The CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is Cisco’s professional‑level certification, sitting between the entry‑level CCNA and the expert‑level CCIE. In 2026, the CCNP remains one of the most valuable IT credentials – holders in the US earn an average of $108,053 per year, while in the UK the median salary has reached £70,000, a 12% increase year‑over‑year.
But “getting a CCNP” is no longer about earning a single certificate. Since Cisco’s major certification overhaul in 2020, every CCNP path requires one core exam + one concentration exam. Choosing the wrong track can waste both time and money, and steer you away from your ideal career path.
This article compares the six main CCNP tracks, their market value, exam structures, target roles, and provides a step‑by‑step guide from CCNA to CCNP – helping you make the best certification decision in 2026.
Table of Contents
1. Comprehensive Comparison of the Six CCNP Tracks
Cisco currently offers five active professional‑level tracks (the CCNP Wireless was retired as an independent track on 24 February 2020, with its content merged into CCNP Enterprise):
| Track | Core Exam | Number of Concentration Exams | Primary Focus | Target Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCNP Enterprise | ENCOR 350‑401 | 6 options | Enterprise networking, routing & switching, SD‑WAN, automation | Network Engineer, Enterprise Architect |
| CCNP Security | SCOR 350‑701 | 7 options | Network security, zero‑trust, cloud security, AI security | Security Engineer, Security Architect |
| CCNP Data Center | DCCOR 350‑601 | 4 options | Data center networking, storage, compute, automation | Data Center Engineer, Virtualization Architect |
| CCNP Service Provider | SPCOR 350‑501 | 3 options | Service provider core architecture, QoS, automation | SP Network Engineer, ISP Architect |
| CCNP Collaboration | CLCOR 350‑801 | 4 options | Unified communications, cloud/on‑prem collaboration, video | UC Engineer, Collaboration Architect |
| DevNet Professional | — | — | Network automation, infrastructure as code, AI‑driven automation | Network Automation Engineer, DevOps Engineer |
Track details:
- CCNP Enterprise – covers core enterprise technologies: dual‑stack (IPv4/IPv6), virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation. This is the most popular and broadest track.
- CCNP Security – focuses on network security, cloud security, content security, endpoint protection, and secure access. On 27 August 2026, the SCOR core exam updates to v2.0, with greater emphasis on AI security, zero‑trust architecture, and cloud‑native defence.
- CCNP Data Center – covers data centre networking, storage, compute, automation, and security.
- CCNP Service Provider – addresses service provider core architecture, services, automation, QoS, security, and network assurance.
- CCNP Collaboration – validates knowledge of integrating unified communications (UC) into enterprise networks. From 3 February 2026, this track introduces a 50/50 split between cloud and on‑premises collaboration content, giving candidates more flexibility.
- DevNet Professional – from 3 February 2026, the DevNet certification evolves into an Automation Track, focusing on network automation system development, infrastructure as code, and AI‑driven automation – skills that are in high demand.
2. The Most Market‑Valuable CCNP Tracks in 2026
If your main concern is “which track pays best and offers the best job prospects”, here is the 2026 market snapshot:
Salary Potential Ranking
Overall, CCNP holders earn:
- US: average $108,053/year
- UK: median £70,000/year (higher in London)
- India: starting ₹8 LPA, with 3‑5 years of experience reaching ₹25 LPA
Breaking down by track:
- CCNP Security – security roles are most in demand; cloud security engineers in SaaS and cloud‑first companies earn ₹10–18 LPA. The SCOR v2.0 update in 2026 further raises the technical bar and value.
- CCNP Enterprise – the broadest coverage and most job openings. Enterprise network engineers in product companies and GCCs earn ₹8–14 LPA. CCNP Enterprise and AWS Advanced Networking Specialty are listed among the highest‑paying mid‑level certifications for 2026.
- CCNP Data Center – demand for data centre and cloud infrastructure talent remains strong, requiring multi‑domain expertise.
Important 2026 addition: Cisco will launch standalone CCNP Wireless and CCIE Wireless tracks in March 2026, separating wireless (Wi‑Fi 6/7, Meraki, advanced wireless design) from the Enterprise track.
3. How to Choose Your CCNP Track: A Four‑Step Decision Framework
Choosing a CCNP track is not a snap decision. Follow these four steps:
Step 1: Assess your experience base
CCNP is not an entry‑level certification. Cisco recommends candidates typically have 3–5 years of enterprise networking implementation experience.
- ✅ Ready for CCNP: you have passed CCNA, have 12–24 months of hands‑on experience, and aim for roles above ₹10 LPA.
- ❌ Not ready: you haven’t passed CCNA, or your CCNA is purely theoretical with no practical exposure.
Step 2: Define your career goals
| If your goal is… | Recommended Track |
|---|---|
| Enterprise network architecture, routing/switching, SD‑WAN | CCNP Enterprise |
| Network security, zero‑trust, AI security | CCNP Security |
| Data centre, cloud infrastructure | CCNP Data Center |
| Service provider, ISP, core networking | CCNP Service Provider |
| Unified communications, collaboration, video | CCNP Collaboration |
| Network automation, DevOps | DevNet Professional |
Step 3: Understand the exam structure and plan ahead
Each CCNP track requires two exams:
- Core Exam – covers foundational core technologies for that track.
- Concentration Exam – choose one from multiple options to specialise.
The two exams do not need to be taken on the same day or within a short period – after passing the core exam, you have 3 years to complete the concentration exam. The core exam also serves as the written exam for the CCIE in the same track, so one exam can count towards both certifications.
Step 4: Watch for 2026 exam updates
Several CCNP tracks have major updates in 2026 – always check the exam version before registering:
- CCNP Security: SCOR v2.0 and multiple concentration exams v1.2 go live on 27 August 2026; the previous v1.1 last exam date is 26 August 2026.
- CCNP Enterprise: wireless content is removed from ENCOR; ENCOR v1.2 goes live on 19 March 2026.
- CCNP Collaboration: a 50/50 cloud/on‑prem split takes effect from 3 February 2026.
4. Official Certification Pathways at a Glance
The Cisco Learning Network is the primary source for authoritative information. Below are the official pages for each track:
| Track | Core Exam | Official Learning Page |
|---|---|---|
| CCNP Enterprise | 350‑401 ENCOR | Cisco Learning Network – CCNP Enterprise |
| CCNP Security | 350‑701 SCOR | Cisco Learning Network – CCNP Security |
| CCNP Data Center | 350‑601 DCCOR | Cisco Learning Network – CCNP Data Center |
| CCNP Service Provider | 350‑501 SPCOR | Cisco Learning Network – CCNP Service Provider |
| CCNP Collaboration | 350‑801 CLCOR | Cisco Learning Network – CCNP Collaboration |
Complete exam requirements, syllabi, and study materials for every CCNP track are freely available on the Cisco Learning Network website.
5. Total Cost of CCNP Certification – FAQ
💰 Q1: How much do the exams cost?
Cisco’s official pricing: $400 for the core exam** and **$300 for the concentration exam. The base exam fee for both exams is:
Total ≈ $700 (excluding local taxes and processing fees)
📚 Q2: What about training costs?
Training costs vary by format and service:
- Online training: approx. 3,000–4,000 RMB
- In‑person training: typically around 7,000 RMB
- Premium courses with hands‑on labs and one‑on‑one coaching: can approach 10,000 RMB
💡 Q3: Besides exam and training fees, what other costs exist?
The total cost of CCNP usually consists of four components:
- Exam fees – $700 (base)
- Training fees – 3,000–10,000 RMB (depending on the course)
- Lab environment costs – simulators, rack rentals, etc.
- Study materials – official guides, practice tests, reference books
When choosing a training provider, don’t just look at the price – a cheap course that lacks labs and Q&A support may lead to retakes, increasing your overall cost.
⏳ Q4: How long is the CCNP certification valid?
CCNP certification is valid for 3 years and must be renewed through continuing education or recertification.
6. From CCNA to CCNP: A Beginner’s Advancement Guide
For those who have just passed CCNA or are early in their networking career, consider the following factors when choosing your first CCNP track:
🎯 Recommendation 1: CCNP Enterprise is the “safest” first choice
CCNP Enterprise is the most popular CCNP track today. It offers the broadest coverage, aligns best with enterprise networking roles, and gives you flexible specialisation options (6 concentration exams).
🎯 Recommendation 2: Don’t skip CCNA and jump straight to CCNP
If you have no hands‑on networking experience, CCNA is a better starting point. CCNP expects candidates to already master CCNA‑level routing, switching, and troubleshooting skills. Skipping CCNA makes the learning curve extremely steep and lowers your pass rate significantly.
🎯 Recommendation 3: Align with your company’s tech stack
If you are already employed, choose the track that best matches your company’s current technology. For example:
- Heavy use of Cisco routing/switching and SD‑WAN → CCNP Enterprise
- Deploying zero‑trust and firewall clusters → CCNP Security
- Operating a data centre or cloud platform → CCNP Data Center
🎯 Recommendation 4: Pave the way for CCIE
If your long‑term goal is the CCIE expert‑level certification, remember that the CCNP core exam also serves as the CCIE written exam for the same track – one exam, two uses. Aligning your CCNP track with your CCIE target maximises your study efficiency.
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