What topics are on the 500-230 exam?

Cisco Fundamental IOS XR Concepts 50%

1.1

Cisco IOS XR General Architecture and CLI

3 subtopics

1.1.1IOS XR Architecture

1.1.2High Availability and Scalability

1.1.3Command Line Interface

Learning Objectives

Describe Cisco IOS XR general architecture and command line interface (CLI)
Understand IOS XR architecture, high availability, scalability

1.2

Basic System Configuration

4 subtopics

1.2.1Configuration Operations

1.2.2Initial Configuration

1.2.3Configuration Review and Verification

1.2.4Route Processor Redundancy

Learning Objectives

Describe basic system configuration
Understand configuration operations, initial configuration, and reviewing configurations
Configure and verify route processor redundancy

1.3

Switch Architecture

2 subtopics

1.3.1Fabric Architecture

1.3.2Verifying Fabric Data Path

Learning Objectives

Describe switch architecture
Review Cisco IOS XR architecture, high availability, and scalability
Verify the fabric data path

1.4

IOS XR Software Operations

4 subtopics

1.4.1Operation Basics

1.4.2Configuration Operations

1.4.3Configuration Rollback and Recovery

1.4.4Process Management

Learning Objectives

Describe Cisco IOS XR software operations
Examine operation basics, configuration operations, rollback and recovery
Understand process management

1.5

Configuration File System

1 subtopics

1.5.1File System Overview

Learning Objectives

Describe configuration file system overview

1.6

System Monitoring

1 subtopics

1.6.1Monitoring Commands

Learning Objectives

Describe system monitoring commands

1.7

Error Messages and Core Dumps

3 subtopics

1.7.1System Error Messages

1.7.2Logging System Messages

1.7.3IOS XR Core Dumps

Learning Objectives

Describe error messages and core dumps
Understand system error messages, logging, and core dumps

1.8

IOS XR Installation

2 subtopics

1.8.1Software Installation

1.8.2Recovery from Software Installation

Learning Objectives

Describe IOS XR installation
Understand installing software and recovering from installation issues

1.9

Secure Domain Routers

1 subtopics

1.9.1SDR Concepts

Learning Objectives

Describe secure domain routers

1.10

AAA Security

1 subtopics

1.10.1AAA Configuration

Learning Objectives

Describe AAA security

1.11

Network Time Synchronization

1 subtopics

1.11.1NTP Configuration

Learning Objectives

Describe network time synchronization

Domain Hands-on Skills

Configuring IOS XR devicesManaging configurationsMonitoring system healthTroubleshooting basic issuesInstalling and managing software

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not understanding commit model
Incorrect rollback procedures
Misunderstanding HA features
Poor logging configuration

Cisco Advanced IOS XR Concepts 50%

How do I earn the Cisco Service Provider Routing Field Engineer certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Service Provider

Prerequisites

200-301CCNAOptional
350-501SPCOROptional

Next Steps

350-501SPCOR
CCIE SP LabCCIE Service Provider Lab

Current Level

500-210CSPOFEPartner
500-230CSPRFEPartner

Alternative Paths

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Pass any Expert-level examPass any two Professional concentration examsEarn Continuing Education creditsRetake the same exam

How do I study for the 500-230 Exam?

Practice the Cisco Service Provider Routing Field Engineer with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Official Training

Cisco Service Provider Routing Foundational TrainingCisco Cisco Service Provider Routing Advanced Field Engineer Instructor Led TrainingCisco

Study Tips

Focus heavily on IOS XR architecture and CLI differences from traditional IOS
Practice configuration commit and rollback procedures extensively
Understand MPLS LDP operations and troubleshooting commands
Master L3VPN configuration for both intra-AS and inter-AS scenarios
Learn process monitoring and troubleshooting techniques
Practice with real or simulated IOS XR equipment if possible

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

IOS XR7.x

May include new CLI commands and features

Released: 2024

Segment RoutingLatest

Increasing focus though LDP still primary for 500-230

Released: Ongoing

Industry Trends

Shift from traditional MPLS to Segment Routing
Increased focus on automation and programmability
Cloud-native service provider architectures
Network telemetry and observability emphasis

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

Experience with Cisco IOS XR Software
Knowledge of service provider technologies
Understanding of MPLS and L3VPN concepts
Familiarity with routing protocols

Experience Level: Intermediate

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost	$300 USD
Testing Centers	Pearson VUE
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	3 years
Recertification	Pass any Expert-level exam Pass any two Professional concentration exams Earn Continuing Education credits Pass the same exam again

Cisco Service Provider Routing Field Engineer

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details

What topics are on the 500-230 exam?

Cisco Fundamental IOS XR Concepts 50%

Cisco IOS XR General Architecture and CLI

Basic System Configuration

Switch Architecture

IOS XR Software Operations

Configuration File System

System Monitoring

Error Messages and Core Dumps

IOS XR Installation

Secure Domain Routers

AAA Security

Network Time Synchronization

Domain Hands-on Skills

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cisco Advanced IOS XR Concepts 50%

How do I earn the Cisco Service Provider Routing Field Engineer certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Prerequisites

Next Steps

Current Level

Alternative Paths

Certification Maintenance

How do I study for the 500-230 Exam?

Practice the Cisco Service Provider Routing Field Engineer with our Exam Simulator

Official Training

Study Tips

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Industry Trends

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

How long is the certification valid?

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