Is the Cisco CCNP Enterprise Worth It?
Strengths
- Strong earning potential with an average salary of $112,000
- High employer demand with 22.0K active job listings
Considerations
- Higher exam cost at $660 — factor in potential retake fees
- Challenging exam (8/10 difficulty) — requires significant preparation
- Substantial time investment at 350h of recommended study
- Has prerequisites — not suitable for complete beginners
Bottom line: At $660 exam cost with an average salary of $112,000, the Cisco CCNP Enterprise offers a solid return on investment for networking professionals.
Who Should Get the Cisco CCNP Enterprise?
This certification is a good fit if you are:
- Senior networking professionals aiming for architect or lead roles
- Experienced practitioners seeking top-tier industry recognition
- Anyone targeting roles that list Cisco CCNP Enterprise as preferred or required
Exam Details
Exam Code350-401 ENCOR + Concentration
Exam Cost$660 USD
Duration120 minutes per exam
Questions100
Passing Score825/1000
ProviderCisco
Difficulty8/10
Salary Data
Professionals holding the Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification earn between $85,000 and $145,000 annually, with an average of $112,000. For context, the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty averages $145,000.
Job market demand trend: Growing (+8% YoY)
Prerequisites
- CCNA certification recommended but not required
- 3-5 years of enterprise networking experience
- Strong understanding of routing, switching, and network security
Skills Covered
Enterprise Network DesignDual-Stack ArchitectureVirtualizationInfrastructure SecurityNetwork AssuranceSD-WANAutomation and Programmability
Best Study Resources
Official
Cisco CCNP ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide
CourseKevin Wallace CCNP Enterprise Course — Udemy
Practice ExamsBoson ExSim CCNP ENCOR Practice Exams
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CCNA and CCNP Enterprise?
CCNA covers foundational networking concepts, while CCNP Enterprise dives deep into advanced topics like SD-WAN, network automation with Python, and complex enterprise architecture. CCNP holders typically earn $25K-30K more annually and qualify for senior network engineer and architect roles.
How many exams are required for CCNP Enterprise?
CCNP Enterprise requires two exams: the core exam (350-401 ENCOR) and one concentration exam of your choice. Concentration options include SD-WAN, wireless, automation, and design, allowing you to specialize in your area of interest.
Is CCNP Enterprise worth pursuing in 2026?
Yes. With enterprise networks growing in complexity through SD-WAN, cloud integration, and automation, CCNP Enterprise holders are in high demand. The certification commands an average salary of $112K and opens doors to senior and architect-level positions across industries.
How much does the Cisco CCNP Enterprise exam cost?
The Cisco CCNP Enterprise exam costs $660 USD. This is a premium-priced certification. Factor in additional study material costs. Some employers offer certification reimbursement programs that can offset this cost.
What jobs can I get with the Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification?
There are currently approximately 22,000 active US job listings mentioning the Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification. Market demand is growing (+8% yoy). Common roles include networking positions at various levels. The certification is valued by employers seeking validated Cisco skills.
Explore other options in networking: AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty, Cisco CCNA (200-301), and more in our Networking Certifications hub.
Data Sources & Transparency
- Salary data — Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and job posting aggregates (US median)
- Job listings — LinkedIn, Indeed, and Dice active postings (sampled quarterly)
- Pass rates — Community-reported estimates from Reddit, TechExams, and certification forums
- Exam details — Cisco official certification documentation