---
title: "Passed CCDE written and Recertified my CCIE - Killed two birds with one stone"
description: "A milestone achievement in passing the CCDE written exam while simultaneously recertifying CCIE credentials, with insights into future certification plans including CCIE Service Provider."
author: "Colin McNamara"
tags: ["certification","cisco","ccde","ccie","professional-development"]
image: "https://colinmcnamara.com/images/blog/passed-ccde-written-ccie-recertification/featured.png"
date: 2008-06-15
url: https://colinmcnamara.com/blog/passed-ccde-written-ccie-recertification
---

# Passed CCDE written and Recertified my CCIE - Killed two birds with one stone

Today was a good day, I knocked two major items off my todo list. The first, was passing the CCDE written.

This is the first step towards sitting for a practical examination that will hopefully be released this October. And, in response to [Michael Morris's blog post](http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/24239) - Yes Mike, I can pass the CCDE written.

The second big item on my todo list was to recertify my CCIE. Thankfully, Cisco counts the CCDE written towards my recertification requirements. I am waiting for the system to update, but I think this will set me up to be certified till June of 2011.

There is one interesting side effect of passing my CCDE written the week before networkers. I had originally planned on using the free exam at networkers as a "safety" exam in case I struck out on this attempt. Now of course, that is not necessary. Since I am already a CCIE, there isn't much incentive to take a professional level exam.

So, after weighing my options, I have decided to take the CCIE Service Provider written. It covers much of the MPLS / IP Next Generation Networks material that I have been studying. I only have 7 days to prepare, so the odds are against me. However, with the heavy service provider focus in the CCDE blueprint, I have a feeling after I battle the CCDE practical I will be set to roll right into the CCIE Service Provider lab.