Cisco's new CCNP Wireless Exam Track

Hey Folks! It's been too long since I wrote anything, so to get back into the swing of it, I wanted to share my experience with the new exam. In case you didn't know, Cisco released its new version of the CCNP Wireless Exam mid March 2026. The Core exam, called Implementing and Operating Cisco Wireless Core Technologies (WLCOR) 350-101, replaces the old exam, CCNP Enterprise Wireless Design ENWLSD 300-425. The Core exam includes much of the wireless material found in Cisco's ENCOR 350-401 as well as wireless material from CCNA (200-301).

I walked in to take the Core exam on March 27th not really knowing what to expect, as there was no book or courseware other than the old test material and book. I figured I would take it, figure out what's on it, identify any gaps in my knowledge, and go back and take it again. To my surprise, I passed it on the first attempt. Honestly, I thought it was too easy. The questions were bonkers as usual, which is always the case with Cisco exams. Here is an example so you can get an idea of a "Cisco" test question VS say a CWNP question.

Cisco Question #1: Which one of the following balls bounces?

A. Volleyball

B Basketball

C Football

D Baseball

Answer: B

CWNP Question #1: Which one of the following balls bounces?

A. Cannon Ball

D. Bowling Ball

C. Basketball

D. Billard Ball

Answer: C

As you can see, Cisco tries to trick you. Although all those balls technically bounce in the Cisco example, only one of those balls "legally" can hit the ground in the game and not result in a turnover. That's the best advice I can give when taking a Cisco exam. You really need to know the material at a deeper level of understanding a lot of times. And as you mull over the ridiculousness of the answer options, tick tock tick tock on the clock because Cisco exams typically only give you a minute on average per question. For example, on Cisco DevNet I got like 112 questions for a 90-minute exam!

Key Changes in the CCNP Core Wireless Exam

Cisco revamped the CCNP Wireless certification to better align with modern wireless networking needs. They took the wireless sections from CCNA and CCNP ENCOR and combined them into a new WLCOR exam. The only way I can really describe the exam would be to say its a combination of CWNA/CWSP (CWNP.org) like questions along with Cisco-specific questions.

Updated Wireless PHY Content

The exam now covers Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and 7 standards and AP model specifics. Candidates must understand these technologies, how to deploy them effectively, and the differences/improvements/caveats between older and newer Cisco AP models.

Little to no AireOS or Prime Infrastructure

The old CCNP exam covered a lot of AireOS and Prime Infrastructure. The new CCNP is 95% 9800, only really asking about some key differences. Don't expect more than a few questions referring to the EOL stuff

• Catalyst Center and Spaces

The new exam includes topics on Cisco Catalyst Center and Spaces. I didn't get many questions, maybe 2-3, but it's there

• Consolidated Exam Structure

Instead of multiple exams for different wireless topics, Cisco streamlined the certification into a core exam that covers essential wireless concepts and a concentration exam that focuses on specific skills like design (WLSD) or implementation (WLSI)

Exam Format and Requirements

The new CCNP Wireless certification requires passing two exams:

1. Core Exam

   This exam tests foundational wireless knowledge, including architecture, infrastructure, security, and automation.

   
   

2. Concentration Exam

   Candidates choose one concentration exam based on their career focus. Options include wireless design or wireless implementation

   
   

The CCNP Wireless Design Exam (WLSD)

Like the Core Exam, I decided to walk into the Design exam to see what was on it. I figured since I do design all day long, it was a logical choice. I passed on the first attempt on May 8th. Cisco U did have better courseware for the design exam than Core, and since the exam covers a lot of site survey, that process doesn't really change very often, and the study material was still relevant. The design exam was heavy on FlexConnect, High Availability, and Mobility design. The questions once again were crazy and very subject to interpretation.

Preparing for the New CCNP Wireless Exams

There is courseware now on CiscoU, so if you're new to Cisco Wireless, that would be best. If you have been doing Cisco Wireless for a while, the exam is not challenging. I will say you should be able to conquer the old exam practice questions/topics on anything non-AireOS. I skimmed the old 300-425 book and took those Peraon VUE practice tests

• Study the Official Cisco Exam Blueprints

  
  

Cisco provides detailed exam topics and objectives. Use this as a checklist to guide your study plan.

• Hands-On Practice

Set up a lab environment with Cisco wireless controllers, access points, and Catalyst Center to practice basic configuration and troubleshooting. Configuration questions were light, and I didn't get any advanced configuration questions. CLI questions were also pretty light. I would say if you can configure an SSID, Policy, Tags, and High Availability all from CLI, then you're covered for both exams

• Use Cisco Learning Resources

  
  

Cisco offers official training courses on Cisco U. There are currently no other resources or even practice questions other than from the old exam.

Study CWNA/CWSP courseware and CCNP Enterprise Wireless Design ENWLSD 300-425 and Implementation ENWLSI 300-430 courseware (you can ignore any of the AireOS specifics)