CCNP Collaboration-Certified Professionals Needed at Least 3 Months to Prepare
by Ross Heintzkill | Published on January 20, 2025
In order to earn the CCNP Collaboration, you'll have to pass the 350-801 CLCOR exam. It's a big test, and preparing for it will take time, energy, and resources. How many months should you plan to spend prepping for CLCOR? That depends on a number of factors, but understanding average study times for other CCNP Collaboration certified pros may help you plan ahead.
We asked CLCOR exam takers how long they needed to prepare ahead of test day. Want to know how much time you should expect to study for the CLCOR exam? Keep reading to find out.
What is the CCNP Collaboration?
The CCNP Collaboration is a mid-career certification for collaboration engineers, voice engineers, and network engineers. To earn it, you have to pass at least two exams: the core exam (350-801 CLCOR) and at least one concentration exam in a specialty area of your choosing.
Just the CLCOR will set you back $400 per attempt, and you'll have two hours to take the test. The CCNP Collaboration core exam covers these topics:
Managing collaboration network infrastructure and design
Configuring Cisco collaboration protocols
Ensuring secure communications for enterprise-level voice and video solutions.
The CCNP Collaboration is worth it if your organization relies on Cisco collaboration tools like Unified Communications Manager and Cisco Unity Connection. Earning your CCNP Collaboration showcases your ability to deploy and manage advanced collaboration solutions, making it a great asset when you're looking to specialize in the growing field of enterprise communication systems.
How Long Does it Take to Study for the CCNP Collaboration Core Exam?
The CCNP Collaboration is tough but valuable, and requires passing two exams: the CLCOR (which covers core collaboration technologies), and one concentration exam of your choosing. If you’re planning to take the CCNP Collaboration exam, expect to spend several months preparing. The core exam alone is a doozy — just look at the amount of time folks needed to prep for 350-801 CLCOR.
Nearly 70% of respondents needed over 3 months to feel confident enough to take the test.
Only 6% of respondents say they were able to prepare in less than 6 weeks.
Almost all (90%) need more than 6 weeks to get ready, proving you need to have a deep understanding and mastery of collaboration technologies before you’re exam-ready.
Clearly, this is not the kind of test you can quickly cram for! These results reflect the complexity of the topics covered in the CCNP Collaboration core exam, from implementing and troubleshooting voice and video technologies to network infrastructure for collaboration. It's not just about learning a few concepts; it's about thoroughly mastering a broad and challenging subject matter.
What's on the CCNP Collaboration Core Exam?
The core exam required to earn your CCNP Collaboration (along with one concentration exam) is 350-801 CLCOR, a 120-minute exam that covers core collaboration technologies, infrastructure and design, protocols, and endpoints.
An online Cisco course is extremely valuable when preparing for this difficult test, which covers these topics:
Infrastructure and Design
Protocols, Codecs and Endpoints
Cisco IOS XE Gateway and Media Resources
Call Control
Quality of Service
Collaboration Applications
The CCNP Collaboration test covers the skills needed to design, configure, and troubleshoot Cisco’s collaboration solutions, which include voice, video, and messaging systems. A large part of the exam focuses on Cisco’s on-premises, cloud, and hybrid collaboration tools. You'll want to understand core concepts like licensing, quality of service (QoS), high availability, and security measures like SRTP and TLS. Make sure you're familiar with key network components like DNS, DHCP, and LDAP.
Another focus area is managing and troubleshooting SIP elements that are central to call setup, transfers, and other functions in Cisco collaboration systems. Make sure you have first-hand experience with SIP configurations, codecs, and OAuth on Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM). Practical skills related to call management and routing within collaboration networks, like deploying and troubleshooting SIP endpoints, voice gateways, and dial plans, are crucial.
Quality of Service (QoS) and voice/video quality optimization are also covered extensively. You should know how to minimize issues like latency, jitter, and packet loss as well as use Cisco Unity Connection (for voicemail services) and Webex (for cloud collaboration). Overall, the exam covers the tools and techniques needed to support, troubleshoot, and optimize Cisco collaboration systems in various environments.
Preparing for CLCOR can take between 3 and 5 months, but an online course helps you master the extensive content much more quickly. A high-quality CCNP Collaboration training course that has in-depth modules on the tools and protocols that appear on the exam will prove very helpful. Even better if the course includes resources like virtual labs, practice exams, and expert advice to help reduce the time it takes you to prepare.
Should I Spend 3 Months Preparing for the CCNP Collaboration Core Exam?
If your career revolves around collaboration technology, the CCNP Collaboration is a fantastic certification. Roles like unified communications engineer and collaboration specialist benefit greatly from mastering Cisco’s collaboration tools, and it’s also ideal for network admins stepping into unified communications.
Spending 3 to 5 months prepping for CLCOR will boost your skills in Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Webex, and more. You’ll build a specialized skill set that empowers you to help organizations optimize their communication tech in a growing field.
How to Prepare for the CCNP Collaboration Core Exam in Less Time
Studying for the CLCOR can take between 3 and 5 months, but online courses, virtual labs, and practice exams can help you prepare efficiently. Here’s how these tools help you achieve certification faster.
Use Premium CLCOR Online Training Resources
Invest in top-notch CLCOR training to make sure you’re using the best resources available. Be careful when using free resources — they can be scattered and of uneven quality. CBT Nuggets training provides structured approaches to CCNP Collaboration topics, guiding you through Cisco’s collaboration platforms in a logical sequence. This can save you time and ensure you’re learning what’s most relevant not just to the exam but to your future job.
Use Virtual Labs
Virtual labs allow you to experience Cisco collaboration environments directly, giving you practical experience in configuring tools like Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Webex. Virtual labs offer real-world scenarios and hands-on practice, cutting down on study time by letting you practice skills directly applicable to the certifying exam.
Test Yourself Using Practice Exams
The CCNP Collaboration certification test includes a range of challenging topics, so practice exams can give you a clearer sense of what to expect. Use them to highlight areas where you may need extra review, ensuring you’re prepared for the actual test in less time.
Learn Collaboration Essentials From Experts
Train with voice and collaboration experts who know Cisco’s platforms inside and out. Trainers like Lalo Nunez and Jeff Kish create lessons that are easy to follow, using visuals and examples that simplify even the most complex topics so you can prepare for the exam without unnecessary stress.
If advancing your career in collaboration technology is the goal, earning your CCNP Collaboration cert is the key — and CLCOR is a major part of that. Preparing takes many people at least 3 months, but you can fast-track the process with a Collaboration Core online course that allows you to study at your own pace.
Invest in your growth and be ready for the next big opportunity in less time, all while mastering skills that will make you stand out in any collaboration role.