Which Cisco Exam Should You Take First: ENCOR or ENSLD

If you’re aiming for a professional-level networking certification in enterprise technologies, Cisco’s CCNP Enterprise certification path is a great choice. This certification consists of two exams: the core exam, which is typically known as ENCOR, and a concentration exam. One such concentration exam is ENSLD, which focuses on enterprise network design. The question arises for many candidates: Which exam should you take first? Should you tackle the core exam (ENCOR) before the design-focused exam (ENSLD)?

The decision ultimately depends on factors such as your career aspirations, professional experience, and the skills you wish to develop. While there isn’t a universal answer, most networking professionals find it more beneficial to take the core exam first. This foundational exam provides essential knowledge of enterprise networking technologies and sets you up for success in subsequent specialized exams. In this guide, we’ll explore why ENCOR is generally the best starting point, the structure of both exams, and under which circumstances taking ENSLD first might make sense.

The Core Exam: ENCOR

The 350-401 exam, also known as ENCOR, serves as the core exam for the CCNP Enterprise certification. It’s a comprehensive exam covering a wide array of topics that network engineers must know to effectively work with large-scale enterprise networks. These topics include routing protocols, virtualization, network infrastructure, security, automation, and network assurance. ENCOR is not just an implementation-focused exam; it prepares candidates for the day-to-day operations and troubleshooting of networks, offering a more holistic understanding of enterprise networking.

The ENCOR exam encompasses several key areas:

1. Routing Protocols and Switching Technologies
   This section covers various routing protocols, including OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, and how to configure them within enterprise networks. You’ll also need to understand Layer 2 technologies, such as VLANs, STP, and other switching concepts that form the backbone of network communication. Mastery of these topics allows network engineers to configure, optimize, and troubleshoot network performance. 
2. Virtualization
   Virtualization plays an important role in modern networking. The exam expects candidates to understand how technologies such as virtual switches, hypervisors, and network function virtualization (NFV) operate. It’s not just about understanding the basics but knowing how these elements integrate into a larger network architecture and how they affect performance, scalability, and security. 
3. Infrastructure
   The infrastructure domain covers the foundational network setup. It includes topics such as IP addressing, routing, and Layer 2 technologies, but it also dives deeper into network design and configuration for large-scale environments. The infrastructure section emphasizes Cisco platforms such as DNA Center and SD-WAN solutions, which help manage and configure modern networks. These tools allow for more efficient management and ensure networks are adaptable to changing business needs. 
4. Security
   While ENCOR is not primarily a security-focused exam, it does require knowledge of key security practices. This includes implementing secure management protocols, access control lists (ACLs), device hardening, and identifying common network threats such as DDoS attacks. As networks become more complex and security becomes more important, understanding how to integrate security into enterprise networks is critical. 
5. Network Assurance
   Network assurance ensures that enterprise networks remain healthy and operational. This includes monitoring network performance, identifying issues early, and using troubleshooting tools to prevent downtime. Candidates must be familiar with network monitoring platforms, protocols like SNMP and NetFlow, and how to interpret data from network devices to ensure network reliability. 
6. Automation and Programmability
   The increasing complexity of enterprise networks makes automation a crucial skill. ENCOR tests candidates on how to automate network tasks using APIs, scripts (often in Python), and tools like Cisco’s DNA Center. The ability to automate configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks improves efficiency and consistency within large-scale networks. Candidates should be comfortable with automation concepts even if they are not programming experts. 

Why ENCOR First Makes Sense for Most Candidates

Comprehensive Knowledge Base

ENCOR provides a broad understanding of networking concepts that are foundational for most networking roles. For professionals looking to specialize in network design or any other area within enterprise networking, a solid understanding of core network technologies is essential. Without mastering how enterprise networks are implemented and maintained, it can be challenging to design networks that are scalable, secure, and reliable.

The concepts you learn in ENCOR are directly applicable to real-world scenarios. For instance, understanding how routing protocols such as OSPF or BGP work in practice will help you design networks that are optimized for efficiency and scalability. Moreover, ENCOR provides valuable experience in troubleshooting network issues – an essential skill for network engineers.

Informed Network Design Decisions

Designing networks effectively requires not only theoretical knowledge but also a practical understanding of how different technologies behave in live environments. This is where ENCOR comes in. By first gaining hands-on experience in configuring and troubleshooting network devices, candidates can make better design decisions when they move on to the design-focused ENSLD exam.

For example, if you’ve configured a BGP routing table or set up VLANs in a real-world environment, you’ll have a much deeper appreciation for how those decisions affect a network’s performance and scalability. This knowledge provides the context needed to make informed design decisions, which is the primary focus of the ENSLD exam.

Greater Flexibility in Specialization

After passing ENCOR, you have the option to choose from several concentration exams, including but not limited to:

• Enterprise Network Design (ENSLD) 
• Advanced Routing and Services 
• Wireless Networking 
• Automation and Network Programmability 

By taking ENCOR first, you’re not tied to a single specialization path. Whether you want to shift toward advanced routing, automation, or wireless networking, you’ve already completed the core exam. This flexibility is beneficial, especially if your career interests evolve over time or if you want to explore various areas of networking before settling into a specific focus.

Broader Career Opportunities

Having a solid grasp of the foundational networking concepts tested in ENCOR opens doors to various career opportunities. Employers value professionals who understand the operational and implementation aspects of enterprise networking. With ENCOR under your belt, you’ll be well-suited for roles like:

• Network Engineer 
• Systems Engineer 
• Infrastructure Analyst 
• Solutions Architect 

These roles require not only theoretical knowledge but practical experience with enterprise networking technologies, and ENCOR helps build that expertise. Once you’ve mastered the foundational concepts, you’ll find it easier to move into more specialized positions or transition into management roles. Additionally, ENCOR is a prerequisite for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure track, which is the expert-level certification for enterprise networking.

Prerequisite for CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure

If you have aspirations to pursue the prestigious CCIE certification in enterprise networking, ENCOR is the first step on that path. Whether you aim for CCIE right away or want to wait a few years, passing ENCOR ensures that you meet the qualification requirements. Starting with ENCOR, therefore, aligns with both short-term and long-term career goals.

Stronger Foundation for Real-World Scenarios

Many professionals find that the ENCOR exam more closely mirrors the challenges they face on the job. From configuring devices to troubleshooting network issues, the skills you gain while studying for ENCOR are immediately applicable in real-world environments. These practical skills are crucial when it comes time to design and deploy networks in dynamic, production environments.

When you eventually approach network design, you won’t just be working with theoretical concepts; you’ll be designing based on the practical knowledge you gained from ENCOR. For instance, understanding how a network behaves under heavy load or during a security breach will help you design resilient systems that can handle similar challenges in the future.

Logical Learning Progression

In terms of difficulty and subject flow, ENCOR is the logical precursor to ENSLD. While ENSLD focuses on high-level network design, ENCOR lays the groundwork by covering foundational topics like routing, switching, security, and network automation. The hands-on experience you gain with ENCOR will enhance your ability to understand the more abstract concepts in ENSLD.

Skipping ENCOR and jumping directly into ENSLD can be a struggle, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the core networking topics covered in the earlier exam. Without a practical understanding of how enterprise networks are built and maintained, you might find it challenging to grasp how to design them effectively.

Enhanced Study Efficiency

Studying for ENSLD after ENCOR tends to be more efficient. Since ENCOR covers many of the topics you’ll encounter in ENSLD, you can leverage your prior knowledge to build on more specialized design concepts. This layered approach simplifies your learning, as you’re not starting from scratch in every subject area.

This efficient study strategy saves both time and effort, especially since the official study materials for ENSLD often reference the knowledge tested in ENCOR. By completing ENCOR first, you’re setting yourself up for success by reinforcing your foundational knowledge before diving into more complex design topics.

Deep Dive into ENSLD: Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks

The ENSLD (Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks) 300-420 exam is a specialization test that focuses on network design within enterprise environments. For those pursuing a career in network architecture or planning, this exam is an important step toward gaining a deeper understanding of how to design networks that are scalable, secure, and efficient. However, as we discussed in the previous section, most professionals will benefit from taking the core exam (ENCOR) first, as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for the more specialized ENSLD exam.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the ENSLD exam, its structure, and its content. Understanding the details of the ENSLD exam will give you a clearer idea of why ENCOR is typically the best starting point, even if you’re considering ENSLD as your concentration exam.

The Focus of ENSLD: Network Design in Enterprise Environments

The 300-420 ENSLD exam is primarily focused on how to design networks that meet business requirements, with an emphasis on scalability, redundancy, security, and cost-effectiveness. This exam is targeted at professionals who are interested in becoming network designers or architects, roles that are responsible for shaping the backbone of an organization’s IT infrastructure.

Unlike ENCOR, which is more implementation-focused and covers a broad set of topics, ENSLD dives into the theory and principles of network design. It requires candidates to have a solid understanding of network functionality, and it challenges them to think critically about how different network components interact in large-scale enterprise environments.

The Domains of the ENSLD Exam

The ENSLD exam is divided into several key domains, each focusing on a different aspect of network design. Below is an overview of the major domains tested in the exam.

Advanced Addressing and Routing Solutions

In the first domain, candidates are tested on their ability to design IP addressing schemes and routing protocols for enterprise networks. This includes IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting strategies, route summarization, and hierarchical addressing models. The goal is to ensure that networks are easy to manage and scale over time.

In this domain, you’ll need to demonstrate an understanding of advanced routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP. Candidates are expected to design and implement routing strategies that optimize traffic flow and support large networks. They must also understand how to apply techniques like route redistribution, policy-based routing, and filtering to improve routing efficiency and control.

Key areas of focus include:

• Designing IP addressing schemes (IPv4 and IPv6) 
• Route summarization and hierarchical addressing 
• Advanced routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP) 
• Policy-based routing, filtering, and path control 

Enterprise Campus Network Design

This domain tests candidates’ ability to design the campus network infrastructure, which is the heart of any enterprise network. It focuses on designing Layer 2 and Layer 3 network topologies that support redundancy, high availability, and optimal traffic flow. Campus network design is a critical part of any enterprise network, as it provides the foundation for connecting all network devices and users.

Key concepts include:

• Layer 2 and Layer 3 topologies 
• Redundancy and high availability (using protocols like HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP) 
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and its variants (RSTP, MSTP) 
• VLANs and network segmentation 

You’ll need to understand how to design networks that accommodate growth and support different organizational requirements. For example, designing for high availability and fault tolerance involves ensuring that network components can quickly recover in the event of a failure, minimizing downtime, and maintaining network reliability.

Wide Area Network (WAN) Design

The WAN design domain tests your ability to design wide area networks that connect multiple locations, such as branch offices, remote workers, and data centers. WANs are a critical part of any enterprise network, and designing them correctly is essential for maintaining business continuity and performance.

Key concepts in WAN design include:

• MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) and its role in WAN design 
• VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) for secure remote access 
• SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) technologies for more flexible and cost-effective WAN solutions 
• WAN failover strategies and redundancy 

You’ll need to evaluate different WAN technologies, weighing their advantages and drawbacks in terms of security, cost, and performance. SD-WAN, in particular, is becoming an increasingly popular solution for enterprise networks because it enables businesses to use broadband internet alongside traditional MPLS links, which can reduce costs and improve flexibility.

Network Services Design

Network services such as DNS, DHCP, and NTP are essential for the smooth operation of any enterprise network. This domain tests candidates on their ability to design these critical network services, ensuring they are scalable, reliable, and resilient.

You’ll need to design solutions that:

• Ensure high availability for DNS and DHCP services. 
• Provide accurate time synchronization across the network with NT.P. 
• Implement real-time communication services such as VoIP and video conferencing. 

Additionally, designing Quality of Service (QoS) is a major aspect of this domain. QoS ensures that latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video are prioritized over less critical traffic. As more organizations rely on cloud-based services and real-time communication tools, ensuring that these services perform well under heavy load is increasingly important.

Automation and Network Programmability

As networks become more complex and automation becomes a key focus, designing networks that are programmable and easy to manage at scale is essential. This domain focuses on network automation technologies, such as Cisco DNA Center, and how to integrate them into the network design process.

Candidates are tested on their ability to design networks that:

• Leverage automation to streamline network management tasks 
• Incorporate software-defined networking (SDN) principles to enable network programmability. 
• Use tools like Python scripts or APIs to automate network configurations and monitoring. 

By incorporating automation into network design, you can improve network efficiency, reduce the potential for human error, and enhance scalability. For example, automating the provisioning of new network devices or monitoring network performance can help reduce the time required for network management and troubleshooting.

Preparing for ENSLD

Preparation for the ENSLD exam requires both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in network design. Candidates should be familiar with Cisco’s validated design guides, reference architectures, and best practices, as these documents provide valuable insights into network design and implementation.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the ENSLD exam:

Review Cisco’s Design Guides: Cisco provides detailed design guides and reference architectures that outline the best practices for designing enterprise networks. These resources are invaluable for understanding how to structure and implement network designs at scale.

Hands-on Experience: While the ENSLD exam is focused on design, hands-on experience with networking equipment and configuration tools will help reinforce your knowledge. Setting up a lab environment where you can practice designing and simulating networks is essential.

Study Cisco’s Exam Blueprint: The ENSLD exam blueprint outlines the specific topics and skills tested on the exam. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with this blueprint to ensure that your study plan is aligned with the exam’s requirements.

Practice Design Scenarios: The ENSLD exam often includes real-world design scenarios, so practicing these types of questions will help you develop your critical thinking and decision-making skills. Be prepared to design networks based on a variety of requirements, such as scalability, security, and redundancy.

Study Automation Tools: As automation is becoming an essential part of network design, candidates should familiarize themselves with Cisco’s automation tools, such as DNA Center and other SDN solutions. Understanding how to design networks that leverage automation will be key to performing well on the exam.

Why ENCOR is Still the Best Starting Point

While the ENSLD exam focuses on network design, it assumes that candidates already have a solid understanding of how enterprise networks are implemented and operated. This is why taking the core exam, ENCOR, first is generally the best approach. ENCOR provides a broad understanding of networking concepts, including routing, switching, security, and automation, which are essential for making informed design decisions in ENSLD.

By completing ENCOR first, you gain the practical knowledge needed to apply the theoretical design principles covered in ENSLD. This makes the transition to network design much smoother and more manageable. Additionally, since ENCOR is a prerequisite for multiple other certification paths, it serves as an important foundation for your overall career growth in networking.

Preparing for the CCNP Enterprise Exams: Study Strategies, Resources, and Tips

Preparing for the CCNP Enterprise exams, specifically the core ENCOR and concentration ENSLD exams, requires a strategic and well-structured approach. These exams assess a range of skills, from technical networking knowledge to design principles, and successful preparation involves understanding the exam objectives, using the right study materials, and applying practical experience.

In this section, we’ll dive into effective study strategies, essential resources, and tips to help you succeed in both the ENCOR and ENSLD exams. Whether you’re preparing for the core ENCOR exam first or focusing on the ENSLD concentration, these strategies can guide you through a structured and effective study plan.

1. Develop a Study Plan

A well-defined study plan is essential when preparing for the CCNP Enterprise exams. Both ENCOR and ENSLD are comprehensive exams that cover a wide variety of networking topics. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of material.

Here’s how to build a solid study plan:

• Set Clear Goals: Start by defining your goals and understanding the scope of both exams. ENCOR covers core networking concepts, while ENSLD focuses on design. Set goals based on your current knowledge and the amount of time you have before your exam date. 
• Assess Your Knowledge: Take a practice test or a diagnostic exam to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you focus your efforts on areas where you need the most improvement. It also gives you a benchmark for tracking your progress as you study. 
• Time Management: Divide your study time into manageable blocks, with a specific focus for each study session. If you’re studying for both exams, allocate time each week to review both ENCOR and ENSLD topics. Make sure to include time for hands-on practice and mock exams. 
• Consistency is Key: Stick to a consistent schedule. The exams are challenging, and regular study sessions (ideally daily or several times a week) are necessary to retain the material. Consistency is more important than cramming, so pace your study sessions over time. 

2. Use Official Study Materials

Cisco provides a wealth of official study materials that are tailored to the ENCOR and ENSLD exams. These resources offer structured learning paths that align with the exam objectives, making them essential for a focused and efficient study strategy.

• Cisco Official Study Guides: Cisco’s official study guides are comprehensive resources designed to cover every exam topic in depth. These books often include practice questions and explanations of key concepts, which are invaluable when preparing for the exams. Cisco’s study guides are generally recommended by candidates who have successfully passed their exams. 
• Cisco Learning Network: The Cisco Learning Network is a great resource for networking professionals. It offers study materials, practice exams, and a community of learners who can offer insights and support. You can also find links to Cisco’s official training courses and recommended study resources here. 
• Cisco Digital Learning: Cisco offers digital learning platforms with courses that cover the key topics of both ENCOR and ENSLD exams. These courses typically include video lessons, quizzes, and hands-on labs to help reinforce your knowledge. 

3. Utilize Practice Exams and Labs

Both hands-on practice and practice exams are essential for success in the CCNP Enterprise exams. Practice exams simulate the test environment and help you identify areas where you need more focus. Hands-on labs are crucial because they help you understand how to implement and troubleshoot networking technologies.

• Practice Exams: Cisco offers practice exams for both ENCOR and ENSLD, which are great tools for testing your readiness. These exams help you familiarize yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter and give you a feel for the actual test format. Practice exams will also help you manage time during the actual test. 
  • Take practice exams regularly, ideally once every few weeks, to gauge your progress. 
  • Review the incorrect answers to understand why you got them wrong and ensure you grasp the underlying concepts. 
• Hands-On Labs: Practical experience is one of the best ways to prepare for the exams, particularly for the ENCOR exam. Setting up a home lab or using network simulation software like Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or Cisco VIRL is essential. These tools let you configure network devices, simulate real-world scenarios, and troubleshoot network issues. 
  • Home Lab: If you have access to physical Cisco equipment, you can create a home lab where you can practice configuring routers, switches, and wireless devices. Even if you don’t have physical hardware, virtual labs using GNS3 or Packet Tracer can replicate real environments. 
  • Practice Configuration: Work on configuring routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, as well as other networking technologies such as VLANs, ACLs, and QoS. This will give you valuable hands-on experience and help you understand how networks operate in a live environment. 
• Simulated Network Scenarios: For ENSLD, focus on designing networks based on real-world requirements. Practice designing campus networks, WAN solutions, and network services, while keeping in mind scalability, redundancy, and security. Simulated design labs will help you apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. 

4. Explore Supplementary Resources

Beyond official Cisco study materials, there are several supplementary resources that can enhance your preparation. These can provide alternative explanations, more practice questions, or visual aids that reinforce key concepts.

• Online Platforms: Websites like Udemy, Pluralsight, and CBT Nuggets offer video courses and practice exams for CCNP certification. These platforms often have courses tailored specifically for ENCOR and ENSLD, and many of the courses include labs and real-world scenarios that make learning more engaging. 
• YouTube: Many networking professionals and educators post free content on YouTube, covering topics from basic routing to complex network design. Searching for exam-specific tutorials and walkthroughs can give you another perspective on difficult topics. 
• Study Groups and Forums: Engaging with a study group or online community can help you stay motivated and clarify any doubts. Platforms like Reddit, Cisco Learning Network, and network-specific forums (such as TechExams) allow you to interact with other learners, ask questions, and discuss exam topics. Many members share study tips, practice questions, and their own exam experiences. 

5. Focus on Key Topics for Each Exam

The ENCOR and ENSLD exams cover a wide range of topics. While you should aim to understand all the material, there are certain areas where you should focus more of your time.

• For ENCOR: 
  • Routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP) 
  • Layer 2 technologies and switching 
  • Security configurations and access control lists (ACLs) 
  • Automation tools (Cisco DNA Center, Python scripting) 
  • Monitoring and network assurance techniques (SNMP, NetFlow) 
• Practice configuring and troubleshooting real-world network scenarios, as ENCOR tests your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Automation is also a growing part of network management, so don’t neglect topics like network programmability and using APIs. 
• For ENSLD: 
  • Network design principles (IP addressing, routing, and scalability) 
  • Enterprise campus network design (Layer 2 and Layer 3 design) 
  • WAN design strategies, including SD-WAN and MPLS 
  • Network services design (DNS, DHCP, QoS, VoIP) 
  • Automation in network design (SDN, network programmability) 
• For ENSLD, the focus is on theoretical network design and decision-making. Your goal is to design networks that are resilient, scalable, and secure, so practice designing based on various requirements and constraints. Emphasize understanding the “why” behind design decisions and how to make informed choices based on business needs. 

6. Take Care of Your Health

Preparing for the CCNP Enterprise exams is a demanding process, both mentally and physically. Ensure you take breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout. Stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and get plenty of sleep to keep your mind sharp. When you take the exam, you’ll need to be focused, so make sure you are well-rested and ready for the challenge.

7. Exam Day Strategy

On exam day, ensure that you arrive early and are prepared. Here are a few tips for the day of the exam:

• Stay Calm: Manage exam anxiety by practicing deep breathing and staying focused. 
• Time Management: Keep an eye on the clock during the exam, and don’t dwell too long on any one question. If you’re unsure about a question, mark it and come back to it later if time permits. 
• Read the Questions Carefully: Be sure to read each question thoroughly and pay attention to keywords. Some questions may have multiple correct answers, so ensure you understand the specific requirements. 

If you’ve prepared thoroughly using the strategies outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in both the ENCOR and ENSLD exams. The key is consistent study, hands-on practice, and understanding the theory behind networking concepts.

Final Tips for Success on the Path to CCNP Enterprise Certification

Completing the CCNP Enterprise certification is a significant achievement for any networking professional. The certification demonstrates your proficiency in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. It also opens up a wide range of career opportunities in network engineering, network design, and beyond. However, obtaining this certification requires a strategic approach, dedication, and focused preparation for both the core ENCOR and concentration ENSLD exams.

In this final section, we’ll summarize the key points for preparing for the CCNP Enterprise exams and provide additional tips to ensure success. Whether you are preparing for the ENCOR exam first or pursuing the ENSLD concentration exam, these insights will guide you through your study journey.

The Importance of Foundation Knowledge

As we’ve discussed throughout this guide, one of the most important factors in successfully passing the CCNP Enterprise exams is having a solid foundation of networking knowledge. ENCOR serves as the core exam that provides the essential networking skills necessary for both the operational and design-focused tasks covered in ENSLD. Taking ENCOR first establishes the critical knowledge base and practical experience needed to excel in network design.

By understanding the “how” and “why” of network implementation, you will be able to make more informed design decisions when it comes time to take the ENSLD exam. The core exam covers fundamental topics such as routing protocols, security, automation, and network assurance, all of which play a significant role in designing resilient and efficient enterprise networks.

Key takeaways:

• Start with ENCOR to build a strong foundation. 
• Understand practical network operations to help inform design decisions in ENSLD. 
• Build expertise in routing, security, and automation, as they are essential components of both exams. 

Hands-On Practice is Key

Networking concepts, especially those covered in ENCOR, require practical experience to fully understand. Hands-on practice is crucial for mastering configuration, troubleshooting, and network management. For ENCOR, this means setting up labs where you can configure routers, switches, and access points. For ENSLD, hands-on labs focus on network design, allowing you to create virtual models of enterprise networks and simulate real-world conditions.

Lab Recommendations:

• Use tools like GNS3, Cisco Packet Tracer, or real Cisco devices if available. 
• Practice configuring routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), VLANs, and network security protocols. 
• Set up complex network topologies to gain experience with design scenarios (e.g., campus, WAN, and SD-WAN designs). 

In addition to configuring devices, ensure you practice troubleshooting and monitoring using SNMP, NetFlow, or other network monitoring tools. This practical experience will help solidify the theoretical knowledge you gain from textbooks and videos.

Tailor Your Study Plan to Your Needs

Every candidate’s journey to certification is unique, and your study plan should reflect your background, strengths, and weaknesses. If you have prior experience working with Cisco equipment or have completed foundational certifications like CCNA, you may be able to progress faster through certain topics in ENCOR. On the other hand, if you’re new to certain concepts, such as automation or network programming, make sure to allocate extra time to these areas.

Study Plan Tips:

• Break down the exam topics into manageable chunks and set clear weekly or daily goals. 
• Focus on your weak points: take practice exams to pinpoint areas that need more attention. 
• Schedule time for revision: regularly review concepts to reinforce your understanding. 
• Mix theory with practical work: while studying, set aside time for hands-on practice, such as configuring network devices or designing network architectures. 

A tailored study plan helps ensure that you cover all exam topics without feeling overwhelmed, while also allowing you to focus more on areas that are either challenging or new to you.

Leverage Multiple Learning Resources

There is no single resource that will provide all the information needed to pass the CCNP Enterprise exams. Successful candidates often combine a variety of resources to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the material.

Recommended Resources:

• Cisco’s Official Study Guides: These are the most reliable and comprehensive materials for studying both ENCOR and ENSLD. These guides are aligned with the exam objectives and cover all topics in detail. 
• Cisco Learning Network: This platform offers access to study groups, discussion forums, and official materials. It is also an excellent source of practice questions and hands-on labs. 
• Video Training Platforms: Platforms such as Udemy, CBT Nuggets, and Pluralsight offer video courses that break down complex topics. Video lessons are especially helpful for visual learners and can make difficult concepts easier to grasp. 
• Practice Exams: Using practice exams is essential for assessing your knowledge. It helps you simulate the real exam experience, build confidence, and identify areas where you need more practice. Cisco offers official practice exams, but third-party platforms like Boson also provide quality practice tests. 
• Online Communities and Forums: Participating in forums like Reddit or Cisco’s Learning Network will allow you to connect with other learners, exchange study tips, and ask questions about difficult topics. 

Combining these resources will provide a well-rounded study experience that blends theory, hands-on practice, and peer support.

Understand the Exam Structure

Both ENCOR and ENSLD have a specific structure that you should familiarize yourself with before sitting the exams. Understanding the question formats and knowing how to manage your time during the exam is crucial.

• Exam Duration: ENCOR lasts for 120 minutes, while ENSLD typically lasts for 90 minutes. Managing your time wisely will ensure that you can answer all questions. 
• Multiple Question Types: Cisco exams often feature a mix of question types, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and simulation-based questions. Ensure you’re comfortable with each format. 
• Scenario-Based Questions: ENSLD, in particular, includes scenario-based questions, which test your ability to design networks based on specific business requirements. Be prepared to evaluate different technologies and justify your design choices. 

Exam Day Tips:

• Stay calm and focused: If you encounter a difficult question, skip it and come back to it later. Don’t get stuck on any single question. 
• Read each question carefully: Ensure that you understand exactly what’s being asked before answering. Pay attention to details like keywords such as “most” or “least.” 
• Manage your time: With the pressure of a limited exam duration, keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself accordingly. 

The Role of Automation in Modern Networking

In both the ENCOR and ENSLD exams, automation is becoming an increasingly important topic. The shift toward automation is driving network efficiency and scalability, and it’s critical to understand the role of automation tools in network management and design.

• For ENCOR: You’ll be tested on automation tools like Cisco DNA Center, NETCONF, and RESTCONF, as well as how to use Python for automating network tasks. Understanding how to configure and manage automated workflows is crucial for modern network engineers. 
• For ENSLD: When designing networks, consider how automation could improve efficiency, such as using automated provisioning for new devices or employing SDN solutions for more flexible and scalable networks. 

Integrating automation into your designs will not only help you score better in the exams but will also make you more competitive in the job market, as automation is becoming an essential skill for network professionals.

Practice Real-World Design Scenarios for ENSLD

For the ENSLD exam, the emphasis is on network design, not just implementation. Therefore, a strong focus on real-world scenarios and understanding business requirements is necessary. Practice designing networks based on hypothetical business needs, including factors such as scalability, redundancy, security, and cost.

• Use Case Scenarios: Set up practice scenarios where you design networks for specific business needs. For example, you might be asked to design a campus network for a growing company or a secure WAN solution for a multi-office organization. 
• Design Trade-Offs: Understand how to make design decisions that balance performance, security, and cost. Learn to prioritize the most important aspects of network design based on real-world constraints. 

Stay Motivated and Keep Learning

Certification exams like ENCOR and ENSLD can be challenging, but maintaining motivation throughout your study process is essential. Remember, these certifications are a valuable investment in your career and can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and increased job satisfaction.

Motivation Tips:

• Break down your goals: Instead of focusing solely on the exams, set smaller milestones to track your progress. 
• Celebrate your victories: Every time you finish a chapter or pass a practice exam, take a moment to acknowledge your hard work. 
• Take breaks: Overloading yourself with study material can lead to burnout. Make sure to rest and recharge periodically. 

Conclusion: The Path to Success

Achieving CCNP Enterprise certification is a rewarding journey that requires a combination of theory, hands-on practice, and strategic preparation. By starting with the foundational ENCOR exam, building practical experience, and then moving on to specialized design knowledge for ENSLD, you will be equipped to excel in both exams.

Throughout your preparation:

• Stick to a structured study plan. 
• Focus on practical labs and hands-on practice. 
• Use a variety of learning resources, from Cisco guides to video courses. 
• Familiarize yourself with exam formats and time management strategies. 

With dedication, persistence, and the right resources, you will be ready to successfully pass both the ENCOR and ENSLD exams and earn your CCNP Enterprise certification. This accomplishment will not only enhance your career prospects but also provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle complex networking challenges in the modern IT landscape.