Written Exam Information

The First Step Toward 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 $315 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 28 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 28 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.