Top 5 Study Resources Every CCNP Candidate Should Use

A few months into studying for my CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) exam, I hit a wall.

Not because I didn’t understand OSPF or BGP. Not because I didn’t have time. But because I was drowning in resources—books, videos, Reddit threads, mock tests… and still unsure where to focus.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed too, you’re not alone. The truth is, passing the CCNP isn’t about studying everything—it’s about studying the right things, with the right tools.

So in this post, I’ll share the top 5 study resources every CCNP candidate should use, based on my personal journey and what worked best for other successful candidates I know. Whether you're targeting the Enterprise, Security, or Collaboration track, these tools will help you study smarter, not harder.

1. Cisco Official Certification Guide (OCG)

Let’s start with the foundation—Cisco’s own Official Certification Guides. These books are written by the experts behind the exams, which means they cover exactly what you’re expected to know.

Yes, they can be dense. No, they’re not bedtime reading. But if you're serious about passing the CCNP, the OCG is your must-have reference.

Pro Tip: Don’t try to read it cover-to-cover in one go. Break it down into chapters aligned with the exam topics, take notes, and highlight concepts you don’t fully grasp yet.

And remember, OCGs aren’t the end-all—pair them with hands-on practice and other tools for real mastery.

2. Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 for Labs

Theory alone won’t get you across the finish line. You’ve got to get your hands dirty.

That’s where Cisco Packet Tracer (great for beginners) or GNS3 (ideal for advanced simulation) comes in. These tools let you build, break, and troubleshoot real network topologies, without needing expensive hardware.

Practicing labs helps you:

1. Understand routing protocols and switching behavior

2. Apply configuration commands from memory

3. Develop troubleshooting instincts for real-world scenarios

Personally, I set up a mini-lab every Sunday afternoon—sometimes even recreated tricky questions from practice tests to figure out the logic behind them.

3. Sprintzeal’s CCNP Certification Training

If I had to pick one game-changer from my CCNP prep—it was this.
Sprintzeal’s CCNP Certification Training Program isn’t just another video course. It’s a structured, interactive training experience that helps you make progress even when life gets busy.

Here’s what stood out to me:

1. Real-world examples that connect concepts to actual network environments

2. Hands-on labs and scenario-based questions

3. Access to mentors and community for feedback and support

4. Flexible timing (I did most sessions after work hours!)

Whether you're self-motivated or need that extra push, Sprintzeal's approach helps you stay consistent—and that’s the secret to passing.

4. Boson ExSim Practice Exams

There are practice tests... and then there’s Boson.

The Boson ExSim for CCNP isn’t just a collection of questions—it’s a realistic, scenario-based simulator that mirrors the actual exam interface and difficulty level.

Here’s why I love it:

1. Explanations for every answer (even the wrong ones)

2. Timed mode to simulate exam pressure

3. Question logic that forces you to apply knowledge, not just memorize

Take a full Boson mock test a few weeks before your exam. You’ll walk in with less panic and more confidence.

5. YouTube + Podcasts = Learning on the Go

Look, sometimes you don’t have the mental energy for labs or books. On those days, I’d plug in my headphones and let networking YouTube channels or IT podcasts do the teaching while I made dinner or went for a walk.

Some of my favorites:

1. Jeremy’s IT Lab – Free and fantastic CCNP-level walkthroughs

2. NetworkChuck – Entertaining takes on serious topics

3. The Packet Pushers Podcast – Deep dives into networking trends

These are perfect for passive learning, especially when you're struggling to stay motivated.

Final Thoughts: The Best Resource Is the One You’ll Actually Use

The internet is flooded with CCNP prep material. But here's what I learned: you don't need a dozen resources—you need the right ones that match your learning style.

Here’s a quick recap:

1. Start with Cisco’s Official Guides for theory

2. Use Packet Tracer or GNS3 to practice configs

3. Enroll in Sprintzeal’s CCNP Training for structure, labs, and expert help

4. Test yourself with Boson ExSim

5. Supplement with YouTube and podcasts for daily inspiration

Stay consistent, track your progress, and trust the process. Your CCNP badge is closer than you think—and these tools will help get you there.