CCIE ? Does it justify the effort?

If you are like me, you would have asked yourself this question during the many hours of study, training and preparation. The sheer scale of requirements seems overwhelming and almost impossible at times. This is a feeling a lot of engineers have when under pressure by their employer, peers or just simply trying to be the best in their field. I don?t have the answers, each person is different but I can say for certain that the CCIE is passable and achievable. Having said that, many more engineers fail for numerous reasons but the main reason is down to preparation. Preparing yourself for the exam is critical and I don?t mean just technically, there is many other challenging to complete and master if you want to pass the lab.

Technical Knowledge

Well, it’s essential that each student masters the core technologies such as Switching, Frame-relay, OSPF, RIP, EIGRP and BGP. Don?t bother attempting the lab exam unless you have a deep understanding of these technologies. CCIE candidates are also expected to understand and implement a variety of other, often related technologies such as IPv6, Multicast, IP Services & Security features such as Zone-based Firewalls. If you?re serious about the lab, read the blueprint and ensure you understand what is expected from the student on these technologies. You will do things with the technologies that would rarely be seen in the real world. The CCIE lab exam is not a design exam, you will not lose points for “least optimal routing”; it?s all about demonstrating that you understand the technologies and available solution options.

Attitude

Its potentially fatal to sit the lab exam in the wrong mindset!

Knowing you haven?t studied enough and hoping to pass by chance is near impossible and a complete waste of money. I am not writing this is annoying anyone; it?s a fact that a lot of engineers over-estimate their ability and under-estimate the lab requirements. This is a road many engineers have taken (including me) only to find out something I already knew, I needed more time to prepare for the lab. Walk into the lab exam knowing you have fully prepared for the lab and walk out with your CCIE number.

CCIE engineer talking to a reporter about the challenges of passing the Lab exam

Take a look inside CCIE lab and better understand what to expect on the day.

A proctors view of the CCIE lab..

Any comments or observation?