7/17/2006 -- Cisco Systems announced last week changes to its Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification tracks for Service Provider (SP) and Routing & Switching (R&S).

Effective Nov. 1, a new, comprehensive SP written exam will replace the current eight written exam options. The CCIE SP Written Exam (#351-029) will emphasize packet architecture and other new technologies. For more on the exam objectives, go here.

A beta test of the new exam will be available worldwide at Cisco-authorized testing centers from Aug. 1 to Aug. 29 at a discounted price of $50 (U.S.), with full CCIE recertification or lab qualification credit granted to all passing candidates.

By Feb. 1, 2007, the current eight SP written exams will become CCIE recertification exams or be retired.

The following SP exams will be changed into CCIE recertification exams:

The following SP exams will be retired:

• CCIE SP Dial Exam (350-025)
• CCIE SP IP Telephony Exam (350-024)
• CCIE SP DSL Exam (350-022)
• CCIE SP Metro Ethernet Exam (350-027)

Also effective Nov. 1, CCIE SP labs will be adding the Cisco 7200 Series router. Cisco recommends CCIE SP candidates planning to take their exams on or after that date be familiar with this equipment and associated IOS.

CCIE R&S labs will be replacing the Cisco Catalyst 3550 Series switch -- which has been phased out of Cisco's product line in May -- with the Catalyst 3560 switch beginning Nov. 13. Cisco recommends that CCIE R&S candidates planning to take their exams on or after that date be familiar with the Catalyst 3560 and associated IOS.

For more information on these announcements, go here. -Dan Hong