Cisco ENCOR 350-401

It is the core exam for CCNP Enterprise, titled Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies. It tests architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, assurance, security, and automation knowledge. Candidates usually sit it before a concentration exam, and it also serves as the written requirement for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure path. Verify current certification rules on Cisco's official pages before you schedule.

The published weights are Architecture 15%, Virtualization 10%, Infrastructure 30%, Network Assurance 10%, Security 20%, and Automation 15%. Infrastructure and Security together are half the exam, so allocate study time accordingly. Do not neglect the smaller domains, since 10% of a scored exam is still enough to decide a pass or fail.

Start with Infrastructure and Security because they carry the most weight and overlap with routing and switching fundamentals. Add Architecture next, since it frames design decisions used elsewhere. Then cover Virtualization, Network Assurance, and Automation, which reward hands-on lab work more than reading. Finish with timed mixed practice sets that rotate all six domains.

The usual causes are narrow preparation on routing and switching only, skipping automation and assurance topics, and reading without configuring. Another common mistake is memorising commands without understanding why a design or feature is chosen. Track your accuracy per domain after each practice set and revisit the weakest areas instead of repeating comfortable material.

Yes. The exam expects practical understanding of configuration and verification, not just definitions. Build labs covering routing protocols, switching, wireless configuration through a controller, overlay technologies, and basic automation workflows. Practising verification commands and interpreting output is often what separates a confident answer from a guess during scenario questions.

Cisco exams commonly include multiple-choice single and multiple-answer items, and some items may present a scenario requiring interpretation of configuration or output. The official source text retrieved for this page does not state the item count or format mix, so treat those details as unconfirmed and check the official exam page before your appointment.

The source material available here does not state a duration, question count, passing score, or fee, so no figures are given. Pricing varies by country and currency, and scheduling is handled through Cisco's certification tracking system. Confirm the current duration and price on Cisco's official exam page and your scheduling portal before booking.

Cisco's published retake policy is not included in the source text used for this page, so the specific waiting period and any fees are unconfirmed here. Retake rules do change, so check the official exam page or your certification tracking account for the current policy rather than relying on older information from forums or study groups.

The source text available here does not state a validity period or recertification requirements, so those details are left unconfirmed. Cisco publishes recertification options including continuing education credits and exam retakes. Check the CCNP Enterprise certification page for the current validity term and accepted recertification activities before your certification is due.

No. ENCOR is the core exam, and CCNP Enterprise also requires a concentration exam in a chosen focus area. The specific concentration options and their current titles are not detailed in the source text used here. Review the CCNP Enterprise certification page to select a concentration that matches your role.