CCDE Overview
Learn more about the benefits and requirements associated with achieving a CCDE certification. (4:05 min)
The Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) is for expert-level network design engineers, expert-level network leads of IT infrastructure teams, and expert-level network leads of architecture teams working in job roles that require them to translate business needs, budget, and operational constraints into the design of a converged solution. The CCDE curriculum prepares designers to develop design solutions at the infrastructure level for large customer networks. Network engineers holding an active CCDE certification are recognized for their expert-level knowledge and skills in network infrastructure design. The deep technical networking knowledge that a CCDE brings ensures that they are well qualified to address the most technically challenging network infrastructure design assignments.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for CCDE. No specific training or other professional certifications are required.
Step One: CCDE Written Exam
The 2-hour, written qualification exam covers network design in the areas of routing, tunneling, Quality of Service (QoS), management, cost, capacity, and security. You must pass the written exam before you are eligible to schedule the CCDE practical exam.
Step Two: CCDE Practical Exam
The 8-hour practical exam tests your ability to perform design analysis, justify design requirements, and develop a design implementation based on best practices. Only candidates that have a passing score on the CCDE Written Exam may register for the CCDE Practical Exam.
Self-Study Materials
The following resources are suggested study supplements; they are not designed to serve as a complete self-study program.
- CCDE Design Syllabus
- Written Exam Topics
- Practical Exam Topics
- Crossing the CCDE Border Webinar - How to Achieve a CCDE Certification - Access Now.
- CCDE Book List
- CCDE Training Course Options
- CCDE Practical Reading Booklist
- CCDE Practical Exam Expanded Checklist v2.0
- Cisco Learning Network - A variety of self-study materials can be found here.
Community-Generated Content
Learning Partner Content
- Partners: Log in for Partner Education Connection (PEC) curricula.
- Learning Partner Lounges - Find materials provided by Cisco Authorized Learning Partners.
To earn this Cisco certification, you must pass the following exam(s):
CCDE Written Exam
(352-001 CCDE)
The CCDE Written Exam is the qualifying exam for CCDE certification. The CCDE Written Exam will test a candidate's combined knowledge of routing protocols, internetworking theory and design principles .The exam assesses a candidate's understanding of network design in the areas of routing, tunneling, Quality of Service, Management, Cost, Capacity, and Security. This exam combines in-depth technical concepts with Network Design principles and is intended for a Network Professional with at least 5 years of experience in Network Engineering or Advanced Network Design.
- Learn more about the 352-001 CCDE exam
- Register for the exam
- Read current exam policies and requirements
CCDE Practical Exam
The 8-hour practical exam tests your ability to perform design analysis, justify design requirements, and develop a design implementation based on best practices. Only candidates that have a passing score on the CCDE Written Exam may register for the CCDE Practical Exam.
- Learn more about the CCDE Practical Exam
- Schedule and Pay Information for the Practical Exam
- Read current exam policies and requirements
CCDE Overview
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