Should I pursue the CCNP Enterprise after CCNA?

[Mila.T]

I recently completed my CCNA and I’m trying to decide whether pursuing the CCNP Enterprise next actually makes sense for my career path. I understand it’s a big step up in difficulty, and I’m unsure if I should gain more hands-on networking experience first or start preparing now while the fundamentals are still fresh. I’m especially curious how CCNP Enterprise changes day-to-day job opportunities compared to CCNA, and whether it’s worth the time investment at this stage.

[PaulH]

After CCNA I waited about a year before starting CCNP Enterprise. That gap helped because I had time to see how routing, switching, and troubleshooting actually show up in day-to-day work. When I came back to studying, the concepts clicked faster.

[Paisley46]

One thing I underestimated was how broad CCNP Enterprise is. Even if you already work with networks, the exam expects comfort with multiple routing protocols, wireless, automation basics, and design tradeoffs. It’s doable, but it’s not something I’d rush without hands-on exposure.

[DavidRW]

I started CCNP Enterprise while working in a network support role. Some topics felt abstract at first, but labbing made a huge difference. The cert felt less about memorization and more about building confidence in complex situations.

[Addison36]

I considered jumping straight into CCNP because everyone says CCNA is entry level now, but I’m glad I didn’t rush. The extra time after CCNA let me figure out whether I actually wanted to stay in networking long term.

[Jacob_H]

One thing that surprised me is how much CCNP Enterprise helped in interviews. Even before finishing, being able to talk through routing design or failure scenarios made conversations more technical and less generic.

[Gregory.J]

I’m a year into CCNA and mostly handle campus gear and wireless. I started looking at CCNP Enterprise and found the depth on routing protocols wasn’t what I touch every day, but the design thinking, QoS planning, and how wired and wireless layers fit together actually helped me frame projects and write better docs.

[JackZJ]

In a recent project we redesigned VLANs, wired/WLAN integration, and guest access; the prep material gave me concrete ways to justify topology choices to management, not just theory.

[Nathan_R]

I tried the track and the labs were a slog. I kept thinking I’d use this next quarter, but between work and family it felt like a time sink.

[Olivia22]

I set a 6 week study plan, built a small lab rack, and aimed for 8–10 hours a week. I logged about 40 hours and still felt overwhelmed by some topics.

[Noah95]

One afternoon I wandered into NAC and network policy stuff while chasing wireless issues, then wandered back to basics like switch stacking; it reminded me the learning path isn’t linear.

[Victoria_M]

Do you actually need the cert for your current job, or is it the status and potential raise you're chasing?

[Joshua66]

Another small win: the practice labs forced me to document steps and outcomes; even when I forgot a command, I had a trace I could follow later.