Officially named Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions, this exam tests a candidate’s competence in the Cisco SD-WAN area from architecture, controller deployment, and WAN Edge router deployment to policies, security, and the management of operations. This makes it the best option for CCNP Enterprise certification hopefuls with a keen interest in working with SD-WAN.

Related Certification Options

Cisco 300-415 is one of the 6 concentration exams that candidates can choose from to fulfill the requirements for earning the Cisco Enterprise certificate. In this case, they also have to ace the core test coded 350-401. Other options available for applicants include Cisco 300-410 (Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services), Cisco 300-420 (Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks), Cisco 300-425 (Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks), Cisco 300-430 (Implementing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks), and Cisco 300-435 (Implementing Automation for Cisco Enterprise Solutions).

If taken separately with no other exams, 300-415 will lead one to acquiring the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise SD-WAN Implementation certification. Usually, the CCNP Enterprise accreditation targets candidates who are keen to demonstrate their proficiency in working with enterprise networking solutions. On the other hand, the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise SD-WAN Implementation certification is a mere recognition of your success as an intermediate-level employee.

A Look at the Cisco 300-415 Exam Details

The Cisco 300-415 exam confirms a candidate’s familiarity with SD-WAN solutions by covering the concepts of SD-WAN architecture, controller deployment, policies, security, and quality of service among others. It has a seat time of 90 minutes and every attempt costs at least $300. Usually, this test is written in English and Japanese languages, and Cisco hasn’t outlined any mandatory requirements for attempting it.

Cisco 300-415 Exam Domains

300-415 exam content outline is divided into 6 primary domains. This represents the core knowledge and skillset required to hold the CCNP Enterprise certificate even though candidates should expect questions from other related sections that are not included in the official list of the objectives. The next section summarizes a general overview of the exam domains, the approximate weightings for every section in the test, and the key subtopics:

1. Architecture (20%)

The first domain tests a candidate’s knowledge of SD-WAN Edge as well as familiarity with the Cisco SD-WAN Cloud OnRamp. This necessitates the learners to start their preparation by mastering the details of a wide range of tools such as orchestration plane, control plane, management plane, SaaS, Colocation, and IaaS.

2. Controller Deployment (15%)

This domain is centred on deploying controllers on the cloud and on-premises, the configuration of device lists and certificates, and troubleshooting control plane connectivity between different controllers. On that note, it is hugely important to understand the concepts of scalability, redundancy, hosting platform, and controller installation before taking this exam.

3. Router Deployment (20%)

This section outlines what the trainees should know when deploying WAN Edge, configuring a data plane for Cisco SD-WAN, and setting up OMP. Other skills tested include configuring TLOCs, configuring vManage and CLI features, and describing multicast support as part of Cisco SD-WAN. This implies the students should demonstrate their familiarity with VRRP, OSPF, EIGRP, dynamic tunnels, on-boarding, and circuit termination, among other technologies.

4. Policies (20%)

This domain addresses policy issues in networks. It tests the candidates’ knowledge of the configuration of control policies, data policies, and end-to-end segmentation. Other areas covered in this chapter include the configuration of Cisco SD-WAN application-aware routing and direct access to the internet.

5. Security and Quality of Service (15%)

Security is an ever-present concern in IT especially when network systems are involved. So, this domain will focus on the configuration of service insertion and QoS treatment for WAN Edge routers. Also, it will measure the student’s expertise in the security features of Cisco SD-WAN and the steps involved in integrating cloud security.

6. Management and Operations (10%)

In conclusion, the Cisco 300-415 exam will assess one’s expertise in management and operations. Here, much emphasis will be placed on the concepts of authentication, reporting, and monitoring from vManage; configuring monitoring, reporting, and authentication; and principles of REST API monitoring. Also tested is the student’s ability to manage software image from vManage.

Career Opportunities

Once you pass the Cisco 300-415 exam and earn your specialist-level certificate, this will broaden your career prospects many times. However, if you ace 350-410 test as well and get CCNP Enterprise accredited, this will be even more rewarding and will make more job titles available for you. This is because gaining new skills translates to better opportunities. In the next section, let’s take a look at the 4 most popular roles you can jump into straight after passing the Cisco 300-415 exam:

• Network Engineer

  Network engineers are involved in maintaining computer networks within the organizations they work for. This entails the key aspects of maintenance including data protection, troubleshooting, and diagnosing of hardware and software problems in network systems. According to the latest information from IT experts on the PayScale website, the average annual pay for a typical network engineer is $75k.

• IT Manager

  IT managers are in charge of coordinating and planning the computer-centred tasks within an organization. This includes determining the networking needs and implementing the right solutions. According to PayScale.com, a typical IT manager is guaranteed an average pay of $89k per year.

• Network Administrator

  Network administrators are responsible for managing computer networks and resolving network issues. Going by more specific details, the job scope of such a professional may entail installing and configuring computer networks, identifying and solving problems in systems, assembling new systems, and monitoring networks. That being said, the average annual pay for these individuals is $60k.

• Network Security Engineer Network security engineers are vital members of modern IT departments tasked with configuring, deploying, and administering network-based and security-centred hardware and software systems. They are expected to secure computer systems from digital attacks, eliminate the possibility of future attacks, and test the existing hardware and software systems. Usually, they get an average income of $87k per year according to PayScale.com.

Certification Path

Attaining the Cisco CCNP Enterprise certificate by passing 300-415 exam means you are ready to pursue more advanced training along this path. And the two best options here include the CCIE Enterprise Wireless and CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certifications. They relate to the expert level and ensure one’s top-tier competence in the field.