The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging certifications in the IT industry. With specializations in Enterprise Infrastructure, Security, Data Center, Service Provider, and more, the CCIE validates deep technical expertise and hands-on networking skills.
While passing the CCIE written exam (now the core exam) is a significant milestone, the real test is the CCIE Lab Exam — an 8-hour, hands-on, scenario-based click this exam study materials designed to assess your ability to configure and troubleshoot complex networks under pressure.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the CCIE Lab booking process, provide insights into cost, prerequisites, and logistics, and explore the best resources to prepare for the lab successfully.
What Is the CCIE Lab Exam?
The CCIE Lab is the second and final step toward becoming a CCIE. It follows the Core written exam, which is the qualifying exam for each CCIE track.
The lab is an intensive 8-hour practical exam broken into the following sections (depending on the track):
- Design (3 hours) – Test your ability to plan and architect network solutions.
- Deploy, Operate, and Optimize (5 hours) – Hands-on tasks to configure, verify, and troubleshoot a network.
The CCIE Lab focuses on real-world skills, requiring not only technical knowledge but also time management, analytical thinking, and the ability to follow complex scenarios under exam conditions.
CCIE Lab Booking Process: Step-by-Step
Booking the CCIE Lab exam is a straightforward but critical part of your CCIE journey. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Pass the Core Exam
Before you can schedule the lab, you must pass the core exam for your chosen track. Examples include:
- 350-401 ENCOR – CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
- 350-701 SCOR – CCIE Security
- 350-601 DCCOR – CCIE Data Center
These exams serve as the gateway to both the CCIE Lab and the CCNP certification.
Step 2: Create a Cisco Profile
Ensure you have a Cisco ID (CSCO#) and an active Cisco account on the Cisco Certification Tracking System.
- Link your Pearson VUE account (used for the core exam) to your Cisco profile.
- Confirm all personal information matches across platforms.
Step 3: Schedule the Lab Exam
You can schedule your lab through the Cisco Learning Network:
- Go to https://learningnetwork.ciscocom
- Navigate to the Certifications > CCIE Lab page.
- Click on Schedule or Reschedule Lab Exam.
- Select your track and location.
- Choose from available dates.
- Pay the exam fee (currently $1,600 USD, plus travel and accommodation costs).
Step 4: Choose a Testing Location
Cisco has designated Lab Exam Centers across the globe. As of 2025, active locations include:
- San Jose, CA, USA
- Brussels, Belgium
- Bangalore, India
- Tokyo, Japan
- Sydney, Australia
- Dubai, UAE
- Beijing and Shanghai, China
Some mobile lab events are offered occasionally in other locations. Booking early is recommended, as seats fill quickly.
Important Lab Booking Tips
- Plan 2–3 months in advance. Popular centers may have limited slots.
- Double-check time zones when booking your slot.
- Review the ID policy – Bring government-issued ID matching your Cisco profile.
- Arrive early. Late arrivals may forfeit their exam slot.
- Rescheduling must be done at least 90 days in advance to avoid forfeiting your fee.
Resources to Prepare for the CCIE Lab Exam
Studying for the lab is a rigorous process. Success requires deep knowledge, hands-on practice, and a strategic approach. Below are the top resources to help you prepare:
🔹 Official Cisco Materials
- Cisco Exam Topics: These outline everything tested on the lab. Download the latest from Cisco’s site.
- Cisco Modeling Labs (CML): Offers a virtual lab environment for designing and testing topologies.
🔹 CCIE Training Providers
Some of the best-known CCIE prep platforms include:
- INE (Internetwork Expert) – Offers a complete learning path with videos, rack rentals, and mock labs.
- IPexpert (now part of INE) – Legacy CCIE training modules, now integrated into INE.
- Narbik Kocharians’ Micronics Training – Highly respected instructor-led training, especially for CCIE Enterprise.
- Cisco Learning Network Premium – Offers exclusive labs and webinars tailored for CCIE candidates.
🔹 Practice Labs and Emulators
- EVE-NG – Highly customizable network emulator ideal for simulating large topologies.
- GNS3 – Useful for routing-focused labs; limited support for newer Cisco devices.
- Real Gear or Rack Rentals – Providers like INE, CCIE Lab Builder, and LabEveryday rent real CCIE lab environments.
🔹 Study Groups and Forums
- Cisco Learning Network Community – Active forums with study tips and peer support.
- Reddit (r/ccie) – Honest discussions, study logs, and motivational stories.
- Discord & Telegram groups – Real-time Q&A and group labs.
Study Strategy for the CCIE Lab
- Start Early – Most candidates need 6–12 months of focused preparation post-core exam.
- Master the Blueprint – Don’t just memorize; understand how to apply concepts in real-world scenarios.
- Lab Daily – Hands-on configuration and troubleshooting are crucial.
- Take Full Mock Labs – Simulate 8-hour sessions to build endurance and time management.
- Track Progress – Maintain a study log and review weak areas weekly.
- Stay Updated – Cisco may refresh exam blueprints periodically; always verify the latest topics.
Final Thoughts
The CCIE Lab Exam is not just a test — it’s a demonstration of elite networking skill under pressure. Booking the exam is only one step in a much longer journey that demands discipline, passion, and relentless practice.
With the right strategy and resources — from mock labs and study groups to official cisco ccie lab materials — you can increase your chances of success dramatically. Remember, the CCIE is more than a certification; it’s a career-defining achievement.
If you’re preparing to book your lab or need help building a custom study plan, feel free to ask — your CCIE journey is one step closer than you think.
