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Cisco · Networking · Expert

Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure exam guide

Exam 350-401 ENCOR + CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab v1.1

CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure is Cisco's expert-level certification for complex enterprise networks, proving you can plan, design, deploy, operate and optimize dual-stack campus, WAN, SD-WAN and SD-Access infrastructure. It is earned by passing the 350-401 ENCOR core exam and an 8-hour hands-on lab.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limit120 minutes
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam fee$400 USD
Valid for3 years
DeliveryCore: Pearson VUE test center or online proctored. Lab: Cisco lab locations

Format: Core: multiple choice, drag-and-drop, simulations. Lab: 8-hour hands-on practical (design, deploy, operate, optimize). Fee note: Core exam $400 (120 min); lab/practical exam $1,600 (8 hours). Cisco Learning Credits accepted.

Who it's for

Senior network engineers with years of enterprise routing, switching and SD-WAN experience aiming for architect-level roles.

What the exam covers

Network Infrastructure—
Software-Defined Infrastructure—
Transport Technologies and Solutions—
Infrastructure Security and Services—
Infrastructure Automation and Programmability—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None formally. You must pass the core exam and then the lab/practical exam within 3 years of the core exam.

Recommended: Cisco recommends 5-7 years of experience designing, deploying, operating and optimizing the technologies in the track.

Keeping it active

Valid 3 years. Recertify by earning 120 Cisco Continuing Education credits, passing any CCIE lab/practical exam, passing a technology core exam plus CE credits, or other combinations defined by the Cisco recertification policy.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 enterprise routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP)
  • Campus switching and fabric (SD-Access)
  • SD-WAN design and operation
  • MPLS L3VPN and DMVPN
  • Network assurance, QoS and multicast
  • Automation with Python, NETCONF/RESTCONF and Catalyst Center APIs

Job roles

Senior Network EngineerNetwork ArchitectPrincipal Network EngineerNetwork ConsultantInfrastructure Team Lead

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Month 1-2: Pass 350-401 ENCOR (also earns Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Core).
  2. Month 3-5: Build a lab (CML or EVE-NG) and master routing and redistribution, BGP policy and IPv6.
  3. Month 6-7: SD-WAN and SD-Access workflows; Catalyst Center and vManage operations.
  4. Month 8-9: MPLS, DMVPN, multicast, QoS and automation scripting.
  5. Month 10-12: Full 8-hour mock labs under time pressure; book the lab exam within 3 years of the core.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Read the whole lab module before configuring; dependencies across tasks are common.
  • Build verification habits (show commands, pings, traceroutes) after every task.
  • Know controller GUIs as well as CLI - SD-WAN and SD-Access tasks are graded on outcome.
  • Practice redistribution loop prevention; it causes cascading failures.
  • Use the full 8 hours; do not leave early without re-verifying.

Key terms for this exam

All 37 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

How much does CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure cost?

$400 for the 350-401 ENCOR core exam and $1,600 for the 8-hour lab, before travel and training.

Is CCNP required before CCIE?

No. There are no formal prerequisites, but most candidates hold CCNP Enterprise because ENCOR is shared.

How long do I have to pass the lab?

Within 3 years of passing the core exam.

How long is CCIE valid?

3 years; recertify with 120 CE credits, a lab, or exam/CE combinations.

Is CCIE still worth it in 2026?

Yes for senior network roles; it remains one of the most respected networking credentials.

Official page: www.cisco.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.