How many times can I take the CCIE Security Lab exam?

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security or the CCIE Security program is formed to recognize security experts who would have the knowledge and skills about architecture, engineering, implementation, troubleshooting, and supporting the full suite of Cisco security technologies and solutions by utilizing the latest industry best practices in order to secure systems and environments against modern security risks, threats, vulnerabilities, and requirements.

Before we move to the answer, let’s first know about the basics of the CCIE Security Lab Exam.

Overview:

The Cisco CCIE Security Lab Exam version 5.0 includes an eight-hour hands-on exam , which requires a candidate to plan, design, implement, operate, and troubleshoot complex security scenarios under a given specification. Knowledge of troubleshooting is considered to be an important skill and candidates are expected to diagnose and solve issues as part of the CCIE lab exam.

CCIE Security v5.0 contains the written and lab exam topics documents into a unique curriculum, while explicitly has been disclosed that, which domains would be pertaining to which exam and the relative weight of each domain have also been specified.

CCIE Security Exam Criteria

CCIE security lab exam could be entertained only after clearing the CCIE written exam. If you have cleared your CCIE written exam then you would have 18 months after clearing the written exam to attempt for your first lab exam. If you will fail then, you get your next attempt for lab exam within 12 months from your first lab exam attempt. If you fail to pass in lab exam within 3 years after you cleared the written exam, then you should have to reattempt for the written exam again so as to make yourself eligible to appear in next lab exam.

Passing Criteria

In order to clear the lab exam, the candidates are required to must meet these two conditions:

1.    The total sum of all modules should be equal to at least the minimum overall cut-score.

2.    The sum for each individual module should be equal to at least the minimum cut score for the module.

The reason for setting these criteria is to prevent the candidate from clearing the lab exam while failing or even bypassing a module, for example, the Diagnostic module. The point value of each item in each lab module would be shown on the candidate guide, which is provided at the lab exam. The points are granted only when all the criteria mentioned to them of the item are met. The partial score is not granted on any item.

Results:

Candidates could review the lab exam results online if they have login details, usually within 48 hours. Even though you fail, the  failing score reports will indicate that additional study and preparation in major topic areas may  be prove to be useful.

Cost

The CCIE Security Lab Exam would be costing around $1600. In this exam cost, travel and lodging expenses are not included. Also, costs might be varying due to exchange rates and local taxes. You are responsible for any kind of fees that you agreed to pay to your financial institution. Price is not confirmed and they can be changed, without informing the candidates, until they have made full payment.

Lab Environment

Although you can obtain Cisco documentation online during the exam, you should a further understanding of  more common protocols and technologies . The documentation could only be able to navigate if the candidate utilizes the index, as the search function has been disabled. Outside reference materials are not permitted in the lab room. You should have to report any suspected equipment issues to the proctor during the exam; adjustments cannot be made once the exam is completed.