Consistent Database Export of Oracle Database

Question

I'm quite confused and I need some clarification!

I do full export of database with Export Pump (for replication/duplication).

What I usually do is:

SQL>SHUTDOWN IMMEDIATE
SQL>STARTUP RESTRICT

Then export, so I can have a consistent export (DMP-file).

Now can I export only with the parameter CONSISTENT=Y and/or FLASHBACK_SCN=SOME_NUMBER? What is the differences (if any), and when to use them?

I hope some one explain it to me in simple language!

What are the best practices in this regard?