Choosing the right Cisco certification exam can determine the direction of your entire networking career. If you’re stuck between Cisco 350-501 and Cisco 350-401, you’re not alone—these are two of the most in-demand exams for professionals aiming to specialize in either Service Provider or Enterprise Networking tracks.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the details of each exam, compares them side by side, and helps you decide which one to take first based on your job goals, expertise, and market demand.
Whether you’re an experienced network engineer, an aspiring CCNP, or exploring a career switch into the IT world, this article is for you.
A Deep Dive into Cisco CCNP Service Provider : The 350-501 SPCOR Exam
What is 350-501 SPCOR?
The Cisco 350-501 SPCOR exam stands for Implementing and Operating Cisco Service Provider Network Core Technologies. It serves as the core exam for the CCNP Service Provider certification and also acts as a qualifying exam for the CCIE Service Provider lab.
Learn more about the 350-501 exam structure and practice materials on NWExam.
Who Should Take 350-501?
This exam is ideal for:
- ISP Engineers
- Network Architects focused on service provider backbones
- Telecom professionals dealing with BGP/MPLS/VPNs
350-501 Exam Topics Covered
The Cisco SPCOR 350-501 syllabus includes:
- Architecture- 15%
- Networking- 30%
- MPLS and Segment Routing- 20%
- Services- 20%
- Automation and Assurance- 15%
Certification Path
- Primary Track: CCNP Service Provider
- Leads to: CCIE Service Provider (with additional lab)
For the full CCNP SPCOR 350-501 syllabus and exam questions, visit NWExam.
Cisco CCNP Enterprise: A Look into the 350-401 ENCOR Exam
What is 350-401 ENCOR?
The Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam stands for Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies. It is the cornerstone of the CCNP Enterprise track and is required before attempting the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab.
You can explore 350-401 ENCOR practice tests and resources on NWExam.
Who is it For?
You should consider this exam if you’re:
- A Network Administrator
- A Cloud Networking Engineer
- Working in SD-WAN, wireless, or campus network environments
350-401 Exam Topics Covered
The Cisco ENCOR 350-401 focuses on:
- Architecture- 15%
- Virtualization- 10%
- Infrastructure- 30%
- Network Assurance- 10%
- Security- 20%
- Automation- 15%
Certification Path
- Primary Track: CCNP Enterprise
- Leads to: CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure or Wireless
You can find the complete CCNP ENCOR 350-401 syllabus and practice questions on NWExam.
SPCOR vs. ENCOR: Side-by-Side Breakdown
Making the First Choice: Which Exam Should You Start With?
Pick 350-501 First If:
- You’re working or want to work in Service Provider environments.
- You have strong knowledge of BGP/MPLS, or your role demands it.
- You’re eyeing roles like ISP Architect, Carrier-Grade Engineer, or Backbone Engineer.
Pick 350-401 First If:
- You work in or want to specialize in Enterprise networking.
- You deal with SD-Access, SD-WAN, or campus networks.
- You’re targeting roles like Network Administrator, Network Security Analyst, or Cloud Engineer.
What Careers Open Up After Each Cisco Exam?
Earning Cisco certifications like the 350-501 SPCOR or 350-401 ENCOR can significantly influence your career trajectory in networking. Each exam opens a distinct pathway—whether you’re aiming to work with service providers or enterprise environments. Let’s examine the roles you can pursue after passing each exam and how they align with your long-term career goals.
Career Opportunities with 350-501 SPCOR
The 350-501 SPCOR exam focuses on advanced technologies used by service providers, such as MPLS, BGP, QoS, segment routing, and VPNs. It is tailored for professionals looking to build or manage large-scale, carrier-grade networks.
Target Industries: Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Telecom companies, Backbone Infrastructure vendors
Common Job Roles with 350-501 SPCOR
- Service Provider Network Engineer
Responsible for deploying and managing large-scale Layer 3 VPNs, BGP configurations, MPLS traffic engineering, and LDP-based label switching. - Senior ISP Infrastructure Engineer
Focuses on designing scalable service provider backbone infrastructure, handling route optimization, QoS design, and inter-AS peering. - Network Consultant (Telecom)
Offers specialized services to telecom companies on network transformation, automation using NetConf/RESTConf, and IP/MPLS network design. - Backbone Routing Specialist
Works with BGP communities, policy-based routing, and carrier-grade NAT across global ISP networks. - NOC Lead – Service Provider Operations
Leads teams monitoring ISP networks around the clock, handling outages, performing root-cause analysis, and ensuring SLA compliance.
Growth Path:
Begin as a Network Support Engineer → Move into a Service Provider Network Engineer role → Advance to Senior Network Architect or Network Operations Director.
Average Salary Range (varies by region and experience):
- Entry-Level: $70,000–$90,000
- Mid-Level: $100,000–$130,000
- Senior-Level: $140,000 and above
Career Opportunities with 350-401 ENCOR
The 350-401 ENCOR exam covers enterprise-level technologies including core routing and switching, virtualization, network assurance, wireless, security, and automation. This is the go-to certification for professionals managing enterprise infrastructures across campuses, data centers, and cloud-connected networks.
Target Industries: Enterprises, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Public Sector, Healthcare, Finance
Common Job Roles with 350-401 ENCOR
- Enterprise Network Engineer
Designs and maintains LAN/WAN infrastructure, configures routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), and manages SD-WAN and WAN edge solutions. - Network Security Analyst
Implements segmentation, identity-based access control, and secure network policies using tools like Cisco ISE and firewalls. - Cloud Network Administrator
Builds hybrid infrastructures by integrating on-premises networks with public cloud services using virtual appliances, IPsec VPNs, and VPC connectivity. - Wireless Network Engineer
Designs enterprise WLAN deployments, performs RF planning, and manages Cisco wireless controllers and access points. - SD-WAN Architect
Implements scalable, policy-driven routing across remote branches using Cisco SD-WAN technologies, ensuring high availability and optimized performance.
Growth Path:
Start as a Network Administrator → Advance to Enterprise Network Engineer → Progress to Network Architect or Infrastructure Lead.
Average Salary Range:
- Entry-Level: $65,000–$85,000
- Mid-Level: $90,000–$120,000
- Senior-Level: $130,000–$160,000+
How These Paths Support Long-Term Career Growth
Both certifications are part of Cisco’s professional-level certification tracks and act as gateways to Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) credentials. Choosing the correct exam based on your area of interest and the industry you want to work in can significantly streamline your career development.
- 350-501 SPCOR is a prerequisite for CCIE Service Provider, while
- 350-401 ENCOR is a core requirement for CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure or Enterprise Wireless.
Senior-level roles you can pursue with either path include:
- Network Solutions Architect
- Technical Program Manager
- Cloud Infrastructure Consultant
- Global Network Operations Lead
- Director of IT or Network Engineering
Choosing Based on Your Career Vision
If your passion lies in telecommunications, large-scale backbone routing, and ISP-level services, then 350-501 will better align with your professional goals.
If you’re focused on enterprise-scale networking, SD-WAN, automation, and security, then 350-401 is the optimal first step.
Each certification unlocks unique career paths. Understanding which roles resonate with your skills, interests, and desired job market will help you decide the right exam to take first.
Is It Worth Taking Both 350-501 and 350-401?
Absolutely. Many professionals pursue both to become versatile across service provider and enterprise environments. If your career spans hybrid infrastructures or consulting, dual certification enhances credibility and employability.
- SPCOR gives you deep insight into core backbone technologies.
- ENCOR equips you with hands-on skills for enterprise networks and security.
Together, they make you a powerhouse network expert.
Final Thought: Choose Based on Where You’re Headed
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to 350-501 vs. 350-401. Your decision should be strategic:
- Start with 350-501 if your environment involves ISPs, service delivery, and WAN routing.
- Begin with 350-401 if you’re immersed in enterprise setups, SD-WAN, or security.
Planning your Cisco certification path with clarity leads to stronger job prospects and career satisfaction.
Start your preparation with reliable and updated practice exams for Cisco 350-501 and Cisco 350-401 practice questions today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Cisco exam price for 350-501 and 350-401?
Typically around $400 USD, but it may vary by location and discounts.
2. Are 350-401 dumps reliable for preparation?
No. Dumps are not legal and don’t guarantee understanding. Use verified 350-401 practice tests from trusted platforms like NWExam.
3. What’s the 350-401 ENCOR exam cost?
It aligns with Cisco’s standard pricing—approximately $400. Visit Cisco’s official page for updates.
4. Where can I get the CCNP SPCOR 350-501 official cert guide PDF?
Cisco Press offers official guides. Combine it with NWExam’s 350-501 practice questions for complete preparation.
5. Can I find Cisco exam questions and answers PDF online?
Be cautious. Stick to authorized platforms like Cisco and NWExam to ensure accuracy and legality.
6. Which exam is more difficult: 350-501 or 350-401?
It depends on your background. 350-501 is more complex in routing technologies; 350-401 covers a broader range of enterprise-focused topics.
Useful Resources for Preparation
Want to make the right first move in your Cisco career path? Start by preparing with NWExam’s industry-trusted practice exams and take the stress out of certification.
Let your next certification not be a gamble—let it be a strategic step toward your networking dream.
