Cisco CCIE Security certification, more accent on Security labs

Certification: Cisco CCIE Security - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security

Certification overview

It is undeniable that Cisco certifications holds great prestige in the IT industry. It is regarded as one of the highest attainable validation of technical expertise in the field. Because Cisco provides IP-based networking products and services to businesses of various industries and public institutions, being well-versed in its system is very helpful for practicing IT professionals. There are five levels of Cisco network accreditations: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert and Architect.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security) warrants advanced level of knowledge and skills in executing, maintaining and supporting extensive Cisco Network Security Solutions through utilizing the newest industry best practices and technologies.

Who need to do this certification?

Expert-level IT professionals involved in securing Cisco Network operations in the enterprises they are working for should consider attaining CCIE Security.

Benefits

CCIE Security, just like any other Cisco certification, validates expertise in Cisco network security, improving an professional's value in the industry. A professional with this certification under the belt has more opportunities for a brighter career. This certification is not only beneficial to the certified professional, but also to the employers hiring them. Getting 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. 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

Unlike other certification schemes, there are no prerequisite exams for CCIE Security certification.

Prerequisites

A candidate does not neet to undergo required CCIE Security training courses 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. To prepare for the CCIE Security lab test, there are available study materials online including CCIE Security lab dumps.

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 are required to pass the following every 24 months:

• complete and have a passing grade on any current CCIE Written Exam OR CCIE Lab Exam or
• complete and have a passing grade on the current CCDE Written Exam OR current CCDE Practical Exam, or
• complete and have a passing grade on Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview along with the CCAr board review
• CCIE certification automatically extends other Cisco Certifications, such as CCNP or CCNA.
• Candidates could only apply 1 completed and passed written exam towards recertification for every 24 month recertification period.
• Candidates must wait 15 calendar days between attempts at the written exam.

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

In his article, "Evergreen IT Certification for 2015 published November 2014," Tittel claims that the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) remains the most coveted networking certification in the IT industry. It is recognized worldwide and is attained only by the most highly skilled, technically proficient and experienced IT networking practitioners. CCIE is the career pinnacle and is the fruit of years of training and experience in the industry.

Ed Tittel

Writer, Tom's IT Pro