my journey with expert-level Cisco certification began already quite far long time ago - 15 years. and with Cisco certification overall - even couple years earlier than that.
I was finally able to get hands-on practice with Cisco Continuing Education program. apart from the fact, that trying to pass exams right now remotely during pandemic has abstract requirements I do generally believe it makes sense.
one way or another - I’m recertified until April 2024. of course, as life goes on, I’ll be suprised to read this entry years from now thinking “how the hell did it go that fast?” ;)
but until then - “CCIE #15929 R&S/SP and CCDE #2012::17 is still active” :)