Software and networking are becoming more interconnected. Technological breakthroughs enable connecting applications and enterprises that connect everything – people, devices, tools, and applications. To benefit from these technologies, today’s networking professionals need broader capabilities and more in-depth knowledge of critical technical areas. This is where CCNP Enterprise comes into action. The main exam for CCNP Enterprise is CCNP ENCOR. To perform well on the CCNP ENCOR (350-401) exam, being familiar with the updated CCNP ENCOR curriculum is essential. People who work with computer networks can take CCNP Encore training to get better at their jobs and pass the CCNP Encore certification exam.
What is CCNP ENCOR?
In the networking world, CCNP ENCOR stands for Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise Core. Cisco’s main certification test for CCNP Enterprise is ENCOR 350-401. For those seeking CCNP Enterprise certification, this is the main exam that must be passed. The CCNP ENCOR certification shows you know how to plan, install, and test large business computer network solutions.
Networking concepts will be tested, including network design, automation, virtualization, security, and assurance. It is designed for IT employees who want to climb the corporate ladder and expand their knowledge in enterprise-level networking.
CCNP ENCOR Syllabus
The following topics are covered in the Cisco CCNP ENCOR Course-
- Architecture
- Virtualization
- Basic Infrastructure
- Network Assurance
- Security
- Automation
Subtopics within each major topic will test your expertise in specific areas of enterprise networking. The following is an overview of the CCNP ENCOR curriculum:
| Subject | Weight | Objective |
| Architecture | 15% | 1- Design Principals in an Enterprise Network- – Planning for fabrics at Tier 2, Tier 3, and managing capacity. – Strategies like redundancy, SSO, and FHRP. 2- WLAN Deployment- – Wireless deployment models – WLAN design’s location services – Client density 3- Cisco SD-WAN Solution- – SD-WAN control – SD-WAN Solutions and Limitations 4- Cisco SD-Access Solution and Design- – Traditional campus – Interoperating with SD-Access – SD-Access control 5- Wired and Wireless QoS- – QoS policy – QoS components 6- Differentiate Software and Hardware Switching Mechanisms- – FIB vs RIB – Process and CEF – MAC address table and TCAM |
| Virtualization | 10% | 1- Device Virtualization- – Virtual Switching – Type 1 & 2 hypervisor – Virtual machine 2- Data Path Virtualization Technologies- – VRF – IPsec and GRE tunneling 3- Network Virtualization- – VXLAN – LISP |
| Infrastructure | 30% | 1- Layer 2 – Troubleshoot 802.1q protocols – Troubleshoot EtherChannels – Spanning Tree Protocols 2- Layer 3 – Compare EIGRP and OSPF in terms of how they choose paths, the measures they use, how they balance the load, and whether they use vector or linked state information. – Configure simple OSPF environments, including summarization – Explore eBGP – Policy-based routing 3- Wireless – Layer 1 concept like RSSI – Antenna types and AP modes – Access point discovery – Layer 2 and Layer 3 roaming – Wireless connectivity issues and troubleshooting WLAN configuration – Wireless segmentation 4-IP Services – NAT/PAT – Hop redundancy protocols like VRRP – Network Time Protocol (NTP) – Multicast protocols like IGMP v2/v3 |
| Network Assurance | 10% | 1. Diagnose network problems 2. Configure NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow 3. Configure SPAN/RSPAN/ERSPAN 4. Configure IPSLA 5. Cisco DNA Center workflows 6. Configure NETCONF and RESTCONF |
| Security | 20% | 1- Device Access Control – Authentication and authorization using AAA – Lines and password protection 2- Infrastructure Security Features – CoPP – ACLs 3-REST API Security 4- Wireless Security Features – WebAuth – EAPOL – PSK – 802.1x 5- Network Security Design Components – Threat Defense – Network access control with 802.1X, WebAuth, and MAB – Endpoint security – TrustSec, MACsec – Next-generation firewall |
| Automation | 15% | 1. Basic Python components and scripts 2. Build a valid JSON-encoded file 3. Basic ideas and advantages of using a language for modeling data. 4. Benefits of a data modeling language 5. APIs for Cisco DNA Center and vManage 6. Understand the response codes and information in the payload of a REST API using Cisco DNA Center and RESTCONF. 7. Construct an EEM applet 8. Compare agent vs. agentless orchestration tools like Ansible, Chef, etc. |
The following are possible exam subjects for 350-401 ENCOR certification. The content may be updated at any time to reflect new developments in technology related to Cisco products.
Many people find the ENCOR exam and the updated CCNP ENCOR curriculum confusing. Below we have explained some of the key questions that will help you understand the CCNP ENCOR exam.
CCNP ENCOR Exam Pattern
| Exam Name | ENCOR (Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies) |
| Exam Number | 350-401 |
| Exam Price | USD 400 + Taxes |
| Exam Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Passing Score | 750-850 out of 1000 |
| Number of Questions | 90-110 |
| Recommended Training | CCNP ENCOR (350-401) Training |
Is the CCNP ENCOR Exam Hard?
Yes, the CCNP ENCOR exam is considered a difficult exam. During the ENCOR (350-401) exam, you will have 120 minutes to demonstrate your proficiency in applying what you have learned about essential enterprise networking technologies. The complexity of the exam may vary depending on how well you know the concepts. The CCNP ENCOR exam can be relatively easy for someone with a thorough understanding of the test topics and sufficient practical experience.
Taking practice tests and consulting online training platforms like Payton Labs will help you learn where you need to focus and gain confidence in your abilities. Finally, remember to take it easy on the exam day. It is normal to feel anxious, but staying calm and focused on the concepts learned is essential to passing the CCNP ENCOR exam.
Jobs after CCNP ENCOR 350 –401
After completing CCNP ENCOR 350-401 certification training, you can qualify for a variety of jobs with your new knowledge and skills.
- Network Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Cloud Network Engineer
- Project Manager
- IT Manager
- Technical Support Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Network Analyst and many more
The list of jobs you can get after CCNP ENCOR is endless. These are a few of the most usual jobs you can find.
The Average Salary of CCNP ENCOR
A professional with CCNP ENCOR training can earn a range of salaries depending on factors such as job role, region, industry, and years of experience. Still, the average salary after the CCNP ENCOR course is around 8 LPA. Nevertheless, depending on the above-mentioned parameters, the pay scale can range from 6 LPA to 10 LPA.
Here is the list of salaries after CCNP ENCOR in different countries –
- USA: USD 80,000 to 115,000
- UK: £45,000 to £60,000
- Japan: ¥6,000,000 to ¥9,000,000
- Germany: €40,000 to €60,000
- Canada: CAD 50,000 to 80,000
- India: ₹6,60,000
Can I Take ENCOR Without CCNA
Thus, there are no prerequisites to go for CCNP ENCOR certification. However, if you want to get CCNP ENCOR training, you must do CCNA training first because CCNA training will help in learning fundamental networking concepts. As a result, it is recommended that CCNA training be completed first, followed by CCNP ENCOR.
The second scenario is that if one wants to obtain ENCOR certification, he or she does not need to obtain CCNA certification first. It is completely up to you whether you want to get CCNA certification or not.
CCNP ENCOR Training
The CCNP ENCOR training is designed for those who already know a lot about networks and those who are just starting in the networking field. This course is open to anyone interested in network automation, security, or virtualization.
In today’s complex networking environments, the capabilities we have discussed are essential. Also, it is beneficial for a person who wants to improve his networking skills over time and get higher paying higher job roles.
Conclusion
Ultimately, CCNP ENCOR plays a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of networking professionals by focusing on critical areas such as architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation. The syllabus outlines specific topics, providing a comprehensive guide to prepare for the exam. The CCNP ENCOR exam, though challenging, offers opportunities for various roles like Network Engineer, Cloud Network Engineer, and others, with an average salary of around 8 LPA. Although CCNA training is beneficial, it is not mandatory before pursuing the CCNP ENCOR. This course caters to both experienced engineers and beginners, ensuring skill improvement and access to high-paying job roles in today’s dynamic networking landscape.