What topics are on the 500-490 exam?

SD-Access Discovery 6%

1.1

Customer Requirements Gathering

2 subtopics

1.1.1Business Outcomes Analysis

1.1.2Technical Requirements Assessment

Learning Objectives

Conduct effective discovery sessions with customers
Identify SD-Access use cases and benefits
Document current state and desired future state

Domain Hands-on Skills

Discovery workshop facilitationRequirements documentationBusiness case development

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete discovery leading to scope creep
Not addressing all stakeholder concerns
Missing critical integration requirements

SD-Access Design 12%

SDA Demonstration 8%

SDA Defend 8%

SD-WAN: Discover 8%

SD-WAN: Design 12%

SD-WAN: Demonstration 12%

ISE: Discover 6%

ISE: Design 12%

ISE: Demonstration 6%

ISE: Defend 12%

How do I earn the Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Enterprise Architecture

Prerequisites

200-301CCNAOptional

Next Steps

350-401ENCOR
350-701SCOR
CCIE LabCCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Lab

Current Level

500-490ENDESIGNSpecialization

Alternative Paths

Career Progression

Entry Roles

Junior Field Engineer
Associate Sales Engineer
Network Support Engineer

Target Roles

Field Engineer
Sales Engineer
Solution Architect
Pre-sales Consultant

Advanced Roles

Senior Solution Architect
Principal Field Engineer
Technical Solutions Manager
Enterprise Architect

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Pass any Expert-level examPass any two Professional concentration examsPass the technology core examEarn 40 Continuing Education credits

How do I study for the 500-490 Exam?

Practice the Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Official Resources

Community Resources

Cisco Learning Network Forums Reddit r/ccna and r/ccnp Cisco Certification Study GroupsLinkedIn

Hands-on Labs

Cisco DevNet Sandbox Cisco dCloud Cisco Packet Tracer

Study Tips

Focus on understanding the 4D methodology deeply
Get hands-on experience with DNA Center, vManage, and ISE
Practice explaining technical concepts in business terms
Join study groups for peer learning
Use multiple resources for comprehensive coverage
Create your own lab environment if possible

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

SD-Access2.3

Enhanced AI/ML features may appear in future exam updates

Released: 2025-06-01

SD-WAN20.12

New cloud integration features relevant for exam

Released: 2025-07-01

ISE3.3

Zero trust enhancements align with exam objectives

Released: 2025-05-15

Industry Trends

AI/ML integration becoming standard in network management platforms
Zero trust architecture adoption accelerating across enterprises
Multi-cloud connectivity emerging as critical requirement
SASE convergence influencing SD-WAN deployments
Automation skills increasingly required for all network roles

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

Understanding of enterprise network fundamentals
Experience with Cisco enterprise solutions
Knowledge of network design principles
Familiarity with Cisco DNA architecture

Experience Level: Intermediate

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost	$300 USD
Testing Centers	Pearson VUE
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	3 years
Recertification	Pass any CCNP-level concentration exam Pass any CCIE lab exam Earn 40 CE (Continuing Education) credits Pass the core exam for the same track

What jobs can I get with this?

Career Benefits

Validates enterprise network design skills
Demonstrates expertise in Cisco DNA architecture
Qualifies for field engineering roles
Enhances sales engineering capabilities

Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details