Here's Everything We Know About the New CCNP Updates Coming in 2023

Last December, Cisco announced that changes would be coming to many of its certifications in 2023 — including a new CCNA exam. The most recent Cisco Certification Roadmap release is also giving clarity on plans for its first CCNP exam updates, including dates for the new CCNP Collaboration, CCNP Data Center, and CCNP Enterprise tracks.

Along with all the CCNP updates coming down the pipeline in 2023, Cisco also announced that there will be a completely new exam, the ENCC. 

Keep reading for a breakdown of all the 2023 CCNP changes and what they mean for Cisco learners moving forward. 

What is the New Designing and Implementing Cloud Connectivity (300-440 ENCC) Exam?

First, the biggest news. Cisco is rolling out a completely new CCNP Enterprise concentration exam: 300-440 ENCC Designing and Implementing Cloud Connectivity — which focuses on designing, deploying, and operating scalable cloud solutions including:

• VPN technologies

• SD-WAN

• Cloud-native networking

Cisco’s new 300-440 exam is aimed at network engineers who already are or will be tasked with helping organizations adapt to a rapidly increasingly hybrid cloud world. More than ever, network engineers need to be able to design, build, and operate hybrid networks. 

This announcement from Cisco garnered a lot of excitement at CBT Nuggets HQ, most notably for Cisco’s increased focus on the hybrid cloud.

According to longtime trainer Knox Hutchinson, creating a concentration focused on cloud connectivity is a smart move. “Hybrid connectivity is so hot right now,” echoing data that shows an increasing number of organizations moving toward cloud and hybrid solutions. 

The Cisco certification roadmap says testing for the new ENCC 300-440 concentration exam will begin on September 20, 2023. But other existing CCNP concentration exams will be out as soon as next month.

When Will the New Cisco CCNP Exams Be Released?

To earn Cisco CCNP certification, you have to pass two exams: one core exam and one concentration exam. Core exams cover foundational and common concepts that you need to know to be considered proficient in a technology.

Concentration exams allow learners to dive deeper into technologies related to core areas, providing learners the opportunity to choose specific topics that are relevant to them or their careers.

Both the core and concentration exams are getting an update for Enterprise, Collaboration, and Data Center tracks. 

2023 Scheduled Release Dates for Updated CCNP Exams 

Below are the scheduled release dates for the updated CCNP exams. Keep in mind that these core exams are also required to earn CCIE certification. If you’re planning to earn the prestigious CCIE, these updates will impact you as well.

The following 2023 release dates are tentative, so be sure to check Cisco’s Certification Roadmaps page to stay informed of any changes. 

2023 CCNP Enterprise Exam Update Timing

ENCOR is the core exam required to earn CCNP Enterprise certification. Cisco lists the first date to test as September 20, 2023. The concentration exams will also be released on the same date.

2023 CCNP Collaboration Exam Update Timing

CLCOR is the core exam required to earn CCNP Collaboration certification. Cisco lists the first date to test as April 20, 2023. The concentration exams will also be released on the same date.

For experts aiming at CCIE certification, the CCIE Collaboration practical exam will follow on July 20, 2023. One of the current concentration exams will also be retiring this year, with April 19, 2023 being the last test date for the 300-825 CLCNF.

2023 CCNP Data Center Exam Update Timing

DCCOR is the core exam required to earn CCNP Data Center certification. Cisco lists the first date to test as April 20, 2023. The concentration exams will also be released on the same date.

One of the current Data Center concentration exams will also be retiring this year, with April 19, 2023 being the last test date for the 300-625 DCSAN. For CCIE hopefuls, there's more time before any changes hit the CCIE Data Center practical exam. The Cisco roadmap puts those updates in 2024.

RELATED: Here’s how long most people need to study for the CCNP and other exams

Why is Cisco Updating the CCNP Exams? 

In December 2022, Cisco announced it’d be reviewing exams on a quarterly schedule to ensure the certifications align with the latest Cisco technologies. Most of the changes coming to the CCNP core and concentration exams are considered minor, meaning that the domains and main components will stay the same. 

That doesn’t mean there won’t be updates that require some learning ahead of exam day. For instance, Cisco will be adding new technologies to its exams and removing ones that are no longer relevant. For example, here’s a breakdown of the changes to the 300-410 ENARSI concentration exam:

Compared to v1.0, all 4 domains (Layer 3, VPN, Infrastructure Security, and Infrastructure Services) remain identical. The technologies that were added to EIGRP are VRF and global routing modes. VRF-Lite and unicast routing were added to BGP.

Read up on all the updates and changes coming to each of the CCNP core and concentration exams at the following release notes for each technology track:

• CCNP Enterprise blueprint revisions 

• CCNP Collaboration blueprint revisions

• CCNP Data Center blueprint revisions

How Can Cisco CCNP Certification Benefit Your Career?

If you want to become a networking professional or level up your expertise, earning Cisco certification is a smart, safe investment. Cisco has long been the gold standard for networking. 

Earning the CCNP proves you've got some serious skills in network design, implementation, and troubleshooting, and shows employers that you're a desirable candidate for better-paying networking jobs. Not only that but holding advanced certs like the CCNP demonstrate your dedication to continuous learning and professional development, which can boost your credibility in the industry. 

Staying up-to-date on your certifications — including the updates coming to the CCNP exams — shows employers that you have what it takes to keep their networks safe and secure. 

It can also help your career growth prospects beyond the CCNP. Earning your CCNP can set you up for Cisco’s CCIE certifications, which are recognized as some of the most prestigious in the IT and tech industries. The CCIE is Cisco’s expert certification level (and it’s not an easy path to travel).

Which CCNP Exams Are Retiring in 2023?

Not to worry, only two CCNP concentration exams will disappear in this next round of updates. As of March 2023, Cisco announced retirement dates for two CCNP concentration exams — one from the Collaboration track and one from the Data Center track. Both the 300-825 CLCNF: Implementing Cisco Collaboration Conferencing exam and the 300-625 DCSAN: Implementing Cisco Storage Area Networking exam will no longer be available after April 19, 2023.

Should You Take the Current CCNP Exams or Wait for the New CCNP Exams?

If you’re currently studying for the 300-825 or 300-625 CCNP concentration exams that will retire soon, there’s not much time left before their last testing date (April 19, 2023). You’ll need to assess how ready you are to take those exams in the next few weeks. If you're feeling confident with the material, you may want to go ahead and take them now.

But if you haven’t started studying for any CCNP certification exam, it's a good idea to wait until the updated and new exams are released in April and September. 

That doesn’t mean you need to completely hold off on getting your CCNP journey started. Most of the new CCNP exam updates are fairly minor, so experienced networking pros can get a jump start on the CCNP by using existing CCNP training to prepare for the updated exams. These CBT Nuggets CCNP courses are a great starting point: 

• CCNP Enterprise

• CCNP Collaboration

• CCNP Data Center

Keep your eyes open for updated CCNP training from CBT Nuggets this year. Our trainers are always working to bring you the most current and relevant training.