The CCIE lab exam has a reputation. Eight hours. Live equipment. A pass rate hovering around 20–25%. And now, in 2026, Cisco added a mandatory AI module that every candidate must complete. If you’re feeling intimidated, you’re not alone.
But here’s the thing: two candidates just passed the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab in June 2026 – one from the Tokyo exam center, one from Beijing. They didn’t have superpowers. They had a plan, the right materials, and the discipline to execute.
Here’s what the new exam actually looks like on test day:
The 8-hour lab is split into two modules. The Design module now runs 2 hours (down from 3). You read a customer scenario, make architectural decisions, and document your justifications – no command line yet. Then the Deploy, Operate & Optimize (DOO) module runs 5 hours – configuring, troubleshooting, and tuning a live network. Finally, the AI DOO module – 1 mandatory hour – where you use GenAI, AIOps, and AgenticOps tools to assist with real network tasks.
Does the AI module mean you need to be a machine learning expert? No. You need to know how to use AI tools in a network operations context – reading AI-generated troubleshooting suggestions, validating them, and implementing fixes. It’s about judgment, not coding.
What did the successful candidates do differently? They didn’t try to memorize every CLI command. They focused on the domains that matter most: Network Infrastructure (30%), Software-Defined Infrastructure (25%), and Infrastructure Automation & Programmability (20%). They practiced with SD-WAN cloud edge scenarios (AWS, Azure, GCP) and model-driven telemetry – the new hot topics that appear repeatedly.
The cost is real. Written exam: $450**. Lab exam: **$1,600–$1,900**. Add travel and practice rack rentals, and the total investment can reach **$10K–$15K**. But the payoff? CCIE holders earn **$150K–$180K+ – a 40–60% jump over CCNP. Break-even happens in about 3 months.
Don’t let the AI module scare you. The candidates who passed didn’t know everything. They knew how to prepare efficiently, practice realistically, and stay calm under pressure. You can do the same.
Ready to start? Scan the QR code below to access our updated CCIE practice dumps – featuring AI DOO scenarios, SD-WAN cloud edge labs, and model-driven telemetry questions. Practice the new exam. Pass like the June 2026 candidates did.
