Complete 2026 Guide to Passing the Cisco 350-401 ENCOR Exam
Right now, in early 2026, the Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam is right in the middle of a transition—and that’s exactly why so many people are confused.
Here’s the short version: ENCOR v1.1 retires on March 18, 2026, and starting March 19, 2026, Cisco officially moves to ENCOR v1.2, which removes all wireless topics from the exam. This isn’t speculation or rumor. Cisco confirmed it on the Cisco Learning Network, and the updated blueprint is already live.
If you’re studying from older materials, watching random playlists, or following advice from 2023 blogs, you’re probably wasting time. I’ve seen this mistake over and over again.
I’ve held my CCNP Enterprise certification for over four years, passed the 350-401 ENCOR exam myself, and I actively follow exam trend discussions inside the Cisco Learning Network community. This guide exists for one reason only: to help you pass the 2026 Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam efficiently, without overstudying or guessing what matters.
We’ll cut through outdated advice, focus on what’s actually tested in v1.2, and build a plan that works even if you’re juggling a full-time job.
What’s Actually Changing in 2026 (Spoiler: It’s Mostly Good News)
Let’s clear up the biggest question first.
Yes, wireless is gone.
No, the exam didn’t suddenly become “easier.”
But it did become more focused.
Cisco didn’t remove wireless and replace it with nothing. The weight shifted.
ENCOR v1.1 vs v1.2 – High-Level Comparison
| Domain | v1.1 Status | v1.2 Status | What This Means for You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Included | Included | No major change |
| Virtualization | Included | Included | Same depth |
| Infrastructure (Routing/Switching) | Included | Included | Slightly more questions |
| Network Assurance | Included | Included | Increased importance |
| Security | Included | Included | Same topics, more scenarios |
| Automation | Included | Included | Heavier emphasis |
| Wireless | Included | Removed | Stop deep wireless study |
(Source: Cisco official ENCOR exam topics and Cisco Learning Network announcement)
Why Wireless Removal Changes Everything
In v1.1, wireless topics were shallow but annoying. You had to memorize terms, controllers, and design concepts that didn’t always align with real-world enterprise work.
By removing wireless, Cisco did two things:
- Freed up exam space
- Increased relative weight of modern enterprise skills
Based on Learning Network feedback from early v1.2 test-takers, the extra questions tend to show up in:
- Automation & programmability
- SD-WAN concepts
- Network assurance and telemetry
- Real troubleshooting logic (not trivia)
That aligns perfectly with where enterprise networking actually lives in 2026.
My Recommendation (Very Clear on This)
If you’re starting now, study directly for v1.2.
- Don’t “lightly review” wireless.
- Don’t follow v1.1-only books without checking topic mapping.
- Don’t panic—you’re not behind.
This change helps focused learners.
My Proven 12-Week Study Plan
This is the exact structure I recommend to anyone asking me how to pass the 2026 Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam without burning out.
You don’t need six months.
You do need consistency.
Weeks 1–4: Foundation Refresh
Goal: Align your baseline with the v1.2 blueprint.
Focus areas:
- Enterprise network architecture
- Routing fundamentals (OSPF, BGP basics)
- VLANs, trunks, EtherChannel
- Basic security concepts (ACLs, segmentation)
- Virtualization fundamentals
Why this order works:
- These topics connect everything else.
- You’ll recognize patterns later in labs and questions.
Tip from experience:
Most people rush past fundamentals and pay for it later. Don’t.
Weeks 5–8: Deep Dives (Where the Exam Is Won)
Goal: Master high-weight domains.
Primary focus:
- Automation & programmability
- SD-WAN architecture and control plane
- Network assurance and telemetry
- Advanced routing behavior (OSPF/BGP logic)
- Security integration (not syntax memorization)
Evidence this matters:
- Cisco increased automation emphasis in v1.2.
- Community reports consistently mention API and telemetry questions.
Spend extra time here:
- REST vs RESTCONF vs NETCONF
- JSON structure understanding
- Controller-based networking logic
Weeks 9–12: Practice, Labs, and Reality Checks
Goal: Convert knowledge into exam performance.
Activities:
- Full-length practice exams
- Timed question drills
- Hands-on labs
- Weak-area revision
Rule I live by:
If you can explain why an answer is correct, not just which answer is correct, you’re ready.
Top Resources – Yes, Free Ones Can Get You There
You do not need to spend thousands of dollars.
You do need current and aligned resources.
Free Resources (Highly Effective)
| Resource | Coverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco Learning Network | Full blueprint | Official updates & discussions |
| Cisco Docs | Deep technical accuracy | Direct exam alignment |
| Kevin Wallace (YouTube) | Core ENCOR topics | Clear explanations |
| David Bombal (YouTube) | Labs & automation | Real-world focus |
| NetworkChuck | Conceptual clarity | Good for automation mindset |
| Packet Tracer | Routing & switching | Fast practice |
| EVE-NG | Advanced labs | Closest to real networks |
Paid Resources (Optional but Helpful)
| Resource | Strength | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco Press Cert Guide | Structured coverage | Medium |
| CBT Nuggets | Visual explanations | Medium |
| Boson ExSim | Exam realism | High value |
Besides Boson, I also used the practice exams from pass4itsure. They’re updated regularly and felt very close to the real questions—solid value for the price if you want extra confidence.
Hands-On Labs: The Pitfalls I Fell Into So You Don’t Have To
Let me be blunt.
You cannot pass ENCOR comfortably without labs.
Not because it’s a “lab exam,” but because logic-based questions punish memorization.
Must-Practice Lab Topics
- OSPF neighbor behavior
- BGP path selection logic
- SD-WAN components and flow
- NETCONF and RESTCONF basics
- Python automation workflows
- Telemetry configuration concepts
Common Mistakes I See
- Ignoring JSON structure
- Memorizing CLI instead of behavior
- Skipping automation labs “for later”
- Not understanding telemetry flow direction
Fix these, and your confidence jumps fast.
Exam Day Reality Check: Questions, Timing, and Staying Calm
Here’s what the 2026 ENCOR exam actually feels like.
Question Types You’ll See
- Multiple choice
- Multiple response
- Drag-and-drop
- Scenario-based logic questions
Labs often appear early. Don’t panic.
Timing Strategy
- First pass: answer what’s obvious
- Second pass: logic-heavy questions
- Final minutes: review flagged items
Advice from real candidates:
Finishing with 5–10 minutes left is normal. Don’t rush early.
Bonus: 15 Free Practice Questions to Kickstart You
To give you a real head start, I’ve put together 15 free practice questions with detailed explanations covering key v1.2 topics.
These are original questions based on the latest blueprint.
They’re designed to expose weak areas fast.
👉https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dXjMrQrh_hbeM5NOqXQVlqBumCZvJKkW/
Next Steps After Passing ENCOR
Passing ENCOR unlocks the rest of the CCNP Enterprise path.
Your next move:
- Choose a concentration exam
- Focus on real-world specialization
- Build depth, not just certifications
Conclusion
The 2026 Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam isn’t harder—it’s clearer.
With wireless removed and automation emphasized, Cisco is testing skills that actually matter in enterprise networks today. If you follow a focused plan, use current resources, and put in hands-on practice, passing ENCOR is absolutely achievable.
Consistency beats cramming.
Understanding beats memorization.
And action beats anxiety.
You’ve got this.
FAQs
1. Should I still study wireless for the 2026 ENCOR exam?
No. Wireless is fully removed starting ENCOR v1.2 on March 19, 2026.
2. Is the 2026 Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam harder than before?
Not harder—more focused. Automation and assurance matter more now.
3. How long should I study for ENCOR?
A structured 12-week plan works well for most professionals.
4. Are free resources really enough to pass ENCOR?
Yes, if they’re current and aligned with v1.2.
5. What’s the biggest mistake ENCOR candidates make?
Studying outdated v1.1 material and ignoring automation labs.