Cisco is announcing a revision of the Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certification, bumping it to version 3.1.
This minor update aims to clarify some aspects of the previous version and align the certification with today’s technology landscape.
The exam format remains unchanged, so your study and preparation methods can stay the same.
Additionally, Cisco is retaining the same exam code for the CCDE Written (400-007). However, new technologies have been added to the study lists to reflect current trends.
To help you navigate these changes, Cisco has compiled a release note document that you can find here.
New AI Infrastructure Elective
Alongside the CCDE v3.1 update, Cisco is excited to introduce a new elective: AI Infrastructure. This elective, available starting February 9, 2025, at Cisco Live Amsterdam, will test your skills in designing network infrastructures capable of supporting demanding AI and machine learning workloads.
The existing electives:
– Large-Scale Networks
– Workforce Mobility
– On-Prem and Cloud Services
will continue to be offered.
For more details on the content included in the CCDE v3.1 certification and the new AI Infrastructure elective, visit this page.
This page also includes other relevant information, such as a document describing the exam format in detail, which Cisco recommends everyone reads: CCDE v3.1 Written and Practical Exam Format.
Key Dates and Exam Details
The first date to test for the CCDE Written and Practical exams v3.1 is February 9, 2025. The CCDE Written (400-007) exam v3.1 is a 2-hour, multiple-choice test with 90-110 questions.
This exam validates high-level design aspects and business requirements within the context of enterprise network architectures.
The CCDE Practical exam v3.1 is an 8-hour, scenario-based exam focusing on core enterprise network architectures and technologies, as well as your selected area of expertise.
At the beginning of the Practical exam, you will choose an area of expertise, which determines the type of scenario you will encounter in the fourth and final module of the exam.
The first three modules will always focus on core enterprise technologies and topologies.
For an overview of the enterprise architecture technologies covered in these modules, refer to the v3.1 Core Technology List.
For an overview of the technologies covered in the available areas of expertise, refer to the following technology lists:
- v3.1 AI Infrastructure – Technology List
- v3.1 Large Scale Networks – Technology List
- v3.1 On-Prem and Cloud Services – Technology List
- v3.1 Workforce Mobility – Technology List
To view the release notes outlining the minor updates, visit CCDE Written and Practical Exam v3.1 Release Notes. For more information on what you can expect on the exams, check out the CCDE Written and Practical Exam v3.1 Format.
Please note that both the written and practical exams are closed book, and no outside reference materials are allowed.
Cisco is excited about these updates and the new opportunities they bring for network design professionals.
Start preparing now to stay ahead in the evolving field of network design.
[Note: CCDE aspirants who are preparing for the practical exam for the current version v3.0 have 4 attempts (June, August, October and December) left in 2024.
If you need any guidance on your preparation do feel free to contact us.]
