Cisco Revises CCIE Service Provider Track
13 JUL 2006: Cisco is announcing changes to the CCIE Service Provider track to align
more closely with the complex packet-based networks used to deliver rich managed services . The
changes include release of a single comprehensive written exam including additional topics and the
introduction of new equipment in the lab. The new SP written exam will eventually replace the
eight current written exams candidates choose from to qualify for the lab exam.
All changes will be announced in advance of their effective dates to allow candidates sufficient
time to study.
Specific changes included in this announcement are:
Lab Exam: Effective November 1st 2006, all CCIE Service Provider labs will begin introducing
Cisco Series 7200 routers into the lab. All CCIE candidates taking Service Provider lab exams
after November 1, 2006 should be familiar with this equipment. The worldwide installation of
the routers will physically take place over several weeks and it is possible that some candidates
may not see the new equipment in their exams. Candidates should refer to the
CCIE SP Lab Equipment and IOS Version web page for details. Please note that the CCIE Lab
Exam blueprint remains unchanged at this time.
New Written Exam: Also on November 1st 2006, Cisco will introduce a single,
comprehensive written exam which will focus more on packet architecture and other technologies used to
deliver rich and flexible new services to SP customers. Candidates interested in the new
comprehensive exam should review the new
CCIE SP Comprehensive Written Exam Blueprint (351-029) on the web. Initially this exam
will be available as a choice among the existing written exams.
Eventually, as the current SP written exams are either repositioned for recertification only,
or retired (see table below), exam number 350-029 will become the only available qualifying
exam for the SP track. The transition to a single written exam is expected to be complete on
February 1, 2007 and candidates planning to take their written exam on or after that date,
should prepare using the new blueprint.
Beta Test: A beta test of the new comprehensive CCIE SP Written Exam (351-029) will
be available at all worldwide, Cisco-authorized testing centers from August 1, 2006 through
August 29th, 2006. The beta exam will be offered at a discounted price of US$50, with full
recertification or lab qualification credit granted to all passing candidates. Candidates
preparing for this exam should refer to
CCIE SP Comprehensive Written Exam Blueprint (351-029) for a detailed outline of topics covered.
Please remember that candidates may only attempt a beta exam once during the beta period and
individual scores are generally available six to eight weeks after the close of the beta period.
Current Written Exams: Other changes to written exams are summarized in
the following table.
Cisco CCIE Updates Lab Exams
01 AUG 2005: Effective January 1, 2006, there will be some important content changes in
Cisco CCIE lab exams. Our ongoing review of exam content and feedback from customers indicate
certain adjustments should be made to reflect current networking practices. Some technologies
have been removed from some lab tracks. No new technologies have been added; rather, exam points
will be reallocated among the track's existing blueprint topics.
For CCIE Service Provider, please note that the lab exams will continue to test ATM and IS-IS,
as they are widely deployed in service provider networks.
Service Provider Lab Opens in Beijing
28 June 2005: Effective July 1, 2005, the Service Provider CCIE lab will be offered in Beijing, PRC.
Online scheduling is now available for lab examinations starting in July.
