What are the prerequisites for the CCIE lab exam?

Since there are no formal prerequisites for the applicants to take out the CCIE exam, however, Cisco recommends that the individuals appearing in Cisco CCIE certification should have three to four years of experience in the computer networking field. So, if you are making a checklist of CCIE lab exam's prerequisites, congrats! Because you have reached here right after passing your CCIE written exam.

After passing out the written CCIE exam, the individuals are eligible to schedule their further lab exam within two years of passing a written exam. CCIE lab and a practical exam worth paying 1600 USD per attempt excluding travel and lodging charges which the candidate has to bear by himself. This 1600 USD does not even include any other costs like transaction charges, which your bank may ask you to pay for this transaction. It means that the costs may vary depending upon your geolocation, country tariffs, exchange rates etc.

The 1600 USD fee is for one-time enrolment in the exam, means if a candidate has to retake the lab test then they will have to arrange another 1600 plus travel/lodging expenses. So, the best advice is to focus and appear in the exam only when you are 100% sure of passing the exam. This requires good hands on the networking concepts as well as sound practical knowledge. The good part is that this CCIE lab exam can be passed if the candidate is honest and devoted to his commitments.

This exam fee arrangement may seem to be like petty cases when there is a bunch of other discussable matters and that should be the main focus of everyone willing to pass the lab exam. These important matters are target planning, goal settings, project management, time management etc. Most important is passing the lab test, is itself a goal which every individual has to pass to become a CCIE. Here are some key factors that can be fruitful while planning to appear in the CCIE lab exam.

Don't set expectations for yourself, plan and practice for the lab exam. Do the hard work in a smart way. Don't blow your hard-earned money by attempting a lab exam if you are not ready for it. Set your goals because it is a key element in your CCIE pursuit. Manage your tasks by segregating the whole CCIE lab exam preparation project into small but achievable segments.

All the Cisco Certifications usually takes longer timeframes to complete. This is because of the reason that Cisco certified professionals possess a higher level of competency. The individuals have to go through a series of exams both written and practical before getting entitled to a CCIE degree. This time-consuming process can be easily minimized by joining any reputable institute or a boot camp.

Besides all these given facts, the CCIE certification is valid for two years or else the individuals have to recertify by expanding their experience or otherwise they got suspended. This means that they need to take another exam i.e., the CCIE lab exam in order to be an active Cisco Certified Individual. Those who get suspended can recertify their CCIE certification within one year before getting permanently inactive. This inactive status might lead them losing all of their benefits as well as they need to go through the re-examination of both written and lab exam in order to get this expert level certification again.

Remember, if you have determination and culmination of determination. Then make a serious commitment and start preparing for the lab exam right after passing your written exam. Once you are ready to go for the lab exam, even then you should at least give a thirty days period for minimum scheduling of this lab exam you will be undergoing. Good Luck!