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Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert

The serious CiscoNuts? end up doing this. To pursue CCIE should be considered after five years experience with Cisco equipment. The first time failure rate is over 80%.

The certification exams are in two parts.

The written exam for Routing and Switching covers networking theory related to topics such as IP, IP routing, non-IP desktop protocols, bridging and switch-related technologies, and includes some equipment commands.

Other important information regarding the written exam:

    • Administered by independent testing vendors at a cost of $300 USD.
    • Costs may vary due to exchange rate and local taxes, including VAT and GST.
    • Two-hour, computer-based exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions.
    • Exam is closed book and no outside reference materials are allowed.
    • Pass/Fail results are available immediately following the exam. The passing score is set by statistical analysis and is subject to periodic change.
    • You must wait 72 hours between attempts.
    • After passing the written exam, you have 18 months to schedule your first lab exam.

The lab exam is an eight-hour exam that requires you to build a series of complex networks to certain specifications. You will not configure end-user systems but are responsible for all devices residing in the network (hubs, etc.).

The Cisco documentation CD is available in the lab room, but the exam assumes knowledge of the more common protocols.

Other important information regarding the lab exam:

    • Network specifics, point values, and testing criteria will be provided.
    • You must obtain a minimum score of 80% to pass.
    • You are not allowed to bring any materials into the lab exam room.
    • You must report any suspected equipment issues to the proctor as soon as possible; adjustments cannot be made once the exam is over.
    • Cost for the lab is $1250 USD per exam, not including travel and lodging expenses.
    • Costs may vary due to exchange rate and local taxes, including VAT in Brussels and GST in Sydney.
    • You are responsible for any fees your financial institution may charge to complete the payment transaction.

When having a discussion with 2 friends about my CCIE ambitions, one of them explained it to the other as "You know Jedi? CCIE is like that, but for networking." -- NathanWard