What is CCIE?

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert is the second highest level of certification (after CCAr) offered by CISCO. It not only tests the technical knowledge of a candidate but also his/her patience level while solving one of the most complex real-world problems. This certification is for expert-level networking professionals who design, build, implement, maintain, or troubleshoot complex enterprise networking infrastructures. Depending on the track chosen, CCIE candidates can master in routing and switching, communications and services, security, or voice systems and technologies.

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Tracks of CCIE Certification

As you know, CCNA currently has 10 tracks (including Cyber ops) where you can make your career. But in CCIE there are only 7 tracks so far.

• CCDE
• CCIE Routing & Switching
• CCIE Collaboration
• CCIE Data Center
• CCIE Security
• CCIE Service Provider
• CCIE Wireless

Each of the exams is composite of two exams: Written and Lab. Cost of the exam varies according to the track. To clear the CCIE exam, one must first pass CCIE Written and after that, he can appear for LAB exams. Since there is no prerequisite for CCIE exam, one can directly go for CCIE Written.

To register for the CCIE Written exam, visit Pearson VUE. There are a lot of centers available for Written exam in India. Exam booking process is same for all written exams. You can find out the details in the link mentioned below.

How to Apply for Cisco Certifications

The CCIE lab booking and Practical Exam Process

After clearing CCIE Written, you have to wait for at least 10-15 days before you can appear for the lab exam. After that, you can schedule your lab. Since there is only one lab available in India, that too in Bangalore, you might have to wait a bit for your lab. Mobile exam lab is also available for some tracks. You can find out the detail for Mobile labs. Mobile Locations are currently available only for CCIE Routing and Switching, CCIE Security, CCIE Service Provider, and Data Center.

The CCIE Lab Examination is available at locations mentioned below. You can also check which all examination tracks can be given at the particular locations with Type of Payment Options.

You will need the following to schedule your lab exam:

• Valid Cisco user account
• Identification number you used to register for your written exam (in the U.S. and Canada the ID number is generally your Social Security or Social Insurance number. In other regions, the testing vendor assigns the number.)
• Date of your passing written exam
• Passing score on written exam
• Click here to schedule a Lab exam or Practical Exam Online. (Requires Login)

Step 1: When you click on the link, it will ask you to log in with your Cisco ID.

Step 2: After successful login, you will be asked your Registration ID/CSCO Number,

Step 3: After successful login, you can select “Book a Lab” option.

Step 4: Here, you can select the desired date and proceed.

Payment Information

Payment can be done only by two means,

1. Wire Transfer 

2. Credit Cards

If you pass, you will receive an email from Cisco regarding your CCIE Certificate

If you fail, you can check the detailed exam result and you can look at the areas where you need to focus more.

Rescheduling, Cancellations, and Refunds:

Three months is the time duration in between which you make changes in the scheduled exam. These changes will be free of cost. Lab Scheduling tool is the site where you can make changes in your lab exam. You can then reschedule according to preferred date or location. If you pay on the day you book the exam, you will have to choose a date less than 90 days away. You may reschedule a lab if the date is less than 91 days in the future for a fee. This is only applicable to lab locations accepting credit cards. No refunds will be issued. You can check CCIE Policies for more information.