Trials and demos
How to buy
The Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certification shows the world you’ve got what it takes be an elite designer of IT solutions.

Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certification

The Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certification shows the world you’ve got what it takes be an elite designer of IT solutions.

Schedule exam Why certify?
Overview Exams and training Community Resources

Coming February 2025: New AI Infrastructure elective.

Learn more

Get your license to design as a leader in complex network solutions

Get your license to design as a leader in complex network solutions

CCDE Certification

To design a truly transformative IT solution, you need to know more than just the technology. The CCDE certification program arms you with a breadth of knowledge and skills to navigate the waters of complex IT projects in network architecture and design.

Designing for a comprehensive solution

Demonstrate how to think outside the box and remove any organizational silos to design the best solution. Identify best practices to arrive at a solution, including methods for gathering requirements for the business, technologies, teams, and budget.

Business and engineering teams requirements analysis

Understand how to gather requirements from both business and engineering teams. Bridge any gaps between the network and the business to make sure the proposed solution fits all needs.

Technology analysis

Be able to identify new trends and technologies that help accelerate the business and drive the digital transformation.

Rework and analyze existing networks

Showcase your ability to analyze existing networks to identify weak points or design flaws and design solutions to fix them. Build updated high-level design documents based on your findings.

How it works

No formal prerequisites necessary

There are no formal prerequisites for this certification.

Learners are recommended to have five to seven years of experience with designing and architecting network solutions, as well as engaging in other related activities, such as pre-sales work.

Example learner profiles

As our most advanced certifications, Cisco expert certifications tell the world you’re among the best of the best in your field. Many candidates have previous experience in network design and are aiming for a senior-level or leadership position.
To earn the CCDE certification, you'll need to pass two exams: a written exam and a practical exam.

Getting started

To earn this certification, you'll need to pass two exams:

  • A written exam
  • A practical exam

A variety of resources are available to help you study - from guided learning to self-study and a community forum.

Explore exams and training

Maintain your certification

Your certification is valid for three years. You can renew with Continuing Education credits or retake exams before they expire.

Resources

CCDE certification: Your License to Design

Learn what you can gain and what to expect from the CCDE program.

Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) v3.0 summary

Get a quick primer about the CCDE certification program and what it takes to earn your certification.

Learn more

The CCDE certification story

Get a sense of key skills and acumen you will gain from pursuing this certification.

Download infographic (PDF)

Enhance your learning journey

Stay up to date

Get the latest news about Cisco certifications, plus tools and insights to help you get where you want to go.

Sign up for newsletter

CCDE certifications community

Not sure where to begin? Head to the CCDE certifications community to get advice and connect with experts.

Explore community