Implementing and Operating Cisco Service Provider Network Core Technologies (SPCOR)

Exam Code: 350-501

The Implementing and Operating Cisco Service Provider Network Core Technologies certification validates your knowledge and skills to implement, operate, and troubleshoot core service provider networking technologies, including routing, MPLS, segment routing, QoS, automation, security, and network services—forming the foundation of the CCNP Service Provider certification.

Exam Breakdown
Domain Breakdown
Access Breakdown

Exam Format

Exam Code: 350‑501 SPCOR
Level: Specialist (core requirement for CCNP & CCIE Service Provider)
Duration: 120 minutes
Passing Score: Not officially disclosed by Cisco
Unscored Content: May include unscored items for statistical purposes; these do not affect your score and are accounted for in time allocation

Exam Details

Question Types: Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, simulation/testlet formats
Number of Questions: Approximately 90–110
Hands-On Questions: The exam may include scenario-based questions evaluating knowledge of service provider network implementation and operations.

Exam Policies

Offline Proctoring: Must be rescheduled or canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled exam time.
Online Proctoring: Must be rescheduled or canceled at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
Waiting Period: A minimum 5-calendar-day wait is required after a failed attempt before retaking the exam.
Retake Fee: Full exam fee must be paid for each retake.

Validity

Certification Validity: 3 years
Renewal Options: Recertify by passing another exam or earning continuing education (CE) credits

Exam Fee

Base Fee: $400 USD (excluding taxes)
Taxes: Country-specific VAT may apply
. Example: In India, 18% tax applies, making the total $472 USD ($400 + $72 tax)

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for taking the 350-501 exam. However, it is recommended to have:

Strong understanding of networking fundamentals and routing protocols
Experience with service provider networking technologies
Familiarity with MPLS, BGP, and advanced IP routing concepts

Exam Topics

Service Provider Architecture and Infrastructure
Core Routing Technologies (OSPF, IS-IS, BGP)
MPLS and Segment Routing
Quality of Service (QoS) and Traffic Engineering
Multicast Networking
Network Automation and Programmability

Intended Audience

This exam is ideal for professionals pursuing advanced Cisco Service Provider certifications:

Service Provider Network Engineer
CCNP Service Provider candidate
CCIE Service Provider aspirant
Network Automation or Architecture Specialist

Career Impact

Jobs You Can Get: Service Provider Network Engineer, Telecom Network Engineer, Network Infrastructure Engineer, ISP Network Engineer, Network Operations Engineer
Average Salary: Varies by country — U.S.: $100,000–$150,000 USD, India: ₹10,00,000–₹22,00,000 INR, United Kingdom: £55,000–£90,000 GBP, UAE: 200,000–300,000 AED per year.
Why It’s Valuable: Demonstrates expertise in operating and implementing advanced service provider networking technologies used in telecommunications and large-scale ISP networks.

Exam Mode

The exam is proctored and can be taken either:
In-person at authorized Pearson VUE test centres
Online through Pearson VUE’s online proctoring system

Exam Booking Link

Book your SPCOR Exam via Pearson VUE — Click here (https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/cisco.html)

Once you pass the exam

• Download your Cisco Certificate from Cisco Certmetrics
• Processing Time: Certificate available within 24 to 48 hours after passing the exam
• Log in to Cisco Certmetrics: https://cp.certmetrics.com/cisco/en/login
• Navigate to the Certifications section
• Download your Cisco certificate (PDF format)

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Top Reasons to Choose
Implementing and Operating Cisco Service Provider Network Core Technologies (SPCOR)

High Demand for Service Provider Networking Skills

Telecommunications companies and internet service providers rely on highly skilled engineers to build and operate large-scale service provider networks that support millions of users and critical digital infrastructure.

Advanced Knowledge of Core Internet Technologies

The certification validates expertise in core networking technologies such as BGP, MPLS, QoS, and multicast that power global service provider networks and internet infrastructure.

Career Opportunities in Telecom and ISP Networks

Professionals with service provider networking expertise can advance into roles such as telecom network engineer, ISP infrastructure engineer, and network architect supporting large-scale internet services.

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FAQ

Who should take the Implementing and Operating Cisco Service Provider Network Core Technologies (350-501) exam?

The SPCOR exam is designed for network engineers and professionals responsible for implementing and operating service provider networks. It is especially relevant for those pursuing CCNP Service Provider or CCIE Service Provider certifications.
How difficult is the SPCOR exam?

The SPCOR exam is considered moderately to highly challenging because it covers advanced networking technologies including BGP, MPLS, segment routing, QoS, and multicast used in large-scale service provider networks.
Why does Cisco offer the SPCOR certification?

Cisco offers the SPCOR certification to validate professionals who implement and operate service provider networking technologies. Telecommunications and ISP networks require highly skilled engineers capable of managing complex and high-performance network infrastructures.
What tools and resources can be used to prepare for the exam?

Candidates can prepare using Cisco official SPCOR training courses, Cisco Learning Network materials, Cisco documentation, and hands-on labs involving routing, MPLS, and automation technologies.
Is the SPCOR certification still valuable in 2026?

Yes, the SPCOR certification remains valuable in 2026 because global internet infrastructure continues to rely on service provider networks. Professionals with advanced routing and MPLS expertise are highly sought after by telecom providers and network operators.