I passed the CCNP ENCOR exam recently and I would like to share with you the steps that I took, as well as the resources that I used in order to achieve this goal. If you are looking for similar information regarding the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification, check this link.

In order to be awarded the CCNP certification, you need to pass 2 exams.

The first step is to take the Core exam. The CCNP 350-401 ENCOR exam tests your knowledge of core enterprise network technologies.

The second step is to choose a Concentration exam. Here you have multiple options: 300-410 ENARSI, 300-415 ENSDWI, and 300-420 ENSLD. For more information about CCNP Enterprise check this page.

CCNP ENCOR Exam Overview

The CCNP ENCOR exam covers the following topics:

1. Architecture – 15 %
2. Virtualization – 10 %
3. Infrastructure – 30 %
4. Network Assurance – 10 %
5. Security – 20 %
6. Automation – 15 %.

Each topic contains subtopics. To view the full list, check this link.

Exam price

The price of the exam is $400 USD + tax. For the complete list of countries, currency and exams, visit the Pearson VUE page.

You can also use Cisco Learning Credits. To find out more about the Cisco Learning Credits, take a look at this page.

Available resources to prepare for the CCNP ENCOR exam

Both theoretical knowledge and practical experience are necessary in order to pass the exam.

For the theoretical part, I used a mix of resources.

Books:

1. CCNP and CCIE Enterprise Core ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide first edition.

2. CCNP and CCIE Enterprise Core ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide second edition

I started to prepare for the ENCOR exam in March 2023 after passing my CCNA certification. At that time, the ENCOR exam was still in version 1.0. This is why I read the first edition of CCNP and CCIE Enterprise Cor 350-401 Official Cert Guide. I was not ready to sit the exam before Cisco updated it to the version 1.1. Because there were some changes in the blueprint, I needed to read the second edition of the book CCNP and CCIE Enterprise Cor 350-401 Official Cert Guide. This book covers the current version of the exam, which is ENCOR 1.1.

Cisco is reviewing and updating its exams based on a predefined schedule. Therefore, it pays off to visit the website from time to time. Please keep an eye on the Cisco certification roadmaps website for the latest details.

The above books cover all the topics that you need to know in order to pass the exam.

Video training:

I used Kevin Wallace’s Udemy course: ENCOR (350-401) v1.1 Video Training Series (2023 Blueprint), which contains all the topics, as well as labs that you can do in Cisco Modelling Labs. I prefer a combination of video and text resources when learning. This is why I used both video training and books.

I also bought the Cisco training Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.2. It contains video, text and labs. I found it very useful in my preparation. This version is not available anymore, but you can buy the latest version: Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.3.

Labs:

I used the Cisco Modelling Labs, which helped me a lot. I completed the labs offered by Kevin Wallace in his video training multiple times.

If you want to do some practice labs where you are guided step by step, you can buy this product from Cisco. You will have access to this product for 180 days. The labs utilize Cisco IOS software with Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, and CLI supported on version 15 releases, and are available 24/7.

I replicated the labs which are presented in the CCNP and CCIE Enterprise Core ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide book and I created some labs myself in CML.

Exam review

When you think that you are ready for the exam, you can check your preparedness with the Cisco Exam Review: ENCOR product. I used this product 5 or 6 times. It contains approximately 200 questions. Every time you start the test, you are presented with questions from the 200 question pool. After the test, based on your score, you can review the topics that still require some practice.

Schedule the exam

You can take the exam in-person or online. This time, I opted for the online method. You can schedule the exam using this website.

From there you will be redirected to Pearson Vue where you have the option to find the nearest Pearson Vue Test Center or schedule an online exam that you can take from the comfort of your own home. Not all Pearson Vue Testing Centers cover Cisco exams so make sure you pay attention to this aspect.

If you are afraid that you might fail the exam, you can buy the Cisco Professional Level Core Exam Safeguard Offer, which gives you a second chance. You register for the exam as usual and, if you do not pass on your first attempt, you can sit it one more time at no additional cost. I am glad that I used the above product because I failed my first attempt.

I hope you find this post useful. Share it on your social media channels so that other people can read it too.