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Introduction
Networking is uniquely challenging in that it's not a single technology, but a collection of interdependent technologies that every other aspect of IT depends on. Without networking, there are no connected applications and that means there are no IT employees. Even if you're not sure that you want networking to become your permanent career, becoming an expert at networking will open the doors for other in-demand areas of IT, including security, software development, and cloud computing.
Cisco's Professional Network Certifications
In 2019, Cisco announced updates to its Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification program. There are six professional level certifications to choose from:
CCNP Enterprise
CCNP Data Center
CCNP Security
CCNP Service Provider
CCNP Collaboration
Cisco Certified DevNet Professional
Each certification requires passing one core exam and one concentration exam. The core exam for the CCNP Enterprise certification is 350-401 ENCOR, “Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies.” The concentration exams let you focus on a specific specialty, such as routing, wireless, network design, automation, or software-defined networking (SDN). Regardless of the concentration exam you choose, you must pass the ENCOR exam to attain your CCNP Enterprise certification.
Is CCNP Certification Right for You?
Many who attain the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) don't go on to pursue more advanced Cisco certifications. So why should you consider the CCNP Enterprise certification, and is it right for you? It may be right for you if
You have a passion for networking.
You want to set yourself apart as someone who has a passion for technology and isn't just in it for the money (although there is plenty of that!).
You want to specialize in security, wireless, network automation, cloud, or software-defined networking.
You enjoy tweaking the “nerd knobs” on individual technologies just to see what will happen.
You love facing and overcoming the challenges of troubleshooting.
Study Tips
Before taking the CCNP ENCOR exam, there are a few things to keep in mind. There's no reason that you can't pass the exam the first time. To help you do that, I want to share with you some study tips that have helped me pass several Cisco certification exams on the first try. One of the neglected skills required on any Cisco exam is speed. Being able to troubleshoot a 10-router Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) topology is good. Taking 15 minutes to do it is not so good. I can't stress enough the importance of spending quality time with the command-line interface (CLI). You should spend at least 50 percent of your study time on configuring and troubleshooting a variety of topologies and technologies.
There's an old Latin proverb that repetition is the mother of learning. Repetition—in terms of both study and practice—is going to be your best friend. Understanding networking requires making connections that aren't always obvious, and the more you practice and study, the more opportunities your mind has to make those connections. For years I've used SuperMemo (https://super-memory.com), a flashcard-like program that lets you create your own question-and-answer pairs, quizzes you, and shows you how well you're retaining the information. What makes SuperMemo superior to flashcards is that it identifies the information you've already retained, and it doesn't waste time continuing to quiz you on it. That means you can safely load your collection with hundreds of items while still using your time efficiently.
One last tip: As you read this study guide cover to cover, keep a running list of questions and things you're not sure about. Chances are if you find something confusing, a lot of other people did too, and that makes it good fodder for the exam. Be sure to visit
