CCNP Enterprise and CCNP Security are two of Cisco’s most popular Professional-level certification tracks, and they lead to genuinely different careers. CCNP Enterprise, built around the ENCOR (350-401) core exam, validates advanced enterprise networking skills including routing, switching, SD-WAN, wireless, and automation, leading toward roles like Enterprise Network Engineer, Infrastructure Architect, or Wireless Engineer. CCNP Security, built around the SCOR (350-701) core exam, validates network and cloud security skills including secure access, content security, endpoint protection, and identity management, leading toward roles like Security Engineer, SOC Analyst, or Cybersecurity Consultant. If you are passionate about routing, switching, and infrastructure design, CCNP Enterprise is your track. If you are drawn to securing networks, data, and cloud environments, CCNP Security is your track. Both core exams also qualify you for the corresponding CCIE lab exam, so this decision shapes your path well beyond the Professional level.
This guide breaks down both tracks, their concentration exam options, costs, salaries, and how to decide which fits your career direction.
CCNP Enterprise vs CCNP Security: Quick Comparison
| Factor | CCNP Enterprise | CCNP Security |
| Core exam | 350-401 ENCOR | 350-701 SCOR |
| Core exam cost | $400 USD | $400 USD |
| Core exam duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Core exam questions | 70-100 | 70-100 |
| Typical passing score | 800-850 out of 1000 | 800-850 out of 1000 |
| Concentration exam cost | Approximately $300 USD | Approximately $300 USD |
| Total certification cost | $700-$1,200 | $700-$1,200 |
| Core exam focus | Dual-stack architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, automation | Network security, cloud security, content security, endpoint protection, identity management, secure access |
| CCIE qualification | Qualifies for CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and CCIE Enterprise Wireless lab exams | Qualifies for CCIE Security lab exam |
| Typical roles | Enterprise Network Engineer, Wireless Engineer, Infrastructure Architect, Network Consultant | Security Engineer, SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant, Network Security Specialist |
| Average salary (US) | $90,000-$150,000+ | $90,000-$150,000+, with a 10-15% premium over other CCNP tracks |
| Average salary (India) | Comparable to other CCNP tracks | ₹8-18 LPA depending on experience and role |
| Active job postings (weekly, early 2026) | Part of approximately 4,800-5,100 CCNP postings overall | Part of approximately 4,800-5,100 CCNP postings overall |
CCNP Enterprise: What It Covers
The CCNP Enterprise track is the most popular CCNP path, and ENCOR (350-401) is its core exam. ENCOR covers advanced enterprise networking concepts, including dual stack architecture (IPv4 and IPv6), virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation. Passing ENCOR alone earns the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core certification, and also satisfies the qualifying exam requirement for both CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and CCIE Enterprise Wireless.
CCNP Enterprise Concentration Options
After passing ENCOR, you choose one concentration exam to complete the CCNP Enterprise certification.
| Concentration | Exam Code | Focus | Resulting Specialization |
| ENARSI | 300-410 | Advanced routing, services, and infrastructure | Deep routing specialist |
| ENAUTO | 300-435 | Enterprise network automation | Enterprise Automation Engineer (hybrid networking and programmability) |
| ENWLSI or ENWLSD | 300-425 / 300-430 | Wireless implementation or design | Wireless specialist (also feeds CCIE Enterprise Wireless) |
| ENCCDI | 300-415 | SD-WAN implementation | SD-WAN specialist |
ENAUTO is the strategic choice for 2026. The addition of the Automation domain to ENCOR reflects Cisco’s recognition that modern network engineers must understand both traditional protocols and programmable infrastructure. Choosing ENAUTO as your concentration transforms your CCNP Enterprise into a credential for a highly desirable hybrid “Enterprise Automation Engineer” role, combining traditional networking expertise with the automation and cloud networking skills that make CCNP holders among the most competitive candidates in the 2026 job market.
Who CCNP Enterprise Is For
Network engineers who manage large corporate or hybrid networks across multiple sites, and professionals aiming for roles such as Enterprise Network Engineer, Wireless Engineer, or Infrastructure Architect. If you are passionate about routing, switching, SD-WAN, and wireless technologies, and want to work in enterprise environments or consult on infrastructure design, CCNP Enterprise is your foundation.
CCNP Security: What It Covers
CCNP Security focuses on securing networks, applications, and data, with SCOR (350-701) as its core exam. SCOR covers core security technologies including network security, cloud security, content security, endpoint protection and detection, identity management, secure network access, and visibility and enforcement. Passing SCOR alone earns the Cisco Certified Specialist – Security Core certification, and also satisfies the qualifying exam requirement for the CCIE Security lab.
CCNP Security Concentration Options
After passing SCOR, you choose one concentration exam to complete the CCNP Security certification.
| Concentration | Exam Code | Focus | Resulting Specialization |
| SNCF | 300-710 | Securing networks with Cisco firewalls (Firepower) | Firewall and threat defense specialist |
| SAUTO | 300-735 | Security automation and programmability | Security automation specialist (DevSecOps-aligned) |
| SISE | 300-715 | Implementing and configuring Cisco ISE | Identity and access specialist |
| SVPN | 300-730 | Secure remote access (VPN technologies) | VPN and secure access specialist |
SAUTO is the strategic choice for security professionals moving toward DevSecOps. Just as ENAUTO transforms CCNP Enterprise into an automation-focused credential, SAUTO positions CCNP Security holders for high-demand DevSecOps roles, where security expertise meets automation and programmability, an increasingly sought-after combination as organizations integrate security directly into CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code workflows.
Who CCNP Security Is For
Professionals more inclined toward securing networks and data, who want to work in SOCs, cybersecurity consulting, or regulatory compliance environments. If your career aspirations center on network security, threat defense, identity management, and secure access architectures, CCNP Security is the better choice.
CCNP Enterprise vs CCNP Security: The Practical Difference With an Example
Consider a scenario: a company is migrating its branch offices to SD-WAN while also rolling out a zero trust security model.
CCNP Enterprise (ENCOR/ENCCDI) knowledge addresses: How do you design the SD-WAN overlay across branch sites? What underlay routing supports the SD-WAN fabric? How do you ensure network assurance and visibility across the new architecture? How does automation reduce the manual configuration burden across dozens of branch routers?
CCNP Security (SCOR/SISE) knowledge addresses: How do you implement identity-based access control so devices and users are authenticated before reaching network resources? How do you configure secure access policies that align with zero trust principles? How do you ensure content security and endpoint protection extend to the newly connected branch sites? How do you maintain visibility into security events across the now-larger attack surface?
The two roles intersect but do not replace each other. The Enterprise side builds and operates the network fabric. The Security side ensures that fabric enforces the organization’s security model. Many organizations need both skill sets represented, whether through separate specialists or, increasingly, through professionals who hold both certifications.
CCNP Enterprise vs CCNP Security: Which Should You Choose?
| Your Situation | Recommended Track |
| You are passionate about routing, switching, SD-WAN, and wireless | CCNP Enterprise |
| You want to work in SOCs, cybersecurity consulting, or compliance | CCNP Security |
| You want the broadest enterprise networking foundation | CCNP Enterprise |
| You want the highest salary premium within CCNP tracks | CCNP Security, which commands a 10-15% premium over other tracks |
| You want to pursue CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure or CCIE Enterprise Wireless | CCNP Enterprise (ENCOR qualifies you) |
| You want to pursue CCIE Security | CCNP Security (SCOR qualifies you) |
| You want a hybrid networking and automation role | CCNP Enterprise with ENAUTO concentration |
| You want a DevSecOps-aligned security role | CCNP Security with SAUTO concentration |
| Your organization needs both networking and security expertise covered | Consider both over time; many professionals complete CCNP Enterprise (ENCOR) and then add SCOR to build a combined skill set |
The hybrid advantage. In today’s world, combining both networking and security skills offers a genuine advantage. Many professionals complete ENCOR first, then pursue SCOR as a second core exam, building a profile that covers both infrastructure and security without needing two full separate CCNP certifications, since both core exams individually also unlock their respective CCIE qualifying paths.
CCNP Enterprise vs CCNP Security: Salary and Career Outlook
| Factor | CCNP Enterprise | CCNP Security |
| Average salary (US) | $90,000-$150,000+ | $90,000-$150,000+, with 10-15% premium |
| Salary growth trend | Strong stability, especially in large enterprises and service providers | Faster salary growth currently, driven by global cybersecurity talent shortage |
| Job market breadth | Approximately 4,800-5,100 active CCNP job postings weekly across all tracks in early 2026, average salary $115,000 | Included within the same overall CCNP job market figures |
| Career stability | Strong, given the foundational nature of enterprise networking across industries | Strong, with increasing demand as cybersecurity threats evolve and hybrid cloud complexity grows |
CCNP Security roles are currently experiencing faster salary growth due to the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. However, CCNP Enterprise offers strong career stability and scalability, especially in large enterprises and service providers, and its automation-focused concentration (ENAUTO) positions holders among the most competitive candidates in the 2026 job market as cloud networking skills become increasingly valuable.
CCNP Enterprise vs CCNP Security: Total Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | CCNP Enterprise | CCNP Security |
| Core exam | $400 (ENCOR, 350-401) | $400 (SCOR, 350-701) |
| Concentration exam | Approximately $300 | Approximately $300 |
| Total exam fees | Approximately $700 | Approximately $700 |
| Typical total cost range (including retakes/training) | $700-$1,200 | $700-$1,200 |
| Study time investment | 200+ hours | Comparable, varies by concentration chosen |
Both tracks follow Cisco’s standard CCNP cost structure: one core exam plus one concentration exam, totaling approximately $700 in exam fees before accounting for study materials, training, or potential retakes.
CCNP Enterprise vs CCNP Security: What If You Are Coming From CCNA?
If you are still deciding whether to pursue CCNP at all, that is a different and earlier decision than choosing between Enterprise and Security tracks. For the complete breakdown of whether CCNP is worth pursuing after CCNA, including the February 2026 CCNA update and the strategic CCIE qualification advantage built into every CCNP core exam, our CCNA vs CCNP guide covers that decision in full detail. Once you have decided to pursue CCNP, this guide helps you choose which track, Enterprise or Security, fits your career direction.
FAQS
What is the difference between CCNP Enterprise and CCNP Security?
CCNP Enterprise, built on the ENCOR (350-401) core exam, validates advanced enterprise networking skills including routing, switching, SD-WAN, wireless, and automation. CCNP Security, built on the SCOR (350-701) core exam, validates network and cloud security skills including secure access, content security, endpoint protection, and identity management. Enterprise focuses on building and operating networks; Security focuses on protecting them.
Which CCNP track pays more, Enterprise or Security?
Both tracks fall within the same overall $90,000-$150,000+ range for CCNP holders in the US, but CCNP Security specialists command a 10-15% premium over other tracks due to the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. CCNP Enterprise offers strong stability and scalability, particularly in large enterprises and service providers.
Do CCNP Enterprise and CCNP Security both qualify for CCIE?
Yes, but for different CCIE tracks. Passing ENCOR (350-401) qualifies you for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and CCIE Enterprise Wireless lab exams. Passing SCOR (350-701) qualifies you for the CCIE Security lab exam. Your core exam investment serves double duty, earning CCNP certification while also unlocking the corresponding CCIE qualifying exam requirement.
What concentration exam should I choose for CCNP Enterprise?
ENARSI (advanced routing and services) is the traditional choice for deep routing specialists. ENAUTO (enterprise network automation) is the strategic choice for 2026, transforming your certification into a hybrid “Enterprise Automation Engineer” credential that combines traditional networking with automation and programmability skills increasingly valued in the job market.
What concentration exam should I choose for CCNP Security?
SNCF (securing networks with Cisco firewalls) is the traditional choice for firewall and threat defense specialists. SAUTO (security automation) is the strategic choice for professionals targeting DevSecOps roles, where security automation and programmability are increasingly in demand. SISE (Cisco ISE implementation) suits identity and access management specialists.
How much does CCNP Enterprise or CCNP Security cost in total?
Both tracks cost approximately $700 in core exam fees (ENCOR or SCOR core at $400, plus a concentration exam at approximately $300), with typical total costs ranging from $700 to $1,200 once study materials and potential retakes are factored in.
Can I get both CCNP Enterprise and CCNP Security?
Yes. Many professionals complete CCNP Enterprise (via ENCOR) and then go on to pass SCOR to build a hybrid networking and security skill set. Since both core exams also unlock their respective CCIE qualifying paths, pursuing both does not require duplicating effort beyond each track’s specific core and concentration exams.
Which is harder, ENCOR or SCOR?
Both are 120-minute, 70-100 question exams with a typical passing score of 800-850 out of 1000, and both are considered Professional-level exams requiring significant preparation, generally cited around 200+ hours of study. Difficulty depends heavily on your existing background: candidates with strong routing and switching experience often find ENCOR more familiar, while candidates with security operations or firewall experience often find SCOR more familiar.
Should I choose CCNP Enterprise or CCNP Security if I want to work in cloud networking?
Both tracks are relevant to cloud networking, but in different ways. CCNP Enterprise, particularly with the ENAUTO concentration, builds skills in automation and programmable infrastructure that extend naturally into cloud networking. CCNP Security covers cloud security technologies directly within the SCOR core exam. If your cloud focus is on building and automating network infrastructure, lean Enterprise. If your cloud focus is on securing that infrastructure, lean Security.
Is CCNP Enterprise or CCNP Security better for someone just deciding to pursue CCNP after CCNA?
Neither is universally better; the choice depends on which domain (enterprise networking versus security) matches your interests and target roles. If you have not yet decided whether CCNP itself is the right next step after CCNA, our CCNA vs CCNP guide covers that foundational decision first.
