How to Obtain Cisco CCNP Certification?
Update time：2025-09-04
Many people ask: “I want to get Cisco CCNP, but I don’t know where to start.Do I need CCNA first?How many exams do I need to pass?”As an experienced network engineer, here’s a detailed guide.CCNP is Cisco’s intermediate-level certification focusing on enterprise network configuration, optimization, and troubleshooting.It goes deeper than CCNA but is more practical than CCIE, making it a key certification for moving from junior to intermediate network roles.
1. Pre-Exam Essentials: Two Key Points
Having CCNA knowledge is recommended
Cisco doesn’t strictly require CCNA, but CCNP builds on CCNA concepts (e.g., OSPF basics in CCNA → OSPF advanced troubleshooting in CCNP).
Beginners may face knowledge gaps.Suggested foundation: TCP/IP model, static routing, basic switching.
Confirm the current exam version
Current CCNP structure: 1 Core Exam + 1 Elective Exam
Core Exam: ENCOR (350-401), mandatory for all tracks
Elective Exam: 1 of 8 tracks (e.g., ENARSI 300-410)
2.What CCNP Tests: Core + Elective Content
Core Exam: ENCOR (350-401)
Focus: Enterprise network fundamentals, covering four main areas:
Network Architecture: 3-layer design, device selection, HA config (VRRP/HSRP)
Routing & Switching: Advanced IPv4/IPv6 routing (OSPF special areas, BGP basics), VLAN expansion, wireless basics
Security: ACL advanced application, SSH hardening, port security, IPSec VPN
Emerging Technologies: Python scripting basics, cloud network interconnect, network monitoring (SNMP/NetFlow)
Format: 90 min, 1000-point scale, passing ≥825, question types: single/multiple choice, drag-and-drop, simulation labs
Dumps Support:
Elective Exam: Example ENARSI (300-410)
Focus: Advanced enterprise troubleshooting
Routing Troubleshooting: OSPF neighbor issues (MTU mismatch, auth errors), BGP route loss (AS-path filter, policy errors)
Service Troubleshooting: DHCP failure, NAT issues, VPN tunnel problems
Enterprise Scenario Troubleshooting: Multi-branch network fault diagnosis
Format: 90 min, passing ≥825, same question types as core
Dumps Support:
3.Three-Step Study Strategy (with Dumps Focus)
Theoretical Understanding
Resources: CCNP Enterprise Core ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide, Cisco DevNet materials, free videos (1–2h/day)
Focus: Understand principles, not just memorize commands (e.g., how HSRP provides gateway redundancy, not just the config)
Hands-On Practice
Tools: Packet Tracer (basic), GNS3 (advanced)
Practice: OSPF special areas, VRRP HA, BGP routing policies, troubleshooting scenarios
Goal: Independently configure key technologies and troubleshoot common faults
Dumps Training
Use latest CCNP dumps aligned with ENCOR & Elective
Method: chapter-wise practice → review wrong answers → timed mock exams
Target: 90%+ accuracy on full-length mock tests
Tip: Focus on understanding the logic behind questions, not memorizing answers
4.Exam Process: From Registration to Certification
Registration
Create a Cisco Certification Account (info must match ID)
Schedule exams via Pearson VUE (online/offline)
Exam fee: ~300 USD per exam (~2100 CNY domestically)
Exam Day
Onsite: bring valid ID, arrive 30 min early
Online: check webcam, network, and environment
Certification
Score displayed immediately (“Pass”)
Electronic certificate emailed within 1–2 weeks after passing both exams
Summary
Target Audience: Network engineers with 1–2 years experience aiming for intermediate roles
Preparation Duration: 3–4 months typical
Key Value: Master enterprise network configuration and troubleshooting skills
Recommended Approach:
Theoretical Understanding → 2. Hands-On Labs → 3. Dumps Practice
Emphasis: Focus on principles and problem-solving, not rote memorization
Using dumps ensures comprehensive coverage, exam-style practice, and principle-based learning, improving both your chances of passing and your practical network skills.
1. Pre-Exam Essentials: Two Key Points
Having CCNA knowledge is recommended
Cisco doesn’t strictly require CCNA, but CCNP builds on CCNA concepts (e.g., OSPF basics in CCNA → OSPF advanced troubleshooting in CCNP).
Beginners may face knowledge gaps.Suggested foundation: TCP/IP model, static routing, basic switching.
Confirm the current exam version
Current CCNP structure: 1 Core Exam + 1 Elective Exam
Core Exam: ENCOR (350-401), mandatory for all tracks
Elective Exam: 1 of 8 tracks (e.g., ENARSI 300-410)
2.What CCNP Tests: Core + Elective Content
Core Exam: ENCOR (350-401)
Focus: Enterprise network fundamentals, covering four main areas:
Network Architecture: 3-layer design, device selection, HA config (VRRP/HSRP)
Routing & Switching: Advanced IPv4/IPv6 routing (OSPF special areas, BGP basics), VLAN expansion, wireless basics
Security: ACL advanced application, SSH hardening, port security, IPSec VPN
Emerging Technologies: Python scripting basics, cloud network interconnect, network monitoring (SNMP/NetFlow)
Format: 90 min, 1000-point scale, passing ≥825, question types: single/multiple choice, drag-and-drop, simulation labs
Dumps Support:
Covers all core exam topics with detailed explanations
Provides simulation-style labs similar to exam scenarios
Helps identify knowledge gaps for targeted practice
Elective Exam: Example ENARSI (300-410)Focus: Advanced enterprise troubleshooting
Routing Troubleshooting: OSPF neighbor issues (MTU mismatch, auth errors), BGP route loss (AS-path filter, policy errors)
Service Troubleshooting: DHCP failure, NAT issues, VPN tunnel problems
Enterprise Scenario Troubleshooting: Multi-branch network fault diagnosis
Format: 90 min, passing ≥825, same question types as core
Dumps Support:
Includes exam-style scenario questions
Provides step-by-step reasoning for troubleshooting
Offers timed mock exams to simulate test conditions
3.Three-Step Study Strategy (with Dumps Focus)
Theoretical Understanding
Resources: CCNP Enterprise Core ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide, Cisco DevNet materials, free videos (1–2h/day)
Focus: Understand principles, not just memorize commands (e.g., how HSRP provides gateway redundancy, not just the config)
Hands-On Practice
Tools: Packet Tracer (basic), GNS3 (advanced)
Practice: OSPF special areas, VRRP HA, BGP routing policies, troubleshooting scenarios
Goal: Independently configure key technologies and troubleshoot common faults
Dumps Training
Use latest CCNP dumps aligned with ENCOR & Elective
Method: chapter-wise practice → review wrong answers → timed mock exams
Target: 90%+ accuracy on full-length mock tests
Tip: Focus on understanding the logic behind questions, not memorizing answers
4.Exam Process: From Registration to Certification
Registration
Create a Cisco Certification Account (info must match ID)
Schedule exams via Pearson VUE (online/offline)
Exam fee: ~300 USD per exam (~2100 CNY domestically)
Exam Day
Onsite: bring valid ID, arrive 30 min early
Online: check webcam, network, and environment
Certification
Score displayed immediately (“Pass”)
Electronic certificate emailed within 1–2 weeks after passing both exams
Summary
Target Audience: Network engineers with 1–2 years experience aiming for intermediate roles
Preparation Duration: 3–4 months typical
Key Value: Master enterprise network configuration and troubleshooting skills
Recommended Approach:
Theoretical Understanding → 2. Hands-On Labs → 3. Dumps Practice
Emphasis: Focus on principles and problem-solving, not rote memorization
Using dumps ensures comprehensive coverage, exam-style practice, and principle-based learning, improving both your chances of passing and your practical network skills.
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