Certifications / CCNP ENCOR guide
CCNP ENCOR Certification Guide for Canada & US Students
The CCNP ENCOR certification (Cisco 350-401) is the core enterprise networking credential for engineers who already understand routing and switching and want to operate at a more senior level, the qualifying exam for every CCNP Enterprise concentration and a stepping stone toward CCIE Enterprise. CISNET's CCNP ENCOR training gives you live instruction, guided labs, and a direct path into roles tied to $85,000 - $120,000.
Reviewed by Mani Poopal· Lead Networking Instructor· Updated July 2026Who CCNP ENCOR is for
- 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 you will cover
- Introduction ENCOR, Routing, Switching and GNS3 LAB software.
GNS3 LAB software introduction • IPv4 vs IPv6 differences
- Advanced Switching and LAB
MAC address vs IP Address • VLAN, VTP, Trunking(DTP, ISL, 802.1Q)
- Routing Protocols introduction & LAB
OSPF Routing concepts(Area's, Router Type, LSA's) • EIGRP Routing Concetps(ASN#, DUAL alogoritm)
- Multicast Routing and IPv6
Unicast, Broadcast vs Multicast. • Multicast PIM-Modes(sparse, Dense and sparce-Dense)
- QOS, IP Services and Over-lay tunnels
Introduction to QOS(TOS byte, IP Precedense, DSCP) • Traffic Classification & Marking
- LAN, WAN, SD-ACCESS & SD-WAN
Introduction to LAN and WAN • SD-ACCESS(L2-SDN) Fabric introduction
CCNP ENCOR certification quick facts
Verified CCNP ENCOR exam structure, cost, and renewal cycle. Last reviewed June 2026.
| Issuing body | Cisco |
|---|---|
| Exam code | 350-401 ENCOR |
| Question count | ~100 |
| Time limit | 120 minutes |
| Passing score | Pass/Fail (Cisco does not publish the cut score) |
| Exam cost (USD) | $400 |
| Validity | 3 years |
| Blueprint last updated | 2026-03-19 |
Prerequisites
None formal. Cisco recommends 3-5 years of enterprise networking implementation experience.
What the 350-401 ENCOR exam covers
- ›Architecture (SD-Access, SD-WAN, on-prem/cloud): 15%
- ›Virtualization (hypervisors, virtual switching): 10%
- ›Infrastructure (Layer 2/3, IP services): 30%
- ›Network Assurance (telemetry, troubleshooting): 10%
- ›Security (device hardening, NAC, AAA): 20%
- ›Automation (Python, REST APIs, controllers): 15%
How to get CCNP ENCOR certified
- 1
Confirm you meet the CCNP ENCOR prerequisites
None formal. Cisco recommends 3-5 years of enterprise networking implementation experience. Most candidates also benefit from foundational labs and self-study before formal training.
- 2
Enrol in CISNET's live CCNP ENCOR bootcamp
CISNET delivers CCNP ENCOR as a 30-hour live, instructor-led online program. Sessions are recorded, labs stay open between classes, and one-on-one exam prep is included.
- 3
Build hands-on lab experience while you study
Pair every CISNET CCNP ENCOR session with hands-on lab repetition. The exam rewards applied skill, not memorisation, so the lab work is what produces first-attempt success.
- 4
Sit the 350-401 ENCOR exam
Schedule the Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam via Pearson VUE (USD $400). Expect ~100 questions in 120 minutes.
- 5
Maintain your CCNP ENCOR certification
3 years, renew via continuing education, advancing to CCIE, or re-taking. Track continuing-education credits early so renewal is paperwork, not a scramble.
CCNP ENCOR jobs and salary paths
Use CCNP ENCOR to position yourself for roles that align with networking work in Canada.
Senior Network Engineer
$85,000 - $120,000
High
Network Architect
$100,000 - $140,000
Medium
How to prepare effectively
- Treat ENCOR as an engineering exam, not an entry-level overview.
- Spend extra lab time on routing, SD-WAN, wireless, and automation topics.
- Tie every topic back to real troubleshooting scenarios and design decisions.
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From the blog
Popular training locations
CISNET teaches CCNP ENCOR online live, so students can join from major Canadian markets without waiting for a city-specific classroom schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CCNP ENCOR certification?
The CCNP ENCOR certification is a professional credential in networking. It validates the skills employers expect for Senior Network Engineer and Network Architect in the Canadian and US job market. CISNET prepares students for the CCNP ENCOR exam through live, instructor-led training with hands-on labs.
How much does the CCNP ENCOR certification cost?
There are two costs: the official CCNP ENCOR exam fee, currently about US$400 paid directly to the certifying body, and your preparation. CISNET's live, instructor-led CCNP ENCOR training is $799 and includes hands-on labs, recorded sessions, and one-on-one exam prep, so plan for both the training and the exam fee.
How long does it take to get the CCNP ENCOR certification?
Most candidates are exam-ready in 8-12 weeks: CISNET's live CCNP ENCOR program runs 30 instructor-led hours, plus 2-4 weeks of focused review. Career switchers starting from zero should plan another 4 weeks of foundation building.
Is the CCNP ENCOR certification worth it in Canada?
Yes for most candidates targeting Senior Network Engineer or Network Architect. Typical Canadian CCNP ENCOR-aligned roles pay $85,000 - $120,000, and the credential is widely recognized by Canadian and US employers. The ROI is strongest when CCNP ENCOR closes a real skill gap on the role you want next.
Does CISNET deliver CCNP ENCOR training online in Canada?
Yes. Every CCNP ENCOR cohort runs online live, instructor-led from Mississauga, Ontario, with students joining across Canada and the US. Sessions are recorded, labs are open between classes, and one-on-one exam prep is included.
What is the difference between CCNA and CCNP ENCOR?
CCNA covers networking fundamentals while CCNP ENCOR (350-401) covers advanced enterprise networking, dual-stack architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation at scale.
Do I need CCNA before taking CCNP ENCOR?
Cisco recommends 3-5 years of networking experience and a CCNA certification before attempting CCNP ENCOR. Our course assumes solid CCNA-level knowledge.
How long is the CCNP ENCOR course?
Our CCNP ENCOR training is 30 hours of live instruction, delivered in weekly weekend sessions, see the schedule for the current cohort's dates.
Need help deciding if CCNP ENCOR is the right next step?
Talk to CISNET and get a practical recommendation based on your current experience and target role.
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