The focus is on identifying experts capable of understanding and navigating the subtleties, intricacies and challenges of end-to-end networking. To become certified, you must pass both a written qualification exam AND the corresponding hands-on lab exam. This section provides general information on CCIE exams; detailed information on the topics covered in the exams is found in the Track Details.
Recertification exams
Recertification of CCIE status ensures that CCIE remains a meaningful measure of technical expertise. Review the specific requirements at Recertification.
Written Exam Information
The first step towards certification
Written exams are computer-based, multiple choice exams lasting two hours and available at hundreds of authorized testing centers worldwide. You must pass the written exam before you are eligible to schedule the lab exam. The topics covered on written exams can be found on the Track Details pages, links provided on this page.
Scheduling and payment
Payment and scheduling of written exams is arranged online through Pearson VUE primary test delivery partner. You will need to have the correct written exam number to register. You must also use the same candidate ID number for all exams that you take, to ensure your results appear in your CCIE profile.
Cost of written exam
Pearson VUE, Cisco's primary test delivery partner offers written exams for $350 USD each, and beta exams, when available at a discounted price of $50 USD. Costs may vary due to exchange rates and local taxes (VAT in Brussels and GST in Sydney).
Retakes
Candidates must wait five days between written exam attempts. Once a candidate has passed the exam, he or she may not take the same exam again (for recertification purposes) for at least 180 days.
Expiration
Candidates must make an initial attempt of the CCIE lab exam within 18 months of passing the CCIE written exam. Candidates who do not pass must re-attempt the lab exam within 12 months of their last attempt in order for their written exam to remain valid. If a candidate does not pass the lab exam within three years, the written exam expires and must be passed again before the candidates will be allowed to schedule the lab.
Beta exams
Each written exam version is offered first in beta form at a discounted cost of $50 USD. Beta exams are scheduled as you would other written exams and are available at all worldwide testing locations. A passing grade on the beta qualifies a candidate to schedule the lab exam. Results, however, are typically not available until six to eight weeks after the close of the beta. A candidate may attempt the beta exam only once during the beta period.
Lab Exam Information
The final step in earning your CCIE
Lab exams are eight-hour, hands-on exams that test the ability to configure and troubleshoot networking equipment and software. The topics covered on lab exams can be found on the Track Details pages, links provided on this page. Not all exams are offered at all Cisco CCIE lab locations; please consult Lab Exam Locations for specific details.
Lab scheduling and payment
A valid passing score on a written exam is required to schedule a lab exam. Written exam scores are automatically downloaded from testing vendors, but may take up to ten days to appear in your file. You will need the identification number you used to register for the written exam, the date of your passing exam and your passing score.
Exams must be paid for at least 90 days before the scheduled lab date, or the reservation will be automatically cancelled. You will only receive one email notification reminding you to make your payment. You can verify the payment due date on an exam by logging in and viewing your Certification Status. Payment options depend on the location of the lab exam, as indicated in the table below.
Payment processing generally takes one to seven days, so be sure to initiate the process well in advance of the payment due date. All payments will be posted exactly 90 days prior to your scheduled lab date, regardless of when you initiate the process. Invoices will not be issued until the payment is processed.
Cost of lab exam
Lab exams cost $1,400 USD each, not including travel and lodging. Costs may vary due to exchange rates and local taxes (VAT in Brussels and GST in Sydney). You are responsible for any fees your financial institution may charge to complete the payment transaction.
Payment options for lab exam
 |
Lab Location |
 |
Wire Transfer |
|
Credit Card |
|
| Tokyo, Beijing |
Only method, see Wire Transfer Instructions |
No |
| Brussels, Hong Kong, Sydney |
Allowed, see Wire Transfer Instructions |
Preferred, link to Pay for Lab Exam |
| Bangalore, Dubai, RTP, San Jose, Sao Paulo |
Allowed, see Wire Transfer Instructions |
Preferred, link to Pay for Lab Exam |
Lab exam grading
Each question on the lab has specific criteria. The labs are graded by proctors who ensure all criteria are met and points are awarded accordingly. The proctors use automatic tools to gather information from the routers to perform some preliminary evaluations, but the final determination of a correct or incorrect configuration is done by a trained proctor.
Results
You can view your lab exam results online (login required), usually within 48 hours. Results are Pass/Fail and failing score reports indicate major topic areas where additional study and preparation may be useful.
Reevaluation of results
Exam results appeals are available for the routing and switching, security, and service provider technology tracks. Only exams with potential to change from fail to pass will have the option to request an appeal, based on years of historical data. Appeals are not available for the voice or storage tracks due to equipment limitations.
An appeal consists of a second proctor loading your configurations into a rack to recreate the test and re-score the entire exam. This process takes up to three weeks after receipt of payment. Only one appeal per lab attempt is permitted.
The result of the appeal is a confirmation of the existing fail or an update to a pass.
Payment terms
Make your request within 14 days following your exam date by using the "Request for Reread" link next to your lab record. Each appeal costs $250.00 USD plus any applicable local taxes. Payment is made online via credit card and your card will be charged upon receipt of the request. You may not cancel the appeal request once the process has been initiated. Refunds are given only when results change from fail to pass.
Troubleshooting
Beginning in October 2009, the CCIE R&S lab exam will feature a two-hour troubleshooting section. Candidates will be presented with a series of trouble tickets for preconfigured networks and need to diagnose and resolve the network fault or faults. As with the configuration section, the network must be up and running for a candidate to receive credit. Candidates who finish the troubleshooting section early may proceed on to the configuration section, but they will not be allowed to go back to troubleshooting since their equipment will need to be reinitialized for the configuration portion. |
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