Ready to up your networking game? The credential that will meet all your needs is Cisco 350-401 exam: Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR). The 350-401 exam is one of the key exams for Cisco certifications in the field of enterprise networks, such as the CCNP Enterprise and Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Core certifications. This article will go through the overview, required skills and the resources to follow to prepare for the Cisco 350-401 exam in 2024.
Cisco 350-401 Exam Overview
The Cisco 350-401 exam tests your knowledge on Implementing core enterprise network technologies, which includes dual stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security and automation. This one covers a lot of the fundamentals that you need to design, deploy, and maintain modern enterprise networks, so it is overall a very complete about your networking capabilities.
Key Exam Topics
So to pass and qualify for the certification you will have to be proficient and possess knowledge in the following topics.

Architecture: Enterprise network architecture principles such as hierarchical design including addressing, routing, protocol, high availability.
Virtualization: Virtualization features such as VLANs, VRFs, and the like are a must.
Infrastructure: Should have the knowledge networking infrastructure equipment and protocols, including switches, routers, wireless access points, and controllers and how to configure and manage such components.
Network Assurance: Understanding of the administrative processes of a network, including monitoring, troubleshooting and network optimization in order to ensure optimal network performance.
Network Security: Access control, Authorization, Authentication, Confidentiality, Data integrity, Encryption and Auditing.
Automation: Ability to use automation tools (for example, Python) to ease up the networking malfunction handling.Network Fundamentals: Network understanding and OSI/TCPIV6 models, IPv4, Subnetting are one of the most important topics for the CCNA 200-301 exam.
Network Access: This is an important domain which covers the mastery of Ethernet, VLANs, trunking, wireless LANs, configuring and verifying switch port security and it is crucial for controlling network access.
IP Connectivity: This is the core and of the most important, one should know routing concepts, OSPF, EIGRP and BGP knowledge, configuring and verifying inter-VLAN & Static routing is important to ensure IP connectivity.
IP Services: Which includes DHCP, NAT, NTP, and SNMP, and also You need IP services so you must clear about DHCP, NAT, NTP, and SNMP and set and see DHCP and NAT services.
Security Fundamentals: An in-depth understanding of security concepts such as AAA, ACLs, secure device management, and VPN technologies are essential for network security.
Automation and Programmability: Practical experience with automation programmability-related tools such as REST APIs, Python scripting and network programmability protocols like NETCONF and RESTCONF are essential to support the efficient operation of your network.
Pass Score: You will have to score around 750-850 out of the total of 1000 points for you to pass the exam.
Exam Duration: Examinations are usually 120 min or so, but this can vary depending on the exam.
Exam Fees
The fee to take the exam can vary on the region and provider but usually hovers around $400. For the latest and specific fee information, please refer to the official Cisco website or contact the local test center.
Exam Preparation Tips
Studying for the Cisco 350-401 exam deserves proper strategy and quality study materials as well. Read on to study how you can prepare for it effectively;
Use Official Cisco Resources: Use the official Cisco study guides, training courses, and practice exams to get to the topics and objectives of the exam. So at this mission of time hands on practical is much more beneficial also you can easily setup lab using Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 for gaining practical exposure for configuring and troubleshooting to various network technologies.
Stay Connected: Stay on top of new networking technologies, industry trends, and the Cisco product roadmap to ensure that what you know stays current and relevant.
Study Groups: Do not overlook study groups that you can join with other exam candidates or communicate in online forums to share study materials, break down difficult topics, and encourage one another.
Time Management: While practising, include one or two more examples of the time management strategies in the count.
Conclusion
A Cisco 350-401 exam is a basic exam to move up the ladder in your career to professional level, The Cisco 350-401NP ENCOR exam confirm your capability to connect core enterprise technologies, including dual stack architecture, virtualization, network assurance, security and automation. Understanding the weightage of key topics in the exam, official Cisco resources, hands-on practice, staying tuned to the industry changes, using efficient time management strategy will make you well-prepared for the Cisco 350-401 exam in 2024. With enthusiasm, persistence, and the correct means of preparing, you will be more than ready to dominate the exam and take your networking career further.