10/11/2001 -- Cisco recently released details of its new CCIE lab exam format, which went into effect for all CCIE candidates Oct. 1. The changes are part of an overall plan announced earlier by Cisco to condense its lab exams into one eight-hour experience, mainly by dropping lower-level skills such as basic addressing and cabling.

According to a FAQ published on the Cisco Web site, troubleshooting skills will no longer be tested in a separate section of the exams instead, such tasks are being spread throughout. Other changes include eliminating physical access to the rack and e-mailed results instead of an in-person debriefing.

Cisco sees the new format as positive for both CCIE candidates and their employers: "A key benefit for Cisco customers is that by removing or automating many of these lower-level skills, the new format lab exam can be completed in a single extended day. This more efficient testing format will reduce travel time and lost productivity for Cisco customers while, at the same time, allowing Cisco to increase the number of openings for candidates waiting to take the lab exam."

Cisco insists that the changes will not affect the difficulty level of the CCIE lab exams: "The new format [of the] CCIE exams will cover the same advanced topics at the same depth," the FAQ states. "Candidates will be expected to demonstrate the same expert level skills on the new CCIE format tests as are now required in the existing format. Cisco has designed the new exams to be as challenging as the current exams are today."

To read the complete FAQ, click here. -B.N.