Convenience decides whether a study plan survives contact with real life. The Real4Prep materials arrive within 1 minute of payment and work on paper, Windows, and in any browser.
Cisco 642-873 Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | Cisco |
|---|---|
| Exam Name: | Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH) |
| Exam Number: | 642-873 |
| Exam Format: | Case Study, Simulation, Drag-and-Drop, Multiple Choice Single Answer, Multiple Choice Multiple Answer |
| Available Languages: | Japanese, English |
| Passing Score: | 700 (scale 300–1000) |
| Exam Duration: | 75 minutes |
| Certificate Validity Period: | 3 years |
| Real Exam Qty: | 60–70 |
| Related Certifications: | CCNP CCDA CCDE |
| Exam Price: | $200–$250 USD |
| Recommended Training: | ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures |
| Exam Registration: | Pearson VUE |
| Sample Questions: |  |
| Exam Way: | Onsite proctored at Pearson VUE testing centers (retired, no longer available) |
| Pre Condition: | CCDA certification or equivalent knowledge; CCNA level recommended; CCIE holders exempt |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/exams/retired.html |
Cisco 642-873 Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Topic 1: Intelligent Network Services | 15% | - Quality of Service (QoS) design - Network management design - Security architecture integration |
| Topic 2: Enterprise Campus Architecture | 30% | - Spanning Tree Protocol design - Hierarchical network design model - Campus routing design - High availability and redundancy - Layer 2 and Layer 3 infrastructure design |
| Topic 3: Enterprise Edge and WAN Architecture | 25% | - WAN technologies and design - VPN and remote access design - Edge routing and BGP design - Internet connectivity design |
| Topic 4: Data Center Architecture | 20% | - Data center service integration - Storage networking design - Data center hierarchical model - Server virtualization design |
| Topic 5: Converged Network Solutions | 10% | - Wireless network integration - Unified communications design - IPv6 transition and coexistence |
Cisco Designing Cisco network Service Architectures (ARCH) Exam: Demo First, Decide Second
CCDA certification or equivalent knowledge; CCNA level recommended; CCIE holders exempt Since requirements change over time, confirm the latest on the official Cisco exam page before scheduling.
The Cisco Designing Cisco network Service Architectures (ARCH) exam contains 60–70 to complete within 75 minutes. Timed simulation in the Real4Prep Desktop Test Engine teaches that rhythm before exam day does.
The official Cisco Designing Cisco network Service Architectures (ARCH) outline defines 5 domains. The leading three are Enterprise Campus Architecture (30%), Enterprise Edge and WAN Architecture (25%), and Data Center Architecture (20%). The full list is in the topics section above, and Real4Prep's 231 practice questions cover each one.
Onsite proctored at Pearson VUE testing centers (retired, no longer available) Register for the Cisco Designing Cisco network Service Architectures (ARCH) exam through these official channels:
After booking, Real4Prep delivers your practice questions within 1 minute — preparation starts the same day.
The Cisco Designing Cisco network Service Architectures (ARCH) exam requires 700 (scale 300–1000) to pass, and registration costs $200–$250 USD. A failed attempt means paying the same fee again — a readiness check with the Real4Prep engines before booking is the cheaper option.
The 642-873 exam is a Cisco certification exam validating the Cisco Designing Cisco network Service Architectures (ARCH) syllabus shown above. It belongs to these credential paths: CCDA, CCNP, CCDE. Candidates in 2026 start with Real4Prep's 231 practice questions, available as a printable PDF, a Windows Desktop Test Engine, and an Online Test Engine — three versions of the same materials.
Cisco recommends these training resources for the Cisco Designing Cisco network Service Architectures (ARCH) exam:
Follow the training with steady self-testing — the 231 practice questions from Real4Prep help you apply theory and fill any gaps the training leaves.
Real4Prep issues a full refund if you take the Cisco Designing Cisco network Service Architectures (ARCH) exam within 60 days of purchase and do not pass. The policy does not apply if the exam is taken within 3 days of purchase, if the exam was never actually taken, or to free materials or expired orders, and the candidate name must match the payer name. Submit a scan of your enrollment slip and the official Score Report PDF within 2 days of the exam; claims are processed within 7 days. Alternatively, exchange for two free exam products of equal value and keep your original update service. Orders arrive by email within 1 minute — contact support if nothing arrives within 2 hours.
Three versions of the same study materials: a printable, expert-prepared PDF with free demo download and instant access; a Desktop Test Engine for Windows with customizable simulation and timed modes that works offline; and an Online Test Engine for any browser on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS with test history and performance review. All 231 practice questions are identical across versions. Every purchase includes 365 days of free updates, a 50% renewal discount afterward, and unlimited computer installations.
