https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/Cisco-Certified-Internetwork-Expert
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification is a series of technical certifications for senior networking professionals who design, build, implement, maintain and troubleshoot complex enterprise networking infrastructures.
First issued in 1993, Cisco continuously updates the CCIE certification program. Senior technology professionals seek Cisco certifications to demonstrate expertise in networking-related practices, and employers recognize and sometimes require CCIE certification as a basis for hiring and promoting these professionals.
The CCIE certification exam is intended for senior-level IT professionals to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of complex networking technologies and practices. This involves a broad scope of detailed knowledge, including configuring, managing, optimizing and troubleshooting.
CCIE certification is typically a two-step process. First, there's a comprehensive written exam intended to quantify theoretical knowledge. Second, there's a lengthy hands-on lab exam where candidates must demonstrate practical capabilities in device configuration and troubleshooting. They can select from the following eight tracks or specializations that closely align with their job or job goals.
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure prepares IT professionals to design, deploy, operate and optimize enterprise-class infrastructure, including networks, software-defined infrastructure, transport technologies and security. It focuses on automation and programmability.
CCIE Collaboration is designed for architects and engineers specializing in voice, video and unified communications. Candidates must pass a two-hour written exam on Cisco Enterprise Collaboration and an eight-hour lab exam. Topics include configuration, troubleshooting and integration.
CCIE Data Center is intended for professionals designing, planning and implementing data center infrastructure. Candidates must pass a two-hour written exam on data center infrastructure before completing a two-part, eight-hour lab exam, assessing skills in diagnosing and troubleshooting complex data center topologies.
This CCIE specialization focuses on the design aspects of IT, helping professionals analyze existing complex networks and infrastructure, understand business and technical requirements, and design a comprehensive infrastructure that can meet business needs.
The CCIE Security certification prepares engineers to architect, engineer and troubleshoot Cisco security technologies. To pass the lab exam, engineers must fully configure a secure network within eight hours.
With the growth in enterprise software development and software-defined environments, this CCIE specialization focuses on software-related issues, including software design, development and deployment, infrastructure-as-code, security, and coding specifically intended for Cisco systems and devices.
Intended for network engineers at service providers, candidates must pass an eight-hour lab configuring service provider equipment.
Aimed at gauging knowledge of wireless local area networks and their theoretical underpinnings, candidates who attain this certification must pass an eight-hour lab configuring wireless networks.
Direct job experience alone is unlikely to provide enough detailed knowledge to earn a CCIE certification. Candidates can expect to invest significant time and effort in study and lab practice to gain the complex knowledge and skills needed. The preparation process can take months or even years depending on the resources a candidate can devote to the effort.
CCIE candidates can refer to numerous training resources to aid their preparation. There are detailed books and guides on CCIE certification tracks that can help refine theoretical knowledge, including, but not limited to, the following:
CCIE candidates must read and study the actual documentation for Cisco equipment. If their current employer already runs Cisco equipment, detailed documentation and mentoring from more experienced IT staff can accelerate learning efforts.
Candidates can also take advantage of Cisco Live sessions that are available on-demand with a Cisco Live account or through Scribd. The following is a sampling of Cisco learning sessions:
Cisco offers a Cisco Expert Prep Program intended to help candidates supplement their study for any expert tracks.
Candidates should look for specific online and instructor-led training courses. Major training organizations routinely support important industry certification education. One example is Udemy's Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure course.
Once a CCIE candidate is adequately prepared to tackle the certification process, they must schedule, take and pass a written exam for their selected track. A written exam typically consists of 90 to 110 questions over two hours. Once the knowledge exam is passed successfully, the candidate must schedule and take the eight-hour practical lab exam within a suitable timeframe -- generally within 18 months. A CCIE certification is conferred upon successfully completing the written and practical elements.
CCIE certifications must be renewed every three years to maintain status. Renewals can be earned through various combinations of exams and continuing education options.
Despite the senior-level nature of CCIE certification, no formal educational or experiential prerequisites are required for the certification process. Anyone can schedule an exam and subsequent lab at any time in their career.
However, the technical demands of CCIE certification can't be taken lightly. Candidates should have at least three to five years of extensive experience working with networks and Cisco equipment before attempting CCIE certification. Once the candidate decides to pursue a CCIE certification, it's important for them to gain confidence in the exam's theoretical and practical aspects through detailed study. Candidates should only consider certification when they can demonstrate adequate knowledge in study environments. Both the written and practical tests carry fees, so high confidence upfront can save considerable retest time and fees.
The CCIE is considered one of the most prestigious qualifications in the networking industry, and obtaining a certification is seen as a professional advantage for engineers who want to improve their career prospects. The CCIE certification has practical applications, and CCIE holders can often position themselves as industry thought leaders. The CCIE certification is a personal challenge for some and offers engineers a chance to demonstrate an industry-recognized proficiency in their networking skills. Consequently, the benefits of CCIE certification can include the following:
CCIEs are in demand as organizations continue to build network capabilities while ensuring security, services and other initiatives related to current CCIE specializations. The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and DevNet tracks are currently the most popular because both focus on design and deployment.
According to Cisco, the average salary for CCIEs in the U.S. in 2024 is about $147,000 per year. However, the salary can vary by experience, job role and geographic location. For example, less experienced CCIE professionals earn around $125,000 annually, while top CCIE professionals earn around $180,000 annually.
CCIE professionals can assume various critical and challenging IT roles, which also influence pay. The top IT roles that benefit from CCIE certification include the following:
Completing a CCIE certification can be a costly undertaking. Some candidates report spending over $10,000 to complete their CCIE certification successfully. The actual costs can vary, depending on the desired specialization, the amount of education and hands-on practice required, and the amount of travel required. CCIE costs usually fall into the following five categories:
Cisco periodically changes and updates its CCIE certifications. In 2016, for example, it added an evolving technologies section to the CCIE exams, covering strategic operations such as programmability, the internet of things and cloud computing. The exams were also unified with the labs, requiring candidates to show both intellectual and practical knowledge.
As another example, in April 2017, Cisco changed the CCIE certification by requiring candidates to demonstrate knowledge of Cisco Digital Network Architecture tools. DNA is a collection of software -- covering such topics as analytics and cybersecurity -- used to automate and manage networks.
Currently, Cisco provides detailed updates and roadmaps for the entire suite of CCIE certifications through the Cisco Certification Roadmaps website. Candidates can see announcements of upcoming exams and topic changes that can ensure proper study focus and preparation regardless of the specific specialization.
As more organizations adopt artificial intelligence, there's an increasing demand for candidates with AI certifications. Discover the top AI certifications and courses available.
03 Dec 2024