All you need to know about Cisco CCIE Lab examination

Are you planning to undertake Cisco CCIE lab examination and finding it hard to gather the details about the lab examination? If yes, then just scroll down and get every detail you need to clear this toughest IT examination. Every Cisco aspirant knows that after passing CCIE written exam, they have to clear CCIE lab examination. It is the basic way to CCIE number; however, there are other details that you must know as a Cisco CCIE aspirant. Let's have a look at them below -

#1 CCIE Lab Examination "An overview"

CCIE lab examination is an 8 hours practical examination which validates the real knowledge and skills of a candidate. Yes, you read it right; it is an eight-hours long examination.

Relax!!  

you need not to give examination continuously for eight hours. You will get a break in the middle of the examination. The time for the break or meal is announced by the proctor in advance.

CCIE R&S and CCIE Security Lab exam are divided into three sections. The three sections of CCIE R&S and CCIE Security Lab exam are listed below –

1. Troubleshooting section
2. Diagnostic section
3. Configuration section

You need to complete every section of the exam in the pre-defined time limit. The first section T-shoot is of 2 hours, second section Diagnostic is of half an hour and the last section i.e. configuration section is of 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Thus, Cisco aspirants need to have a sound practical knowledge, great time management skills, working speed and a keen eye on the watch.  

#2 When you can go for CCIE Lab exam?

Post completion of your CCIE written examination, you need to schedule your Cisco Lab exam. You must pass the CCIE Lab exam within three years of completing CCIE written exam. One more point to take care, you need to give the first attempt within 18 months of clearing Cisco CCIE written exam.

Remember, if you fail to pass the Cisco lab exam within 3 years, then you need to retake Cisco CCIE written exam. Thus, practice well and follow the expert’s tips to crack the lab examination in the first attempt.

#3 How to find your nearest Cisco CCIE Lab exam location?

Not many Cisco CCIE Lab exam locations are available all round the world. There are only 9 Cisco lab exam centers available all round the world. Thus, you need to cross your boundaries and travel to the nearest CCIE lab exam location.

You might be amazed to know that there is only one CCIE lab exam center in India. Here is the full list -

• Bangalore, India
• Beijing, PRC
• Brussels, Belgium
• Dubai, UAE
• Hong Kong, PRC
• RTP, USA
• San Jose, USA
• Sydney, Australia
• Tokyo, Japan

#4 CCIE Lab Exam Cost or Fee

Cisco CCIE lab exam fee or cost is USD 1600 for every attempt. Yes, you heard it right; if you fail to pass the lab examination in the first attempt, then you need to again pay CCIE lab exam fee for undertaking the examination. And this is the revised fee which has been rolled out recently by Cisco.

Recommended - Cost of CCNA, CCNP and CCIE written exam, know the latest fee.

Cisco CCIE lab exam cost does not include your travel expenses, accommodation expenses etc. The lab exam fee only includes the cost of undertaking the CCIE examination. 

For getting a reservation in the CCIE lab exam schedule, you need to make the full fee payment before 90 days. In case you fail to make payment on the due date then your name will be dropped from Cisco CCIE lab exam schedule. After 90 days period candidate's exam booking is cancelled, you can also get it re-scheduled before 90 days period. But for the same candidate must make the full payment. 

#5 How to check your CCIE Lab Exam result?

You can easily check your CCIE exam results online. CCIE exam results are available usually within 48 hours, thus you need not wait for days to know the results. CCIE Lab results are either pass or fail.

However, unfortunately, if you fail the examination then you will get a failing score report. This report showcases the major topics at which you need to focus and study. The score report will help you to take your preparations in the right direction and crack the examination next time.

#6 What is current CCIE Lab Exam retake policy?

Cisco upgraded the CCIE lab exam retake policy in 2015 reducing the wait for retaking CCIE lab exam. If unfortunately you fail in the Cisco lab examination, then you have to wait for 30 days. Post completion of 30 days, you can re-appear for the examination. You must consult with trainers and brush up your skills at Cisco CCIE training institute.  

At Network Bulls, we provide lifetime assistance to our students. Even after completing Cisco CCIE training at Network Bulls, students can come and access the labs. It helps them to refine their practical skills and reappear for the Cisco Lab exam with full preparation.

#7 Use Dual Monitors during your Cisco lab examination

Cisco has made various enhancements in lab examination and one is the use of dual monitors. The use of dual monitors in Cisco lab centers stimulates the real working environment. Dual monitors have been added to all the centers of Cisco for providing real networking environment.

In the lab examination, questions are not provided in hard copy. On the contrary, you get a soft copy of the questions. With Dual monitor screens, candidates can open the question paper on one screen and use the other screen for accessing the devices.  

#8 What is Cisco Documentation?

You are not allowed to take any reference book in the Cisco exam hall. However, you are allowed to access the Cisco Doc CDs also called Cisco Documentation. It serves as a reference guide for students which can be used in case candidates get stuck at any point.

However, for using the Cisco Doc CDs, you need to be familiar with the website of Cisco. Experts say that using the Cisco Doc CD for reference is quite a time-consuming process. Thus, the candidates should not rely on it for every little purpose as time is very crucial in Cisco Lab examination.

#9 Not satisfied with your result? Go for re-evaluation of CCIE Lab exam results

Many a time, candidates find it hard to believe that they have failed in CCIE lab exam. Off course, they might have performed well and thus the result might seem to be unbelievable. In case, you are not satisfied with your CCIE lab results, then you must go for re-evaluation your Cisco CCIE exam result. However there are very few chances of you getting good news after revaluation as Cisco's Lab Exam check system is automatic, and only 3% of people saw change in result after submitting their exam for re-valuation.

Download PDF All you need to know about Cisco CCIE Lab examination

Conclusion

To Sum it for you the major pointers you should know about CCIE Lab exams are - 

1. CCIE lab examination is an 8 hours practical examination, a single break is allowed, CCIE R&S and CCIE Security Lab exam are divided into three sections. 

2. CCIE Lab exams can be taken only after completion of CCIE Written exams and must be planned within 3 years of clearing the written exam. First attempt must be taken within 18 months.

3. There are only 9 CCIE Lab exam centers in the world, In India it's in Bangalore. 

4. Cisco CCIE lab exam fee or cost is USD 1600 for every attempt. 

5. You can easily check your CCIE exam results online within 48 hours. 

6. If you fail in the lab exam then you can re-appear for it after 30 days. 

7. Attendees should use dual monitors during the lab exams, it helps the candidate in get the feel of real networking environment. 

8. Candidates are allowed to use Cisco Doc CDs during the lab exam for help. For using them candidate must be well versed with Cisco website and documentation. 

9. If any candidate is not satisfied with results then he can opt for re-evaluation, however that is chargeable.

We hope you will keep these points in mind whenever you plan for the CCIE Lab exam. If you are interested in Cisco Courses offered by Network Bulls then Contact Us on 1800-313-2545 or email us at admin@networkbulls.com. Students from outside India can connect with us over +91-8745885377.