CCNP ENCOR ( 350-401 ) Certification Exam Questions for 2026
- CertiMaan
- Oct 18, 2025
- 12 min read
Updated: May 29
The Cisco CCNP Enterprise Core certification, commonly known as the CCNP ENCOR certification, is one of the most respected professional-level networking certifications for IT professionals working in enterprise infrastructure, routing, switching, automation, security, and network operations. The official exam code for this certification is 350-401 ENCOR, and it serves as the core exam required for achieving the CCNP Enterprise credential.
This certification validates a candidate’s ability to implement and operate core enterprise networking technologies, including dual-stack architecture, virtualization, infrastructure services, security fundamentals, automation, and advanced network troubleshooting. It is widely recognized by organizations seeking professionals with strong Cisco networking expertise across modern enterprise environments.
The CCNP ENCOR certification is ideal for:
Network Engineers
System Administrators
Enterprise Infrastructure Engineers
Network Security Professionals
Cisco Administrators
IT Support Engineers
Professionals preparing for advanced Cisco certifications
This page provides carefully structured CCNP ENCOR certification sample questions, practice-oriented preparation guidance, and exam-focused learning support to help candidates improve conceptual understanding and practical readiness. These practice questions are designed to simulate real exam-style thinking, helping learners identify weak areas, strengthen technical accuracy, and improve confidence before attempting the actual Cisco certification exam.
Using CCNP ENCOR practice exam questions consistently can significantly improve preparation quality because the exam tests both theoretical understanding and practical enterprise networking knowledge. Candidates who regularly practice scenario-based networking questions often develop better troubleshooting skills, stronger protocol understanding, and improved time management during the actual certification exam.
Whether you are preparing for career advancement, enterprise networking roles, or advanced Cisco infrastructure responsibilities, these CCNP ENCOR certification sample questions can help you build a stronger foundation for success in modern enterprise networking environments.
Table of Contents
CCNP ENCOR Certification - Exam Details
Exam Details | Information |
Certification Name | CCNP Enterprise Core (ENCOR) |
Exam Code | 350-401 ENCOR |
Provider | Cisco |
Certification Track | CCNP Enterprise |
Exam Level | Professional Level |
Exam Duration | 120 Minutes |
Number of Questions | Approximately 90–110 Questions |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice, Drag-and-Drop, Simulations, Testlets |
Passing Score | Cisco does not officially publish fixed passing scores |
Exam Delivery | Pearson VUE Test Centers & Online Proctored |
Exam Cost | Approximately USD $400 (may vary by region) |
Language Availability | English and Japanese |
Certification Validity | 3 Years |
Recommended Experience | 3–5 years of enterprise networking experience recommended |
Primary Skills Covered | Enterprise Networking, Routing, Switching, Security, Wireless, Automation |
Technology Domains | Dual-Stack Architecture, Virtualization, Infrastructure, Network Assurance, SD-Access, Automation |
Target Audience | Network Engineers, Enterprise Administrators, Infrastructure Engineers |
Prerequisites | No formal prerequisites, but networking experience is highly recommended |
Related Certifications | CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, CCNP Enterprise |
Official Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
Exam Focus Areas | Enterprise Architecture, Security, Automation, IP Services, Network Assurance, Virtualization |
The CCNP ENCOR 350-401 exam is considered one of the most important professional-level enterprise networking certifications within the Cisco ecosystem because it validates real-world enterprise networking implementation and troubleshooting capabilities. The exam combines theoretical concepts with practical networking scenarios, making hands-on preparation and structured practice questions highly important for exam success.
How to Prepare for the CCNP ENCOR Certification Exam
Preparing for the 350-401 ENCOR requires a combination of theoretical learning, hands-on networking practice, structured revision, and consistent mock exam preparation. Since the CCNP ENCOR certification focuses heavily on enterprise networking technologies, candidates should build both conceptual understanding and practical troubleshooting skills to perform well in the exam.
One of the most effective preparation strategies is to begin with the core enterprise networking domains covered in the exam blueprint. Candidates should focus on:
Network Architecture
Dual-stack IPv4 and IPv6 routing
Virtualization technologies
Infrastructure services
Network assurance
Enterprise security
Wireless fundamentals
Network automation and programmability
Understanding technologies such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, VLANs, STP, SD-WAN, SD-Access, QoS, VPNs, REST APIs, JSON, and automation frameworks is extremely important for the exam.
Hands-on practice plays a major role in CCNP ENCOR preparation. Candidates should spend time working with:
Cisco IOS XE environments
Enterprise routing and switching labs
VLAN and trunking configurations
Routing protocol implementation
Network troubleshooting scenarios
Automation scripts and API integrations
Using virtualization platforms, Cisco labs, or network simulators can help improve practical implementation knowledge and troubleshooting confidence.
Mock exams and CCNP ENCOR certification sample questions are also essential because the exam contains scenario-based and analytical questions rather than simple memorization-based questions. Practice exams help candidates:
Improve time management
Understand exam patterns
Identify weak technical areas
Increase confidence
Improve troubleshooting accuracy
A smart study plan should include regular revision sessions and weak-area analysis. Instead of repeatedly studying comfortable topics, candidates should focus on domains where they make frequent mistakes during practice tests.
For better exam readiness, many networking professionals combine official Cisco learning resources with practical labs, documentation study, enterprise networking projects, and structured practice questions. Consistent preparation combined with hands-on enterprise networking exposure significantly improves the chances of passing the CCNP ENCOR certification exam successfully.
Reviewed & Verified by CertiMaan Certification Support Team
This 350-401 ENCOR CCNP ENCOR certification sample questions page has been carefully reviewed by the CertiMaan Certification Support Team to ensure technical accuracy, enterprise networking relevance, and alignment with the latest Cisco Enterprise certification objectives. The practice questions, preparation guidance, and exam-focused learning resources provided on this page are designed to help certification aspirants strengthen enterprise networking concepts, improve troubleshooting capabilities, and prepare more effectively for the CCNP ENCOR certification exam.
Our review approach focuses on validating real-world enterprise networking topics commonly used in modern IT infrastructure environments. The content has been structured to support both theoretical understanding and practical implementation knowledge across Cisco enterprise technologies. Each section is reviewed to maintain clarity, technical consistency, and relevance to the current enterprise networking ecosystem.
The CertiMaan Certification Support Team regularly evaluates:
Cisco enterprise networking technologies
Routing and switching concepts
Enterprise security fundamentals
SD-WAN and SD-Access technologies
Wireless networking principles
Infrastructure automation concepts
Network programmability
Enterprise troubleshooting methodologies
The goal of this review process is to ensure that learners preparing for the CCNP ENCOR certification receive trustworthy, educational, and professionally structured preparation content aligned with real certification expectations.
Topics Reviewed: Enterprise Architecture, Dual-Stack Networking, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, VLANs, STP, QoS, SD-WAN, SD-Access, Wireless Infrastructure, Network Security, Automation & Programmability, REST APIs, JSON, Virtualization, Infrastructure Services, Enterprise Troubleshooting Methodologies.
Career Benefits of CCNP ENCOR Certification
Earning the CCNP Enterprise through the 350-401 ENCOR can significantly strengthen a professional’s career in enterprise networking, infrastructure operations, and modern network transformation projects. As organizations continue adopting cloud networking, automation, software-defined infrastructure, and secure enterprise connectivity, professionals with advanced Cisco networking expertise remain in high demand across multiple industries.
The CCNP ENCOR certification validates practical enterprise networking knowledge in areas such as routing, switching, security, wireless networking, automation, virtualization, and infrastructure services. Because the certification focuses on real-world enterprise technologies, many employers recognize it as proof of strong technical capability and operational readiness.
Professionals who complete the CCNP ENCOR certification often pursue roles such as:
Enterprise Network Engineer
Network Administrator
Infrastructure Engineer
Network Security Engineer
Cisco Network Specialist
Systems Engineer
Network Operations Engineer
Technical Support Engineer
Enterprise Infrastructure Consultant
One of the major advantages of the CCNP ENCOR certification is its alignment with modern enterprise networking environments. Organizations increasingly rely on technologies such as:
SD-WAN
SD-Access
Wireless enterprise infrastructure
Network automation
Hybrid enterprise architectures
Cloud-integrated networking
The certification helps candidates build the technical foundation needed to work with these evolving enterprise technologies more confidently.
Another important benefit is professional credibility. Since Cisco certifications are globally recognized in the networking industry, CCNP ENCOR certification holders are often viewed as professionals capable of handling enterprise-level networking responsibilities, troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues, and supporting scalable network operations.
The certification also acts as a strong progression path toward advanced certifications such as:
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
CCIE Enterprise Wireless
For IT professionals planning long-term careers in enterprise networking, cloud infrastructure, network security, or automation-driven networking operations, the CCNP ENCOR certification provides valuable technical validation and improves readiness for modern enterprise IT environments.
40+ CISCO - CCNP ENCOR Certification Sample Questions List :
1. What is the core focus of the Cisco ENCOR 350-401 certification exam?
Database management and design
Enterprise networking technologies
Wireless sensor networks
Application development and APIs
2. Which of the following is a benefit of becoming CCNP-certified?
Lifetime certification status
Access to Cisco source code
Improved employability through skill validation
Ability to skip all Cisco exams in future tracks
3. Which of the following is a direct prerequisite for the CCNP Enterprise certification?
Valid CompTIA Network+ certification
Prior completion of CCNA or CCIE
Cisco Specialist badge
Minimum 3 years of experience
4. What is one reason why Cisco redesigned their certification program?
To increase exam prices
To reduce the number of candidates
To align with evolving network automation and programmability trends
To stop offering hands-on certifications
5. What is the duration of the ENCOR 350-401 exam?
90 minutes
180 minutes
60 minutes
120 minutes
6. Which certification is granted after passing only the ENCOR core exam?
CCNP Collaboration
Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core
CCNP Security
CCIE Lab
7. Which of the following domains carries the highest weight in the ENCOR exam blueprint?
Security
Network Assurance
Infrastructure
Automation
8. Which protocol area is emphasized in the CCNP ENCOR exam?
BGP over MPLS VPNs
IPv4 and IPv6 dual stack
X.500 directory services
RDP tunneling
9. Which two certifications can be obtained by passing only the ENCOR 350-401 exam?
CCNP Security
Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core
CCNP Collaboration
Correct selection
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure (written exam requirement)
10. What is the exam fee for the ENCOR 350-401 core exam?
$200
$300
$400
$600
11. How long is the CCNP Enterprise certification valid after passing the exam?
1 year
2 years
3 years
5 years
12. What is the maximum number of exams required to earn the CCNP Enterprise certification?
1
2
3
4
13. Which platform is primarily recommended by IPSpecialist for practicing enterprise networking scenarios?
GNS3
Packet Tracer
Cisco Packet Monitor
EVE-NG
14.What does Cisco require for certification tracking and correspondence?
Physical passport
Valid email address
Facebook login
GitHub account
15. Why is the CCNP Enterprise certification still valuable in 2026?
It is a legal requirement for IT employment
It allows certification holders to bypass practical interviews
It validates advanced enterprise networking skills
It is the only certification Cisco offers
16. Who is the intended audience for the CCNP ENCOR certification?
Data entry clerks
Junior security analysts
Mid-level to senior network engineers
Financial analysts
17. Which of the following is NOT a CCNP Enterprise concentration exam?
ENARSI
SD-WAN
Wireless Design
Cloud Infrastructure
18. What is one advantage of CCNP Enterprise certification for organizations?
They can skip compliance audits
They can validate employee skill level
It increases tax deductions
It provides free equipment from Cisco
19. Which group is the ENCOR exam most suitable for?
Entry-level network technicians
Database administrators
Network engineers with 3–5 years of experience
Software developers
20. What is the benefit of using Cisco’s digital continuing education program?
Earn cryptocurrency
Recertify without retaking exams
Get hired automatically
Avoid exams permanently
Exam Tips for CCNP ENCOR Certification Exam
Preparing for the 350-401 ENCOR requires more than memorizing networking concepts. The exam is designed to evaluate practical enterprise networking knowledge, troubleshooting ability, and understanding of modern Cisco infrastructure technologies. A structured exam strategy can greatly improve confidence and overall performance on the actual certification exam.
One of the most important preparation tips is to fully understand the exam blueprint published by Cisco. Candidates should clearly identify the major domains covered in the exam, including:
Enterprise network architecture
Routing and switching
Infrastructure services
Security fundamentals
Wireless networking
Automation and programmability
Instead of studying topics randomly, organize preparation based on domain weightage and technical difficulty.
Hands-on practice is extremely important for CCNP ENCOR success. Since the exam contains scenario-based networking questions, candidates should regularly practice:
Routing protocol configurations
VLAN and trunking implementation
Network troubleshooting
Wireless infrastructure concepts
Automation basics
Enterprise security configurations
Working with Cisco lab environments, simulators, or virtual enterprise networking setups can improve practical understanding and troubleshooting speed during the exam.
Time management is another critical factor. The CCNP ENCOR exam includes complex technical questions that may consume extra time if candidates overanalyze every scenario. During practice exams:
Track question-solving speed
Learn when to skip difficult questions temporarily
Avoid spending too much time on one simulation
Practice maintaining focus under timed conditions
Mock exams and certification sample questions should become a regular part of the preparation process. These practice sessions help candidates:
Understand question patterns
Improve analytical thinking
Identify weak technical areas
Increase exam confidence
Reduce exam-day anxiety
Candidates should also spend extra time reviewing weak domains instead of repeatedly revising familiar topics. For example, if automation, wireless networking, or SD-WAN concepts feel difficult, dedicate focused study sessions specifically to those areas.
Finally, maintaining consistency is more effective than short-term intensive preparation. A balanced study schedule that combines theory, labs, troubleshooting practice, and mock exams usually delivers better long-term retention and stronger exam readiness for the CCNP ENCOR certification exam.
21. What certification level is achieved after passing the core and a concentration exam under the CCNP Enterprise track?
CCNA Enterprise
Cisco Certified Specialist
CCNP Enterprise
CCIE Wireless
22. Why is the ENCOR exam considered difficult?
It includes essays and interviews
It is closed book with no lab
It requires deep understanding of enterprise networks
It is conducted in Latin
23. Which area is covered under both ENCOR and CCIE Enterprise written exams?
QoS for ISPs
Enterprise Core Technologies
ITIL Service Management
DevOps tools like Jenkins
24. Which of the following best describes the ENCOR certification’s role in the Cisco career path?
Final exam for architects
Core foundation for CCNP and CCIE Enterprise
Beginner-level for desktop support
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
25. Which statement about the CCNP ENCOR exam is accurate?
It covers only physical infrastructure
It includes lab-based simulations exclusively
It evaluates dual-stack, virtualization, security, and automation
It is designed for managers only
26. What is the primary reason for using Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) in a switched network?
Optimize routing paths
Provide IP addressing
Prevent Layer 2 loops
Encrypt MAC addresses
27. Which port role is new in RSTP compared to 802.1D STP?
Blocking
Designated
Alternate
Listening
28. Which VTP mode allows a switch to forward advertisements but not modify VLAN information?
Client
Transparent
Server
Passive
29. What must match between two switches for DTP to form a trunk?
IP subnet
STP priority
VTP domain
MAC address
30. What happens if a switch with a higher VTP configuration revision number is introduced into a network?
All VLANs will be added
The switch will automatically go into transparent mode
VLANs in the domain may be overwritten
Nothing changes unless manually approved
31. Which command disables trunk negotiation on a trunk port?
switchport mode access
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport nonegotiate
switchport disable trunking
32. Which two statements describe Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)?
Uses designated ports only
Converges faster than 802.1D
Uses PortFast for trunk ports
Supports edge and point-to-point port types
33. What happens when a port configured with switchport mode trunk connects to a port set to switchport mode access?
Trunk is formed
Access mode port is shut down
No trunking; connection remains access
Both ports go to blocking state
34. Which DTP mode will passively wait to receive negotiation requests to form a trunk?
Dynamic desirable
Dynamic auto
Trunk
Access
35. Which command is used to verify active trunk ports on a switch?
show interfaces
show interfaces trunk
show vtp status
show vlan brief
36. Which protocol allows multiple physical links between two switches to operate as one logical link?
STP
DTP
EtherChannel
VTP
37. Which EtherChannel mode combination between two switches ensures that a link is formed using LACP?
On - On
Passive - Passive
Active - Passive
Desirable - Auto
38. What is the main role of the VTP server?
Forward advertisements
Backup VLAN database
Create, modify, and delete VLANs
Encrypt VLAN transmissions
39. What is the effect of configuring a VTP domain name on a switch?
Increases spanning-tree priority
Resets configuration revision to 0
Enables DTP
Automatically forms EtherChannel
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs ) — CISCO ( CCNP ENCOR ) Certification
1. What is the CCNP ENCOR certification?
The 350-401 ENCOR certification is the core professional-level enterprise networking exam from Cisco. It validates skills related to enterprise networking, routing, switching, security, wireless technologies, automation, and infrastructure services.
2. What is the exam code for the CCNP ENCOR certification?
The official exam code for the CCNP Enterprise Core certification is 350-401 ENCOR.
3. Who should take the CCNP ENCOR certification exam?
This certification is ideal for:
Network Engineers
Enterprise Infrastructure Professionals
Cisco Administrators
Network Security Engineers
IT Support Professionals
Professionals pursuing advanced Cisco networking careers
4. Is the CCNP ENCOR certification difficult?
The CCNP ENCOR certification is considered an advanced professional-level networking certification. Candidates with hands-on enterprise networking experience, routing and switching knowledge, and practical lab exposure generally perform better in the exam.
5. What topics are covered in the CCNP ENCOR exam?
The exam typically covers:
Enterprise Architecture
Routing and Switching
Infrastructure Services
Wireless Networking
Security Fundamentals
SD-WAN
Automation and Programmability
Network Virtualization
Enterprise Troubleshooting
6. How many questions are in the CCNP ENCOR exam?
The exam usually contains approximately 90–110 questions, including multiple-choice questions, simulations, drag-and-drop questions, and scenario-based questions.
7. What is the duration of the CCNP ENCOR certification exam?
The CCNP ENCOR exam duration is typically 120 minutes.
8. Are CCNP ENCOR practice questions useful for exam preparation?
Yes. Practice questions help candidates:
Understand exam patterns
Improve troubleshooting skills
Identify weak areas
Strengthen technical concepts
Improve time management during the actual exam
9. Does the CCNP ENCOR certification require hands-on lab practice?
Yes. Hands-on lab experience is highly recommended because the certification focuses on practical enterprise networking concepts and troubleshooting scenarios.
10. What are the best official resources for CCNP ENCOR preparation?
Candidates should use official resources such as:
Cisco Learning Network
Cisco U
Cisco DevNet
Cisco Documentation Portal
These platforms provide official learning materials, exam topics, and technical documentation.
11. What jobs can I apply for after earning the CCNP ENCOR certification?
Professionals with CCNP ENCOR certification commonly pursue roles such as:
Enterprise Network Engineer
Network Administrator
Infrastructure Engineer
Cisco Network Specialist
Network Operations Engineer
Systems Engineer
Enterprise Support Engineer
12. Is CCNP ENCOR certification valid internationally?
Yes. Cisco certifications are globally recognized and widely respected across enterprise networking and IT infrastructure industries.
13. How long is the CCNP ENCOR certification valid?
The CCNP Enterprise certification is generally valid for three years from the certification date.
14. Can beginners take the CCNP ENCOR certification exam?
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but beginners are strongly encouraged to first build foundational networking knowledge and practical experience before attempting the professional-level CCNP ENCOR exam.
15. How should I prepare effectively for the CCNP ENCOR certification exam?
A strong preparation strategy should include:
Studying official exam topics
Practicing enterprise networking labs
Using mock exams and sample questions
Reviewing weak technical areas
Learning automation and programmability basics
Regular revision and troubleshooting practice





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