CCDE
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Your license to design
The CCDE certification program prepares you for expert-level job roles in network architecture and designs. These roles often include integrating many different networking elements into a sustainable, manageable, and scalable architecture that supports the ever-growing needs of enterprises and customers. As one of the industry’s most respected certifications, the CCDE certification distinguishes you as a leader in designing complex network solutions.
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Introducing the updated CCDE
Achieving the updated CCDE certification proves your skills designing and architecting complex Enterprise network solutions. To earn your CCDE, you pass two exams: first, a qualifying exam that covers core technologies and competencies required by every network designer, then an 8-hour practical exam that covers designing and architecting Enterprise networking solutions by analyzing business requirements and technical requirements and making design decisions based on many factors such as resiliency or cost.
- First, take the qualifying exam, CCDE Written (400-007), which focuses on your understanding and skills within the realms of network design, technologies, translation of business and technical requirements into functional specifications, and business strategies.
- The qualifying exam earns a Cisco Specialist certification, so you can get recognized for your accomplishments along the way.
- Second, take the 8-hour, practical exam, CCDE v3.0 Practical exam. This exam covers several scenarios, one of which the candidate can select, providing the flexibility to include topics related to your area of expertise, in addition to validating core enterprise architecture technologies. The CCDE v3.0 Practical exam will be delivered at Cisco Certification centers.
Exams and recommended training
Step 1: Take the qualifying exam, CCDE v3.0 Written exam (400-007)
Step 2: Take the practical exam, CCDE v3.0 Practical exam
Migrating to the new program
On November 2, 2021, the new CCDE v3.0 certification will replace the current CCDE v2.0.
If you have started working toward the current CCDE certification, keep going. In the new program, you’ll receive credit for work you’ve completed in the current certification.
- If you pass the current CCDE v2.1 Written exam before November 2, 2021, you will be eligible to take the new CCDE v3.0 Practical exam after November 2, 2021.
- After November 2, 2021, the CCDE v2.1 Written exam (352-001) will be replaced with CCDE v3.0 Written exam (400-007).
- Upon passing the CCDE Written exam, you earn a Cisco Specialist certification.
- If you are CCDE certified by November 2, 2021, then as of November 2, 2021, you’ll maintain your CCDE certification as per the new recertification guidelines, and you will also receive the Cisco Specialist certification.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for taking the CCDE, but you should have a thorough understanding of the exam topics before taking the exam.
CCDE candidates are recommended to have five to seven years of experience with designing and architecting network solutions, as well as engaging in other related activities, such as pre-sales work.