Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise credential artwork

Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise (CCNP Enterprise)

Validates knowledge of enterprise network architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, assurance, security and automation for designing and troubleshooting networks.

Summary

CCNP Enterprise is Cisco's professional-level enterprise networking certification, for engineers who already work hands-on with enterprise networks. It combines the ENCOR core exam with one concentration exam in a specialty such as advanced routing, SD-WAN or design, and is a step toward CCIE.

Good fit if

  • You hold CCNA or work hands-on with enterprise networks
  • You want to specialize in routing, SD-WAN, design or automation
  • You plan to pursue CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure

Look elsewhere if

  • You are new to networking: CCNA
  • Your focus is wireless: CCNP Wireless
  • Your work is shifting to firewalls and security: Palo Alto NGFW Engineer

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

No required prerequisites. You can book either exam without prior certifications or work experience.

Cost

USD · Standard exam pricing
$400
$300
A retake costs the same as the exam you failed, after a 5 calendar day wait.

What holders say

Certification path

CCNP Enterprise is Cisco’s Professional level after CCNA. Its ENCOR core exam also qualifies you for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab.

Cisco Certified Network Associate credential artwork
CCNACore networking and configuration
This certification
Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise credential artwork
CCNP EnterpriseENCOR plus one concentration exam
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Enterprise Infrastructure credential artwork
CCIE Enterprise InfrastructureENCOR plus a practical lab

Renewal

CCNP Enterprise is valid for three years.

Validity
3 years
Continuing education route
80 CE credits
Renewal fee
None

Renew before expiry by earning 80 CE credits, retaking qualifying exams such as the current ENCOR exam, or advancing to CCIE. Cisco does not grant extensions.

Cisco recertification policy ↗

Alternatives

Palo Alto Networks Certified Next-Generation Firewall Engineer credential artwork
NGFW Engineer$250 required · Intermediate

For network engineers moving into firewall and network security work.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate credential artwork
AZ-104$165 required · Intermediate

For a cloud infrastructure path instead of on-premises Cisco networking.

HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate (004) credential artwork
Terraform Associate$70.50 required · Intermediate

For engineers focusing on infrastructure as code across clouds.

FAQ

How many exams is CCNP Enterprise?

Two. You pass the 350-401 ENCOR core exam ($400) and one concentration exam of your choice ($300), in either order.

Do I need CCNA before CCNP Enterprise?

No. Cisco has no prerequisites, but ENCOR assumes solid CCNA-level routing and switching knowledge.

Which concentration exam should I take?

Choose by the work you do. ENARSI is the common routing choice; ENSDWI suits SD-WAN work, ENSLD design, ENAUTO automation, ENCC cloud connectivity and ENNA network assurance.

Does ENCOR still include wireless?

No. Since March 19, 2026, ENCOR v1.2 has no wireless section. Wireless moved to the CCNP Wireless track and its 350-101 WLCOR exam.

Does ENCOR count toward CCIE?

Yes. Passing ENCOR also meets the qualifying exam requirement for CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and earns the Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Core certification.

How long is CCNP Enterprise valid?

Three years. Renew with 80 Continuing Education credits or by passing qualifying Cisco exams before it expires.

Last updated October 2026