CCNP Enterprise practice.
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Free Cisco CCNP Enterprise Practice Test 2026
Advance your networking career with the industry's most respected professional-level certification. Our CCNP practice questions prepare you for the ENCOR 350-401 core exam with real-world scenarios covering SD-WAN, automation, advanced routing, and network assurance.
CCNP Enterprise: plan your preparation
Master the Cisco CCNP certification with professional-level practice questions covering enterprise networking, advanced routing, wireless, automation, and security integration.
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification validates advanced networking skills for professionals managing enterprise networks. This professional-level certification requires passing the core ENCOR exam plus one concentration exam of your choice. CCNP certified professionals demonstrate expertise in implementing and troubleshooting complex enterprise networks including routing, switching, wireless, and network security. Our practice questions cover all ENCOR domains and prepare you for the depth of knowledge expected at the professional level.
Exam version and format
CCNP Enterprise requires the ENCOR core exam and a concentration exam. ENCOR lasts 120 minutes. Cisco does not publish a fixed question count or universal passing score; check its current exam and concentration catalog before booking.
Checked September 8, 2026. Read the official CCNP Enterprise exam guidance before booking.
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is Cisco's professional-level certification for experienced network engineers. It validates your ability to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot enterprise networking solutions and demonstrates your competence with advanced Cisco technologies.
CCNP offers technology tracks with a core exam and a concentration exam. The core covers broad technology fundamentals; concentrations support deeper study in areas such as automation, SD-WAN, and VPN technologies. Cisco’s current tracks also include Wireless and Cybersecurity; Automation replaces the former DevNet Professional name.
Since 2020, Cisco no longer requires CCNA as a prerequisite for CCNP, though CCNA-level knowledge is essential for success. Passing the core exam also qualifies you to attempt the CCIE lab exam in the same track, providing a clear path to expert-level certification.
Check the current Cisco certification path and recertification rules before selecting an exam.
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) validates advanced networking skills across enterprise, security, data center, and other specializations. This guide covers all CCNP tracks, exam requirements, study strategies, and career outcomes.
CCNP Enterprise Exam Quick Facts
| Core Exam Code | 350-401 ENCOR |
| Full Name | Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Number of Questions | a variable number of questions |
| Passing Score | Not fixed; see Cisco score report |
| Exam Cost | Core and concentration exams have separate fees; check Cisco booking |
| Validity Period | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | None (CCNA recommended) |
| Exams Required | 2 (Core + 1 Concentration) |
| Average Salary | Varies by role, location, and experience |
ENCOR 350-401 Exam Domains
The ENCOR core exam tests your knowledge across six critical enterprise networking domains. Our practice questions cover each area with scenarios that mirror real Cisco environments.
🏗️ Architecture (15%)
Enterprise network design principles, high availability (FHRP, SSO, NSF), wireless deployment models, SD-WAN and SD-Access architecture, and Cisco DNA Center workflows.
🔄 Virtualization (10%)
VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding), GRE and IPsec tunnels, LISP (Locator/ID Separation Protocol), VXLAN data center fabric, and overlay networking concepts.
🌐 Infrastructure (30%)
Layer 2 technologies (STP, VLANs, EtherChannel), advanced OSPF and EIGRP, eBGP peering and route policies, multicast routing (PIM sparse mode), and QoS implementation.
📊 Network Assurance (10%)
Troubleshooting methodologies, SNMP/syslog/NetFlow monitoring, Cisco DNA Center Assurance features, IP SLA for performance measurement, and network analytics.
🔒 Security (20%)
Infrastructure security (control/management plane protection), AAA with TACACS+ and RADIUS, 802.1X and MAB authentication, endpoint security, and wireless security protocols.
🤖 Automation (15%)
Python scripting for network automation, REST APIs (Cisco DNA Center, Meraki, Webex), configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet), and controller-based networking.
CCNP Enterprise Concentration Exams
After passing the ENCOR core exam, choose one concentration to complete your CCNP Enterprise certification. Each concentration allows you to specialize based on your career goals.
| Concentration | Exam Code | Focus Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENARSI | 300-410 | Advanced Routing & Services | Enterprise routing engineers, SP roles |
| SD-WAN | 300-415 | Cisco SD-WAN Solutions | WAN transformation, Viptela deployments |
| ENWLSI | 300-430 | Wireless Implementation | Enterprise wireless engineers |
| ENWLSD | 300-425 | Wireless Design | Wireless architects and designers |
| ENAUTO | 300-435 | Automation & Programmability | NetDevOps engineers, automation specialists |
Ready to Advance Your Networking Career?
CCNP Enterprise certification proves you can design, implement, and troubleshoot complex enterprise networks. Start practicing today.
Start Free Practice Test →📋 ENCOR 350-401 Aligned
Review the six ENCOR domains with concept questions. Check the official blueprint for current scope and weighting.
🌐 Advanced Routing Focus
Deep coverage of OSPF optimization, eBGP configuration, route redistribution, and multicast—the 30% Infrastructure domain.
🤖 Automation Scenarios
Python scripting, REST API calls, and Ansible playbook questions that reflect modern network automation requirements.
📊 Performance Analytics
Track your readiness by domain, identify weak areas, and focus your study time where it matters most.
💡 Detailed Explanations
Every answer includes thorough explanations covering the "why" behind correct answers and common misconceptions.
⏱️ Exam Simulation
Timed 120-minute practice tests that simulate real ENCOR exam conditions with mixed question types.
Why CCNP Enterprise Certification?
CCNP Enterprise is Cisco's flagship professional-level certification for enterprise network engineers. Here's why it's worth the investment:
💰 Significant Salary Increase
Pay depends on the role, location, employer, and experience. Compare current job listings for your target role. A certification alone does not guarantee a salary or a job.
🚀 Career Advancement
CCNP unlocks senior network engineer, network architect, and technical lead positions. It's often a requirement for roles at Fortune 500 companies and large enterprises.
🎯 CCIE Foundation
The ENCOR core exam is also the qualifying exam for CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure. Passing ENCOR means you're halfway to the industry's most prestigious networking certification.
🔧 Practical Skills
CCNP validates real-world skills in SD-WAN, SD-Access, network automation, and modern infrastructure—technologies that enterprises are actively deploying in 2026.
CCNP Study Tips from Certified Professionals
🏗️ Build a Lab Environment
CCNP requires hands-on experience. Use Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), GNS3, or EVE-NG to practice BGP, OSPF, and SD-WAN configurations. Physical labs are helpful but not required.
📚 Master Infrastructure (30%)
The Infrastructure domain is the largest. Focus heavily on advanced OSPF (areas, LSA types, summarization), EIGRP optimization, and eBGP configuration including route policies.
🐍 Learn Python Basics
The Automation domain (15%) includes Python scripting questions. You don't need to be a developer, but understand basic syntax, REST API calls, and JSON parsing.
🔄 Study SD-WAN Architecture
SD-WAN is heavily featured in CCNP. Understand the control plane (vManage, vSmart), data plane (vEdge/cEdge), and OMP routing protocol—even if not taking the SD-WAN concentration.
Who should study CCNP Enterprise?
- CCNA-certified network engineers ready to advance into senior networking roles with deeper technical expertise
- Network administrators managing enterprise campus and WAN infrastructure who need professional-level validation
- Engineers specializing in wireless, SD-WAN, or security who need the ENCOR core exam plus a concentration
- IT professionals pursuing Cisco's certification pathway toward CCIE who need CCNP as the intermediate step
- Network architects and consultants who need to demonstrate professional-level Cisco expertise to employers and clients
Build your CCNP Enterprise study plan
- Focus on Infrastructure (30%) as the heaviest ENCOR domain — master OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, STP, and FHRP configuration and troubleshooting.
- Choose your concentration exam based on your career goals, such as advanced routing or SD-WAN. Use Cisco’s current concentration catalog to confirm the available tracks, codes, and objectives; wireless and automation certification paths can change.
- Set up a comprehensive lab with GNS3 or CML (Cisco Modeling Labs) — practice multi-router topologies with OSPF, BGP, and redistribution scenarios.
- Study network programmability with Python, REST APIs, and YANG models — Automation (15%) is a growing domain that many traditional network engineers overlook.
- Take the ENCOR core exam first, then use the momentum to prepare for your chosen concentration exam within 2-3 months.
Skills to review
- Architecture
- Explain the different design principles used in an enterprise network including campus, WAN, data center, and cloud architectures.
- Virtualization
- Describe device virtualization technologies, configure and verify data path virtualization technologies, and network virtualization concepts.
- Infrastructure
- Configure and verify Layer 2 and Layer 3 technologies including switching, routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP), and first hop redundancy.
- Network Assurance
- Diagnose network problems using tools like debugs, conditional debugs, traceroute, ping, SNMP, syslog, and NetFlow.
- Security
- Configure and verify infrastructure security including device access control, ACLs, CoPP, and wireless security.
- Automation
- Interpret Python scripts, construct API requests, implement automation workflows, and configure NETCONF and RESTCONF.
These timelines are examples for planning, not measured completion rates. Use labs and practice results to set your schedule.
- CCNA holders with 3+ years experience: 3-4 months per exam
- Experienced engineers without CCNA: 4-6 months per exam
- Career changers: Get CCNA first, then 6+ months per CCNP exam
Prepare with Smart Practice practice questions covering CCNP Enterprise and beyond.
Try these CCNP Enterprise knowledge questions
Choose your answer, then review the explanation. These are independent learning examples, not official exam questions or a replacement for hands-on labs.
CCNP Tracks
| Track | Core Exam | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | ENCOR | Routing, switching, wireless, SD-WAN, automation |
| Security | SCOR | Network security, cloud security, content security, endpoint |
| Data Center | DCCOR | Nexus, ACI, UCS, storage, compute, automation |
| Service Provider | SPCOR | IP routing, MPLS, VPN, service provider architecture |
| Collaboration | CLCOR | UC, video, messaging, presence, Webex |
| Automation (formerly DevNet Professional) | AUTOCOR | Network automation, APIs, Python, CI/CD, Cisco platforms |
Career Paths and Salaries
These original US salary ranges are retained as unverified planning examples. Actual pay varies by role, location, and experience; a certification does not guarantee these outcomes.
| Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Network Engineer | $85K-$115K |
| Senior Network Engineer | $110K-$140K |
| Network Architect | $125K-$165K |
| Network Security Engineer | $100K-$140K |
If you need to retake a CCNP exam
For a failed Professional written exam, wait five calendar days, beginning the day after the failed attempt, before taking the same exam again. Use the section performance information in your score report to target weak skills and verify the current exam fee before rebooking. Cisco does not publish a numeric passing threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exams are required for CCNP Enterprise?
CCNP Enterprise requires passing two exams: the core exam ENCOR (350-401) plus one concentration exam of your choice. Concentration options include ENARSI (Advanced Routing), ENWLSI (Wireless), SD-WAN (300-415), ENWLSD (Wireless Design), and ENAUTO (Automation). The core exam alone also qualifies you to attempt the CCIE Enterprise lab exam.
What is the ENCOR 350-401 exam format?
ENCOR (350-401) is a 120-minute exam. Cisco does not publish a fixed question count or universal passing score. Use Cisco’s exam page for current format and booking details.
Do I need CCNA before CCNP?
Technically no—there are no formal prerequisites since 2020. However, CCNP assumes solid CCNA-level knowledge. The ENCOR exam covers advanced topics like BGP, OSPF optimization, SD-WAN, and Python automation that build heavily on CCNA fundamentals. Most successful candidates have CCNA certification or equivalent experience.
No, Cisco removed the CCNA prerequisite in 2020. You can attempt CCNP directly, though CCNA-level knowledge is strongly recommended.
How long is CCNP certification valid?
CCNP certification is valid for 3 years. You can recertify by passing any professional-level core exam (like ENCOR), passing the CCIE lab exam, or earning 80 Continuing Education (CE) credits through Cisco's program.
What is the salary boost from CCNP?
Pay depends on the role, location, employer, and experience. Compare current job listings for your target role. A certification alone does not guarantee a salary or a job.
Which CCNP concentration should I choose?
Choose based on your career goals: ENARSI for advanced routing and service provider roles; SD-WAN for enterprise WAN transformation projects; ENWLSI for wireless engineering; ENAUTO for network automation and DevNet roles. ENARSI is the most common choice for general enterprise networking.
How long does it take to study for CCNP?
Most candidates need 6-12 months to complete both CCNP exams. The ENCOR core exam typically requires 4-6 months of dedicated study (150-250 hours), while concentration exams add another 2-4 months.
Can CCNP lead to CCIE?
Yes! The ENCOR core exam is the written qualifying exam for CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure. Passing ENCOR gives you 3 years to attempt the CCIE lab exam. Many professionals pursue CCNP as a stepping stone to CCIE.
Do I need an account to use these samples?
You can read these examples without an account. Create an account to save progress in Smart Practice. The Free plan includes 15 questions per day; see Pricing for current plan features.
Can I study CCNP Enterprise on my phone?
This page works on a phone, tablet, or computer. Review the examples between longer study sessions. Use a suitable lab environment for hands-on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is CCNP certification?
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a professional-level certification validating advanced networking skills. It requires passing a core exam plus one concentration exam in your chosen track.
How many exams does CCNP require?
CCNP requires two exams: one core exam and one concentration exam of your choice. The core exam also qualifies you to attempt the CCIE lab exam.
How long does CCNP take to earn?
Most candidates spend 3-6 months preparing for each exam, so 6-12 months total. Experienced engineers may complete both in 4-6 months.
What is the CCNP salary range?
The previous guide used US salary examples of $85,000–$130,000 for CCNP professionals and $120,000–$160,000+ for senior engineers and architects. These are unverified illustrative ranges, not measured outcomes or a salary guarantee. Compare current job listings for your location, role, and experience.
Does CCNP expire?
Yes, CCNP is valid for three years. Earn 80 eligible CE credits before expiry through approved learning and exam activities. A Professional core exam earns 80 credits; a concentration exam earns 40, so a single concentration alone does not meet the CCNP renewal requirement.