CCDE is one of the most sought-after and valuable IT certifications today. It used to be very service provider focused. The current version, CCDEv3, was launched November 2, 2021 and it changed radically in terms of technology coverage. Also, this version adds the AoE (Area of Expertise) scenarios of choice, meaning you can choose one scenario based on three different technology areas:

• Large Scale Networks
• On-Prem and Cloud Services
• Workforce Mobility

To become a CCDE you must pass a written exam and a practical exam - respectively in that order. I started on my own almost two years ago by studying for the CCDEv2 written. My first attempt was on November 2, 2020. It was a fail, but a good attempt, because I got a feeling of what it was all about. At this point I didn’t know if I would ever be able to finish the study and become certified. After I talked with my boss about my goal, he mentioned that one of my colleagues also thought about going after this cert. We teamed up and started reading book after book after book… On March 26, 2021 we both passed written. Both of us got very motivated and started a more structured approach of reading every single reference of study materials on the official recommended reading list… We also booked the CCDEv2 practical exam at Pearson VUE on several occasions, but due to the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, we had to cancel each time. In the end we decided to give up on the CCDEv2 and go for the CCDEv3. Our reading started focusing on the v3 topics and its learning matrix. Never in my life had I read so much before and taken so many notes. Some of the books we even read several times. This is where self-discipline comes in to play and having a study group or partner is a must. Especially with CCDE compared to CCIE, because you’ll not be able to assess yourself by labbing stuff. That’s not what the CCDE is about.