CCNP ENCOR vs ENARSI
is it even related?, or should I ask "comparable?" Yes it is both actually, and in this blog, we will review both of the exams, talk about the agenda, which one should be taken before the other, and results of both of them. Relation between CCNP ENCOR vs ENARSI: both the exams belong to the certificate of Cisco CCNP Enterprise, and taking each individually will grant you A Certificate!
- Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Core
- Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Advanced Routing and Service
so it is a win-win scenario, but still, the question is which one should I take first, and that will be followed below
Difference between CCNP ENCOR vs ENARSI Agenda
ENCOR first, generally a Technology Core exam, focusing on 7 domains of knowledge:
- Architecture
- Virtualization (Device, Path, and Network Virtualization)
- Infrastructure (Switching, Routing, and IP Service)
- Assurance
- Security
- WLAN
- Automation
and NO DEEP DIVE in any of these!!! while for ENARSI:
- Virtualization (Path Virtualization)
- Infrastructure (Routing and IP Services)
- Security
and that's it!
- No Architecture
- In Virtualization, no Device nor Network Virtualization, and the path of Virtualization is different than ENCOR.
- As in the ENCOR you get GRE over IPSec, while in the ENARSI there is mGRE with IPSec
- Infrastructure routing in the ENCOR has (describe EIGRP, configure normal area OSPF, configure direct eBGP)
- For ENARSI routing, it is kind of unlimited, almost a CCIE level with all of EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP)
- IP Service and Security are similar
- NO WLAN nor Automation at all in the ENARSI
Take the ENCOR before ENARSI, better!
Yes as for the points covered in the ENARSI, all of the topics/protocols are also mentioned in the ENCOR, with of course much more shallow inspecting in the ENCOR, so the ENCOR will be a good introduction to the technologies that you will go deep dive within the ENARSI
CCNP ENCOR vs ENARSI study plan
The ENCOR will take more, than 7 modules, and 7 domains of knowledge, even though there is no deep dive, the agenda is large enough to take around 30% more of the time required to prepare for the 4 modules of the ENARSI
CCNP ENCOR vs ENARSI exams from Cisco
With the ENCOR: you will have 100+ written questions, to answer in the time of 120 Minutes + 30 Minutes for non-native speakers. With the ENARSI: 60+ written questions, to answer in the time of 90 Minutes + 30 Minutes for non-native speakers.
- Both the exams can be taken on-site or from home/office
- Both the exams do not support backward navigation
- Each exam alone grants a different badge/certificate
CCNP ENCOR 350-401 Salary: How Much Can You Earn?
One of the crucial factors to consider when choosing between these exams is the salary potential after obtaining the certification. The CCNP ENCOR 350-401 certification is designed for network professionals who are responsible for implementing and managing Cisco enterprise network solutions. It verifies the candidate's knowledge and skills required to implement core enterprise network technologies, including dual-stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation.
The ENCOR exam fee is $400, and the certification is valid for three years. Obtaining the CCNP ENCOR 350-401 certification can provide several benefits, such as:
- Enhanced knowledge and skills related to enterprise network technologies
- Improved career prospects and employability
- Higher earning potential
- Recognition in the industry as a skilled professional
- Opportunities to work on challenging and exciting projects
According to Payscale, the average salary for CCNP ENCOR 350-401 certified professionals is $107,000 per year in the United States. However, the salary can range from $74,000 to $156,000 per year, depending on several factors.
Geographic location
The location of the job can significantly impact the salary potential. For instance, CCNP ENCOR 350-401 certified professionals in San Francisco, California, can earn up to 35% more than the national average, while those in Dallas, Texas, can earn up to 13% less. Other factors that can impact the salary based on geographic location include the cost of living, job demand, and industry concentration.
Years of experience
The amount of professional experience you have can also affect your salary potential. CCNP ENCOR 350-401 certified professionals with one to four years of experience can earn an average salary of $89,000 per year, while those with five to nine years of experience can earn an average salary of $107,000 per year. Professionals with ten or more years of experience can earn an average salary of $117,000 per year.
Industry and company
The industry and company you work for can also play a significant role in your salary potential. For example, CCNP ENCOR 350-401 certified professionals working in the information technology (IT) industry can earn an average salary of $106,000 per year, while those working in the telecommunications industry can earn an average salary of $98,000 per year. Additionally, some companies may offer higher salaries than others based on their size, reputation, and business model.
Additional skills and certifications
Having additional skills and certifications can also increase your earning potential as a CCNP ENCOR 350-401 certified professional. For example, having a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification can increase your salary by up to 26%. Other valuable skills for network professionals include cloud computing, cybersecurity, and programming languages such as Python.
Job roles for certified professionals
CCNP ENCOR 350-401 certified professionals can work in various job roles related to enterprise network technologies. Some of the popular job roles include:
- Network Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Senior Network Engineer
- Network Architect
- Network Security Engineer
- Systems Engineer
These job roles require the candidate to have extensive knowledge and skills related to enterprise network technologies and the ability to troubleshoot and manage complex network infrastructures.
Conclusion
Both exams belong to the Cisco CCNP Enterprise track, and each one grants its own specialist certificate. Taking the ENCOR before the ENARSI is the better order, since the ENCOR introduces all the technologies that the ENARSI later covers in depth. Whichever you start with, the certification validates your skills in enterprise network technologies and can significantly boost your career prospects and earning potential — just keep in mind that factors such as geographic location, years of experience, industry, and additional certifications will shape your actual salary.
