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Cisco · Networking · Professional

Cisco CCNP Service Provider exam guide

Exam 350-501 SPCOR (core) + one concentration: 300-510 SPRI, 300-515 SPVI or 300-540 SPCNI

CCNP Service Provider proves professional-level skill running carrier and large-scale networks: core architecture, MPLS, segment routing, QoS, VPN services and automation. You earn it with SPCOR plus one concentration in advanced routing, VPN services or cloud network infrastructure.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limitSee official page
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam fee$700 USD
Valid for3 years
DeliveryProctored at a test center or online, scheduled through Cisco's certification portal

Format: Multiple choice (single and multiple answer), drag-and-drop, and simulation/testlet-style items; pass/fail. Fee note: Total for core ($400, 120 min) plus one concentration ($300, 90 min); Cisco Learning Credits accepted.

Who it's for

Engineers at ISPs, telcos, cloud and content providers, and large enterprises running SP-style cores.

What the exam covers

SPCOR: Core Architecture—
SPCOR: Services—
SPCOR: Networking—
SPCOR: Quality of Service—
SPCOR: Security—
SPCOR: Automation and Assurance—

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

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None.

Recommended: Three to five years of experience implementing solutions in this technology area.

Keeping it active

Valid 3 years. Recertify with 80 Cisco Continuing Education (CE) credits, or by passing one professional core exam, or two concentration exams, or 40 CE credits plus one concentration exam, or a CCIE lab or CCDE practical.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • IS-IS, OSPF and BGP at scale
  • MPLS LDP, RSVP-TE and Segment Routing
  • L2VPN and L3VPN services
  • QoS for service provider networks
  • IOS XR configuration and operations
  • Model-driven telemetry and automation

Job roles

Service Provider Network EngineerIP/MPLS EngineerBackbone EngineerNetwork ArchitectTelecom Network Engineer

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. Weeks 1-3: SPCOR architecture and networking: IS-IS, BGP, IOS XR; lab with XRd or CML.
  2. Weeks 4-5: MPLS, segment routing, VPN services and QoS.
  3. Week 6: Automation and assurance; SPCOR practice exams.
  4. Weeks 7-10: Concentration (SPRI for routing depth, SPVI for VPN services, SPCNI for cloud infrastructure).
  5. Weeks 11-12: Concentration practice and review.

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

  • Be comfortable on IOS XR as well as IOS XE syntax.
  • Segment routing is heavily featured; know SR-MPLS and TI-LFA.
  • SPCOR qualifies you for the CCIE Service Provider lab.
  • Use XRd containers for free, realistic labs.

Frequently asked questions

How much does CCNP Service Provider cost?

US$700: $400 for SPCOR plus $300 for one concentration.

What are the concentrations?

300-510 SPRI, 300-515 SPVI and 300-540 SPCNI.

Is CCNP Service Provider worth it outside telcos?

It is most valuable at ISPs, cloud and content providers, and enterprises with MPLS/SR cores.

CCNP SP vs Juniper JNCIP-SP?

Both are respected; choose based on the vendor your target employers run. Many SP engineers hold both.

How long is it valid?

3 years.

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.