expires in three years; plan CE credits or recert.
What you'll face
What question types will I see?
The 350-401 ENCOR exam has 102 questions in 120 minutes, with a mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and simulation-based items that present router and switch configurations or automation scenarios. The exam tests professional-level knowledge across the domains: architecture, virtualisation and network assurance; dual-stack routing and switching; wireless; automation and programmability; and security fundamentals. Many items present an actual configuration or topology and ask for the correct command, fix, or analysis — the style that rewards hands-on practice. Samples below are editor-written illustrations of the published exam topics, not live exam items; they show the configuration-flavoured style of the real items.
Concept, configuration and troubleshooting items across the domains.
Configurations and topologies with the correct command or fix.
Matching concepts, steps or components.
Try these
Q1A network engineer must advertise a directly connected route into an OSPF process. The most appropriate configuration is:
Answer:A
The network statement with the wildcard mask and area places the directly connected prefix into the OSPF process — the standard configuration. A static null route, static redistribution or default-origination each address different needs, not this one.
Q2Which technology provides loop prevention and redundancy in a switched enterprise network?
Answer:A
STP prevents loops in switched networks while maintaining redundancy. NAT, DNS and DHCP are addressing and naming services with no loop-prevention role in the switching plane.
Q3A network engineer automates device configuration using a model-driven approach. Which protocol is designed for this purpose?
Answer:A
NETCONF with YANG data models is the standard model-driven configuration protocol. Telnet and TFTP are legacy tools without structured data models, and SNMPv1 polling is primarily monitoring, not configuration.
Samples are editor-written illustrations of the published exam topics, not live exam items.
The big day
What should I expect on exam day?
The 350-401 ENCOR exam is a 102-question, 120-minute computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE centre or through online proctoring. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration name and your appointment confirmation; personal items go in the locker. Arrive 30 minutes early; late arrivals forfeit the appointment and the $400 fee. Pace at about 70 seconds per item, flag uncertain items for review, and budget extra time for the simulation-style items, which take longer than multiple-choice. You receive your score immediately on screen against the 825/1000 passing line. If you fail, Cisco allows retakes after a waiting period. On a pass, you must also pass the chosen concentration exam to earn the CCNP Enterprise; the certification is then valid for three years, renewable through continuing education credits or recertification exams. The afterwards matters: schedule the concentration exam while the core material is fresh, and record the certification's expiration date.
Bring
- Valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration name
- Appointment confirmation
Leave at home
- Phone, smartwatch and all electronics
- Notes and study materials
- Personal bags beyond what the centre allows
How the day runs
Rules in the room
- No personal electronics in the testing room
- 120 minutes for 102 questions; the clock does not pause
- Retake rules and waiting periods apply after a fail
Afterwards.Pass the core exam, then pass one concentration exam to earn the CCNP Enterprise. The certification is valid for three years; renew with continuing education credits or recertification exams.
Reference
What are the key facts about the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise?
Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise is a certification credential; awarded by Cisco; the exam fee is $400 per exam; typical preparation is 4–8 months; holders typically earn $80,000 – $120,000.
| Credential | Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | CCNP Enterprise |
| Type | Certification |
| Profession | IT, Cloud & Cybersecurity |
| Specialty | Cisco |
| Awarded by | Cisco |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Typical prep time | 4–8 months |
| All-in cost | $700+ |
| Typical salary range | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Core | ENCOR 350-401 |
| Plus | 1 concentration |
| Scope | National / Multi-state |
| Also known as | 350-401 ENCOR |
Real questions
Frequently asked questions about the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise
Which concentration should I pick?
ENARSI (advanced routing) is the most common; choose wireless, SD-WAN or design based on your role.
Does CCNP expire?
Yes, after three years; recertify via exam or continuing education.
How do I register for cisco-ccnp-enterprise?
You register and schedule cisco-ccnp-enterprise through Pearson VUE. Pick a test-centre appointment or online proctoring, then sit the exam on your booked date.
What is the cisco-ccnp-enterprise exam format?
The exam is delivered as Multiple-choice and simulations, with about 90–110 (core) items, in 120 minutes (core). The published pass mark is ~825 of 1000.
How long is the cisco-ccnp-enterprise certification valid?
All Cisco certifications are valid for three years and renewed through re-examination, continuing education credits or higher-level passes.
How much does cisco-ccnp-enterprise cost?
The exam fee is $400 per exam. Optional study materials and retakes are priced separately.
How long is a Cisco certification valid, and how do I renew it?
Every Cisco certification is valid for 3 years. You can recertify by passing a qualifying exam at or above the current level, by earning Continuing Education credits, or by combining both before the expiry date.
Where do I take Cisco exams and what ID do I need?
Cisco exams are delivered by Pearson VUE at test centers or online via OnVUE (CCST via Certiport/Pearson VUE). You must present a valid government-issued photo ID; online exams also require a room/environment scan.
What happens if I fail a Cisco exam?
You must wait 5 calendar days before retaking the same exam, and each retake requires paying the full exam fee again. Your score report shows section-level feedback to guide further study.
In short
Is the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise worth it?
- CCNP Enterprise = ENCOR core + 1 concentration.
- It is professional-level enterprise networking.
- It renews every three years.
Same awarding body
What other credentials does Cisco award?
Worth comparing
How does the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise compare with similar credentials?
Trust
Where does this information come from?
Everything above is taken from the awarding body's own published material. Fees, question counts and domain weights are revised regularly — check the official page before you pay.
- Cisco Awarding body
- Official Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise exam page Exam page
- Cisco certification programme Programme rules
Research confidence: high · Last reviewed 2026-08