CCNP-ENCOR-vs-CCNP-ENARSI-Which-One-Should-You-Choose-1

Deciding between the CCNP ENCOR and CCNP ENARSI can feel a bit overwhelming at first. You probably heard things like ENCOR is a must-have, or ENARSI is for experts, but what do these things actually mean for you and your career goals?

The truth is, while both exams fall under the same certification track, they have different purposes. The ENCOR exam gives you a solid understanding of all the different parts of enterprise networking. The ENARSI exam allows you to specialize in in-depth routing and learn advanced troubleshooting skills. The one that’s a better fit for you really depends on the type of network engineer you want to be.

In this article, we will simplify everything, using as little technical language as possible, and it will give straightforward answers to assist you in making your decision.

What CCNP Enterprise Really Is?

Before we get into comparing the two exams, let’s talk about the CCNP Enterprise certification.

The CCNP Enterprise is a certification from Cisco for those working with enterprise-level networks. To earn this certification, you must pass two exams:

CCNP ENCOR (350-401) – the foundation exam.
One concentration exam – this is where CCNP ENARSI (300-410) fits in.

Think of ENCOR as your basic knowledge, and ENARSI as more specialized knowledge.

You are able to select from other concentration exams like SD-WAN or Wireless, but ENARSI is a popular one since it’s all about routing, which is very important in networking.

What CCNP ENCOR Covers

Here’s a brief summary of the content ENCOR covers:

How modern enterprise networks are created.
How wireless and wired networks connect and interact.
Basic knowledge of network automation.
Important security ideas.
How to handle hybrid networks.
How routers and switches act within large networks.

Let’s imagine that you are working with all the different aspects of networking, like routing, switching, basic security, wireless, automation, and design, then the CCNP ENCOR is designed just for that.

If ENCOR were a person, they’d be an all-rounder, with a good understanding of a wide range of subjects.

This is the reason it is mandatory for the CCNP Enterprise certification. It allows for a common base of knowledge before specializing.

ENCOR vs ENARSI Simplified

Let us simplify the explanation further

ENCOR = Breadth

You learn many topics but not too deeply.

ENARSI = Depth

You focus on a single topic, i.e. routing but you learn in depth

ENCOR = Foundation

You understand how the enterprise network works as a whole.

ENARSI = Advanced Troubleshooting

You understand what to do when something breaks.

ENCOR = Mandatory

Everyone needs it for CCNP Enterprise.

ENARSI = Optional but popular choice

A good option, mainly for those working with routing and switching.

These differences should give you a good idea of which one is right for you.

How to Choose the Right Certification

Your choice depends on your career path..

Choose CCNP ENCOR if:

You’re still trying to work out your career direction.
You want a good general understanding of enterprise networks.
You are wanting to move into network designing at some point.
You want to learn the basics of automation.
You want to earn that CCNP Enterprise certification.

Most people start here because the ENCOR opens the doors to everything else.

Choose CCNP ENARSI if:

You love routing.
You work in troubleshooting roles.
You want better hands-on experience.
You deal with BGP, OSPF, VPNs, and MPLS regularly.
You want to level up after ENCOR.

ENARSI will makeyou more confident when it comes to real-world problems. It teaches you what can go wrong and how to fix it.

How Difficult Are These Exams?

Both the exams are equally challenging, but in different ways.

ENCOR Difficulty

With ENCOR, you’ll be studying a little of everything. Not going into too much detail with one thing, but the amount of things to learn can feel like a lot. You need to understand the main ideas enough to explain them, even if you don’t set them up all the time.

ENARSI Difficulty

ENARSI can feel tougher as it goes deep into routing. This is where your problem-solving skills are important. If you don’t know how protocols work, you will struggle.

So, which exam is more difficult?

Most people find ENARSI harder because it needs experience, not just book knowledge.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to study CCNP ENCOR or CCNP ENARSI the decision totally depends on you and your career goals.

If you want to learn the broad principles of networks and have a good basic knowledge to build on, start with CCNP ENCOR. It will teach you how networks work, and prepare you for more difficult topics.

Both are good options under the CCNP Enterprise track, and both can lead to you getting high-level jobs in the networking world.

If you’re exploring guided training or want structured support while preparing for either exam, you may find it helpful to review specialised CCNP Enterprise learning courses designed for ENCOR and ENARSI students.