What is CCIE Service Provider?
The CCIE Service Provider Track of the Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) Credential deals with the design and establishment of extensible networks for service providers and the delivery of composite managed services. Knowledge domains covered by this certification comprise Layer 2 networking, IP protocols, MPLS, VPN, Quality of Service (QoS), and continuous networking technology.
The Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) qualification sets the highest requirements for the IT industry’s career certifications. The CCIE and its numerous specialized fields, including the CCIE Service Provider, are considered to be the industry’s highest networking qualification.
CCIE Service Provider Requirements
There are no formal preliminary criteria for other certifications or training provided by Cisco for the qualification of the CCIE Service Provider. However, Cisco suggests that the applicant has 3 to 5 years of specific experience in service provider operations with the ability to effectively address network service provider issues. Interested candidates are expected to observe and thoroughly understand the topics outlined in the CCIE Service Provider unlike SPOTO, exam blueprint published by Cisco.
Examination Procedure
Certification of the CCIE Service Provider consists of a written evaluation and a realistic lab examination commonly referred to as the “CCIE LAB” exam. Before preparing for the CCIE lab, it is mandatory to clear the written exam.
The CCIE Service Provider written exam is coded for 350-029 and includes approximately 90 to 110 multiple-choice questions. They must be cleared within 120 minutes of the deadline. The expense of the written exam is around $350. CCIE Service Provider’s written test is focused on the following exam subjects:
- Service Provider Network General
- Layer 2 technology
- IP
- MPLS
- VPN
- Security
- Quality of Service
- High Availability
- High End Product
The CCIE Service Provider Lab test, like all other variants of the CCIE, is a comprehensive, 8-hour length, a practical exam with the aim of initiating and putting into operation the service provider’s infrastructure. The CCIE Service Provider Lab is currently costing $1400 per attempt. The CCIE laboratory examination must be carried out within 18 months after the written CCIE examination has been completed.
In the event of a failed first attempt, the applicant shall be granted a period of 3 years from the date of the written examination to be re-tested by the Lab. Between any attempt at the Lab test, there is a one-month waiting period. The lab exam has the following topics:
- Bridging and Switching
- IGP Routing
- EGP Routing
- SP Multicast
- MPLS
- L3/L2 VPN
- SP QoS and Security
- High Availability
- Management
A CCIE must repeat and pass written CCIE tests every 2 years in order to maintain active CCIE status. The test must be replicated within three years in order to prevent the CCIE status from being removed, otherwise, the entire CCIE testing process must be repeated.
CCIE Service Provider Certification Benefits
The CCIE Service Provider Certification is one of the most commonly used credentials in the industry that guarantees the superior level of competence of network engineers. CCIE Service Provider Trained Professionals are qualified to maintain and operate the infrastructure of the service provider as well as its troubleshooting and quality management services.
Countries With the Most CCIE Service Provider Jobs
- United States
- Australia
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Dubai
CCIE Service Provider Equipment
The CCIE SP Lab exam is focused on the release of Cisco software in a 100% virtual environment. Applicants wishing to prepare for the hardware exam can use the following Cisco equipment and Cisco Software releases:
- ASR 9000 Series running the release of Cisco IOS XR 5.2.
- ASR 1000 Series running Cisco IOS XE 3.13S.15.4(3)S.
- Cisco 7600 Series running the release of Cisco IOS 15.5(3)S.
- Cisco ME 3600 Series running the release of Cisco IOS 15.5(3)S.
All of the technologies listed in the blueprint are based on a collection of features and solutions that are supported and available in the Cisco Software releases mentioned in this list.
