CCNP ENCOR vs CCNP ENARSI: Which Cisco Exam Should You Take?
As a networking professional do you want to prove your enterprise networking skills to arrive at solutions for complex networking issues? You must then earn your CCNP Enterprise certification.
To earn your CCNP Enterprise certification, you have to pass two exams. ENCOR (350-401) and ENARSI (300-410). Though both exams are part of the CCNP Enterprise certification, they test different skill sets and also serve different purposes.
ENCOR (350-401) focuses on the core concepts and technologies needed for enterprise networking. ENARSI (300-410) focuses on advanced routing concepts and technologies. These two courses offer an in-depth training experience that prepares you for the CCNP Enterprise certification. To clear the certification, you must know which one you should take first.
Overview of Each Exam
To be precise, CCNP certification is a qualification, recognized globally confirming your skill in handling Cisco networking equipment and technology. It authenticates proficiency above your CCNA certification for it validates your expertise in troubleshooting, routing and switching in networking systems.
CCNP certification evaluates your knowledge and abilities needed to plan, build and manage complex networking infrastructures. It stands as proof of your skill in resolving complex challenges in larger networks and also in managing complex activities in networking systems. With your CCNP certification, you can work as a network administrator, network engineer and network consultant.
What is CCNP ENCOR (350-401)
The CCNP ENCOR (350-401) certification can be considered the qualifying exam or the gateway for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure exam. ENCOR means Enterprise Core. As the fundamental certification, it provides you with an in-depth understanding of principles related to security, automation and architecture in networking. As a networking professional, you will be trained thoroughly in handling enterprise networking tools that help to address complex issues in networking environments.
Being the core exam, mandatory for the CCNP Enterprise certification, it tests your knowledge on a wide range of networking topics. Automation, Security, Infrastructure, Virtualization, Network assurance and Dual-stack architecture (IPv4 and IPv6) are the networking topics covered in this certification.
What is CCNP ENARSI (300-410)
The CCNP ENARSI (300-410) certification exam can be taken after clearing the CCNP ENCOR certification exam to receive your CCNP Enterprise certification. ENARSI means Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services.
With hands-on experience in handling routing protocols and services in ISP or Enterprise environments, this specialized CCNP Enarsi certification can help you gain in-depth knowledge of routing protocols, VPNs and network optimization strategies. It will help you to gain expertise in specific enterprise networking domains.
If you are a network architect or network engineer who works with large-scale network infrastructures, ENRASI helps you to become an expert in routing protocols and their related services. CCNP ENARSI certification tests your knowledge in Advanced routing, Route maps, Redistribution, BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) and Troubleshooting in complex networks.
Key Differences Between ENCOR and ENARSI
| Feature | Enterprise Network Core Technologies ENCOR (350-401) | Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services ENARSI (300-410) |
| Primary Focus | Core networking concepts, foundational knowledge for enterprise networks | Advanced routing, troubleshooting, and services in enterprise networks |
| Exam Code | 350-401 ENCOR | 300-410 ENARSI |
| Certification | Core exam for CCNP Enterprise and also part of CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure | Concentration exam for CCNP Enterprise |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Exam Format | Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, simulations, and lab-based questions | Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, simulations, and lab-based questions |
| Topics Covered | Architecture, Virtualization, Infrastructure, Network Assurance, Security, Automation, Dual-stack (IPv4 and IPv6), Security. | Layer 3 Technologies (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, Redistribution), VPN technologies, Infrastructure Security, Infrastructure Services, VPNs, Infrastructure Security. |
| Depth of Routing Protocols | Basic understanding of routing protocols | In-depth configuration and troubleshooting of routing protocols |
| VPN Technologies | Have overview knowledge | Have expertise for detailed implementation – DMVPN, MPLS |
| Infrastructure Services | General coverage (QoS, DNS, DHCP) | Deep dive into services and configurations |
| Network Automation | Emphasis on automation tools (Python, NETCONF, REST APIs) | Less focus on automation tools when compared to ENCOR |
| Security Features | NAC, 802.1X, network security basics | Troubleshooting of security-related configurations |
| Design & Architecture Concepts | Strong focus (SD-WAN, SDA) Cloud architecture | Not a primary focus on cloud architecture |
| Target Audience | Network engineers looking to build core enterprise networking skills | Professionals looking to specialize in advanced routing and services |
| Pre-requisites | No formal prerequisites, but networking experience is recommended | Suggested to take ENCOR first, or strong in networking fundamentals |
| Best For | Building a solid foundation for enterprise networking and automation | Specializing in routing, VPNs, and advanced network services |
| Focus | Core Enterprise Network Technologies (dual-stack) | Advanced Routing and Services (Layer 3, VPNs) |
| Scope | Being the foundation to build knowledge of enterprise networking. | Build expertise with detailed knowledge of VPNs, QoS, Multicast, etc. |
| Exam Type | Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies | Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services |
| Relationship to CCNP | Core exam for CCNP Enterprise track | Specialization in CCNP Enterprise track |
| Time to Pass | Can pass the exam with basic networking knowledge | Requires more hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge |
Which Should You Take First and Why?
The order in which you choose between CCNP ENCOR and CCNP ENARSI certification helps to decide your growth as a networking professional. If you take CCNP ENCOR first, it will help you start your CCNP Enterprise journey. It will also help you gain a well-rounded skill set and pursue advanced Cisco certifications.
As a networking professional, if you are troubleshooting complex network services, it is ideal to take the CCNP ENARSI certification after clearing the CCNP ENCOR certification. If you want to specialize in routing protocols, gain in-depth real-world implementation networking skills, have expertise in BGP/MPLS/VPN configuration skills and handle ISP/backbone networks, it is ideal to take up CCNP ENARSI certification.
If you clear CCNP ENARSI (300-410) first, you will earn the “Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Advanced Infrastructure Implementation” certification. If you take up CCNP ENCOR (350-401) after clearing ENARSI, you will earn the “CCNP Enterprise” certification along with the “Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core” certification.
The specific technology core exams have many topics which may not be needed in your networking profession. If you choose to appear for concentration exams that have an in-depth focus on specialised topics necessary to your profession will help you to grow on a fast track.
Conclusion
Though both CCNP ENCOR and CCNP ENARSI are within the CCNP Enterprise track, they offer a different, distinct focus in their approach towards topics. While ENCOR focuses on a range of enterprise networking topics on a broad level, ENARSI focuses on advanced routing and services within large networks. CCNP ENCOR offers you the basic foundation to understand automation, network architecture and security-related protocols, and ENARSI explores service delivery and routing methods in detail.
FAQ
Do I need both ENCOR and ENARSI to get CCNP Enterprise?
Yes. You have to pass ENCOR, which is mandatory, and one concentration exam like ENARSI to get CCNP Enterprise certification.
Can I skip ENARSI and still be CCNP certified?
Yes. If you pass ENCOR + any other concentration exam like SD-WAN, wireless, and automation, you will still be CCNP certified.
How long should I prepare for each?
For CCNP ENCOR, you have to dedicate two to three months, with a regular study schedule and practice using virtual labs.
For ENARSI, if you have hands-on experience handling routers, you have to spare two to three months of focused study with practice using virtual labs.
