Certification Overview

To earn CCIE Data Center, candidates must pass:

1. Core Exam (Qualifying Exam)
2. Hands-on Lab Exam

Note: The core exam also qualifies you toward the CCNP Data Center certification.

Track Details & Exam Requirements

Required Exams

🔹 Core Exam (Qualifying)

• 350-601 DCCOR – Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies

Core Exam Focus Areas:

• Data center networking
• Compute systems
• Storage networking
• Automation and programmability
• Security
• Network assurance

🔹 Lab Exam (8-Hour Practical Exam)

• CCIE Data Center v3.x Lab Exam

The lab exam validates expert-level practical skills in real-world data center scenarios.

Lab Exam Focus Areas:

• Data center design and architecture
• Cisco Nexus switching technologies
• Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure)
• Storage networking (SAN)
• Unified computing systems (UCS)
• Automation and orchestration
• Troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues

Validity & Recertification

With CCIE Data Center, you demonstrate your ability to:

• Architect scalable and resilient data center solutions
• Deploy and manage advanced switching and routing technologies
• Implement Cisco ACI environments
• Integrate compute and storage solutions
• Automate data center infrastructure
• Perform deep technical troubleshooting

Certification Validity & Recertification

Validity Period: 3 Years

Renewal Options

You can recertify by completing any one of the following:

• Pass any one CCIE lab exam
• Pass any CCIE core exam
• Pass two professional-level concentration exams
• Earn continuing education credits

Recommended Experience

There are no formal prerequisites to attempt CCIE Data Center. However, Cisco recommends:

• 5–7 years of experience in data center technologies
• Strong expertise in networking, compute, and storage solutions
• Advanced troubleshooting skills

Who Should Pursue CCIE Data Center?

• Senior Data Center Engineers
• Data Center Architects
• Infrastructure Architects
• Cloud Infrastructure Engineers
• Enterprise Network Engineers

Career Benefits

• Globally recognized expert-level certification
• Demonstrates elite data center expertise
• Positions you for architect and senior leadership roles

Significantly enhances earning potential and career growth