CCIE written vs CCNP 2.0

I've recently passed the CCIE written, and am now studying to take the lab. However, since I work for a reseller, I need to have an actual certification to be eligible for some of the specialization requirements. Has anyone taken the CCIE written before the CCNP tests? If so, did you need to

Re: what is dark fiber?

Depends on who you are talking to. To me dark fiber means 1. fiber strands that are currently not in use, or 2. private fiber that you or your company has installed, that is not part of the local telephone company's infrastructure. This is how I have been using the term for over 15 years. "Ye