Introduction
Cisco certifications hold immense value in the information technology field. Despite this, they do not offer lifetime validity. All its credentials have an expiry date of three years, and there is a set time during which you can work on recertifying your current certification and keeping it active.
What will happen if you do not renew your Cisco certification before the expiration date? Your certificate will expire, and you have to follow the complete exam-taking cycle again to get certified.
The reason behind certification expiration is ever-evolving technology trends. Now and then, something new pops up. And if you do not keep updated with the latest trends, you will lag in the race to acquire top positions in your dream company. So, Cisco has made it essential for every certificate holder to recertify after a while.
Tracking your Recertification Status
You can check the status of your associate, specialist, and professional certifications by visiting the certification tracking system. If you want to check the status of your expert certifications, you have to visit CCIE/CCDE tracker.
How to Renew your Cisco Certifications
You must meet the recertification criteria before the expiration date of your certificate. There are several ways to recertify yourself.
Associate Level
It is an entry-level networking certification. If you hold this credential, you are expected to possess basic planning, designing, implementing, and managing skills related to Cisco networks.
To recertify your certificate, you need to fulfill one of the options: • Retake the associate exam • Earn 30 CE credits • Take any one professional specialty exam • Pass the core technology exam • Pass one written expert-level exams • Pass one lab/practical exam of the expert-level
Specialist Level
It is a specialist-level networking certification. If you hold this credential, you are expected to possess a moderate understanding of working with Cisco networks.
To recertify your certificate, you need to fulfill one of the options: • Retake the specialist exam • Earn 40 CE credits • Take any one professional concentration exam • Pass one core technology exam • Pass one written expert-level exams • Pass one lab/practical exam of the expert-level
Professional Level
Professional-level certification validates your understanding of network administration and handling in a distributed environment.
To recertify your certificate, you need to fulfill one of the options: • Retake the professional exam • Earn 80 CE credits • Pass any one professional concentration exam plus 40 CE credits • Pass two separate professional concentration exams • Pass one technology core exam • Pass one written expert-level exams • Pass one lab/practical exam of the expert-level
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
CCIE is an advanced-level certification and showcases your high-level expertise working with Cisco networking.
To recertify your certificate, you need to fulfill one of the options: • Earn 120 CE credits alone • Pass one written expert-level exam • Pass one lab/practical exam of the expert-level • Pass any three separate professional (CCNP) concentration exams • Take one technology core exam and one professional concentration exam • Pass one technology core exam and earn 40 CE credits • Pass one professional concentration exam and earn 80 CE credits • Pass two professional concentration exams and earn 40 CE credits
Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)
CCDE is an expert-level certification that acts as a badge to showcase your advanced Cisco design and implementation skills.
To recertify your certificate, you need to fulfill one of the options: • Earn 120 CE credits • Pass one written Cisco’s expert-level exam • Pass one lab/practical expert-level exam • Pass three separate professional concentration exams • Pass one technology core exam and one professional concentration exam • Pass one technology core exam and earn 40CE credits • Pass one professional concentration exam and earn 80 CE credits • Pass two separate professional concentration exams and earn 40 CE credits
Final Words
Cisco certifications are a great way to demonstrate your expertise in the networking field. And if your certificate expires, you have to undergo the stress of retaking the exam. During the active period, you have several recertification options to choose from. You can even recertify without taking the same or higher level exams by simply earning continuing education credits over this three years’ time.
To remain looked upon as a sought-after professional worldwide, you must renew your Cisco certification before the expiration date.
## How We Can Help We are professional proxy exam and recertification service provider with several years of experience. We help networking enthusiasts keep their certificates active by freeing them from the hassle of sitting for the exam. Our services are at par with the industry standards and priced at competitive rates to suit everyone.