Certification comparison
CCNA is Cisco's entry-level networking certification. CCNP Enterprise is the professional-level credential — it requires deeper knowledge of enterprise routing, switching, SD-WAN, and automation.
| Factor | 200-301 | 350-401 |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Associate | Professional |
| Exams required | 1 (200-301) | 2 (350-401 core + 1 concentration) |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Hard |
| Cost | ~$330 | ~$660+ (2 exams) |
| Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Study time | 150–300 hrs | 300–500 hrs |
| Avg salary | $65k–$90k | $90k–$130k |
| Job titles | Network Admin, Jr. Network Engineer | Network Engineer, Sr. Network Engineer |
Our verdict
Study CCNA first. CCNP builds directly on CCNA knowledge, and most job postings for senior network engineer roles require it. Skipping CCNA is possible but not recommended.
Try a sample practice test for each cert. The one that feels more relevant to your work is usually the right call.