2/17/2004 -- On March 10 Cisco Systems will debut a new two-for-one exam that will combine the Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers (BGP) and Implementing Cisco MPLS (MPLS) exams for its Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP) credential.

The new exam, 642-691 BGP+MPLS, will also serve as the recertification exam for current CCIPs. The CCIP must be renewed every three years.

Currently, earning a CCIP requires passing four exams:

• 642-801 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
• 642-641 QoS: Implementing Cisco Quality of Service (QoS)
• 642-661 BGP: Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers (BGP)
• 640-910 MPLS: Implementing Cisco MPLS (MPLS)

When the new exam debuts, candidates will be able to choose between the traditional path or the new two-in-one option.

The 642-691 BGP+MPLS will be longer than the traditional Cisco exam: 80 to 90 questions v.s. the typical 60 to 70. However, it will cost the same: $125 (U.S.), allowing candidates to pay half of what it would cost to take the separate BGP and MPLS exams ($250 total).

More information on this new exam can be found here. -Becky Nagel