CCNP ENCOR, ENARSI and SCOR: Which Cisco Exam Comes First?
Cisco's professional-level certifications are built from two exams: one core exam and one concentration exam. This guide explains how ENCOR (350-401), ENARSI (300-410) and SCOR (350-701) fit into that structure. Cisco adjusts its certification paths from time to time, so check Cisco's current certification pages on cisco.com for the rules before you book.
How the two tracks work
| Track | Core exam | Concentration exams (you choose one) |
|---|---|---|
| CCNP Enterprise | ENCOR 350-401 | For example ENARSI 300-410, and others |
| CCNP Security | SCOR 350-701 | Several security concentration exams |
You need to pass the core and one concentration to earn the CCNP. Passing the core exam alone earns a specialist certification for that area. The core exam also works as the qualifying written exam for the matching CCIE track, which is why many people take it first.
What each exam is about
- ENCOR 350-401 covers the core of enterprise networking: architecture, virtualisation, infrastructure (switching, routing, wireless), network assurance, security and automation. It is broad.
- ENARSI 300-410 is a concentration for enterprise routing and services: advanced troubleshooting of routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP and BGP, plus services and infrastructure security. It is deeper and more hands-on than ENCOR.
- SCOR 350-701 is the core exam for security: network, cloud and content security, endpoint protection, secure network access, visibility and automation.
A sensible order
- Start with the core exam for your track (ENCOR or SCOR). Concentration exams assume the core's foundations.
- Pick the concentration that matches your job, not the one that looks easiest. ENARSI is a natural fit for people who troubleshoot routing at work.
- Space them out. Leave time between exams, so you retain more than a single cram.
- Book both exam dates early, so each study block has a deadline.
How to study each one
- For ENCOR and SCOR, the main problem is breadth. Use the exam's domain weights to decide where your time goes, and study from a map of each domain so the topics connect.
- For ENARSI, the main problem is troubleshooting. Know how each protocol behaves, then practise reading
showoutput and finding the fault until you can spot the bad line without help. - For all three, drill the numbers with flashcards: timers, default values and administrative distances come up often.
Where BoardITGuy fits
BoardITGuy has hand-drawn visual study boards for CCNP ENCOR, CCNP ENARSI and CCNP Security SCOR, each with the map, flashcards, original practice questions and a Treemap of your progress, and a free preview. None of them is a hands-on lab.