The CCIE Routing and Switching (R&S) Written and Lab exams are being revised from v4.0 to v5.0 to align with changing industry job roles and the addition of new study materials. The last day to test for both the Written and Lab v4.0 exams will be June 3, 2014. The CCIE R&S Written and Lab exams v5.0 will be available for testing beginning June 4, 2014.

　　The Cisco expert-level training for CCIE Routing and Switching is also being revised to support candidates as they prepare for the CCIE R&S Lab exam v5.0.

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　　CCIE R&S v5.0 Lab Exam Topics

　　Mobile CCIE Labs provide greater access to take your CCIE Routing & Switching Lab exam.

　　About the CCIE Lab Exam

　　The CCIE lab exam is an eight-hour, hands-on exam which requires you to configure and troubleshoot a series of complex networks to given specifications. Knowledge of troubleshooting is an important skill and candidates are expected to diagnose and solve issues as part of the CCIE lab exam. You will not configure end-user systems, but are responsible for all devices residing in the network (hubs, etc.). Point values and testing criteria are provided. More detail is found on the Routing and Switching Lab Exam Blueprint and the list of Lab Equipment and IOS Versions.

　　Cost

　　The Lab Exam cost does not including travel and lodging expenses. Costs may vary due to exchange rates and local taxes (VAT, GST). You are responsible for any fees your financial institution charges to complete the payment transaction. Price not confirmed and is subject to change until full payment is made. For more information on the Lab Exam Registration please reference the Take Your Lab Exam tab.

　　Lab Environment

　　The Cisco documentation CD is available in the lab room, but the exam assumes knowledge of the more common protocols and technologies. As of March 2006, the documentation can only be navigated using the index; the search function has been disabled. No outside reference materials are permitted in the lab room. You must report any suspected equipment issues to the proctor during the exam; adjustments cannot be made once the exam is over.

　　Lab Exam Grading

　　Each question on the lab has specific criterion. The labs are graded by proctors who ensure all the criterion are met and points are awarded accordingly. The proctors use automatic tools to gather information from the routers to perform some preliminary evaluations, but the final determination of a correct or incorrect configuration is done by a trained proctor.

　　Lab Format

　　The CCIE R&S lab exam consists of a two-hour Troubleshooting section, and a six-hour Configuration section.

　　Results

　　You can review your lab exam results online (login required), usually within 48 hours. Results are Pass/Fail and failing score reports indicate major topic areas where additional study and preparation may be useful.

　　Reevaluation of Lab Results

　　A Reread involves having a second proctor load your configurations into a rack to re-create the test and re-score the entire exam. Rereads are available for the Routing and Switching, and Service Provider technology tracks.

　　A Review involves having a second proctor verify your answers and any applicable system-generated debug data saved from your exam. Reviews are available for all other tracks.

　　Payment Terms

　　Make your request within 14 days following your exam date by using the "Request for Reread" link next to your lab record. A Reread costs 1000.00 USD and a Review costs 400.00 USD. Payment is made online via credit card and your Reread or Review will be initiated upon successful payment. You may not cancel the appeal request once the process has been initiated. Refunds are given only when results change from fail to pass.

　　Troubleshooting

　　Tthe CCIE R&S lab exam features a two-hour troubleshooting section. Candidates will be presented with a series of trouble tickets for preconfigured networks and need to diagnose and resolve the network fault or faults. As with the configuration section, the network must be up and running for a candidate to receive credit. Candidates who finish the troubleshooting section early may proceed on to the configuration section, but they will not be allowed to go back to troubleshooting since their equipment will need to be reinitialized for the configuration portion.

　　Lab Locations

　　CCIE R&S lab exams are offered at the Cisco locations noted below. In addition, Cisco has introduced Mobile CCIE Lab to provide access to the lab exam in regions without a Cisco CCIE lab location.

　　Additional information on the Lab Exam, can be found on the Take Your Lab Exam tab.