Cisco Revises its Popular CCIE R&S Certification
I got this morning another mail from cisco with updates to the CCIE certification:
Cisco has revised the certification requirements for CCIE Routing & Switching (CCIE R&S)-the expert level certification for network engineers. The new certification standards reflect the job skills employers look for at the expert level and are outlined on the Cisco Learning Network at CCIE R&S v4.0 written exam topics and CCIE R&S v4.0 lab exam topics. The revised CCIE R&S v4.0 exams are scheduled for release on October 18, 2009 and will immediately replace the currently available v3.0 exams. To support the certification changes, the Cisco 360 Learning Program for CCIE R&S is being updated with new lessons on MPLS and Troubleshooting, additions to the instructor-led workshops, new lab exercises for self-paced practice, and new performance assessments. The Program is the only authorized expert training currently aligned to CCIE R&S v4.0. The program is delivered globally by Cisco Learning Partners. Save the Date: Two Live CCIE R&S Certification Webinars, May 20, 2009 Cisco will conduct two live webinars on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 covering enhancements made to the CCIE R&S certification and to the Cisco 360 Learning Program for CCIE R&S to align with the updates. Attendees can choose from calls at 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM PST. Click here to register. For more information on the updates, the Cisco 360 Learning Program for CCIE R&S, and how to locate an authorized Learning Partner, access the Cisco Learning Network.
By just having a quick look on the new lab blueprint I noticed following changes:
- MPLS needs to be configured (PE, CE)
- IPv6 increased (Multicast, EIGRP)
- Security: the zone based firewall and IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)
- Troubleshooting is a new section
On the written part I’ve noticed that analyzing a network and proposing changes to due e.g. a migration has also been added. Sounds like kind of CCDE stuff in there… Some IOS have been upgraded to the T-train and some Routers (-3725s, +1841s / +3825s) and Switches (no more 3550s) are replaced.
The Lab format did also changed: 2 hours independent troubleshooting and then a different 6 hours lab.
I think this new blueprint is now closer to what we have in real world. Troubleshooting is one of the key aspects which was missing in v3 – you had to troubleshoot what you’ve fucked up. As far as I remember in the old 2-day CCIE lab exams you had troubleshooting on the 2nd day. Now part of this came back. Thats great!
I’ve added the 2 PDF’s from Cisco which the blueprint details to the download section.
[Update]: Petr from Internetwork Experts made a great post about this.