CCNP Exam Cost: Fees, Breakdown, and Preparation Guide

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is a globally recognized credential that validates advanced networking skills. It is a crucial step for IT professionals looking to specialize in CCNP Enterprise networking, security, automation, and cloud networking. 

How Much Does the CCNP Exam Cost? 

The total cost of obtaining the CCNP certification depends on the specific specialization you choose, and understanding the pricing while conducting a thorough cost analysis can help you plan your budget effectively.

Cisco requires you to pass two exams to earn CCNP certification: 

1. Core Exam (Mandatory) – Cost: $400 

• This exam covers the foundational enterprise networking concepts, including automation and security. 
• It serves as a prerequisite for advanced Cisco certifications (like the CCIE). 

2. Concentration Exam (Specialization) – Cost: $300 

• You get to choose one specialization based on your career goals. 
• It covers advanced networking topics such as security, SD-WAN, wireless, and automation. 

So, the total CCNP Certification Cost: $700 

Keep in mind that this is just the exam fee! You'll also need to budget for study materials, training courses, and lab practice.

What is the Breakdown of CCNP Certification Expenses?

Cisco offers several concentration exams, which allow you to specialize in a specific domain. Each of these exams costs $300, and you must choose one in addition to the core exam.

Popular CCNP Specializations & Exam Fees 

Each of these exams focuses on a specific area of networking, allowing you to tailor your certification to your career aspirations.

What is the Financial Commitment for a CCNP Certification?

1. Training & Study Materials 

While self-study is an option, many professionals invest in official Cisco training courses, books, online learning platforms, networking courses, learning credits, and study materials. 

The total study material cost can range from $100 to $1,500, depending on the resources you choose.

2. Hands-on Lab Equipment or Simulators 

To gain practical experience, many candidates build home labs or use Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or EVE-NG simulators. 

For cost-effective practice, virtual labs and cloud-based environments are a great option.

3. Exam Retake Costs 

If you fail the CCNP exam, you'll have to pay the full exam fee again to retake it. Since each exam costs $300 or $400, retaking exams can significantly increase the overall cost.

To avoid these extra costs, really invest in mock exams and hands-on practice before you attempt the real test.

From more details you may check the Exam, Testing, and Certification Policies from Cisco.

Is CCNP Certification Worth the Cost? 

Many networking professionals question whether the CCNP certification justifies its cost compared to other cisco certification options. Here’s why it remains a valuable investment, providing significant value to your career: 

1. Higher Salary & Career Growth 

Earning a CCNP certification can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Many organizations prioritize Cisco-certified professionals for network engineering roles. 

Professionals with CCNP + cloud or security certifications can command even higher salaries. 

2. Industry Recognition & Job Security 

• CCNP is one of the most respected certifications in networking. 
• Employers in IT services, banking, healthcare, and government sectors seek Cisco-certified engineers. 
• Certified professionals have a higher chance of securing job promotions and leadership roles. 

3. Pathway to Advanced Certifications 

• CCNP is a prerequisite for CCIE (Cisco’s highest certification). 
• It opens doors to specialized certifications in network security, automation, and cloud computing.

Understanding Certification Expenses

Even though CCNP certification requires an investment, there are cost-effective ways for you to prepare.

1. Use Free & Affordable Study Resources 

• Cisco Learning Network offers free study materials and discussion forums. Learn more here.
• Online platforms (Udemy, YouTube, Pluralsight) provide budget-friendly courses. 
• Join networking study groups to exchange knowledge with peers. 

2. Leverage Virtual Labs Instead of Buying Expensive Equipment 

• Cisco Packet Tracer & GNS3 offer free practice environments. 
• EVE-NG & CML (Cisco Modeling Labs) provide advanced network simulations. Further read: EVE-NG vs CML
• Cloud-based labs eliminate the need for costly physical hardware. 

3. Schedule the Exam Only When Ready 

• Take mock exams before attempting the real test. 
• Use practice questions to improve time management and confidence. 
• Ensure complete syllabus coverage to minimize the risk of failure and retake fees.

Should You Invest in CCNP Certification? 

The CCNP certification cost includes exam fees, training materials, and hands-on lab access, providing significant value in career advancement. While the upfront investment might seem high, the long-term career benefits make it worthwhile. 

✅ Expand Your Opportunities – Gain expertise in networking, security, and cloud computing. 
✅ Increase Your Earning Potential – Higher salaries and better job security in a competitive IT landscape. 
✅ Advance Your Career – Use CCNP as a foundation for CCIE or cloud networking certifications. 

Maximize Your Learning with Cloudmylab! 

Instead of expensive physical labs, leverage cloud-based lab solutions for hands-on CCNP training. Cloudmylab offers cloud-based lab solutions, access virtual networking environments, real-world scenarios, and guided labs—all without the high cost of hardware. 

Other useful links

• Cisco Certification Program Changes (Roadmaps)

FAQs on CCNP Exam Cost and Certification 

What is the total cost of obtaining the CCNP certification? 

The total cost for the CCNP certification is $700 for exam fees, which includes: 

• Core Exam (Mandatory) – $400 
• Concentration Exam (Specialization) – $300 

You should budget for study materials ($100-$1,500), hands-on labs ($500-$2,000 for physical labs), and potential retake fees ($300-$400 per exam). Cloudmylab offers a cost-effective alternative to physical labs, reducing your expenses.

Are there any hidden costs beyond the exam fees? 

Yes, beyond the exam fees, candidates may incur expenses for: 

• Study materials (Cisco books, online courses, and practice exams). 
• Hands-on labs (Physical Cisco devices or virtual simulators like GNS3 and EVE-NG). 
• Training courses (Instructor-led training may cost between $500 – $1,500). 
• Retake fees (If an exam is failed, full exam costs apply for retakes). 

Can I self-study for the CCNP exams instead of paying for training? 

Yes, self-study is feasible using resources like Cisco Learning Network, Udemy, and CloudMyLab virtual labs. While instructor-led training accelerates learning, self-study with virtual labs on Cloudmylab can save you money and provide practical experience.

What Happens if You Fail a CCNP Exam?

If you fail a CCNP exam, you must wait 5 calendar days before retaking it. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each attempt requires full payment of the exam fee ($300 or $400 per exam). 

How Long is the CCNP Certification Valid?

Your CCNP certification is valid for three years. Maintain it by passing a Cisco recertification exam or earning continuing education credits (CE). From more details you may check the Exam, Testing, and Certification Policies along with the Cisco Recertification Policy from Cisco.

Is CCNP Harder Than CCNA?

Yes, CCNP is significantly more advanced than CCNA, focusing on deeper networking concepts, real-world troubleshooting, and complex configurations. The CCNP covers: 

• Deeper networking concepts (Enterprise networking, SD-WAN, network security). 
• Practical, real-world troubleshooting scenarios. 
• More complex configurations and hands-on skills. 
  CCNP candidates are expected to have prior networking experience or CCNA-level knowledge. 

Do I need CCNA before taking the CCNP exams? 

No, CCNA is not a prerequisite for CCNP. Cisco removed the CCNA requirement in 2020. However, having CCNA knowledge is highly recommended as CCNP builds upon CCNA concepts. 

What is the best CCNP specialization to choose? 

The best CCNP specialization depends on career goals. For general network engineers, choose Enterprise (ENARSI). For cybersecurity, choose Security (SNCF). Cloud Networking (DCCOR) is ideal for cloud and virtualization. Cloudmylab supports all specializations with tailored lab environments. 

• Enterprise (CCNP Enterprise – ENARSI 300-410) – Best for general network engineers. 
• Security (CCNP Security – SNCF 300-710) – Ideal for cybersecurity professionals. 
• Cloud Networking (CCNP Data Center – DCCOR 300-601) – Good for cloud and virtualization. 
• Collaboration (CCNP Collaboration – CLICA 300-810) – Best for VoIP and unified communications. 
• Service Provider (CCNP Service Provider – SPCOR 300-501) – Recommended for ISP professionals. 

What is the Average Salary for CCNP-Certified Professionals?

Salaries vary by location, experience, and specialization. However, CCNP-certified professionals typically earn higher salaries than non-certified network engineers. 

How long does it take to prepare for the CCNP exam? 

Preparation time depends on experience: 

• Experienced network engineers – 3 to 6 months. 
• Beginners with CCNA-level knowledge – 6 to 12 months. 
• Self-study learners may take longer, while structured training accelerates preparation. 

Cloudmylab’s structured labs and practice scenarios can accelerate your learning, regardless of your experience level.