Cisco CCNP Enterprise (ENCOR core): the honest guide
Everything Cisco publishes about 350-401, in one place: what the exam asks, how the domains are weighted, and what it takes to be ready.
This guide page is built from the registry, not written yet.
Everything below comes from CCNP Enterprise’s published exam data, and every figure links to the vendor page it came from. The researched version, with study plans and the parts nobody publishes, is still being written. This page is not submitted to search engines until it is.
Practise CCNP Enterprise questions in the meantimeWhat the exam actually asks you to do
Multiple choice and multiple response, drag-and-drop, simlets, and full simulations where you configure Cisco device software in the exam, the same format as CCNA but at professional depth.
- Multiple choice
- Multiple response
- Drag and drop
- Simlet
- Simulation
The highlighted formats are the ones you cannot answer from memory alone. Cisco, certification exam tutorial ↗
Domain breakdown and official weightings
From the official Cisco exam topics. Infrastructure is the heaviest domain at 30 percent, followed by Security at 20 percent.
- Architecture15%
- Virtualization10%
- Infrastructure30%
- Network Assurance10%
- Security20%
- Automation and Artificial Intelligence15%
Where to focus: Infrastructure is 30 percent of ENCOR, the largest domain by far, and automation plus assurance add another 25. Routing and switching depth is necessary but not sufficient; budget real time for the programmability content.
What comes after passing
CCNP Enterprise is valid for 3 years. CCNP certifications last three years. Renew with continuing education credits, by passing another professional or expert exam, or by re-taking the exams.
Costs across the full renewal cycle are on the CCNP Enterprise cost page.
Frequently asked questions
How many exams does CCNP Enterprise take?
Two. You pass the 350-401 ENCOR core exam, then one concentration exam of your choice (for example 300-410 ENARSI for advanced routing). ENCOR alone does not earn the certification, though it does count toward CCIE Enterprise.
Is there a prerequisite for CCNP Enterprise?
No formal prerequisite. Cisco removed them, so you can sit ENCOR without holding CCNA. In practice ENCOR assumes CCNA-level fluency and then goes well beyond it, so most candidates hold CCNA or the equivalent experience first.
How hard is the ENCOR exam?
It is broad and deep: 120 minutes across architecture, virtualization, a 30 percent infrastructure domain, network assurance, security, and automation. The infrastructure and automation weighting means you cannot pass on routing and switching alone.
Does ENCOR expire if I do not take the concentration exam?
You have three years from passing ENCOR to complete a concentration exam. Each Cisco exam result is valid for three years.
Keep reading
CCNP Enterprise practice questions
Free sample questions with the full explanation on every answer.
CCNP Enterprise passing score
The exact cut score, what kind of number it is, and the retake terms.
How hard is CCNP Enterprise?
An honest difficulty read from the format, the clock and the weights.
Practise CCNP Enterprise for free while you decide
Original questions written from the published objectives, with the concept, the reasoning, and a note on every wrong option. No account needed to start.
Start free CCNP Enterprise questions