The Chinese whispers have now become reality.

Below is an extract of an email I received from Cisco 5th May 2009; which briefly explains the changes to the Routing & Switching track which is now version 4.0. Please follow the URL's to gain further insight about the certification.

Cisco® Revises its Popular CCIE® R&S Certification

Cisco has revised the certification requirements for CCIE Routing & Switching (CCIE R&S)-the expert level certification for network engineers.

The new certification standards reflect the job skills employers look for at the expert level and are outlined on the Cisco Learning Network at CCIE R&S v4.0 written exam topics and CCIE R&S v4.0 lab exam topics. The revised CCIE R&S v4.0 exams are scheduled for release on October 18, 2009 and will immediately replace the currently available v3.0 exams. 

To support the certification changes, the Cisco 360 Learning Program for CCIE R&S is being updated with new lessons on MPLS and Troubleshooting, additions to the instructor-led workshops, new lab exercises for self-paced practice, and new performance assessments. The Program is the only authorized expert training currently aligned to CCIE R&S v4.0. The program is delivered globally by Cisco Learning Partners



This will of course mean spending a lot of money to buy new labs from relevant vendors unless you had buyer protection purchased with the initial purchase which will than entitle you with free updates.

Good Luck with your goals!!!