CISCO CCNP / EXAM FORMAT Choose your track.
Plan both exams.
Separate the core and concentration exams, understand their timing, and focus practice on your chosen networking role.
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How Many Questions Are on the Cisco CCNP Exam? Complete 2026 Guide
Quick answer and study context
Cisco does not publish a guaranteed fixed question count. Prepare for the current exam topics and the formats shown in the official exam tutorial. 120 minutes for ENCOR and 90 minutes for ENARSI is the listed assessment duration. Cisco does not publish a numeric passing score or a fixed number of correct answers required.
Wondering what to expect on the Cisco CCNP exam? This guide breaks down exactly how many questions you'll face, how much time you have, and what CCNP score you need to pass.
The Cisco CCNP certification from Cisco validates your expertise in this field. This guide covers a variable number of questions across 120 minutes for ENCOR; 90 minutes for ENARSI, the Varies by exam passing threshold, and strategic approaches for each question type. From time management to scoring mechanics, here's everything candidates need for effective exam preparation.
- Questions
- Not fixed
- Time Limit
- 120 minutes for ENCOR; 90 minutes for ENARSI
- Passing Score
- Not published
- Question Types
- multiple-choice, drag-and-drop,
The Cisco CCNP requires passing two exams: a core exam (90-110 questions, 120 min) and a concentration exam (55-75 questions, 90 min). Available across six tracks: Enterprise, Security, Data Center, Service Provider, Collaboration, and DevNet.
CCNP holders earn $95,000-$135,000. The CCNP core exam also serves as the CCIE written qualifying exam.
Track Options
| Track | Core Exam | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | ENCOR 350-401 | Enterprise networking |
| Security | SCOR 350-701 | Network security |
| Data Center | DCCOR 350-601 | Data center infrastructure |
| DevNet | DEVCOR 350-901 | Network automation |
ENCOR Domain Breakdown (Enterprise)
| Domain | % | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 15% | SD-WAN, SD-Access, QoS |
| Virtualization | 10% | VRF, GRE, VXLAN |
| Infrastructure | 30% | OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, switching, wireless |
| Network Assurance | 10% | Monitoring, NetFlow, SNMP |
| Security | 20% | ACLs, CoPP, AAA |
| Automation | 15% | APIs, Python, Ansible, YANG |
Study Preparation
- Core (3-6 months): Routing protocols, switching, wireless, security, automation
- Concentration (2-4 months): Specialized study
- Lab practice: Cisco CML, EVE-NG, or GNS3
- Automation: 15% of core tests Python, APIs, Ansible
Cisco CCNP Exam Structure Overview
The Cisco CCNP exam is designed to thoroughly assess your knowledge and skills. Here's the complete breakdown of what you'll face:
Total Questions: a variable number of Time Allowed: 120 minutes for ENCOR; 90 minutes for ENARSI Passing Score: Varies by exam Number of Exams: 2 (you must pass all 2 exams to earn the certification)
The exam is administered by Cisco and can be taken at authorized testing centers or online with live proctoring. The questions are designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application of concepts.
Multiple Exam Requirements
Since Cisco CCNP requires passing 2 separate exams, you'll need to prepare for each one individually. Each exam focuses on different domains and competencies. Many candidates choose to study for and take the exams sequentially, allowing time between exams to focus on specific content areas.
Types of Questions You Will See
Read each question carefully. Follow the stated selection count, examine diagrams or scenarios, and use the current exam tutorial to learn its controls.
Question Distribution by Domain
Use the current exam objectives as a checklist. Do not assume a fixed question or task count per domain unless the provider publishes one.
Time Management Strategy
The listed duration is 120 minutes for ENCOR and 90 minutes for ENARSI.
Plan your pace: Read the navigation instructions before starting. Do not plan on returning to previous questions; complete and check each response before moving on. Use the displayed time and remaining workload to adjust your pace.
Practice routine: Set a realistic timer, work steadily, and review the cause of mistakes after the session. A practice timing target is not an official question limit.
Don't Get Stuck
Do not depend on a later review pass. Read carefully, check the response, and move forward according to the exam instructions.
Scoring and Passing Requirements
Use the result: Answer or attempt every task as instructed. Review available topic feedback, then practice the weak skills. Do not calculate a pass from guessed question weights or an unofficial percentage.
Score Report
Use the official Cisco score report and section feedback to identify topics for review. The report is not a map of individual question weights.
How to Prepare for a variable number of Questions
Preparing for a variable number of questions across all domains requires a strategic approach:
1. Master the Exam Objectives Every question is tied to the official exam objectives. Get the current objectives from Cisco and use them as your study checklist.
2. Practice with Realistic Questions Complete at least 500+ practice questions before your exam. Focus on questions that match the exam format, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and simulation questions.
3. Time Your Practice Exams Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions. This builds stamina and helps you calibrate your pacing for the real exam.
4. Focus on Weak Domains Use practice test results to identify domains where you score below 80%. Concentrate additional study time on these areas.
5. Understand, Don't Memorize With a variable number of questions covering diverse scenarios, memorization alone won't work. Focus on understanding concepts so you can apply them to novel situations.
Study Tips
Subnetting is fundamental to Cisco exams—practice until it's second nature.
Understand both the theory and the commands. Cisco tests both conceptual knowledge and practical configuration.
Read Cisco IOS output carefully in exam simulations—small details matter.
Practice troubleshooting methodologies, not just configuration steps.
Know your OSI model layers cold—Cisco references them constantly.
Cisco exams include simulation questions requiring actual CLI commands—practice extensively in packet tracer or GNS3.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-relying on deep technical knowledge without understanding broader organizational context.
Underestimating the length and intensity of advanced certification exams.
Not practicing with realistic scenario-based questions that mirror exam difficulty.
Failing to manage stress and mental fatigue during lengthy exams.
Ignoring the "soft" skills and governance aspects that advanced certs emphasize.
Approaching the exam as a technical test when it often emphasizes management and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions?
Core: 90-110/120 min. Concentration: 55-75/90 min.
Passing score?
Cisco does not publish a numeric passing score or a fixed number of correct answers required.
Which track?
Enterprise most popular. Security fastest-growing.
Requires CCNA?
No, but CCNA knowledge assumed.
Study time?
Plan around 3–6 months of study per exam as an illustrative starting point. Adjust the time to your existing skills, lab practice, and diagnostic results.
Cost?
The CCNP Enterprise core exam costs US$400 and a concentration exam such as ENARSI costs US$300, before applicable taxes.
Expires?
Yes, CCNP is valid for three years. Complete 80 eligible CE credits through approved learning and exam activity before expiry to keep the credential active.
vs CCIE?
CCNP=written, CCIE=8-hour lab. Core qualifies as CCIE written.
Practice CCNP Questions
Sharpen professional networking skills with practice questions.
Start Free Practice Test →What is the total question count for CCNP?
Cisco does not publish a guaranteed fixed question count. Prepare for the current exam topics and the formats shown in the official exam tutorial.
Does CCNP include unscored questions?
Do not assume a published number of unscored items. Follow the exam instructions and attempt every question or task.
What question formats does CCNP use?
Cisco does not publish a guaranteed fixed question count. Prepare for the current exam topics and the formats shown in the official exam tutorial.
What is the CCNP time limit?
The listed assessment duration is 120 minutes for ENCOR and 90 minutes for ENARSI. Plan practice around the actual format and the workload shown; there is no fixed seconds-per-question promise.
Does CCNP allow reviewing previous questions?
Follow the navigation instructions and do not plan on a later review pass. Complete and check each answer before moving forward.
What is the CCNP passing score?
Cisco does not publish a numeric passing score or a fixed number of correct answers required.
What's the margin for error on CCNP?
Cisco does not publish a numeric passing score or a fixed number of correct answers required.
Is every CCNP exam different?
Exam content can vary. Prepare from the objectives rather than memorizing a question sequence; do not assume every retake is entirely new.
Check the current provider guidance
Cisco does not publish a fixed passing score. CCNA is 120 minutes and US$300 before applicable tax. CCNP Enterprise requires a core exam and a concentration; CCNA is not a formal prerequisite.
Study timelines, practice percentages, and cost examples are planning aids, not pass or hiring predictions. Any salary ranges retained here are unverified illustrative figures; check current local roles and compensation before relying on them. Verify cloud trial limits and remove lab resources after practice.
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