If you’re aiming for the CCNP Enterprise certification, you will need to pass two exams: the core Cisco exam, 350-401 ENCOR (Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies), and a concentration exam, like 300-420 ENSLD (Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks). This often leads many candidates to wonder: Should I take the ENCOR exam before the ENSLD exam?
Ultimately, the right choice will depend on several factors, including your professional experience, career goals, and the specific skills you wish to develop. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, for most professionals, taking ENCOR first makes more sense. It establishes a solid foundation of enterprise networking knowledge that can make the ENSLD exam more approachable. In this guide, we’ll break down why ENCOR is typically the preferred starting point, explore the structure and content of both exams in more detail, and explain when it might make sense to take ENSLD before ENCOR.
The Core Exam: ENCOR
The ENCOR 350-401 exam stands out because of how broad and detailed it is. It covers a range of topics essential for anyone working with enterprise-level networks. You’ll need to understand things like routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP), Layer 2 technologies like VLANs and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and Layer 3 switching. These aren’t just surface-level concepts—you’re expected to know how they function in complex environments and how to troubleshoot them when something breaks.
Virtualization is another area that plays a big role in the exam. This includes the basics like what a hypervisor does but also how virtual switches operate and the purpose of technologies like network functions virtualization (NFV). It’s not enough to just know what they are—you need to understand how they fit into the larger network.
Infrastructure topics go beyond just cabling and IP addressing. You’ll study how modern Cisco platforms like DNA Center and SD-WAN solutions are used to manage large, distributed networks. Understanding infrastructure also means grasping how these platforms simplify configuration, monitoring, and updates while giving better visibility across the network.
Security has a big presence in the ENCOR exam. While this isn’t a dedicated security certification, you still need to know how to protect a network. You’ll study how to harden network devices, implement access control lists (ACLs), and use secure management protocols. There’s also content on secure network design, segmentation, and detecting or mitigating common threats like spoofing or DDoS attacks.
Network assurance is basically about keeping the network healthy and operational. This involves using tools and techniques to monitor performance, detect issues, and respond to problems before users start complaining. You’ll be tested on things like SNMP, NetFlow, Syslog, and how to use show and debug commands for troubleshooting. You’ll also need to know how to interpret data from monitoring platforms.
Then there’s automation and programmability. Networking is moving fast toward automation, and ENCOR reflects that shift. You’ll study how to use APIs, work with Python scripts, and understand Cisco’s tools like DNA Center and controllers that manage intent-based networking. The exam doesn’t require deep programming knowledge, but you should be comfortable reading and understanding code snippets and understanding how automation fits into modern enterprise networks.
Another important piece of the ENCOR puzzle is how it acts as the foundation for other certifications. If you’re planning to take a concentration exam like ENARSI (Advanced Routing), ENSLD (Design), or one of the wireless or SD-WAN options, ENCOR provides the technical baseline you’ll need. The same goes if you’re eyeing the CCIE track—passing ENCOR is the first step before sitting the CCIE lab exam.
ENCOR is particularly useful for current networking professionals because it teaches you to think at a higher level. It’s not just about typing in commands; it’s about knowing why you’re doing something, what problems could arise, and how to build networks that can scale and adapt. You’ll develop skills that help you move from a day-to-day technician into someone who understands and helps shape network architecture.
Many find the ENCOR exam to be quite challenging. It’s not something you can cram for in a couple of weeks. Most successful candidates combine theory with lots of hands-on practice. Tools like Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or EVE-NG are invaluable if you don’t have access to real hardware. But working with real Cisco devices, switches, routers, and wireless controllers, gives you that muscle memory that software simulations sometimes can’t replicate.
In terms of studying, there’s a lot of material to cover. Cisco’s official training course (Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies) is a solid starting point, but many people also turn to YouTube, Udemy, and networking forums for additional help. Practice labs, flashcards, and mock exams are great ways to reinforce what you’ve learned.
As ENCOR sits at the center of Cisco’s professional-level certifications, it’s a valuable milestone. The topics you study here will come up again and again in your career. From managing security to designing large networks, the knowledge you gain will be directly applicable to real-world roles. And as enterprise networks continue to grow more complex, automation-driven, and security-focused, ENCOR ensures you’re keeping up with what’s expected in the field.
The Concentration Exam: ENSLD
The ENSLD (Enterprise Network Design) 300-420 exam focuses specifically on network design principles within enterprise environments. It evaluates a candidate’s ability to develop scalable, secure, and efficient network architectures. Unlike the broader ENCOR 350-401 exam, ENSLD concentrates on high-level design choices rather than hands-on implementation or operational tasks.
One of the primary domains in the ENSLD exam is advanced addressing and routing solutions. Candidates must understand how to plan IP addressing for enterprise networks using both IPv4 and IPv6. This includes subnetting strategies, route summarization, and hierarchical addressing models. The goal is to ensure that the network remains manageable and scalable while supporting current and future growth. Candidates are expected to design networks that use routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP. They need to understand how to implement redistribution, policy-based routing, filtering, and path control in enterprise topologies.
Enterprise campus network design is another major component. A typical campus network includes core, distribution, and access layers. Candidates need to design Layer 2 and Layer 3 topologies that support redundancy, high availability, and optimal traffic flow. This includes using protocols like HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP for gateway redundancy and STP variants (RSTP, MSTP) to ensure loop-free Layer 2 topologies. The campus network must also accommodate VLANs, VTP, and appropriate segmentation based on departmental or functional requirements.
WAN design is also a key subject in the ENSLD exam. Network designers must evaluate WAN connectivity options like MPLS, Metro Ethernet, leased lines, and broadband. They must also understand modern WAN technologies like SD-WAN, including how to plan for redundancy, security, cost efficiency, and performance across distributed environments. The exam covers Layer 2 and Layer 3 WAN designs and addresses routing and failover strategies suitable for multiple branch connections.
Another important area involves network services. Designers need to integrate services like QoS into their network architectures to ensure that latency-sensitive applications like voice and video are prioritized appropriately. This includes classification, marking, queuing, policing, and shaping strategies. Designing QoS for campus, data center, and WAN environments is crucial for maintaining service quality.
Security features are also integrated into design decisions. Candidates are tested on their ability to develop secure topologies using ACLs, firewalls, IPS/IDS, and segmentation strategies. The design should support secure remote access, device hardening, and network access control. Designers must also take into account secure connectivity across public networks and proper authentication and authorization mechanisms for users and devices.
Software-Defined Access (SDA) is included in the ENSLD blueprint. Candidates must understand the architecture of SDA, including the roles of control, data, and management planes. SDA uses protocols like LISP for control plane traffic and VXLAN for data plane tunneling. Knowledge of Cisco DNA Center and its role in policy definition, automation, and device onboarding is important. Designers need to be familiar with how SDA fabric is built, including edge nodes, control nodes, border nodes, and how policies are defined and enforced within this fabric.
Designing for wireless integration is also tested. Candidates are expected to understand how to incorporate wireless LANs into enterprise networks, including access point placement, controller architecture, RF planning, and wireless QoS. The exam may require an understanding of how to integrate wireless networks with SDA or traditional wired infrastructure while maintaining performance and security.
ENSLD examines a candidate’s ability to convert business requirements into technical solutions. This includes working with stakeholders to gather requirements related to scalability, performance, uptime, and budget, and then creating high-level and low-level designs that meet those requirements. Candidates must be able to choose appropriate technologies and justify those choices with technical and business rationale.
Design documentation plays a critical role. Designers are expected to produce documents that describe the intended state of the network, including physical and logical diagrams, IP address plans, routing maps, and device roles. Implementation plans, migration strategies, and operational guidelines are also part of the expected output. These documents help in guiding the deployment team and ensuring that business needs are met throughout the lifecycle of the network.
Network design methodologies, including Cisco’s hierarchical network model and the use of modular design principles, are central themes. Designers must understand how to build networks that can grow and evolve over time without needing a complete redesign. This includes using modules such as enterprise campus, enterprise edge, data center, and service provider edge to separate functionality and allow for easier scaling and troubleshooting.
The exam may also assess the candidate’s ability to evaluate design trade-offs. In real-world scenarios, technical decisions are influenced by factors such as budget constraints, existing infrastructure, and compliance requirements. Candidates must weigh the pros and cons of using different protocols or topologies and be able to recommend solutions that balance performance, cost, and complexity.
Real-world design scenarios are frequently part of ENSLD’s testing format. This could involve analyzing a customer requirement for connecting multiple branches via secure tunnels and choosing between DMVPN, FlexVPN, and SD-WAN. It could also involve selecting appropriate routing protocols or determining the best way to provide high availability in the data center while avoiding single points of failure.
Cisco also expects familiarity with its validated design guides and reference architectures. These include best practices for enterprise network design, standard topologies, and use cases for specific technologies. These documents provide guidance that candidates are expected to internalize and apply to exam scenarios.
The ENSLD exam is design-heavy and scenario-driven, requiring a mindset shift from implementation (how to configure) to architecture (how to design effectively). To prepare, candidates should study Cisco design guides, architecture white papers, and documentation, and practice designing networks based on sample requirements. Lab work may be helpful, but hands-on configuration is not the primary focus—understanding the “why” behind design decisions is what matters.
Why ENCOR First Makes Sense for Most Candidates
- Comprehensive Knowledge Base: Starting your CCNP journey with the ENCOR 350-401 exam offers the advantage of a wide-ranging understanding of enterprise networking. This exam covers essential topics like routing and switching, wireless networking, security, automation, and network assurance. It acts as a foundational platform for Cisco enterprise technologies. By mastering ENCOR first, you gain critical hands-on knowledge of how Cisco networks operate in real-world environments. This depth of understanding isn’t just useful for implementation roles, it also becomes incredibly valuable when you eventually approach the design-centric ENSLD exam. Having already seen these technologies in action, you’ll be better equipped to design around them effectively.
- Informed Network Design Decisions: Designing a network is not purely about theory, it’s also about making practical, intelligent decisions based on how technologies behave in real deployments. ENCOR provides a deeper look into how networks are built, how they perform under various conditions, and how different protocols and systems interact. When you take the ENSLD exam, you’ll be expected to make informed decisions about things like IP addressing schemes, route summarization, enterprise campus design, WAN solutions, and more. Without the ENCOR knowledge in your toolkit, these decisions become far more abstract. You may understand what needs to be done from a design perspective but not how to apply it effectively. ENCOR fills in that critical implementation knowledge so you can back up your designs with practical, real-world solutions.
- Greater Flexibility in Specialization: Completing the ENCOR exam first opens multiple doors, not just one. Cisco’s CCNP Enterprise certification structure allows you to pair ENCOR with a range of concentration exams, including but not limited to:
- ENSLD (Enterprise Network Design)
- ENARSI (Advanced Routing and Services)
- ENWLSD (Enterprise Wireless Design)
- ENWLSI (Enterprise Wireless Implementation)
- ENAUTO (Enterprise Automation)
This means that by completing ENCOR first, you’re not locked into any specific path. Whether your interest shifts toward advanced routing, automation, or wireless networking, you’ve already completed the mandatory core requirement. This flexibility is valuable, especially for professionals exploring different specializations or evolving roles.
- Broader Career Opportunities: Employers place a high value on professionals who understand the core technologies that drive enterprise networks. By passing ENCOR, you demonstrate that you have practical skills in network implementation, troubleshooting, and operations. These skills are applicable in a variety of roles, such as:
- Network Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Infrastructure Analyst
- Network Consultant
- Solutions Architect
This versatility allows you to move across different roles without needing to constantly retake certifications. It also strengthens your résumé for promotions or lateral moves into related IT areas like network security or cloud networking.
- Prerequisite for CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure: Another key reason ENCOR is a solid first step is its role as the qualifying exam for Cisco’s expert-level CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification. If you plan to go beyond CCNP and aim for one of the most prestigious certifications in the industry, you will need to pass ENCOR anyway. Taking it first sets you up for that longer-term goal. Even if you don’t plan to pursue CCIE immediately, having ENCOR under your belt future-proofs your certification path. It’s a strategic move that aligns with both short- and long-term professional goals.
- Stronger Foundation for Real-World Scenarios: Many IT professionals find that ENCOR more closely mirrors real-world networking issues. From day-to-day operations to troubleshooting major incidents, the ENCOR topics reflect the challenges network engineers face on the job. By going through ENCOR first, you’re training yourself not just for an exam but for practical scenarios that test your knowledge, adaptability, and decision-making. This foundation becomes essential when approaching network design. You won’t just be designing based on textbook topologies, you’ll be designing for realistic, dynamic environments that have users, policies, failures, and budget constraints. ENCOR gives you the perspective to understand what’s technically feasible and how those designs will behave in production environments.
- Logical Learning Progression: In terms of difficulty and subject flow, ENCOR is the natural precursor to ENSLD. While ENSLD is specialized and theory-heavy, ENCOR is broad and practical. Learning how to implement technologies first before designing around them mirrors how most professionals experience networks in real life. This logical progression also helps with retention. Once you’ve configured and troubleshot protocols like OSPF or BGP in a lab or in production, you’ll better understand their strengths and limitations. That insight translates directly into smarter design decisions later on. Skipping ENCOR and going straight to ENSLD often leads to confusion or superficial understanding, especially if you lack field experience.
- Enhanced Study Efficiency: Studying for ENSLD after ENCOR tends to be more efficient. Since ENCOR covers many foundational topics, the time required to study for ENSLD can be significantly reduced. You’re not learning everything from scratch, instead, you’re building on what you already know. This layered approach makes it easier to digest complex design concepts without being overwhelmed. Additionally, Cisco’s official training and study materials often reference ENCOR-level knowledge as a baseline. If you haven’t completed ENCOR, you’ll find yourself backtracking often to fill in knowledge gaps. Taking ENCOR first ensures that you’re moving forward in a structured and efficient manner.
- Alignment With Industry Practices: ENCOR-first aligns with how most organizations structure their IT teams and processes. In the workplace, implementation usually precedes design, especially for junior or mid-level engineers. Understanding the hands-on aspects of networking prepares you to take part in design conversations with more senior colleagues and contributes to better decision-making when you’re tasked with implementing their designs. In enterprise environments, many design choices are made by senior architects based on feedback from implementation teams. If you’ve already taken ENCOR, you’ll be in a better position to provide meaningful input during those discussions, input that is grounded in both technical expertise and operational experience.
While ENCOR first is the recommended path for most candidates, there are scenarios where taking ENSLD before ENCOR could be a better fit. If you are already working in a network design role or you are specifically interested in network architecture and want to focus solely on that aspect of enterprise networking, you may want to consider taking ENSLD first. This path is especially viable if your current job or career goals center on designing networks rather than implementing them.
If you’re familiar with enterprise network implementation from previous experience or training, taking ENSLD could help you specialize sooner and focus your efforts on your career’s next step. However, even in this case, it’s important to ensure that you have a solid understanding of the core topics covered in ENCOR, as they will support your ability to make effective and well-informed design decisions.
In most cases, taking ENCOR first is the best choice for those aiming for the CCNP Enterprise certification. ENCOR provides the broad, foundational knowledge necessary to succeed not only in ENSLD but also in a wide range of enterprise networking roles. By starting with ENCOR, you build the practical skills and understanding required to implement Cisco technologies — knowledge that will ultimately help you when it comes time to design complex network solutions.
If you feel ready to dive directly into network design and if your career goals align with specializing in that field, taking ENSLD first could also be a valid option. However, for most professionals, ENCOR offers the most comprehensive starting point, setting you up for success in both ENSLD and your overall networking career.
1. You’re an Experienced Networking Professional
Although Cisco does not enforce formal prerequisites for the CCNP exams, the content covered is far from entry-level. Most professionals who start on the CCNP path already have hands-on experience with enterprise networking technologies. If you’ve worked with routing and switching, enterprise-level infrastructure, or WAN technologies in a real-world setting, you’re in a great position to begin this journey.
At this stage, you’re likely familiar with Cisco devices, CLI navigation, and core networking protocols. The ENCOR exam (350-401) assumes you already have a working knowledge of implementation tasks — it builds on that to test your proficiency across a wide range of enterprise technologies.
If you’re not yet confident in these areas, it may be helpful to consider completing the CCNA first or reviewing foundational materials. You can also assess your baseline with a Cisco practice test, which can help gauge whether you’re ready to dive into professional-level content.
2. You’re Committed to Earning the CCNP Enterprise Certification
To earn the CCNP Enterprise certification, Cisco requires candidates to pass two exams: one core and one concentration. The core exam is always the 350-401 ENCOR, which covers implementation and operation of Cisco enterprise networks. There’s no way to bypass it, it’s an essential step in your CCNP journey and a prerequisite to multiple CCIE tracks as well.
So if you’ve already decided to pursue the CCNP Enterprise, ENCOR will be on your to-do list no matter what. That’s why it’s important to seriously evaluate whether you should start there — and in many cases, it’s the more strategic choice.
The ENCOR exam not only lays a solid technical foundation but also earns you the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core designation on its own, which can be a valuable resume boost even before you complete the full CCNP.
3. You’ve Selected the ENSLD (300-420) as Your Concentration Exam
After passing ENCOR, you’ll need to choose one of six concentration exams. If you’ve selected ENSLD (Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks), that suggests your interests and job responsibilities lean toward network architecture and planning rather than just implementation.
This is common among professionals who are moving into roles like network design engineer, solutions architect, or IT consultant, where you’re expected to design scalable, efficient, and secure network environments. ENSLD is a fantastic choice in those cases, as it dives deep into hierarchical network design, advanced routing, and WAN solutions.
However, ENSLD is not a lightweight exam, while it’s more focused than ENCOR, it’s not necessarily easier. Having a solid grounding in core concepts, like those covered in ENCOR, can dramatically improve your performance on ENSLD. That’s another reason why many professionals choose to take ENCOR first, it sets the stage for deeper, more specialized learning.
4. You’re Planning Your Studies with Strategy
Whether you’re working full time or studying full time, planning is key to passing both exams. Many learners use Cisco practice tests to benchmark their progress, identify weak areas, and build test-day confidence. These are especially useful if you’re trying to decide which exam to take first, but if you score significantly better on ENCOR practice questions, that could be your signal to start there.
That said, not all resources are created equal. While you may come across Cisco dumps online, be very cautious. Using actual exam questions from dumps violates Cisco’s testing policies and could lead to disqualification. More importantly, dumps don’t help you learn the material. It’s always better to rely on trusted practice tests, labs, study guides, and hands-on experience.
In short, if you’re a serious Cisco candidate with real-world experience, aiming for the CCNP Enterprise, and preparing to take the ENSLD as your concentration, you’re exactly who should be asking this question. And the more you prepare with the right tools (practice tests, labs, official guides), the clearer your path will become. Up next, let’s break down what each exam actually covers.
Understanding the 350-401 ENCOR Exam
The 350-401 ENCOR exam, officially called the “Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies” exam, is a critical exam in Cisco’s certification path for enterprise networking professionals. It serves as the core exam for both the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise tracks, making it one of the most important exams for those aiming to specialize in enterprise networking.
The exam focuses on a comprehensive range of topics that network engineers, administrators, and architects must be proficient in to effectively implement and operate Cisco enterprise technologies. Passing the 350-401 ENCOR exam earns you the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core credential. This certification indicates that you have an in-depth understanding of Cisco’s core technologies for enterprise networking.
The exam consists of a range of networking domains, each designed to test various skills necessary to operate enterprise-level networks, including design, implementation, troubleshooting, security, and automation. Below is a closer look at the major areas covered by the ENCOR exam:
Exam Domains and Weighting
The ENCOR exam is divided into six primary domains, each contributing to the overall score. These domains are structured to ensure that candidates have a broad knowledge base of enterprise network operations, including design, implementation, troubleshooting, security, and automation. Below is a breakdown of the domains and their respective weightings in the exam:
1. Architecture (15%) This domain provides the foundation for designing and understanding the basic structure of Cisco enterprise networks. It tests your knowledge of how various network components interact, including routers, switches, and firewalls, and how they integrate into an overall network architecture. Topics include designing a resilient network, understanding the role of the data center, cloud technologies, and the integration of technologies such as SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN). This domain also covers the understanding of the OSI model and network layering, which is critical for troubleshooting network issues and designing efficient network infrastructures.
2. Virtualization (10%) The Virtualization domain tests your understanding of network virtualization, which allows network resources to be abstracted and presented in a more flexible manner. Topics include Cisco’s solutions for network virtualization, such as VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN), Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure), and virtual machines. Virtualization helps optimize resources, improve scalability, and simplify network management. With more networks becoming software-defined, this domain is particularly important for configuring and managing modern network infrastructures.
3. Infrastructure (30%) The Infrastructure domain makes up the largest portion of the exam (30%). It evaluates your ability to configure and troubleshoot network devices and components that make up the physical network, such as routers, switches, and access points. You will need to demonstrate proficiency in implementing and troubleshooting key protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), and EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol). This domain also covers network addressing, IP routing, Layer 2 technologies like VLANs and trunking, and the implementation of redundancy and high-availability strategies. Given that this domain focuses on the core components of enterprise networks, it is essential for any networking professional to grasp these topics.
4. Network Assurance (10%) The Network Assurance domain tests your ability to ensure network performance through monitoring, analysis, and troubleshooting. You will be required to demonstrate your knowledge of network management tools and protocols, such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), NetFlow, and Cisco Prime. These tools help network administrators monitor and ensure optimal network performance by detecting issues such as bottlenecks or failures. Additionally, you will need to understand how to implement fault tolerance strategies, improve network reliability, and troubleshoot network connectivity issues effectively.
5. Security (20%) Security is a critical element in modern enterprise networks, and this domain focuses on implementing and managing security features to protect networks from threats. It tests your ability to configure and troubleshoot secure communication protocols like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), IPsec, and SSL, as well as the application of network access control policies. This domain also covers how to implement security measures on Cisco devices, such as routers and switches, including authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) services, and implementing security on wireless networks. Given the growing number of cyber threats, network security is more important than ever.
6. Automation (15%) The Automation domain has gained increasing importance with the rise of software-defined networking (SDN) and network automation tools. This domain assesses your understanding of network automation technologies and tools, such as Cisco DNA Center, NETCONF, RESTCONF, and Ansible. Automation helps improve efficiency by reducing manual configuration and ensuring consistency across network devices. This domain also includes an understanding of scripting languages like Python, which are often used to automate networking tasks. As networks continue to grow in complexity, automation plays a vital role in streamlining network operations and improving agility.
Preparing for the 350-401 ENCOR Exam
Preparing for the 350-401 ENCOR exam requires a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. Cisco recommends a multi-faceted study approach, including:
- Official Cisco Study Materials: Cisco offers books, online courses, and live training events to help candidates prepare for the exam. The official study guide for ENCOR provides comprehensive coverage of the exam topics and can be a helpful resource.
- Practice Exams: Taking practice exams can simulate real exam conditions and help identify areas of weakness. These exams are useful for testing your readiness and ensuring that you are comfortable with the format and types of questions you will encounter. Be cautious about using unofficial practice exams or dumps, as they may not be up-to-date with the latest exam content and could potentially violate Cisco’s policies.
- Hands-on Lab Experience: Implementing and troubleshooting real-world networking scenarios is crucial for mastering the exam topics. Setting up a home lab with Cisco devices or using network simulation tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 can give you the hands-on practice necessary to understand core networking concepts.
- Online Communities and Study Groups: Participating in forums and study groups can help you stay motivated and gain insights from other candidates. Engaging in discussions with others can provide clarity on difficult concepts and help you refine your study approach.
The 350-401 ENCOR exam is an essential component for anyone pursuing a career in enterprise networking and is particularly important for those on the CCNP and CCIE Enterprise tracks. It covers a wide range of networking topics, including routing, switching, security, automation, and virtualization, ensuring that candidates possess the skills necessary to manage and operate enterprise-level networks effectively. By gaining expertise in these fundamental technologies, candidates will be better prepared to tackle more specialized certifications and advance in their networking careers. Whether you are just starting in networking or looking to deepen your knowledge, the ENCOR exam is an important step in your professional development.
Understanding the 300-420 ENSLD Exam
The 300-420 ENSLD exam is a 90-minute professional-level exam that focuses on enterprise network design. This exam is part of the CCNP Enterprise certification track and is aimed at professionals looking to specialize in network design. When you pass the ENSLD exam, you earn the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Design certification. This credential is valuable for IT professionals who work or aspire to work in network planning, architecture, and design, specifically within enterprise environments.
Unlike the ENCOR exam, which covers a broad range of networking topics, the ENSLD exam is much more specialized. It delves deeper into network design theory, particularly for large-scale enterprise networks, and assumes you already have a solid understanding of core networking concepts such as routing, switching, and IP addressing. ENSLD is ideal for those who are focused on designing scalable, efficient, and secure network solutions that meet business needs.
The ENSLD exam is divided into five domains, each focused on a different aspect of enterprise network design. These domains test your knowledge in areas such as routing, network services, automation, and WAN design, with each domain weighted differently based on its importance in network design.
ENSLD Exam Domains
The ENSLD exam assesses your ability to design various components of an enterprise network. These domains test your knowledge in areas such as routing, network services, automation, and WAN design, with each domain weighted differently based on its importance in network design.
1. Advanced Addressing and Routing Solutions (25%) The first domain of the ENSLD exam focuses on advanced addressing and routing solutions for enterprise networks. This includes designing IP addressing schemes and routing protocols to support large-scale environments. You will need to demonstrate an understanding of how to create efficient IP addressing schemes, implement subnetting, and work with IPv6 as part of the design process. The routing protocol design portion of this domain focuses on selecting the right routing protocols, such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, and configuring them for optimal performance in a large network.
Designing VLANs and inter-VLAN routing is also a crucial skill in this domain, as proper network segmentation is essential for both performance and security in large networks. You must be able to design a network that allows for easy management, scalability, and fault tolerance, while maintaining a secure and efficient routing environment.
2. Advanced Enterprise Campus Networks (25%) Campus networks are the backbone of most enterprise infrastructures, and this domain focuses on designing efficient, scalable, and resilient campus networks. The design of these networks includes both physical and logical considerations. You need to know how to choose the appropriate network devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and design their placement within the network to optimize traffic flow, redundancy, and fault tolerance.
This domain also emphasizes designing for high availability and redundancy, ensuring that campus networks can withstand failures without significant disruptions. Protocols like Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP), and Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) are integral to designing a reliable campus network. Furthermore, with the increasing demand for mobile devices and wireless technology, this domain requires knowledge of designing robust wireless networks that complement wired networks. You must understand how to plan for wireless coverage, capacity, and performance, ensuring that the campus network can accommodate the growing number of mobile and IoT devices.
3. WAN for Enterprise Networks (20%) Wide Area Networks (WANs) are crucial for connecting multiple office locations, data centers, and remote branches in an enterprise environment. This domain tests your ability to design WAN solutions that meet performance, security, and scalability requirements.
In this section, you will need to demonstrate a strong understanding of WAN technologies such as MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), VPN (Virtual Private Network), and direct internet access. These technologies are essential for building secure, high-performance connections between remote locations and the enterprise network.
In addition, you must be familiar with Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN), a growing trend in network design. SD-WAN allows organizations to use a combination of broadband internet and MPLS to provide more flexible, cost-effective, and scalable WAN solutions. The design of SD-WAN solutions involves ensuring secure communication across the internet, optimizing traffic based on application needs, and maintaining high levels of performance.
Lastly, this domain also covers the design of Quality of Service (QoS) for WAN networks, ensuring that critical traffic, such as VoIP and video conferencing, is prioritized over less critical data. Effective QoS design is essential for maintaining the performance of time-sensitive applications.
4. Network Services (20%) Network services play a vital role in supporting the core functions of an enterprise network. In this domain, you will design network services such as DNS (Domain Name System), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), and NTP (Network Time Protocol) to ensure network operations are efficient and reliable.
For example, you will need to design DNS solutions that provide high availability and fault tolerance, ensuring that network devices can resolve domain names to IP addresses even during server failures. Similarly, designing DHCP services involves ensuring that IP addresses are dynamically assigned to devices across the network, providing a scalable and efficient solution for large networks.
The design of NTP ensures that all devices on the network maintain accurate time, which is crucial for logging, security, and troubleshooting purposes. These network services are essential for maintaining smooth operations across the network and must be designed to scale as the network grows.
In addition to basic network services, this domain also focuses on real-time communication services such as VoIP and video conferencing. You must be able to design solutions that ensure these services perform well even under heavy network load, including implementing proper QoS policies.
5. Automation (10%) As networks become more complex and enterprise requirements increase, automation has become a key focus in network design. In this domain, you will design automation solutions that help streamline the management and configuration of network devices.
Automation technologies, such as Cisco DNA Center and other software-defined networking (SDN) solutions, enable network engineers to automate the provisioning and management of network devices, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues. You must understand how to incorporate these technologies into your network design to increase efficiency and reduce the risk of human error.
Scripting languages, such as Python, also play a critical role in network automation. You may need to design automation solutions that incorporate scripts for tasks like configuring new devices, monitoring network traffic, or performing routine maintenance tasks.
By leveraging automation, network administrators can handle larger, more complex networks with fewer resources, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks such as design and optimization.
Preparing for the ENSLD Exam
To prepare for the ENSLD exam, it’s essential to build a solid understanding of network design principles, as well as hands-on experience with designing enterprise networks. You should start by reviewing Cisco’s official study materials, including the ENSLD exam blueprint, textbooks, online courses, and practice exams. Setting up a lab environment where you can experiment with network designs is also highly beneficial.
The ENSLD exam is ideal for professionals who want to specialize in network design, and earning the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Design certification can help advance your career in network architecture. By thoroughly studying the exam domains and gaining practical experience, you can ensure you’re prepared to succeed on the exam and apply your knowledge to design robust, scalable, and secure enterprise networks.
Why Take ENCOR Before ENSLD?
In most cases, it’s beneficial to start with the ENCOR exam for a few key reasons:
1. It provides a foundational understanding of networking technologies, making it easier to understand the design principles covered in ENSLD.
2. ENCOR covers more practical, day-to-day networking skills, which can be immediately applicable in real-world job scenarios.
3. More flexibility: Passing ENCOR first gives you the option to change your concentration exam later if you pivot from design to automation, security, or SD-WAN.
Also, ENCOR is a gateway to CCIE, meaning it keeps more doors open. Taking it first also aligns with many structured Cisco certification paths and training programs.
Pro tip: Many learners find it helpful to use legitimate Cisco practice tests to assess readiness and supplement studies with labs and official Cisco guides — rather than relying solely on Cisco dumps.
When You Might Take ENSLD First
That said, there are scenarios where ENSLD first makes sense:
· You’re working in network design already or aspiring to move into that niche.
· You prefer a shorter, more focused exam as a starting point, especially if the breadth of ENCOR feels overwhelming.
· You want to validate your skills in network planning before diving into operational and implementation topics.
In such cases, ENSLD can provide a more digestible starting point, especially for those with design-centric roles.
Moreover, ENCOR includes topics like virtualization and automation, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s network environments. Whether or not your primary goal is network design, having knowledge of these areas can help make you more adaptable in your current or future roles, where hands-on implementation is often required.
Career Goals and Current Job Responsibilities
While ENCOR provides a great foundation, your decision on whether to take ENCOR or ENSLD first should also be influenced by your current job responsibilities and career goals.
1. Job Role and Daily Tasks: If your current position primarily involves network design — as opposed to implementation — you might find it more beneficial to start with ENSLD. Professionals in roles such as Network Designer, Solution Architect, or Enterprise Architect are usually tasked with developing network plans and strategies, which is what ENSLD focuses on. In these cases, if you already have a solid foundation in implementing enterprise networks, diving into design-focused topics may suit your immediate job needs better.
2. Career Trajectory: On the other hand, if your long-term career aspirations involve network engineering or roles that require a solid understanding of how to deploy and operate enterprise networks, starting with ENCOR makes more sense. This foundational knowledge can act as a stepping stone to deeper, specialized study in network design, SD-WAN, security, or automation later in your career.
Comfort Level with Exam Content
Another factor that plays a pivotal role in your decision-making process is your comfort level with the content of each exam. ENCOR is broad, covering a variety of enterprise networking technologies, which means you might already be familiar with some of the content if you’ve worked with Cisco devices or networking infrastructure in the past. However, if you’re newer to networking, you might find ENCOR to be more challenging due to its expansive content.
In contrast, ENSLD is more specialized. If you feel confident in network design principles, architecture, and WAN solutions, you might be ready to take ENSLD first, even without a comprehensive understanding of the broader network topics covered in ENCOR.
Study Plan and Preparation Tools
Regardless of whether you choose to take ENCOR or ENSLD first, a structured study plan is essential for success. A few key strategies include:
1. Official Study Guides: Cisco’s official study guides are often the best resource to ensure you’re learning the material according to the exam blueprint.
2. Hands-on Labs: Practical experience with Cisco devices is crucial for both exams. Using Cisco Packet Tracer, Cisco VIRL, or real-world lab environments can significantly boost your understanding of network protocols, configurations, and troubleshooting techniques.
3. Cisco Practice Tests: Practice tests are essential for assessing your readiness for both exams. These tests simulate the real exam environment and give you an opportunity to identify any weak areas you need to work on before exam day. Make sure to use practice tests from trusted sources that are up-to-date with the latest exam blueprints.
4. Cisco Dumps: It’s important to note that while Cisco dumps are available online, they should be avoided. Dumps contain questions from actual exams that are often illegal and violate Cisco’s exam policies. They also don’t help you learn the material, which is ultimately what will make you successful in your career. Focus on mastering the subject matter deeply, as that’s what will set you apart in the industry.
Ultimately, starting with ENCOR is a strong strategy for most candidates because of the foundational knowledge it provides. The ENCOR exam covers a broad set of enterprise network technologies, and gaining a deep understanding of these concepts before moving on to more specialized topics, like network design, can provide valuable context for your future learning. Whether you start with ENCOR or ENSLD, it’s crucial to stay committed to your study plan, focus on understanding the material, and prepare thoroughly with the best available resources.
Remember, passing Cisco exams like ENCOR and ENSLD is not just about earning certifications, it’s about gaining the skills and knowledge that will help you excel in your career. Regardless of your starting point, make sure your preparation is well-rounded, and always aim for a deep understanding of the concepts that drive modern networking.
Final Thoughts
While both paths — taking ENCOR before ENSLD or vice versa — are valid, we generally recommend starting with the ENCOR exam. This advice is grounded in the exam’s broad coverage and foundational nature, making it an excellent starting point for most professionals aiming to achieve CCNP Enterprise certification.
The 350-401 ENCOR exam offers a comprehensive look at enterprise networking technologies. This broad scope includes key areas like network architecture, security, automation, and network assurance. By taking this first, you’ll get a well-rounded understanding of the core concepts that are essential for not only working in the enterprise networking space but also for excelling in specialized areas like network design (which is what ENSLD focuses on).
Think of ENCOR as a foundation that gives you the context and skills to better understand ENSLD. For example, ENCOR’s coverage of network security and infrastructure provides a solid base, which allows you to approach ENSLD’s network design topics with a deeper understanding of how those designs work in a real-world setting. By first mastering the implementation aspects of enterprise networks, you gain the practical knowledge necessary to make informed decisions when designing networks for scalability, reliability, and security.
