10/5/2004 -- On Friday Cisco Systems announced that starting Oct. 1. any Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert written exam will recertify all of its associate- and professional-level certifications, as well as any Qualified Specialist title.

This new recertification option "will offer candidates the opportunity to pursue lifelong learning while ensuring that existing certifications remain current," the company said on its Web site.

There are currently 11 CCIE written exams available in a variety of specialties. Passing one of these exams is required to attempt to a hands-on CCIE lab exam.

CCIE written exams typically cost $300 (U.S.) each, although discounted betas are sometimes available.

Candidates may still recertify their titles as previously allowed, although Cisco has made some recent adjustments for certain titles. The new options for the professional and associate titles are summarized below:

• Candidates can now recertify the CCNP and/or CCDP certification either by passing the 642-891 Composite exam or by passing both the 642-801 BSCI and 642-811 BCMSN exams, or by passing a CCIE written exam.
• Candidates can now recertify the CCIP certification either by passing the 642-691 BGP+MPLS exam, or by passing both the 642-661 BGP and 642-611 MPLS exams, or by passing a CCIE written exam.
• Candidates can now recertify the CCNA and/or CCDA certification either by passing the current exam for that certification or by passing any 642 level professional or specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist), or by passing a CCIE written exam.

For more information on this announcement, go here. -Becky Nagel