What is the duration, language, and format of Cisco 350-501: Implementing and Operating Cisco Service Provider Network Core Technologies Exam

• Duration of Exam: 120 minutes
• Validity: 3 years
• Format: Multiple choice
• Language of Exam: English

Cisco 350-501 Exam Domains Explained

The Cisco 350-501 exam can be scheduled at Pearson VUE and has a total duration of 120 minutes. It confirms if a trainee can implement fundamental service provider network solutions and technologies by addressing the following topics:

• Networking

  This domain emphasizes the implementation of OSPF and IS-IS as well as checks one's knowledge of the BGP path selection algorithm. The candidates also need to understand how to apply the route maps and routing policy language efficiently and resolve the issues related to routing protocols. Finally, the concepts of the high availability implementation and IPv6 transition are included in this section as well.

• Automation and Assurance

  This domain starts by covering the programmable APIs and their role in Cisco network automation. Then, it focuses on the interpretation of an external script and configuration of Cisco devices using the REST API. What's more, this topic will also address the concepts of agent and agentless configuration tools, data analytics, gRPC, configuration and verification of the NetFlow/IPFIX, RESTCONF, and NETCONF, and SNMP (v2c/v3). Finally, the advantages of specific data modeling languages like YANG are involved as well as the significance of Network Services Orchestration (NSO) and model-driven telemetry, among the rest.

• Architecture

  Under this section, the candidates have to show their thorough understanding of service provider architectures and virtualization, the architectures of the Cisco network software, data plane security implementation and management, and QoS architecture. Skills in configuring and verifying control plane security are required as well.

• Segment Routing and MPLS

  This module revolves around the implementation of MPLS, the concepts of traffic engineering, and segment routing. The applicants should demonstrate their skills in working with LDP session protection, Unified MPLS, LDP Neighbors, TI-LFa, IGP Control Plane, Segment Types, FRR, and RSVP Functionality, and among the rest.

• Services

  The topics under this module mainly assess the applicants' competence in setting up L3VPN and L2VPNalong with Carrier Ethernet. Also, one should be proficient in the implementation of QoS and multicast services and understand all the main features of the VPN services well.

Reference: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/exams/current-list/spcor-350-501.html

Exam Requirements

Cisco doesn’t offer any prerequisites to fulfill before going for the 350-501 exam. However, the potential candidates have to possess a deep understanding of the topics before taking this path. Only this way, they will be able to cover all the questions and get the passing score. All in all, it will be easier for you to have the expertise in the following areas:

• at least 5 years of working experience in deploying, designing, managing, and optimizing service provider technologies & solutions (for the CCIE path).
• at least 3 years of working experience in implementing service provider solutions (for the CCNP path);