Becoming a CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert

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CCIE stands for Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. It is a professional credential awarded by Cisco Systems upon completion of a rigorous test in network security. It is a higher level of certification than CCNA, and worldwide, there are fewer than 100,000 IT professionals who have CCIE certification. Becoming a CCIE can open up more career opportunities, and help you earn a higher salary. On average, CCIEs earn $25,000 more per year than CCNAs, and $50,000 more per year than network specialists who have no certification.

It is not necessary to have any prior certifications before you apply for the CCIE credential. For instance, you do not have to be a CCNA before becoming a CCIE. However, Cisco recommends that candidates have 5 or more years experience working with Cisco Systems technology before they take the exams. If you currently work in network administration or security, and you want to improve your job outlook, the steps below will outline the process to become a CCIE.

Preliminary: CCNA or CCIE?

If you don't have any prior Cisco certification, you have many options to choose from in earning network security credentials. Although the CCIE is the most prestigious badge, it is also the most difficult. Before you enroll in a CCIE boot camp and study the practice test manuals, you should find out whether you can benefit just as much from becoming a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) instead.

The Associate level credential can help you negotiate a higher salary in your current job, and it is a pre-req for some Professional level Cisco Certifications (such as CCNP, CCVP, CCDA, etc). The CCNA tests are easier, and intended for candidates with only a couple years of experience using Cisco network equipment. If you have limited experience, you can earn the Associate level credential, and then apply for a CCIE in 2 or 3 years when your CCNA is about to expire.

Choosing a CCIE Track

Within the CCIE certification level, there are 6 distict tracks that focus on 6 aspects of networks. They are

Routing and Switching
Security
Service Provider
Storage networking
Voice
Wireless

More in depth descriptions of each track can be found on the Cisco Website. Choose the Track that is most pertinent to your current daily job duties.

Applying for the Written Exam

Anyone who feels confident enough can take the written portion of the CCIE exam. Simply sign up on the Cisco Systems webpage, and pay the fee. The written exam costs $350 per attempt, but candidates have the option of taking a Beta-version for $50. The exams are given on the computer through a testing company called Pearson Vue. (Pearson Vue has testing centers in every major city and almost every college town, since they administer hundreds of other exams for different professions. You will find at least one testing center within 50 miles.)

Applying for the Lab Exam

Only candidates who have passes the CCIE written exam can apply to take the laboratory exam. After you pass the written test, you will have 18 months to make a first attempt at passing the laboratory exam. YOu must ultimately pass the lab exam within 3 years of passing the written test, or else start the whole process over again. The lab test cost $1400.

The lab component is an 8 hour, hands-on test, performed at a Cisco lab. The test involves setting up and troubleshooting a variety of situations in networking. You can get detailed lab blueprints on the Cisco website. Because the lab exam is costly and challenging, most people sign up for a CCIE bootcamp to prepare thoroughly.

CCIE Bootcamps

CCIE bootcamps are intensive training sessions where you work in simulated Cisco labs using Cisco Systems network devices. The bootcamps teach you to solve the same types of networking problems that you will encounter on the lab exam. Though bootcamps are effective, they are also pricey. A typical CCIE bootcamp is around $2000-$3000.

When choosing a CCIE training course, consider the expertise of the instructors (whether they have Cisco certification, used to work for Cisco, have extensive networking experience, etc.) as well as the length of the course. Also look for accreditation by an independent organization. All bootcamps will assume advanced knowledge of certain networking concepts, depending on the track. That is why you should choose and exam track you are already an expert in.

Financing CCIE Training and Exams

CCIE exams and exam prep are costly, but you do have options. You should inquire about workplace reimbursement. Your employer may pay for all or part of your Cisco Systems certification. You may also qualify for some tax breaks if the costs are necessary to get or keep a job.