CCIE certifications and Cisco Qualified Specialist designations are valid for two years. Valid certifications may be renewed indefinitely or extended. Without timely renewal, individual career certifications expire or become inactive.
Extension occurs when a certificate holder advances to the next level.
Recertification has been part of the Cisco Career Certifications program since 1997, when Cisco implemented CCIE recertification. Cisco is now implementing recertification for the Professional and Associate levels and for Cisco Qualified Specialist designations. Recertification exams are regularly offered worldwide. Valid certifications may be renewed indefinitely. For CCIE certificate holders, renewal requires passing a recertification test and attending specific sessions at Networkers conferences.