Certification Overview

To earn CCIE Service Provider, candidates must pass:

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

Note: The core exam also qualifies you toward the CCNP Service Provider certification.

Track Details & Exam Requirements

Required Exams

🔹 Core Exam (Qualifying)

• 350-501 SPCOR – Implementing and Operating Cisco Service Provider Network Core Technologies

Core Exam Focus Areas:

• Service provider architecture
• Core routing technologies
• MPLS and segment routing
• VPN services
• QoS
• Automation and programmability
• Network assurance

🔹 Lab Exam (8-Hour Practical Exam)

• CCIE Service Provider v5.x Lab Exam

The lab exam validates real-world expert skills in configuring, optimizing, and troubleshooting complex service provider networks.

Lab Exam Focus Areas:

• Advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS)
• MPLS and MPLS-based VPN services
• Segment routing
• Carrier-grade NAT and broadband solutions
• QoS implementation in SP networks
• Network automation and telemetry
• High-availability and scalability design
• Advanced troubleshooting

Validity & Recertification

With CCIE Service Provider, you demonstrate your ability to:

• Design and deploy large-scale service provider infrastructures
• Implement MPLS and VPN services
• Configure advanced routing in carrier networks
• Optimize performance and scalability
• Automate service provider operations
• Troubleshoot complex, multi-layered SP environments

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 Service Provider. However, Cisco recommends:

• 5–7 years of experience in service provider networking
• Strong expertise in routing, MPLS, and carrier technologies
• Advanced troubleshooting and network design skills

Who Should Pursue CCIE Service Provider?

• Service Provider Network Engineers
• Carrier Network Architects
• ISP Infrastructure Engineers
• Senior Routing Engineers
• Network Consultants

Career Benefits

• Globally recognized expert-level certification
• Validates elite carrier-grade networking expertise
• Positions you for senior and architect-level roles
• Significantly enhances earning potential and career growth