How Many Exams Are Required for Cisco CCNP Certification?
Update time:2025-03-07
In the field of network technology, Cisco CCNP certification holds significant value. Many individuals looking to advance in networking are particularly interested in it. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “How many exams are required for CCNP certification?” The number of exams for CCNP certification is not fixed; it varies depending on the specialization.

Evolution of CCNP Exams
In the earlier days, CCNP certification required fewer exams, and the content primarily focused on fundamental networking technologies. However, as the field of networking has expanded—integrating cloud computing, big data, and network convergence—the CCNP certification system has also evolved. Today, CCNP certification offers a variety of exam combinations based on different specialization tracks.
CCNP Enterprise: A Popular Specialization
For the CCNP Enterprise track, candidates must pass two exams.
The core exam focuses on enterprise network infrastructure, covering topics such as IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols, advanced Layer 2 switching technologies, and more. These are fundamental for building a stable enterprise network. Candidates must master the principles and configurations of various network protocols.
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The elective exam offers personalized options, such as:
Enterprise Wireless Networking – covering wireless access point configurations, wireless roaming, and more.
Enterprise Automation & Programmability – assessing the ability to automate network operations using programming languages like Python.
CCNP Security: A Focus on Cybersecurity
For the CCNP Security track, candidates also need to pass two exams:
The core exam focuses on network security fundamentals, including firewall policy configuration, intrusion detection system deployment, VPN encryption technologies, and more.
The elective exam delves into specific security areas:
Cloud Security – covering security strategies for public and private cloud environments.
IoT Security – focusing on securing IoT devices and network segmentation.
CCNP Data Center: Advanced Network Infrastructure
For the CCNP Data Center track, the core exam covers:
Data center network architecture design, including spine-leaf architecture and network redundancy design.
Computing resource management, such as virtual machine deployment and server virtualization.
The elective exam often aligns with industry trends, such as:
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) in data centers, testing candidates on next-generation network architectures.
How to Choose the Right CCNP Path?
The number of required exams and the specific subjects vary depending on the chosen CCNP specialization. Generally, candidates must pass one core exam and one elective exam. When preparing for CCNP certification, it is crucial to:
Choose the right specialization based on career goals and interests.
Study both theoretical concepts and hands-on practice to solidify knowledge.
Engage in real-world projects to improve problem-solving skills.
By following these steps, candidates can efficiently prepare for the exams, successfully obtain CCNP certification, and enhance their career prospects in network technology.

Evolution of CCNP Exams
In the earlier days, CCNP certification required fewer exams, and the content primarily focused on fundamental networking technologies. However, as the field of networking has expanded—integrating cloud computing, big data, and network convergence—the CCNP certification system has also evolved. Today, CCNP certification offers a variety of exam combinations based on different specialization tracks.
CCNP Enterprise: A Popular Specialization
For the CCNP Enterprise track, candidates must pass two exams.
The core exam focuses on enterprise network infrastructure, covering topics such as IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols, advanced Layer 2 switching technologies, and more. These are fundamental for building a stable enterprise network. Candidates must master the principles and configurations of various network protocols.
Contact me immediately to get the golden key helping you fast express your certificate.
The elective exam offers personalized options, such as:
Enterprise Wireless Networking – covering wireless access point configurations, wireless roaming, and more.
Enterprise Automation & Programmability – assessing the ability to automate network operations using programming languages like Python.
CCNP Security: A Focus on Cybersecurity
For the CCNP Security track, candidates also need to pass two exams:
The core exam focuses on network security fundamentals, including firewall policy configuration, intrusion detection system deployment, VPN encryption technologies, and more.
The elective exam delves into specific security areas:
Cloud Security – covering security strategies for public and private cloud environments.
IoT Security – focusing on securing IoT devices and network segmentation.
CCNP Data Center: Advanced Network Infrastructure
For the CCNP Data Center track, the core exam covers:
Data center network architecture design, including spine-leaf architecture and network redundancy design.
Computing resource management, such as virtual machine deployment and server virtualization.
The elective exam often aligns with industry trends, such as:
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) in data centers, testing candidates on next-generation network architectures.
How to Choose the Right CCNP Path?
The number of required exams and the specific subjects vary depending on the chosen CCNP specialization. Generally, candidates must pass one core exam and one elective exam. When preparing for CCNP certification, it is crucial to:
Choose the right specialization based on career goals and interests.
Study both theoretical concepts and hands-on practice to solidify knowledge.
Engage in real-world projects to improve problem-solving skills.
By following these steps, candidates can efficiently prepare for the exams, successfully obtain CCNP certification, and enhance their career prospects in network technology.