CCNA / CCNA vs CCNP ENCOR
CCNA vs CCNP ENCOR: Which Certification Fits Better?
Choose CCNA if career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role. Choose CCNP ENCOR if ccna-level engineers moving into enterprise implementation or design. The better path is the one that lines up with your next job, current depth, and the kind of work you want to own after training.
When CCNA is the better choice
- Career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role
- Help desk or desktop support professionals ready to move into network operations
- Students who want a vendor-recognized certification with strong employer awareness
When CCNP ENCOR is the better choice
- CCNA-level engineers moving into enterprise implementation or design
- Network administrators preparing for senior engineer responsibilities
- Students planning a CCIE Enterprise or advanced Cisco track
What CCNA training covers
- Network fundamentals and IP addressing
- Switching, VLANs, and spanning tree
- Routing, NAT, and basic services
- Security controls, automation, and wireless fundamentals
What CCNP ENCOR training covers
- Enterprise architecture and routing design
- Virtualization, wireless, and network assurance
- Security hardening and policy controls
- Automation, APIs, and programmability
Planning to earn both?
If you plan to earn both, start with CCNA: it is the more foundational of the two, and the concepts it builds carry directly into CCNP ENCOR. Tackling CCNP ENCOR first usually means re-learning fundamentals under exam pressure.
Comparison FAQs
Which certification is better for beginners: CCNA or CCNP ENCOR?
CCNA is the better entry point for most beginners, while CCNP ENCOR usually fits students with more prior experience or a narrower goal.
Does CISNET offer training for both CCNA and CCNP ENCOR?
Yes. CISNET offers live, instructor-led training for both CCNA and CCNP ENCOR, so you can choose the path that best matches your current experience and target role.
How should I choose between CCNA and CCNP ENCOR?
Choose the certification that aligns more directly with the role you want next, the depth you already have, and the type of hands-on work you expect to do after training.
Which pays more: CCNA or CCNP ENCOR?
Typical Canadian roles tied to CCNA run $45K-$95K CAD, while CCNP ENCOR-related roles run $85K-$140K CAD. Actual pay depends far more on the specific role, your experience, and the city than on the certification alone.
Can I earn both CCNA and CCNP ENCOR?
If you plan to earn both, start with CCNA: it is the more foundational of the two, and the concepts it builds carry directly into CCNP ENCOR. Tackling CCNP ENCOR first usually means re-learning fundamentals under exam pressure.
Need a direct recommendation between CCNA and CCNP ENCOR?
Talk to CISNET and get a recommendation based on your current skills, not generic internet rankings.
Get in Touch
