Passing the Cisco CCNP ENCOR 350-401 exam is a major milestone for network professionals aiming to validate their skills in enterprise networking. It’s not just about passing a test — it’s about mastering core technologies that define modern enterprise networks, including architecture, infrastructure, automation, security, and more.
In this article, we combine expert-level knowledge with first-hand experience from someone who recently passed the exam (source: Gulian.uk). Whether you’re transitioning from CCNA or upgrading your existing certifications, this guide gives you a proven roadmap to success.
Understanding the CCNP ENCOR 350-401 Certification Path
To earn the CCNP Enterprise certification, you must pass two exams:
- Core Exam: 350-401 ENCOR – Covers foundational enterprise networking technologies.
- Concentration Exam: Choose one from options like:
- 300-410 ENARSI (Advanced Routing)
- 300-415 ENSDWI (SD-WAN)
- 300-420 ENSLD (Design)
The ENCOR exam serves as the gateway to advanced specialization and even the elite CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification.
ENCOR 350-401 Exam Overview
| Category | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 15% |
| Virtualization | 10% |
| Infrastructure | 30% |
| Network Assurance | 10% |
| Security | 20% |
| Automation | 15% |
Each domain includes numerous subtopics, from Layer 2/3 technologies and wireless integration to Python scripting and API-based automation. The key is to balance theory with hands-on practice.
Why This Exam Matters
The ENCOR exam is more than a stepping stone — it’s a comprehensive assessment of your ability to design, implement, secure, and troubleshoot complex enterprise networks. With increasing reliance on cloud, SD-WAN, automation, and cybersecurity, the knowledge tested here is directly applicable to today’s IT environments.
If you’re aiming for roles like:
- Network Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Cloud Architect
- DevOps Engineer
…then the CCNP ENCOR certification can significantly boost your credibility and career prospects.
My CCNP ENCOR Preparation Journey (Real-Life Insights)
Like many others, I began my journey after passing the CCNA certification. Here’s what worked best for me — and how I eventually passed the ENCOR exam after one failed attempt.
✅ Step 1: Use Official Study Materials
I started with the Cisco Press Official Cert Guides:
- First edition (for ENCOR v1.0)
- Second edition (updated for ENCOR v1.1)
Cisco frequently updates its exams, so always check the latest blueprint on the Cisco Certification Roadmaps page.
🎥 Step 2: Supplement with Video Training
Video learning helped reinforce concepts through visual demonstrations. I used:
- Kevin Wallace’s Udemy Course – Great for labs and explanations
- Cisco’s ENCOR v1.3 Training – Includes videos, labs, and interactive content
A blended approach of reading + watching + doing made a huge difference.
💻 Step 3: Practice with Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)
Hands-on lab experience is essential. I used Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) to replicate scenarios from the book and video courses. CML gives access to real Cisco IOS images and CLI tools — perfect for simulating enterprise-grade setups.
Some of the labs I focused on included:
- VLANs, STP, EtherChannel
- OSPF, EIGRP, BGP routing
- Wireless controller configurations
- IPsec tunnels and DMVPN
- Python scripts for basic automation
You can also purchase guided lab packages directly from Cisco.
🧪 Step 4: Test Your Readiness with Cisco Review Tools
Before scheduling the exam, I used the Cisco Exam Review: ENCOR product. It includes ~200 questions and allows multiple attempts. Each time, I reviewed my weak areas and revisited those topics.
This tool was invaluable in identifying gaps in my understanding.
Exam Day Tips: From Failing to Passing
I took the exam online via Pearson VUE. Unfortunately, I didn’t pass on the first try. But I had purchased the Cisco Professional Level Core Exam Safeguard Offer, which gave me a second chance at no extra cost.
Here’s what I learned from failing:
- Don’t rush — understand why an answer is correct
- Focus on troubleshooting and configuration tasks
- Practice subnetting, ACLs, and routing protocol behaviors under stress
- Review all lab simulations thoroughly before submitting
On my second attempt, I passed — and the satisfaction was worth every hour of preparation.
Resources That Helped Me Succeed
| Resource Type | Specific Resources Used |
|---|---|
| Books | CCNP & CCIE Enterprise Core ENCOR 350-401 (1st & 2nd Ed) |
| Video Courses | Kevin Wallace (Udemy), Cisco ENCOR v1.3 Training |
| Lab Platforms | Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) |
| Practice Exams | Cisco Exam Review: ENCOR |
| Online Communities | Reddit (r/ccnp), Orhan Ergun Academy forums |
Final Thoughts: Stay Consistent and Keep Going
Preparing for the CCNP ENCOR exam is challenging but entirely achievable with the right mindset and resources. Whether you’re studying full-time or balancing work and life, consistency is key.
Remember:
- Track your progress weekly
- Revisit difficult topics regularly
- Simulate real exam conditions
- Celebrate small wins along the way
Once you pass ENCOR, choose your next concentration exam based on your interests — whether it’s automation, SD-WAN, or advanced routing.
Ready to Start Your CCNP ENCOR Journey?
If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow learners or bookmark it for future reference. You’ve got everything you need to succeed — now go out there and pass the 350-401 ENCOR exam!
🎓 Good luck on your certification journey — you’ve got this!
