Cisco Modifies ENCOR 350-401 Exam: Important Format Changes You Should Know

Understanding the New Cisco 350-401 ENCOR Exam Format

The Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam is a critical step toward achieving the CCNP Enterprise certification. In its updated version, Cisco has made a significant structural change to the format of this exam, not by altering the content, but by rearranging the way candidates experience the test. This revision is centered on improving the test-taking process, reducing cognitive fatigue, and aligning the exam more closely with how networking professionals operate in real-world environments.

This part of the explanation will break down what exactly has changed, why Cisco made this adjustment, and what it means for candidates in terms of expectations and experience.

What Is the ENCOR 350-401 Exam?

The Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) 350-401 exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of enterprise networking technologies. It covers a wide range of skills and domains, such as dual-stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation. This exam is the core requirement for the CCNP Enterprise certification and also serves as the qualifying exam for Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core.

Passing the ENCOR 350-401 exam validates that a candidate can implement core enterprise network technologies, troubleshoot network issues, apply automation techniques, and secure enterprise-level infrastructures. It’s meant for professionals who want to advance in roles like network engineer, systems engineer, or network administrator.

The structure of this exam has historically included a combination of different question types: multiple-choice questions and performance-based simulations or lab questions. Previously, these different formats were mixed throughout the exam, often leading to abrupt transitions between theory-based and hands-on tasks.

The Key Change: Reorganized Question Flow

In the updated format, Cisco has reorganized how questions appear during the exam. All performance-based lab questions now appear at the beginning of the test. Once the lab section is completed, candidates then move into the multiple-choice portion of the exam.

This is the only structural change to the exam. The topics, difficulty level, and domains remain the same as before. However, the flow and experience of the exam have been significantly improved for test-takers.

This change reflects a broader trend in certification testing—moving toward more realistic and job-relevant exam experiences. The hands-on section requires candidates to interact with simulated network environments, performing tasks such as configuring routers and switches, verifying protocol operations, troubleshooting connectivity, and applying configurations using command-line interfaces.

Why Cisco Restructured the Exam

Cisco did not implement this change arbitrarily. Instead, it was based on feedback from thousands of test-takers, trainers, and enterprise network professionals. One of the most common concerns was the mental strain caused by switching between question types mid-exam.

In the old format, a candidate might answer a few theoretical multiple-choice questions, then suddenly be asked to dive into a lab simulation that required typing commands into a virtual terminal. This kind of mental context switching, especially when repeated throughout a two-hour test, created additional stress and often disrupted focus and timing.

By grouping all lab-based tasks at the beginning of the test, Cisco aims to

• Reduce the cognitive load caused by switching between different question types
• Allow candidates to approach complex, practical tasks with a fresh mind at the start of the exam
• Create a more intuitive flow that mirrors how tasks unfold in a professional networking environment

This change also aligns the exam experience with real-world expectations. In practice, network engineers often perform hands-on configurations and troubleshooting tasks before writing reports or discussing high-level concepts. This new structure mirrors that reality more closely.

How the New Format Works

Under the updated exam structure, the Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam follows a two-phase flow:

Phase 1—Lab Section (First Hour): Candidates will begin the exam with a series of performance-based lab simulations. These scenarios place the candidate in a real-world environment where they must apply their skills to solve networking problems, configure devices, or validate settings. These tasks must be completed using a virtual interface similar to Cisco CLI environments.

The lab section may cover topics like

• Routing protocol configuration and verification (e.g., OSPF, EIGRP, BGP)
• VLAN and trunking setup
• DHCP relay agent configuration
• Wireless controller setup
• Security policy enforcement using access control lists (ACLs)
• Automation using Python or RESTCONF

These tasks simulate what network engineers do on the job, making this part of the exam particularly important for proving practical ability.

Phase 2 – Multiple-Choice Section (Second Hour): After completing the lab simulations, candidates move on to the multiple-choice questions. These may involve:

• Conceptual and theoretical knowledge
• Scenario-based decision-making
• Troubleshooting reasoning
• Reading and interpreting network topologies or command outputs

These questions are designed to evaluate whether a candidate understands the underlying principles behind the actions taken during the lab section. They may not require direct device interaction, but they test critical thinking and domain knowledge.

The total time for the exam remains the same—typically 120 minutes—but the experience is now clearly split between hands-on tasks and theory-based questions.

Benefits of the New Format for Candidates

This structural shift offers a range of benefits for candidates preparing to take the ENCOR exam. It doesn’t make the test easier or harder; rather, it creates a more logical and manageable testing experience that helps individuals showcase their skills more effectively.

Better Focus and Energy Management. Starting with the lab section allows candidates to tackle the most demanding part of the exam while they are mentally fresh. Labs require more active problem-solving and command-line input, and tackling them first prevents the fatigue that might otherwise set in later in the exam.

Improved Time Allocation. In the previous format, time management could become chaotic because candidates didn’t know when a lab might pop up. Now, with a clear, front-loaded lab section and a separate multiple-choice phase, candidates can pace themselves more confidently.

More Accurate Assessment of Skills. This structure gives Cisco and employers a better picture of a candidate’s true ability. Someone who memorizes multiple-choice answers might pass an older exam format, but they won’t necessarily succeed on a test that leads with practical, real-world tasks.

Aligns with Industry Expectations In many enterprise environments, engineers start by solving the technical issue and only afterward explain what was done. The new exam format reflects this natural workflow, making the transition from test preparation to job execution more seamless. issue

Misconceptions About the New Format

Some candidates mistakenly believe that the updated format introduces new content or changes the types of questions being asked. This is not the case. The same core domains, such as network architecture, security, and automation, are still tested in both the lab and multiple-choice sections.

Also, the difficulty level of the exam has not been reduced. The expectation remains that candidates can perform hands-on tasks, interpret outputs, understand networking protocols deeply, and apply this knowledge across various technologies.

Another common myth is that candidates can skip the lab portion and just focus on multiple-choice answers. This is not possible. The lab section is mandatory, and skipping it will significantly reduce the chance of passing the exam. Both sections are weighted and must be completed to achieve a passing score.

Adapting Your Study Strategy for the Updated Cisco 350-401 ENCOR Exam

With the Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam now following a revised two-phase format—performance-based labs first, followed by multiple-choice questions—candidates must adjust their preparation to reflect this structure. Success no longer depends solely on theoretical knowledge; now, it also requires fluency in hands-on networking tasks and the ability to apply concepts in practical scenarios under time pressure.

In this part, we will break down the key components of a revised study plan that aligns with the new format. From prioritizing hands-on lab practice to selecting reliable study resources and building strong time management habits, this section offers a detailed guide for preparing effectively.

Building a Practice Routine Around the New Exam Flow

A common mistake among candidates is preparing for an exam based on how topics are listed in a syllabus rather than how the exam itself is structured. Under the new ENCOR exam layout, your preparation should follow the same sequence:

• Start each study session with lab simulations or command-line tasks
• Follow this with theoretical or multiple-choice style questions to reinforce understanding

This approach conditions your brain to work in the same order as the actual test. By doing this repeatedly, you train both your technical execution and your mental focus to follow the flow you will face on exam day.

This also helps reduce anxiety during the test because you’re familiar with the pressure of completing performance-based tasks first and managing your remaining time effectively for the second phase.

Focus Heavily on Hands-On Practice

The updated format places lab simulations at the very start of the exam. These are high-stakes questions that not only test your technical knowledge but also evaluate how efficiently and accurately you can apply that knowledge in real time. Unlike multiple-choice questions, where you can sometimes make an educated guess, lab questions demand precision and familiarity.

To succeed in this section:

• Practice daily on virtual lab platforms such as Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or EVE-NG. These allow you to create simulated enterprise environments that replicate real networking tasks.
• Work on tasks like configuring routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP), troubleshooting VLANs, implementing ACLs, verifying NAT translations, and automating simple network functions using Python or Ansible.
• Use pre-built lab scenarios from reputable providers, or design your own based on Cisco’s official exam blueprint.

The goal is not just to complete tasks but to do them from memory, confidently and quickly. Repeated exposure to CLI environments and complex scenarios will help reduce the chance of getting stuck during the actual exam.

Select Study Resources That Match the New Format

One of the most important choices you can make during preparation is which resources to use. Since the exam format has changed, it’s critical to use updated materials that reflect the new structure.

Look for resources that provide

• Two-part practice tests (lab questions followed by multiple-choice questions)
• Interactive labs that simulate Cisco CLI or enterprise network environments
• Time-tracking features that allow you to simulate full exam conditions

Recommended platforms include Cisco Press (for foundational reading), CBT Nuggets (for guided video tutorials and hands-on labs), Boson ExSim (for detailed, structured practice exams), and INE (for advanced training scenarios).

These platforms are continuously updated to match Cisco’s evolving certification standards and ensure that the tasks and questions you practice are both current and relevant.

Use Time Management Drills

One of the most overlooked aspects of exam preparation is timing. On exam day, you have approximately 120 minutes to complete the entire test. With labs placed at the beginning, it becomes critical to manage your first hour efficiently so you don’t run out of time for the multiple-choice section.

Here’s how to build strong time management habits during your study:

• Set a 60-minute timer and complete a series of lab tasks. Do not stop to look up answers or refer to notes. Mimic the pressure of the real exam.
• After the lab section, take a 5-minute break, then move into answering multiple-choice questions for the next 60 minutes. Again, avoid consulting materials unless you are reviewing the post-test.
• Track your time per question or task, and identify where you lose time—this helps improve pacing and teaches you to prioritize tasks on exam day.

By training yourself under realistic time constraints, you reduce the risk of getting caught off guard by complex questions or tasks that take longer than expected.

Develop Muscle Memory for Common Lab Tasks

The ENCOR exam emphasizes performance-based lab tasks that reflect daily tasks for enterprise network engineers. This means the scenarios are less about memorizing syntax and more about solving real problems.

Muscle memory plays a key role in navigating lab questions confidently. Consider the following examples of skills that should become second nature:

• Setting up an OSPF network across multiple routers with different area types
• Troubleshooting a non-functional VLAN configuration on a trunked switch port
• Configuring static and dynamic NAT on an edge router
• Using commands like show ip route, show interface, and debug tools to isolate and resolve connectivity issues
• Writing basic Python scripts to query network devices or automate simple configuration tasks

The more times you practice these tasks in a lab environment, the faster and more accurately you can complete them during the exam. This frees up valuable minutes and reduces stress.

Reinforce Concepts with Theoretical Study After Lab Work

Once you’ve completed lab tasks in your study session, shift into reviewing the theory behind what you just did. For example, if you configured OSPF in your lab:

• Review the OSPF packet types (Hello, DBD, LSR, LSU, LSAck)
• Study the election process for DR/BDR
• Understand LSAs and how they propagate through an area
• Go over OSPF metric calculation and the role of cost in routing decisions

This dual-mode approach—practice followed by theory—improves retention and helps you understand not just how to perform a task but why it’s done that way.

This is crucial for answering scenario-based multiple-choice questions that test comprehension and judgment rather than just raw knowledge.

Align Study Plans with Official Exam Domains

Although the structure of the exam has changed, the domains covered by the 350-401 ENCOR exam remain the same. These domains are:

1. Architecture
2. Virtualization
3. Infrastructure
4. Network Assurance
5. Security
6. Automation

Make sure your study plan covers each of these areas thoroughly. Allocate more time to domains where you feel less confident, but ensure none are overlooked. A balanced knowledge base helps ensure success in both the lab and multiple-choice sections.

Consider using a structured study schedule, such as a 20- or 23-week plan, that gradually builds knowledge while leaving time for review and practice exams. Each week should include:

• A focus domain or technology area
• Daily lab time (30 to 60 minutes minimum)
• Theory review sessions with video or text-based learning
• A weekly practice test or a timed lab scenario

This approach ensures steady progress and prevents last-minute cramming, which is ineffective for a hands-on exam like ENCOR.

Avoid Shortcuts That Don’t Build Real Skills

A final point to consider when adapting your study strategy is the quality and authenticity of your preparation. The ENCOR exam is specifically designed to expose and penalize candidates who rely on superficial memorization or shortcut-based study methods.

Relying on secondhand or outdated materials not only undermines your preparation but also fails to build the deep understanding and critical thinking needed in real-world network operations.

Instead, invest time in building genuine skills, not just passing on knowledge. This investment pays off long after the exam, through job opportunities, promotions, and the ability to solve actual problems on the job.

Mastering Exam-Day Strategy for the Cisco 350-401 ENCOR Format

No matter how well you prepare, the actual exam environment presents its unique challenges. With Cisco’s revised 350-401 ENCOR format now front-loading all performance-based lab simulations before transitioning into multiple-choice questions, your approach on exam day must reflect the structure, pace, and mental demands of this updated format.

This part will walk through practical steps and mental strategies to help you stay composed, maximize your performance, and manage the new sequence effectively from the moment you sit down to take the exam.

Understanding the Exam-Day Flow

The exam now proceeds in two main sections:

• Section One: Lab-based, performance-oriented simulations
• Section Two: Multiple-choice and scenario-based questions

You will not be allowed to navigate back and forth between the two sections. Once the lab section ends, it is locked, and you move into the second part. That means your first hour is critical, not just in terms of scoring, but also in setting the tone and energy for the remainder of the exam.

The key to success lies in managing both time and cognitive energy. You’ll need to enter the exam room ready to immediately dive into hands-on tasks, with enough stamina left to tackle a dense, theoretical multiple-choice segment afterward.

Start Strong: Mental Readiness for the Lab Section

When the exam begins, you will be met with lab simulations right away. These tasks often require configuring routers, fixing misconfigured setups, analyzing topologies, and verifying network behavior. They can be complex and layered.

Here’s how to approach the lab portion:

1. Read each task carefully before acting. It’s tempting to rush in and start typing commands, but this often leads to missed requirements. Skim the entire task, identify what is being asked, and consider dependencies between steps.
2. Use the show commands efficiently. Before you begin reconfiguring, verify the existing state using commands like show run, show ip interface brief, or show ip protocols. These help you understand what is already configured—and what’s missing or incorrect.
3. Avoid perfectionism on complex labs. If a lab item appears too time-consuming or difficult, make a reasonable attempt, then move on. Spending too much time on one task can jeopardize your performance in the rest of the exam.
4. Don’t second-guess completed tasks. If you’re confident something is configured correctly, resist the urge to tweak it unnecessarily. Trust your skills and conserve time for more uncertain items.
5. Watch your timer. Track your progress every 15–20 minutes. For example, if you’re 30 minutes in and still working on your second lab, you may need to accelerate or skip forward.

You don’t need to get every lab task perfectly right to pass the section, but incomplete or skipped labs reduce your chances of achieving the minimum score needed.

Brief Reset: Transitioning from Labs to Multiple-Choice

Once you complete the lab section, take a moment for a quick mental reset. This isn’t a break in the literal sense—you’re still in the exam—but mentally switching gears from “doing” to “analyzing” is important.

Here’s what to do during this transition:

• Close your eyes for 10–15 seconds. Take a few deep breaths to relax. This simple act clears mental clutter and helps reduce carry-over stress from the hands-on section.
• Stretch your fingers or neck gently. Even small physical gestures can refresh your posture and circulation, which can restore energy for the second part of the exam.
• Reset your mindset. Now you’re entering a phase that is more about conceptual clarity, memory, and reasoning. This requires a slower, more analytical mindset compared to the action-oriented focus required in the lab portion.

Your success in this phase will be tied to your ability to stay calm, read carefully, and apply knowledge logically—especially when questions reference real-world problem scenarios.

Navigating the Multiple-Choice Section Effectively

After completing the performance-based tasks, you’ll enter the second phase, which involves multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based questions. These can be deceptively difficult because they test your judgment, not just recall.

Tips for handling this part of the exam include

1. Pace yourself. If you have 60 minutes remaining and roughly 50 questions to answer, budget about 1 minute per question. Allow a few buffer minutes for reviewing marked questions.
2. Read questions completely before looking at the answer choices. Many questions include conditions or key phrases like “most likely,” “best describes,” or “least effective.” Skipping the full context leads to errors.
3. Use elimination techniques. Cross out wrong options first. Then weigh the remaining ones carefully. Often, Cisco asks you to choose the “most correct” or “best” answer, which means more than one might seem right.
4. Watch for qualifiers in answers. Words like “always,” “never,” or “only” are red flags. In networking, very few things are absolute. Be cautious when you see rigid language unless the question demands it.
5. Mark and move. If you’re stuck, don’t let a single question consume too much time. Use the exam’s marking feature to flag it and revisit later if time permits.
6. Stay steady. If you feel unsure on a few questions in a row, don’t panic. Remember that Cisco exams are scored holistically. A few tough questions won’t cost you the certification if you perform well overall.

Managing Stress and Fatigue

Long exams can induce mental fatigue, and the ENCOR exam is no exception. With both practical and theoretical sections packed into two hours, your ability to manage stress is as important as your technical knowledge.

Here are some mental techniques to help you stay composed:

• Practice mindfulness leading up to exam day. Basic breathing exercises or short meditations can train your brain to refocus and reduce anxiety. These techniques are useful if you start to feel overwhelmed during the test.
• Maintain good hydration and nutrition. Drink water in moderation and avoid excessive caffeine. Eat a light, protein-rich meal before the exam to sustain energy and reduce mental fog.
• Get a good rest the night before. One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is cramming until midnight. Fatigue will dull your thinking and reflexes, both critical in a lab-heavy exam.
• Have a plan for unexpected issues. Whether it’s a tricky lab, a confusing scenario, or a moment of doubt, prepare mentally to pause, breathe, and keep going.

Strategy Summary for Exam Day

Your goal on test day should be to perform efficiently, stay calm, and follow the structure you’ve trained for. Here’s a brief recap of the strategy:

• Start with a clear focus for the lab section. Move quickly but accurately, and avoid getting stuck.
• Reset your mindset when transitioning to multiple-choice questions.
• Use structured reading and elimination methods to handle complex scenarios.
• Manage your time and stress consistently throughout the exam.
• Practice your full exam strategy at least once before the actual test.

Think of the ENCOR exam not as a trick exam but as a real-world test of readiness. Cisco wants to see that you can perform practical tasks under pressure and then explain or reason about them afterward, just like you would in a real networking job.

Moving Beyond ENCOR—Long-Term Certification Strategy and Career Growth

Once you’ve successfully prepared for and passed the updated Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam, you’ve completed the core requirement for the CCNP Enterprise certification. However, the ENCOR exam is only the foundation of your certification path. To earn the full CCNP Enterprise title, you still need to pass a concentration exam.

Beyond certification, maintaining your momentum through practical application, continued study, and career advancement is essential. This final part explores the next steps after the ENCOR exam—choosing your specialization, planning for recertification, leveraging your new skills in the real world, and continuing your journey as a skilled networking professional.

Completing the CCNP Enterprise: Choosing a Specialization Exam

The ENCOR 350-401 exam is only one part of the CCNP Enterprise certification. To complete your certification, you must also pass one of the six concentration exams offered under the Enterprise track. Each of these focuses on a specific technology domain and allows you to tailor your expertise based on your career goals or organizational needs.

Here are the available concentration exams:

1. 300-410 ENARSI – Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services Focuses on advanced Layer 3 technologies, including routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP), VPN services, and route maps. Ideal for professionals focused on core routing infrastructure.
2. 300-415 ENSDWI – Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions Targets the design, deployment, and operation of SD-WAN environments. A great choice if your organization is moving toward cloud-based WAN architectures.
3. 300-420 ENSLD – Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks Emphasizes network design principles, including hierarchical architectures, high availability, and network resiliency. Suited for architects or engineers moving into design roles.
4. 300-425 ENWLSD – Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks Covers wireless network design, including site surveys, RF planning, and mobility. Ideal for those specializing in wireless infrastructure.
5. 300-430 ENWLSI – Implementing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks Focuses on configuring and operating wireless networks using controllers, access points, and security settings. More hands-on than ENWLSD.
6. 300-435 ENAUTO – Automating and Programming Cisco Enterprise Solutions Concentrates on automation tools, APIs, Python scripting, and network programmability. Recommended for those working with NetDevOps or hybrid roles blending networking and software development.

When choosing a specialization exam, consider the following:

• Your current job responsibilities and future goals
• Your organization’s technology roadmap (e.g., moving toward SD-WAN or network automation)
• Market demand for particular skill sets in your region or industry

Once you pass your chosen concentration exam, you’ll earn the full CCNP Enterprise certification, which remains valid for three years.

Keeping Your Certification Current

Cisco certifications have a three-year expiration period. To maintain your CCNP Enterprise certification, you need to recertify before the expiry date. Cisco offers a few ways to recertify:

1. Pass any higher-level exam, such as
   • Another CCNP concentration exam
   • A CCIE lab or written exam
   • A DevNet Professional-level exam
2. Earn Continuing Education (CE) credits:
   • Participate in Cisco-approved learning events, training courses, webinars, or instructor-led sessions
   • Accumulate 80 CE credits within the 3 years
3. Combination of CE and exams:
   • For example, earn 40 CE credits and pass one concentration exam

Planning your recertification early helps you avoid lapses and encourages continuous learning. If you’ve completed ENCOR and one concentration exam already, consider preparing for a second concentration to deepen your skills and maintain your certification status.

Applying ENCOR Skills in the Real World

The structure and focus of the ENCOR exam have been intentionally designed to match the work you’ll be doing in enterprise networking environments. Successfully passing the exam means you’ve demonstrated a command of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Here’s how to keep building on that foundation:

1. Start applying lab concepts to production environments. If you used Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 to practice labs, now start translating those skills to real devices in your workplace or lab.
2. Take ownership of infrastructure tasks: With your ENCOR knowledge, you’re equipped to take on responsibilities like configuring routing protocols, analyzing topologies, designing redundancy models, or managing automation tools.
3. Document and share your knowledge. Start a blog, contribute to forums like the Cisco Learning Network, or write internal documentation at work. Teaching and sharing solidify your learning.
4. Use network programmability: ENCOR includes an introduction to tools like REST APIs, Python, and model-driven telemetry. Build simple scripts or use automation tools to manage devices more efficiently.
5. Ask for new responsibilities. Use your certification as a way to demonstrate readiness for advancement. Let managers know you’re ready to take on projects that require broader technical scope or leadership.

The ENCOR exam was not just a test; it was a gateway to working confidently in modern enterprise networks.

Joining the Cisco Community and Staying Connected

Cisco’s Learning Network and other online communities offer a wealth of peer support, technical insights, and exam strategies. After passing ENCOR, stay connected with the broader Cisco certification community to exchange tips, explore new technologies, and stay up to date.

Key communities and platforms include

• Cisco Learning Network: Discussions, papers, and webinars
• Reddit’s r/ccnp: Study group discussions and advice
• LinkedIn groups and Cisco Webex study sessions
• Discord groups focused on CCNP and network automation

Staying active in these forums helps you keep pace with updates in Cisco’s technologies, learn from other professionals’ experiences, and share your progress.

Preparing for Advanced Certifications or Multidomain Skills

Once you’ve earned the CCNP Enterprise certification, you might consider pushing further toward expert-level certifications or expanding into adjacent skill areas. Some options include:

1. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure: The natural progression after CCNP, this certification focuses heavily on network design, automation, and high-level troubleshooting. It includes a rigorous lab exam that demands deep mastery.
2. Cisco DevNet Professional: If you’re interested in network automation, API integration, and infrastructure-as-code, this path offers certifications at both associate and professional levels.
3. Security, Data Center, or Collaboration certifications: If your role intersects with other domains, earning additional certifications in these tracks can increase your versatility and marketability.
4. Cloud networking and hybrid infrastructure: Technologies like Azure networking, AWS Direct Connect, and Google Cloud Interconnect are increasingly important. Consider combining your CCNP knowledge with cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Advanced Networking).

By planning your long-term learning path, you can continue growing as a high-value, multi-skilled networking expert.

Final Thoughts

The recent update to the Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam format represents a meaningful shift in how Cisco evaluates enterprise networking professionals, not by changing what is tested, but by changing how it’s tested. With the new structure placing all performance-based lab questions at the start of the exam, Cisco has created a more practical, focused, and realistic certification experience.

This change underscores a broader truth in the networking world: technical proficiency and hands-on ability are no longer optional—they’re essential. Employers, projects, and real-world responsibilities require more than just theoretical understanding. They demand the ability to configure, troubleshoot, automate, and secure complex infrastructures efficiently and under pressure. The updated ENCOR format is designed to mirror that reality.

Success in the new ENCOR format requires more than memorization. It requires genuine skill, strategic preparation, and a clear understanding of the exam’s flow. Candidates need to build their lab confidence, manage their time carefully, and approach the exam with a calm, structured mindset.

But beyond the test itself, passing ENCOR and earning the CCNP Enterprise certification signals something more important: readiness. Readiness to step into higher-responsibility roles. Readiness to lead complex networking projects. Readiness to evolve with a rapidly changing industry that now blends traditional networking with programmability, automation, and hybrid cloud.

The value of this certification comes not just from the badge but from the confidence and capability it builds. And for many, it opens doors to new job roles, promotions, and specialized paths in network design, wireless, SD-WAN, and automation.

If you’ve made it this far in your preparation—or are just beginning—remember that your progress is meaningful. Take the time to invest in high-quality resources, follow a disciplined study plan, and develop a true understanding rather than shortcuts. The updated ENCOR exam rewards real-world skills, and that makes the certification more valuable, not less.

With focus, consistent practice, and the right mindset, you’ll not only pass the ENCOR exam—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a stronger, more capable networking professional ready for the demands of today’s enterprise environments.