Recertification is an important indicator to IT professionals and their employers, ensuring that the certification holder has kept up with current trends in networking technology. Valid certifications may be renewed indefinitely, but without timely renewal, certifications expire or become inactive. To keep certifications current, individuals should recertify by advancing to the next level of certification or passing the designated recertification exam(s).
Recertification Renewal Timeframes
CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCDP, CCSP, CCVP, and CCIP certifications are valid for three years.
All CCIE certifications and Specialist certifications are valid for two years.
How to Recertify
Renewal requires certification holders to register for and pass the appropriate Cisco recertification exam(s). In order to recertify, exam requirements must be met prior to the certification expiration date. Individuals with an expired certification(s) must repeat the entire certification exam process in order to regain their certification(s). Visit the Cisco Career Certifications Tracking System to check the status of your certification(s).
Certification Level
Recertification Options
CCNA & CCDA certifications
Complete one of the following recertification options:
Pass the current certification exam
Pass a current Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams)
Pass any Professional level exam bearing a 642 prefix
Advancing to the next level or recertifying at the Professional level automatically renews
all related Associate level certifications
Pass a current CCIE written exam
CCNP, CCDP, CCIP, CCSP, and CCVP
Complete one of the following recertification options:
Pass any 642 exam that is part of the professional level curriculum after 01/01/06
Pass any current CCIE written exam
Specialist certifications
Complete one of the following recertification options:
Pass the current version of the Specialist certification exam(s) or the designated recertification exam indicated on the specific certification page
Pass a current CCIE exam
CCIE certification
Complete one CCIE written exam within the 24 month period immediately preceding your current recertification deadline
If you are a Cisco Partner employee, you may use the Partner E-Learning Connection to prepare for your recertification exam(s).
Register and pass the certification exam(s) with Pearson VUE test delivery partner. In the U.S. and Canada, register by calling 1-800-829-6387 option 1, then 4. You may also register for an exam online at www.vue.com/cisco. Outside the U.S. and Canada, please check the test delivery partner websites for local registration information.
