We all know that the Version 4 CCIE R&S exam is a dramatically different animal from the Version 3 lab. In fact, there have never been such big changes in this track since the move from a two-day format to a one-day format.

I suppose it is no surprise, therefore, that we are seeing a much greater number of students passing after a reread than ever before. Also, there have been reported cases on IEOC.com where students have received their passing mark after opening a Support Ticket with Cisco Certification.

The reread situation is certainly a big change for those of us instrcutors that have been doing this for a long time. I can recall equating the purchase of a reread with the purchase of a local lottery ticket. Cisco would smile and take your Credit Card number, but it was very, very rare that someone would actually pass as a result of the purchase. And this was no surprise then really either, as the exams at the time were very mature and ambiguity-free.

The latest reread success was just reported in IEOC.com. Username sammy purchased a reread on July 9, 2010 and received his digits today - CCIE # 26484. That is just awesome.

Please be advised that Cisco has indeed revamped their reread policy, however. You need to score "close enough" to passing in order to qualify for a reread. If your have indeed done so, you will have a link for a reread in your score report email from Cisco. They do not publish the criteria for the reread determination.

Now, before I wrap this up, I need to make something very clear. DO NOT allow this information to damage your physchology in any way. What I mean by this is that you cannot enter the lab thinking to yourself..."OK, this thing is still so new that it is probably going to be messed up, and I will just have to pass with a reread." Please keep in mind that we now have non-reread passing students weekly (and some on their first-ever attempts). This clearly means that all current iterations of the Version 4 exam are indeed quite solid.

So you might ask, "well then why has the reread passing rate increased?" The answer is most likely that the proctors are still refining the grading of these labs and tweaking the acceptable solutions given the various task requirements.

As always, our instructor team and online community is here to assist with any questions you might have regarding rereads and Support Ticket issues. Remember, the only silly question is the one that is not asked.

To all of our beloved students around the globe - keep on rocking your studies! And to all of our recent passers - what is your next track? :-)