Cisco Certified Design Expert exam price, length, validity and renewal
Cisco · Expert · 400-007 CCDE · $400 · 120 min · 90-110 questions · valid 3 years
Exam facts
Checked Sep 25, 2026 on Cisco's page| Price | $400 per attempt, US list priceUSD 400 on the exam page; the CCDE certification page lists $US450. Cisco Learning Credits accepted |
|---|---|
| Length | 120 min |
| Questions | 90-110 |
| Format | Multiple choice, proctored, pass/fail |
| Valid for | 3 years |
| Renewal | Recertify within three years by earning 120 Continuing Education credits or passing qualifying exams. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Level | Expert (Cisco calls it Expert (CCDE written, core)) |
| Delivery | Online proctored or in person at a Pearson VUE test centre |
| Languages | English |
| Status | ActivePrice conflict between official pages (exam page $US400, CCDE page $US450). |
| Source | cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/exams/ccdew.htmlLast checked Sep 25, 2026 |
Changes
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TrackAbout this exam
Written core exam (v3.0) for CCDE that validates expert-level skills in gathering requirements, designing complex networks and conveying design decisions.
What the official page says
- Price: "$US400, or use Cisco Learning Credits"
- Duration: "is a 2-hour, multiple-choice test"
- Questions: "a 2-hour, multiple-choice test with 90-110 questions"
- Validity: "Valid for: 3 years"
Most Cisco certifications stay active for three years and renew with Continuing Education credits, a retake of the exam, or a higher-level exam; CCST certifications earned on or after 2025-07-15 last five years.
After a failed written exam wait five calendar days (30 days after a failed expert lab or practical exam), and wait 180 days before retaking a passed exam with the same number.
Cisco policy