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Demonstrate advanced skills to plan, design, deploy, operate, and optimize complex data center networks. Maximize the potential of a better connected world with the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Data Center certification.

CCIE Data Center certification

Demonstrate advanced skills to plan, design, deploy, operate, and optimize complex data center networks. Maximize the potential of a better connected world with the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Data Center certification.

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Overview Exams and training Community Resources

Take your place as leader in data center technologies

Take your place as leader in data center technologies

CCIE Data Center Certification

Shape the data centers of tomorrow with expertise in the end-to-end lifecycle for the most complex data center networks.

Data center architecture

Showcase your comprehensive expertise in orchestrating data center infrastructure, focusing on seamless integration of networking, compute, and storage components.

Network overlays

Verify your ability to design, deploy, and manage overlay networks, including Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and VXLAN EVPN, ensuring they meet the dynamic requirements of modern data centers.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Confirm your skills in building scalable, low-latency, high-performance networks that are optimized to support artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) workloads.

Automation and programmability

Demonstrate your ability to use automated solutions, programming concepts, and automated tools for programmable data center fabrics.

How it works

No formal prerequisites necessary

There are no formal prerequisites for this certification.

Learners are recommended to have five to seven years of experience with designing, deploying, operating and optimizing data center technologies and solutions prior to taking the exam.

Example learner profiles

As our most advanced certifications, Cisco expert certifications tell the world you’re among the best of the best in your field. Many candidates have previous experience in data center technologies and are aiming for a senior-level or leadership position.
To earn the CCIE Data Center certification, you'll need to pass two exams: A core exam and a hands-on lab exam.

Getting started

To earn this certification, you'll need to pass two exams:

  • A core exam
  • A hands-on lab exam

A variety of resources are available to help you study - from guided learning to self-study and a community forum.

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Maintain your certification

Your certification is valid for three years. You can renew with Continuing Education credits or retake exams before they expire.

Resources

The CCIE story

Learn how you’ll distinguish yourself with a CCIE certification.

Download infographic (PDF)

CCIE Practice Labs

Get hands-on practice for your CCIE lab exam before you take the test. You can rent four-hour timeslots and practice using topologies similar to what you’ll see in the lab exam.

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CCIE Data Center summary

Get a quick primer about the CCIE Data Center certification program and what it takes to earn your certification.

Download At-a-glance (PDF)

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Data Center certifications community

Not sure where to begin? Head to the Data Center certifications community to get advice and connect with experts.

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