By Russell Hughes | 50 Min Video

This session helps attendees prepare for the CCNP certification by breaking down the ENCOR and concentration exam structure, identifying key focus areas for self-study, and sharing practical tips for exam success. We also explore trends shaping today’s CCNP certifications, including automation, security, and hybrid networking.

Certification Structure and Requirements

The CCNP certification requires passing the ENCOR exam and at least one concentration exam, with recertification needed every 2 years through either a concentration exam or 80 continuing education credits. The ENCOR exam consists of 82 questions, including 2 simulation labs, with a 1.5-hour time limit and adaptive testing that adjusts based on performance.

Key Exam Topics and Preparation

IPv6, SDWAN, automation, and wireless are crucial topics in the ENCOR exam, with emphasis on IPv6 representation, ICMPv6, neighbor discovery, and application-aware routing. The exam focuses on practical knowledge and hands-on configuration, with simulation labs requiring troubleshooting of Cisco devices in up to 10 minutes per lab.

Recommended Courses and Study Materials

The official student guide provided by Cisco is considered the best study material for the ENCOR exam, covering all tested topics based on class material. The ENCOR course is a deep dive into routing and switching protocols and serves as excellent preparation for the ENCOR exam.

Exam Content and Expectations

The ENCOR exam emphasizes configuration and troubleshooting of Cisco wireless devices, including AAA services and 802.1x authentication, but excludes questions on NetFlow configuration.

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Instructor Bio:

Russell has over 25 years of experience in the field of networking and 20 years as an instructor. He has delivered courses for SLI, formerly CCTI, for fourteen years, specializing in security, content networking, and Voice over IP solutions. Russell started his career in the IT industry as a systems administrator, where he was in charge of daily maintenance of Windows servers, backup solutions, and e-mail. He helped design and build a remote classroom lab solution that allowed CCTI/SLI to deliver Cisco courses anywhere in the world without the need to ship Cisco equipment. Russell currently teaches CCNA and CCNP level courses, with expertise in content networking, IPv6, BGP, and Data Center areas.