What is CCNP Certification, and How Can I Prepare for It?

CCNP certification is a reputed certification among IT professionals. Earning this certification alone can open doors to many fortunate opportunities. After CCNP, jobs like network engineer, network administrator, system engineer, IT manager, network consultant, etc. are all at your doorstep. 

According to recent statistics, the average base salary after earning this certification ranges around $106,000/year (PayScale).

Diving deeper, the exam demands dedication and a structured plan to prepare for it. Numerous students struggle with understanding the exam pattern and hence only a few pass the exam with flying colors.

So, to stay away from any such situation, consider reading this article till the end so that you know what strategy to follow in your preparation stage.

Overview of CCNP Certification

The CCNP certification is a popular opportunity for IT professionals that focuses on providing in-depth knowledge of enterprise networks. Unlike entry-level certifications, such as CCNA, CCNP requires an in-depth knowledge of complex networking concepts. In case you are a network administrator, engineer, or an architect who wishes to enhance your technical expertise, this certification is your go-to option.

To earn the CCNP certification, you need to pass two exams:

1. Core Exam: The primary exam for CCNP Enterprise is the 350-401 ENCOR (Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies). The exam is framed to test your knowledge of core networking concepts, including dual-stack architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation.
2. Concentration Exam: After passing the core exam, candidates can choose one specialization exam from a variety of options tailored to specific enterprise networking areas. For instance, SD-WAN, wireless, security, and advanced routing.

Benefits of CCNP Certification

CCNP is popular for a reason. The following are the benefits that this certification brings along:

• Career Advancement: Earning a CCNP certification opens doors to senior-level positions such as network engineer, systems engineer, and network architect.
• Higher Salaries: Professionals who have earned this certification become eligible for higher salaries due to their specialized skill set.
• Recognition: It validates your expertise and boosts your credibility in the IT industry.
• Broad Skillset: The certification trains you with a versatile range of skills applicable to diverse enterprise networking scenarios.

How to Prepare for the CCNP Certification

Preparing for CCNP requires dedication and determination. WIthout a proper plan, attempting the exam is totally a waste of time and effort. Instead, consider building a plan and give your first attempt with complete preparation. If you don’t have an idea of creating a plan, consider reading the points given below:

1. Understand the Exam Blueprint: Start by reviewing the exam’s objectives provided by Cisco for the 350-401 ENCOR. Also, consider reviewing the pattern of your chosen specialization exam. This will give you a clear idea of the topics to focus on.
2. Enroll in Training Courses: Cisco also offers official training courses for CCNP exams. These training courses are supported by industry experts and various CCNP alumni. For the core exam, you can enroll find 350-401 ENCOR v1.1 course, which covers all relevant topics in depth.
3. Practice with Exam Questions: Solving practice questions and going for mock exams is also noteworthy. Look for CCNP exam questions and additional resources to familiarize yourself with the exam format and difficulty level.
4. Leverage Study Materials: Use study materials like study guides, online tutorials, and Cisco’s official resources to strengthen your knowledge. If you prefer reading over watching videos, look for books such as “CCNP Enterprise Core ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide” which can be helpful.
5. Gain Hands-on Experience: Practical experience is the best way you can ace the certification. Set up a lab environment using simulation tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 to practice configurations and troubleshooting.
6. Join Study Groups and Forums: Engaging with fellow candidates through study groups and forums can provide insights, tips, and additional learning resources.
7. Take Regular Breaks: Preparing for the CCNP exams requires dedication, but it is important to pace yourself and avoid burnout.

This pie-chart shows the responses from various respondents from the survey that show how much time you should spend in preparing for CCNP certification. A majority of people go for 6 weeks to 3 months of preparation time. 

Final Thoughts

The CCNP certification is a gateway to advanced roles in the IT networking industry. While it is quite challenging, the benefits of earning such a reputed certification are immense. 

If you genuinely want to ace the exam, you need to start following a structured preparation plan, enroll in the 350-401 ENCOR v1.1 course, and utilize CCNP exam questions additional resources. With the appropriate amount of practice and evaluation, you can confidently achieve your certification goals. Dedication, hands-on practice, and leveraging the right materials will ensure your success.