HCIA-5G-Core vs. HCIP-5G-Core: Which Huawei 5G Certification Is Right for You?

As 5G technology accelerates digital transformation, telecom organizations worldwide are rapidly adopting advanced core network solutions. Huawei, one of the global leaders in 5G, offers specialized certifications to help engineers gain hands-on skills and industry-recognized expertise. Among these, HCIA-5G-Core and HCIP-5G-Core form a progressive certification path for professionals aiming to excel in 5G network operations and deployment. If you are considering one of these credentials but are unsure where to start, this guide will help you choose the right path based on your skills, career goals, and experience level.

What is HCIA-5G-Core?

HCIA-5G-Core (Huawei Certified ICT Associate – 5G Core) is an entry-level certification. It focuses on:

●The structure and evolution of 5G core networks 

●Basic principles of NSA (Non-Standalone) and SA (Standalone) 5G architectures 

●NFVI and MANO fundamentals 

●Routine maintenance tasks for Huawei 5G core products such as UNC, UDG, UDM, and UPCF

Who Should Choose HCIA-5G-Core?

Fresh graduates or early-career telecom engineers 

Professionals transitioning into 5G O&M roles 

Anyone needing foundational knowledge of Huawei 5G core systems

Exam Essentials

Exam Code: H35-650 

Format: Single-answer, Multiple-answer, True/False 

Duration: 90 minutes 

Passing Score: 600/1000 

Cost: $200 

Language: English/Chinese

What is HCIP-5G-Core?

HCIP-5G-Core (Huawei Certified ICT Professional – 5G Core) is a more advanced qualification designed for engineers who already understand fundamental 5G core concepts.

This certification dives deeper into:

●Advanced 5G core architecture and key technologies

●SA network deployment and lifecycle management

●NFV O&M solutions and troubleshooting

●Huawei SPS hardware/software and enhanced product skills

Who Should Choose HCIP-5G-Core?

●Telecom professionals with foundational 5G knowledge 

●Huawei partner and customer engineers working on SA deployments 

●Specialists involved in network optimization and troubleshooting

Exam Essentials

Exam Code: H35-651 

Format: Single-answer, Multiple-answer, True/False 

Duration: 90 minutes 

Passing Score: 600/1000 

Cost: $300 

Language: English/Chinese

HCIA vs. HCIP: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature HCIA-5G-Core HCIP-5G-Core Level Beginner Intermediate–Advanced Focus Fundamentals & routine O&M Advanced deployment & troubleshooting Target Audience New engineers in 5G Experienced telecom professionals Main Topics NSA & SA basics, NFV intro SA deployment, NFV lifecycle O&M Career Impact Entry to 5G O&M roles Lead roles in 5G deployment & engineering

Career Outcomes

HCIA-5G-Core 5G Core O&M Assistant, Network Technician, Junior NFV Engineer 

HCIP-5G-Core 5G Core Network Engineer, Deployment Specialist, Senior NFV/O&M Engineer

Both certifications are highly valuable in a growing job market - especially for companies working with Huawei 5G networks.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose HCIA-5G-Core if:

●You're new to telecom or 5G

●You want a strong knowledge foundation

●You are preparing for a career in core network maintenance

Choose HCIP-5G-Core if:

●You already have HCIA-level skills

●You want to lead deployment and troubleshooting tasks

●You aim for higher-responsibility engineering roles

If you're at the beginning of your 5G career path, start with HCIA-5G-Core and gradually advance to HCIP-5G-Core as you gain more practical experience. Together, these certifications provide a complete roadmap to becoming a skilled 5G core network expert in a rapidly growing telecommunications sector.