How to Become a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is the ultimate achievement in Cisco certification. This is the highest certification available by Cisco, and is recognized worldwide as the most prominent certification in the technical networking industry.
Individuals who receive the CCIE certification have a reputation as experts in the network engineering field, and have mastered Cisco products. These professionals are typically assigned the most technically demanding assignments.
Introduced in 1993, the CCIE program is regularly updated and revised to keep up with modern technology trends. Less than 3% of all Cisco certified professionals hold the coveted CCIE certificate.
Prerequisites
The CCIE certification does not require any formal Cisco training. Candidates are instead expected to display a comprehensive understanding of end-to-end networking, and all of the intricacies and complexities involved with it. It is recommended to have a minimum of three to five years of job related experience before pursuing this certification.
Certification Tracks for CCIE
Network professionals can choose from six different tracks to obtain the CCIE certification:
*Routing and Switching
*Security
*Service Provider
*Storage Networking
*Voice
*Wireless
Each track requires passing a two-hour qualification exam at a cost $350. There is also a hands-on lab exam which is eight hours in length with a cost of $1400. Candidates can find Cisco training courses on the Cisco website to help them prepare for the exam. There are also several websites which offer additional online training courses as well.
Routing and Switching:
The Routing and Switching track indicates expertise in planning, operating, and troubleshooting intricate network infrastructures.
Security:
The Security track indicates expertise with IP and IP routing in addition to security procedures and components.
Service Provider:
The Service Providertrack indicates expertise in configuring an expandable Service Provider framework which delivers manageable services.
Storage and Networking:
The Storage and Networkingtrack indicates expertise in long distance storage solutions by utilizing multiple options in transport.
Voice:
The Voice track indicates expertise in VoIP solutions. Candidates should be able to solve Voice installation, configuration, and management issues over IP networks.
Wireless:
The Wireless track indicates expertise in network solutions for wireless LAN and WLAN technology.
Maintaining Certification:
Maintenance of a CCIE certification requires completion of either a CCDE or CCIE written exam. The exam must be taken within a two year timeframe immediately following the current deadline for recertification. Extension of active Professional, Associate, Expert, and Specialist certifications is automatic with an active CCDE or CCIE certification.