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CCIE

Routing and Switching

Expert Level Knowledge and Experience

Cisco CCIE Routing and Switching

Certifies expert-level knowledge of networking across various LAN and WAN interfaces, and a variety of routers and switches.

Long Term Spotlight

Requirements for Certification

There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Other professional certifications or training courses are not required. Instead, candidates must first pass a written qualification exam and then the corresponding hands-on lab exam. You are expected to have an in-depth understanding of the topics in the exam blueprints and strongly encouraged to have three to five years of job experience before attempting certification. You can review the exam preparation materials included on this page for more information.

Step One: CCIE Routing and Switching Written Exam

You must pass the two-hour, written qualification exam which covers networking concepts and some equipment commands before you are eligible to schedule the lab exam.


Step Two: CCIE Routing and Switching Lab Exam

The eight-hour lab exam tests your ability to configure actual equipment and get the network running in a timed test situation. You must pass the lab within three years of passing the written to achieve certification. Your first lab attempt must be made within 18 months.


Cisco Introduces the Cisco 360 Learning Program for CCIE Routing and Switching

15 OCT 2008: On October 15, 2008, In response to the growing demand for highly skilled Cisco CCIE certified individuals, Cisco has introduced the new Cisco 360 Learning Program for CCIE Routing and Switching. Designed with high-potential network professionals in mind, the program is a comprehensive, blended learning program designed to accelerate expert-level competency and provide the skills and training needed to prepare candidates for the rigorous CCIE Routing and Switching exam. For more information access the new Cisco 360 Learning Program for CCIE Routing and Switching home page.

CCIE labs changing from UniversCD to Cisco Documentation

22 AUG 2008: On Sept 24 2008 CCIE labs will no longer support using the UniversCD documentation for the lab exam.


All labs are migrating to Cisco Documentation only. For those scheduled to take the CCIE lab prior to Sept 24 access will still be available for UniversCD.


The Cisco Documentation pages have the same information that currently resides on UniversCD, please refer to the links on the CCIE web pages to view these pages and become familiar with the new format.


After Sept 24 2008 only the Cisco Documentation web pages will be available for CCIE labs.

Change to CCIE R&S Lab Equipment and IOS
13 JUL 2006: Effective November 13, 2006, CCIE Routing and Switching labs will begin replacing the Catalyst 3550 by introducing the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Series enterprise-class switches. All CCIE R&S candidates taking exams on or after that date should be familiar with the new switches and associated IOS, although installation of the new equipment will take place over several months and some candidates may not see the new equipment in their exams right away. No changes are being made to the lab exam blueprint at this time and candidates should continue to refer to the existing CCIE R&S Lab Exam Blueprint for exam topics. For additional details, see R&S Lab Equipment and IOS Versions on the CCIE website.


Change to Documentation Access in Lab Exam
10 MAR 2006: While access to Cisco product documentation will still be available during CCIE lab exams at the Documentation Website (UniversCD) at http://www.cisco.com/univercd/home/home.htm, candidates will no longer be able to use the search function on that site. The search has been disabled due to a change in the way product documentation is maintained at Cisco. Instead, candidates should be prepared to use the drop-down index to navigate the Documentation Website (UniversCD). Candidates may want to spend more time becoming familiar with the index and practicing how to quickly locate relevant information. Candidates who want to reschedule their lab date to spend more time practicing should remember the CCIE lab exam cancellation policy: Changes to CCIE lab exam dates or locations must be made at least 28 days before the scheduled date, to allow scheduling of other candidates for that seat. The last day to make a change is the Lab Exam Due Date. Candidates can check their specific due date (at Certification Status) and easily reschedule exams online at https://tools.cisco.com/CCIE/Schedule_Lab/CCIEOnline/CCIEOnline. No changes are allowed after the Lab Exam Due Date. Candidates who do not show up on the day of their scheduled exam will not be eligible for a refund. Please contact CCIE customer support through the Certifications Online Support tool. for questions or assistance.