Project 525 CCIE Mentorship Program
Turn Your Cisco CCIE Goal Into a Structured, Mentored Journey
Take on Cisco’s expert-level certification with a clear 12-month roadmap, CCIE certified mentorship and extensive hands-on lab preparation.
Developed in collaboration with Cisco and delivered by Trainocate across APJC, Project 525 gives experienced IT professionals the structure and support to progress toward CCIE lab readiness.
Expert Skills for AI-Driven Infrastructure
AI and automation are reshaping how infrastructure is designed, secured and managed. Organizations need experts who can use these tools effectively, validate their outputs and make sound decisions across complex environments.
CCIE validates the expert-level skills required to:
- Design, deploy and optimize advanced infrastructure
- Use AI and automation effectively
- Troubleshoot complex, unfamiliar problems
- Translate technical expertise into business outcomes
92%
of certified professionals feel more confident in their abilities
81%
of employers associate certification holders with greater quality and value of work
73%
of IT professionals pursue certification to gain necessary skills
Source: Cisco – Why Certify
Why Project 525 Works
Project 525 replaces fragmented self-study with a structured path from initial assessment to CCIE lab preparation.
Built in collaboration with Cisco and delivered by Trainocate across APJC, the programme combines:
Clear direction
A defined 12-month learning roadmap
Practical development
Cisco U. learning, labs and bootcamp preparation
Expert guidance
Support from CCIE-certified mentors
Measurable progress
Regular tracking for candidates and sponsors
Built for Individuals
of employers associate certification holders with greater quality and value of work
Built for Organizations
of IT professionals pursue certification to gain necessary skills
Choose the CCIE Path That Fits Your Expertise
Select a track to explore its technical focus, prerequisites, target roles and Project 525 journey.
CCIE Automation
Design and develop automation solutions across the complete network lifecycle.
CCIE Collaboration
Build expert-level capabilities for complex enterprise collaboration solutions.
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
Master complex enterprise networks, software-defined infrastructure and automation.
Not sure which CCIE track is right for you?
Speak with a rep to assess your experience, certification status and career goals.
Your 12-Month Journey to Cisco CCIE
Project 525 follows a defined 12-month roadmap designed to build technical depth, practical capability, and exam confidence.
Entry: Assess Your Readiness
Confirm the applicable Cisco core exam and complete a pre-assessment to establish your knowledge baseline.
Months 1–9: Learn and Practice
Follow track-specific Cisco U. learning, complete hands-on exercises and receive ongoing guidance from a CCIE-certified mentor.
Month 10: Prepare Intensively
Reinforce key concepts, address knowledge gaps and build practical readiness through an intensive CCIE bootcamp and practice labs.
Months 11–12: Test Your Readiness
Complete a timed eight-hour simulated CCIE lab, finalise your preparation and progress toward the official lab exam.
Everything You Need to Stay on Track
Project 525 brings the essential elements of CCIE preparation into one coordinated mentorship program:
- Readiness assessment to establish your knowledge baseline
- Structured Cisco U. learning aligned with your selected track
- CCIE-certified mentorship throughout the journey
- Cisco Modeling Labs access for practical skill development
- Two four-hour CCIE practice labs
- Intensive CCIE bootcamp focused on exam readiness
- Eight-hour simulated CCIE lab
- Progress reports for candidates and organizational sponsors
- Two CCNP concentration exam vouchers
- One CCIE lab exam voucher
Cisco Learning Credits may be used toward program costs where applicable.
A Mentored Model With Proven Results
Project 525 reports that more than 70% of participants go on to pass the CCIE exam. Cisco has also documented successful CCIE journeys supported by the program’s mentorship and structured preparation.
Success does not guarantee individual results. Outcomes depend on candidate readiness, participation and exam performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Project 525 for?
Experienced IT and networking professionals who are committed to pursuing expert-level Cisco certification and want a structured, mentored preparation journey.
Do I need to hold CCNP?
A CCNP certification is not necessarily required, but candidates must have passed the applicable Cisco core exam and complete the Project 525 pre-assessment.
Is the program fully instructor-led?
No. Project 525 uses a blended model combining structured self-paced Cisco U. learning, CCIE-certified mentorship, practical labs and an intensive bootcamp.
How much time should I commit?
Candidates should be prepared for consistent study and lab practice throughout the 12-month program, including intensive participation during the bootcamp.
Can my organization track my progress?
Yes. Progress reports are provided to candidates and their line managers or organizational sponsors.
Can Cisco Learning Credits be used?
Cisco Learning Credits may be applied toward program costs where applicable.
Does Project 525 guarantee that I will pass?
No. The program provides structure, mentorship, labs and exam preparation, but certification results depend on individual performance.
What happens if I do not pass on my first attempt?
The program includes conditional second-attempt insurance. Specific eligibility, payment and reimbursement terms should be confirmed with a program advisor.
Give Your CCIE Goal a Clear Path Forward
Whether you are pursuing CCIE for your own career or developing expert-level talent within your organization, Project 525 provides the structure, mentorship and practical preparation to move forward with confidence.
For Individual Professionals
Discuss your experience, certification status, preferred CCIE track and readiness for the next cohort.
For Organizations
Build a measurable development pathway for sponsored candidates, technical teams and future expert-level leaders.
Not sure where to begin? Speak with a Trainocate rep to identify the right next step.
Ready to Start Your Project 525 Journey?
Tell us what you’re looking to achieve, and our team will help you identify the right CCIE track and next steps.