CCNA vs CCNP Enterprise: What Changes at the Professional Level, and When to Move Up
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Branch Office Connectivity Failure
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Scenarios from the CCNA and CCNP ENCOR packs, each a live network with one hidden fault. The free code opens one scenario per certification. CCNA labs · ENCOR labs.
The CCNA is one $300 exam (200-301) proving you can build and verify a small enterprise network. CCNP Enterprise is two exams, the ENCOR 350-401 core ($400) and one concentration such as ENARSI ($300), testing depth, design and automation; ENCOR is also the CCIE qualifier. Neither has a prerequisite, but most engineers take the CCNA first and move to CCNP after a year or two of hands-on work.Exam facts checked against Cisco's pages on 12 October 2026.
In this guide
CCNA and CCNP Enterprise side by side
| CCNA | CCNP Enterprise | |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | One: 200-301 | Two: ENCOR 350-401 + one concentration (for example ENARSI 300-410) |
| Exam fees | $300 | $400 + $300 = $700 |
| Length | 120 minutes | ENCOR 120 minutes; concentration exams 90 minutes |
| Passing score | Not published | Not published |
| Cisco's typical candidate | About a year implementing Cisco solutions | Three to five years implementing enterprise networks |
| Prerequisite | None | None (no CCNA required) |
| Current version | v1.1; v2.0 from 3 February 2027 | ENCOR v1.2 since 19 March 2026 |
| Renewal | 3 years; 30 CE credits or an exam | 3 years; 80 CE credits or exams |
| Leads to | CCNP, or a specialism | CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure (ENCOR is its qualifier) |
From Cisco's exam and recertification pages, checked 12 October 2026.
What changes at the professional level
The CCNA proves you can
- Build and verify a small enterprise network on Cisco IOS
- Subnet, configure VLANs, OSPF, ACLs and NAT
- Troubleshoot one device at a time
ENCOR asks you to
- Explain how it works underneath: CEF, FHRP elections, BGP path selection
- Choose between designs: SD-WAN, SD-Access, LISP and VXLAN fabrics
- Read automation: Python, REST APIs, NETCONF, RESTCONF, gNMI, plus AI in operations
Then a concentration exam goes deep on one area. ENARSI, the most common choice, is advanced routing and troubleshooting.
When to move from CCNA to CCNP
- Start with the CCNA unless you already run enterprise networks. ENCOR assumes CCNA-level knowledge on every page.
- Move to CCNP once you have a year or two of hands-on work, or the CCNA material feels routine. Cisco's typical CCNP candidate has three to five years.
- Going straight to CCNP is allowed and makes sense for experienced engineers who never certified.
How hard each one is, with study-time ranges: CCNA and ENCOR. The full ladder, with the February 2026 renames: Cisco certification path.
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CCNA-EXAM-FULL(the button above). Pack: 5 exams, 510 questions, 9 troubleshooting labs. - CCNP ENCOR 350-401: 101 questions in 120 minutes, code
CCNP-EXAM-FULL. Pack: 3 exams, 305 questions, 3 troubleshooting labs.
Each pack is $39 once, lifetime. We do not cover CCNP concentration exams.
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Frequently asked questions: CCNA vs CCNP
What is the difference between CCNA and CCNP?
The CCNA is Cisco's associate certification: one $300 exam proving you can build and verify a small enterprise network. CCNP Enterprise is the professional level: the ENCOR 350-401 core exam ($400) plus one concentration exam ($300), testing depth, design and automation.
Do I need a CCNA before the CCNP?
No. Cisco has no formal prerequisite for the CCNP. Most candidates still take the CCNA first because ENCOR assumes CCNA-level knowledge.
How much harder is the CCNP than the CCNA?
Considerably. ENCOR expects you to explain, design and troubleshoot rather than configure, adds a 15% automation and AI domain, and is followed by a concentration exam. Cisco's typical CCNP candidate has three to five years of experience.
How many exams is the CCNP?
Two: the ENCOR 350-401 core exam and one concentration exam, such as ENARSI 300-410. ENCOR alone earns a Specialist certification.
Does the CCNP lead to the CCIE?
Yes. ENCOR 350-401 is the qualifying exam for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab, an 8-hour practical exam that costs $1,600.