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Cisco certifications such as the CCIE -- Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert -- are the premier certifications for networking hardware. Microsoft's MCSE certification concentrates more on the software, naturally since that is Microsoft's business.
But Cisco makes the hardware that carries the software, whether by Microsoft, Novell, Linux or any other. Cisco routers and switchers hold the Internet together.
Over 70% of the routers used today are made by Cisco. Cisco was started in 1984 by two professors, Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner, husband and wife, who designed and built their own router.
Cisco CCIE Routing and Switching Certifications
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Standard disclaimer: Whether or not any certification is "worth it" is an individual decision. You alone must decide what your career goals and needs are. Look at certifications from a cost/benefit or Return On Investment (ROI) basis. If they help you get a better paying job or make more money at your current job, they are obviously "worth it." The problem is, there is no real way of measuring how much you can expect your income to go up as a result of any given certification. It also depends on non-related job search skills such as how well you network. |
Cisco's certification system looks a little complicated at first, but there is a logic to it. Besides, if you can't figure out the certification system itself, you sure can't pass the tests anyway:)
They have two basic tracks:
OK, logical enough, right? If you want to be the one called in by a business when they need to design a network, you go for the Network Design track. If you want to keep working there running the network once it's in place, you go for the Network Support track. Of course, a lot of knowledge and skills overlap. Logic tells us that in the long run there will be a lot more job demand for network support specialists.
Within each track, there are three tiers of expertise. Naturally, you start out at the lowest tier and work your way up.
What's easy to understand is that the CCIE Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert is the top of the line, of Cisco and all certifications. There are probably far fewer CCIEs in the world than MCSEs.
For one thing, it takes at least two years of on the job real life experience, training running about $15,000 and passing not only a difficult multiple choice exam, but passing a $1000 laboratory hands on test. About 70% of the people who take this $1000 practical test fail it the first time.
You are not even allowed to take the laboratory practical test until you have passed the multiple choice test.
Strangely enough, although Cisco requires that you have the Associate tier certifications before you can take the Professional tier exams, they do not require CCIE candidates to have any Cisco certifications. However, it's recommended that you do have a lot of experience and training before you attempt it.
Taking the CCIE exams without extensive networking and Cisco hardware knowledge and experience would be foolhardy, and a waste of money.
The CCIE currently comes in one specialization, in the Network Support Track: CCIE Routing and Switching
Routing and Switching skills:
Three other CCIE certifications used to be offered, but have been retired. Another one is being developed. Check with Cisco for current details.
Cisco has tried out a beta version of CCIE for its Network Design track. Check with Cisco for its current plans when you read this.
This is a summary of the CCIE Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert certification.