Certification overview

The prestige given to Cisco certifications in the IT industry is undeniable. This qualification validates IT professionals' expertise and proficiency. As Cisco provides IP-based networking products and services to enterprises of various industries and public institutions, being well-versed in its system is very helpful for practicing IT professionals. The five levels of Cisco network accreditations: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert and Architect. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security) validates expert-level skills and knowledge to execute, maintain and support extensive Cisco Network Security Solutions through utilizing the newest industry best practices and technologies.

Who need to do this certification?

The Cisco CCIE Security is for expert-level IT professionals who are involved in securing Cisco Network operations in the enterprises they are working for.

Benefits

A Cisco CCIE Security warrants expertise in Cisco network security, improving an professional's value in the industry. This gives a certification holder more chances for a brighter career. Hiring CCIE Security certified professionals is beneficial to employers as it guarantees a better approach in implementing, maintaining, and supporting Cisco Network Security Solutions with the latest technologies. Having Cisco certified employees gives a company the advantage of making the most out of their network. Just like all other Cisco certifications, this qualification scheme also serves as an opportunity to develop expert-level professionals for additional company loyalty and retention.

Associated exams

There are no prerequisite exams for CCIE Security certification.

Prerequisites

There are no CCIE Security training courses required before taking the certification test. However, there are various CCIE security bootcamp courses available online to prepare a candidate for the qualifying exam. It is expected that Candidates demonstrate a deep understanding of Cisco technologies. Professionals aspiring to achieve CCIE Security certifications are also strongly encouraged to work in the field for three to five years before attempting certification. There are CCIE Security syllabus files online to help a candidate prepare for the CCIE Security certification exam.

Examination overview

The CCIE Security exam is divided into two parts. The first is the CCIE Security written exam which covers networking concepts as well as commands involving equipment. It is required to pass the CCIE Security written exam before scheduling a CCIE security lab exam.

The CCIE Security lab test which is the second part, tests a professional's ability to get a secure network running with time pressure. This test runs for eight hours. A CCIE Security aspirant must schedule the CCIE Security lab test within 18 months after passing the CCIE Security written exam. If he/she does not pass the CCIE Security lab exam within three years, the CCIE Security written exam should be taken again.

Validity of certification

There is a two-year expiration for CCIE qualifications. Keeping CCIE Security certification active requires maintaining commitment to giving the highest level of proficiency and professionalism in the industry. If a professional does not get recertified within two years, his/her certification is suspended. Every CCIE certification holder has one year to take the exam again, otherwise, he/she would have to start over the whole process of CCIE certification.

For the CCIE certification to remain valid, qualification holders should pass the following every 24 months:

• complete and have a passing grade on any CCIE Written/Lab test or
• complete and have a passing grade on CCDE Written/Practical test, or
• complete and have a passing grade on Cisco Certified Architect interview and board review
• CCIE qualification prolongs other Cisco accreditations like CCNP or CCNA.
• CCIE aspirants could only apply 1 completed and passed written exam for revalidation of Cisco certification for every 20-year period.
• CCIE aspirants should wait 15 days between written exams.

Expert review

Conde says achieving a CCIE certification is not an easy feat in his article "Advice from the experts to frustrated CCIE candidates" published March 2011. One must study hard, practise in a lab as often as possible, and avail of study materials online. Conde believes that there is no other qualification like CCIE. Network Engineers has had a great impact in society.

Emmanuel Conde, Writer, TechRepublic

According to Mitchell, CCIE candidates must evaluate the reason why they want the certification in the first place because getting one requires perseverance and determination. Mitchell admits that attaining his certification took him a few attempts. He personally thinks that dumps are not very helpful in preparing for the exams. Mitchell advises CCIE candidates to work hard because achieving this certification is "not supposed to be easy, it's supposed to be a challenge."

Justin Mitchell, Network Consultant