CCNP ENCOR / CCNP ENCOR vs CCNP ENARSI
CCNP ENCOR vs CCNP ENARSI: Which Certification Fits Better?
CCNP ENCOR suits CCNA-level engineers moving into enterprise implementation or design. CCNP ENARSI suits engineers who already know core enterprise concepts and want a practical routing concentration. You do not need both: CCNP Enterprise takes ENCOR 350-401 plus one concentration exam, and ENARSI 300-410 is the routing concentration, one of six. If routing is your choice, take ENCOR first. Cisco lets you sit them in either order, but ENCOR's breadth makes ENARSI's routing depth easier to absorb.
| Category | CCNP ENCOR | CCNP ENARSI |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Professional | Professional |
| Vendor | Cisco | Cisco |
| Exam | 350-401 ENCOR | 300-410 ENARSI |
| Exam format | Core proctored certification exam (multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, simlets) | Concentration-level proctored exam (multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, simlets) |
| Renewal cycle | 3 years, renew with 80 Continuing Education credits or by passing qualifying Cisco exams again | 3 years, combined with ENCOR to maintain full CCNP Enterprise |
| Recommended experience | Strong CCNA-level knowledge and 3-5 years implementing enterprise networking | CCNA-level + working knowledge of enterprise routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP) |
| Training hours | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Course price | $799 | $799 |
| Typical Canadian salary band | $85K-$140K CAD | $90K-$135K CAD |
| Best-fit roles | Senior Network Engineer | Senior Network Engineer |
| Recommended starting point | You should already be comfortable with CCNA-level networking concepts. | Best taken after strong CCNA-level fundamentals and some ENCOR exposure. |
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
When CCNP ENARSI is the better choice
- Engineers who already know core enterprise concepts and want a practical routing concentration
- CCNP candidates focused on escalation, support, and advanced troubleshooting work
- Students who want a Cisco specialization that maps directly to operational depth
What CCNP ENCOR training covers
- Enterprise architecture and routing design
- Virtualization and network assurance
- Security hardening and policy controls
- Automation, APIs, and programmability
What CCNP ENARSI training covers
- Advanced routing and redistribution
- WAN technologies, VPNs, and path control
- Service performance and fault isolation
- Secure enterprise edge operations
Comparison FAQs
Which certification is better for beginners: CCNP ENCOR or CCNP ENARSI?
CCNP ENARSI is usually the easier starting point, while CCNP ENCOR makes more sense once you already have stronger fundamentals.
How do the CCNP ENCOR and CCNP ENARSI exams compare?
CCNP ENCOR is earned by passing one exam, Cisco 350-401 ENCOR. It runs 120 minutes. The question count is not published by Cisco. Results are pass or fail, and Cisco does not publish the cut score. CCNP ENARSI is earned by passing one exam, Cisco 300-410 ENARSI. It runs 90 minutes. The question count is not published by Cisco. Results are pass or fail, and Cisco does not publish the cut score.
How should I choose between CCNP ENCOR and CCNP ENARSI?
CCNP ENCOR suits CCNA-level engineers moving into enterprise implementation or design. CCNP ENARSI suits engineers who already know core enterprise concepts and want a practical routing concentration. Pick the one that matches the job you want next.
Which pays more: CCNP ENCOR or CCNP ENARSI?
Typical Canadian roles tied to CCNP ENCOR run $85K-$140K CAD, while CCNP ENARSI-related roles run $90K-$135K CAD. Actual pay depends far more on the specific role, your experience, and the city than on the certification alone.
Can I earn both CCNP ENCOR and CCNP ENARSI?
You do not need both: CCNP Enterprise takes ENCOR 350-401 plus one concentration exam, and ENARSI 300-410 is the routing concentration, one of six. If routing is your choice, take ENCOR first. Cisco lets you sit them in either order, but ENCOR's breadth makes ENARSI's routing depth easier to absorb.
Need a direct recommendation between CCNP ENCOR and CCNP ENARSI?
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