Expert-level certifications :Cisco Certified Design ExpertCCDE runs in parallel with the more established CCIE program, in some areas providing a higher skill-set than CCIE. Specifically, CCDE identifies network professionals who have expert network design skills. Network design translates business requirements into end-to-end network designs and a solutions approach to network expansion and integration.[31] CCDE focuses on network architecture and does not cover implementation and operations. CCDE supplies a vendor-neutral curriculum, testing business requirements analysis, design, planning, and validation practices.[32] The course came about because employers needed a way to identify experienced network designers and architects who could address all aspects of existing and new networking technologies and trends.[33] While engineers (including many CCIEs) had been fulfilling this role, certification had not advanced beyond the CCDP certification. CCDE numbering adopts a different format than CCIE and appears to be split into a year and number within that year. The same CCIE tools are used to verify qualified status. CCDE certified individuals can use CCIE qualification exams to re-certify and vice versa. CCDE provides advanced network infrastructure design principles and fundamentals for large networks. A CCDE can demonstrate an ability to develop solutions which address planning, design, integration, optimization, operations, security, and ongoing support focused at the infrastructure level.
Cisco Certified Internetwork ExpertCisco Certified Internetwork Expert is Cisco's highest certification, comprising six tracks. As of October 6, 2010, there were 25,810 people with active CCIE certifications.[34][35][36] From 2002 to 2005,[37] it was voted as such[clarification needed] in CertCities magazine. It was voted the most technically advanced IT certification by CertMag,[38] and is generally reported as the highest salaried certification in IT salary surveys.
CCIE began in 1993,[39] originally with a two day lab, later changing to a one day format. Fewer than 3% of Cisco-certified individuals attain CCIE certification and, on average, spend thousands of dollars and 18 months studying before passing.[40] Many candidates build training labs at home using old equipment, then sell it to other candidates after passing. Alternatively, candidates may rent "rack time" online. The CCIE consists of a written exam and a "lab" exam (in each track). The written exam is a prerequisite of the lab exam and has a cost of $350 per attempt. The written exam consists of 100 questions that must be completed within 2 hours. Upon passing the written exam, the candidate has eighteen months to take the lab exam. The candidate has three years after passing the written exam to successfully complete the lab. The lab is an eight hour, hands-on exam designed to demonstrate that the candidate knows Internetworking theory and demonstrates advanced hands-on mastery. Candidates that do not pass the CCIE lab in that interval must re-pass the written exam before again attempting the CCIE lab exam. The minimum waiting time between attempts is one month.
As of 2012, the CCIE Lab costs $1500 per attempt and is offered at ten Cisco locations worldwide. Some CCIE tracks are not offered at all ten. According to a Cisco survey, the average cost to prepare for CCIE certification was $9050 as of April 2006, spent mostly on practice equipment and study material.[41] There are no formal prerequisites for the CCIE written exam, but Cisco recommends at least 3–5 years networking experience. CCIE was the first Cisco Certified qualification and no other certifications were previously available. The associate and professional certifications recognized the fact that CCIE is overkill for many networking personnel. Cisco has chosen not to make lower level certifications prerequisites for the CCIE certification.
It is possible to hold multiple CCIE certifications. As of September 9, 2008, 1,729 individuals held multiple CCIE certifications. Of those, 274 hold three or more CCIE certifications.[42] This qualification was cited as "essentially a PhD in the internet" by Adam McCombs in Season 1 Episode 10 of Shark Tank.
CCIE Numbering and RecertificationUpon successful completion of the lab exam, a new CCIE is awarded a CCIE number. The first CCIE number allocated (in 1993) was 1,024 and increased thereafter. As of August 2011, the highest CCIE number allocated was just over 30,000. The first number was allocated to the first CCIE lab location, rather than to an individual, and was featured as a plaque at the entrance to the lab. Number 1025 was awarded to Stuart Biggs, who created the first written exam and first lab exam. The first person to pass both CCIE written and lab exams was Terry Slattery,[43] who was consulting at Cisco when the lab was devised. Slattery was the first CCIE who was not an employee of Cisco.[44][45] Each CCIE retains their number regardless of how many certifications he or she receives. Every two years a CCIE has to take a written test to retain the certification. If this is not done, the certification is suspended. After one further year without passing, the certification is revoked. The certification can then only be regained by starting from scratch. Recertification can occur up to 2 years before the expiration date. After certification/recertification, a CCIE must wait 6 months before re-certifying.
CCIE exam paths :Routing & SwitchingRouting and Switching is by far the most popular track, with 35,272 worldwide certified individuals as of May 18, 2012.[46] The certification covers a variety of networking concepts and protocols.
SecurityThe Security track covers advanced topics in subjects such as ASA, IDS, IOS security, and many others.
Service ProviderThe Service Provider track covers advanced topics in Optical networks, DSL, WAN switching, Voice over IP, Content networking, Broadband Cable, and Metro Ethernet.
VoiceThe Voice track covers advanced topics in subjects such as Quality of Service, MGCP, Call Manager (Cisco's VoIP PBX), Cisco Unity Connection (Cisco's Voice Messaging platform), Unity Express, Unified Contact Center Express, Cisco Unified Presence Server, Cisco's HWIC-4ESW, and the 3750-24PS. Only 802 CCIE Voice certified engineers were current as of September 9, 2008. Most candidates pass after three or four lab attempts, but some have required more than six. The lab exam is reputed to be as much a test of time management and planning as of technical expertise. What sets the Voice lab exam apart from other CCIE lab exams is the widely dissimilar platforms that are used. Configurations have to be done on the Windows 2003 Server environment, a CallManager web-based GUI, and the IOS command line. As such, it involves a lot of back-and-forth fine tuning between the numerous platforms.
Storage NetworkingCCIE Storage Networking validates expert-level knowledge of intelligent storage solutions using multiple transport options over long distances.
WirelessCandidates who pass the CCIE Wireless certification exams demonstrate broad theoretical knowledge of wireless networking and a solid understanding of wireless local area networking (WLAN) technologies from Cisco.
Service Provider OperationsCCIE Service Provider Operations candidates must show expert skills in troubleshooting and maintain complex service provider IP NGN core (PE-PE and PE-CE) network infrastructures in both IOS and IOS XR operating environments.
Data CenterCisco has announced the September availability of a CCIE Data Center certification,[47] which certifies the expert-level skills required to plan, prepare, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot complex data center networks. The CCIE Data Center written exam will be available Sept. 3, 2012;[48] the lab exam is expected to be available in October.[49] Cisco has not announced corresponding Associate or Professional level certifications.
Retired CCIE tracksSome previously awarded CCIE specializations have been retired by Cisco. These are:
- WAN Switching CCIE (Essentially a specialisation focusing on the IGX/BPX switch products, which had been acquired as part of the StrataCom acquisition)
- ISP Dial CCIE
- SNA/IP Integration CCIE (aka CCIE Blue)
- Design CCIE (NOTE: The CCIE Design and CCDE are completely different design tests in format and subjects examined)
People who hold these now-retired certifications can remain CCIE's, provided they continue to take recertification exams. They now hold the title "CCIE", rather than CCIE Security, or some other specialization.
Architect :The Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) certification assesses the experience and competency of network designers who can support the increasingly complex networks of global organizations and effectively translate business strategies into technical strategies.[50][51]
Certification Process- The Cisco Certified Architect certification is administered as a board exam.
- Candidates propose and defend an architecture solution to a set of business requirements. Candidates are asked to modify their proposals "on the fly," based on additional requirements presented by the board.
- Prerequisites include a CCDE certification, approximately 10 years of industry experience, and acceptance into the program via an application process.
ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities of the Cisco Certified Architect:
- Lead creation and evolution of enterprise architecture
- Analyze technology and industry market trends
- Establish governing principles for Enterprise networks
- Selection of technology and products
- Identification of organization resource needs
- Lead the development of communication and education plan for enterprise network architecture
Technician :Cisco Certified Technicians have the skills to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. Technicians work closely with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to quickly and efficiently resolve support incidents. [52]
As of April 2012, there were three domains available for CCT certification:
- CCT Routing and Switching
- CCT Data Center
- CCT Telepresence
Specialist :In addition to the broad certifications above, Cisco also provides dozens of Specialist certifications.[53] These exams are often focused on specific technology and generally targeted at members of the Cisco Partner Program, including those selling, designing, or supporting Cisco products and services. By combining various exams, a Cisco partner can gain specialty status and thus qualify for additional partner benefits. [54]
Retired certifications :Over time, as technologies change and products are made obsolete, some certifications are retired. Retired certifications are no longer valid.
Certifications that fall into this category are listed below.
Access Routing & LAN Switching Sales Specialist
Access Routing & LAN Switching Specialist
ATP Optical Metro Transport AM/EM - Japanese
Business Ready Teleworker Solution Fundamentals
Cable Communications for Account Managers
Cable Communications Sales Spec
Cable Communications Sales Specialist
Cable Communications Specialist
Call Manager Express Specialist
CCDP SNA/IP Integration
CCDP WAN Sw
CCIP Cable
CCIP Content Networking
CCIP DSL Networks
CCIP Metro
CCIP MPLS
CCIP Packet Telephony
CCIP Security
CCNA WAN Sw
CCNP LAN ATM
CCNP Network Management
CCNP SNA/IP Integration
CCNP VOICE Access
CCNP WAN Sw Certification
Certification Test-Understanding PBX Systems and Technology - VOD
Content Networking Sales Specialist
Content Networking Specialist
Content Networking Specialization Exam for SE's and FE's
Converged Business Solution Integration
Customer Contact Support - Retired
DSL Specialization for Account Managers
DSL Specialization for SE's and FE's
EMEA SME v1.0
Enterprise
Enterprise - Japanese Language Version
Enterprise for Account Managers
Enterprise Skills Assessment
Firewall Specialist - Net Academy
IDS Specialist
Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional
Internet Solutions Specialist
IP Communications Support Specialist
IP Telephony
IP Telephony Express Spec
IP Telephony Express Specialist
IP Telephony Operations Specialist
IP Telephony-Enterprise Voice Over Data Design
IP Telephony-Installation, Support and Maintenance
IPT Telephony Troubleshooting
Multiservice Switching Specialist
MxU Specialist
Network Management for Account Managers
Network Management Sales Specialist
Network Management Specialist
Network Management Specialization
Network Mgt.
Open Programmable Switching Engineer
Optical Specialist
Partner and Solutions Essentials for Account Managers 5.2
Partner and Solutions Essentials for Enterprise Account Manager 6.0 - Latin American
PBX Fundamentals
Products Solutions Essentials 7.0
Products Solutions Essentials 8.0
Public Access Design Specialist
Public Access Support Specialist
QoS
Remote Dial Access: Voice and Data Specialization for AM's
Sales Expert v1
Sales Expert v2
SCM Operation and Maintenance
Security Solutions
Security Specialist 1
Selling AVVID Architecture
Small-to-Medium Business
SNA/IP Design Specialist
SNA/IP for Systems Engineers
SNA/IP Solutions
SNA/IP Support Specialist
Storage Networking Support Specialist
Switched WAN Solutions for the Enterprise
Unity
Unity Engineer Specialization
Unity Engineer Specialization v1.1
Voice Over Frame Relay
Voice Solutions for Account Managers
Voice Solutions for System Engineers
VPN/Security Sales Specialist
Wireless LAN Design Specialist
Wireless LAN for Account Managers
Wireless LAN for SEs
Wireless LAN for SEs and FEs
Wireless LAN Sales Spec
Wireless LAN Sales Specialist
Wireless LAN Support Specialist
References :^ Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad)
^
http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=cisco_netacademy%2C210289%2Cb6r83Vcv%2C1776031%2Cbbkt8W5^ CCIE Routing & Switching
^ CCIE Storage Networking
^ CCIE Service Provider
^ CCDE
^ CCIE Security
^ CCIE Voice
^ CCIE Wireless
^ [1] Learning Certification Type}
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^ Most respected certification
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^ Cisco 2006 CCIE Survey
^ Employer Information: What CCIE certification stands for; Why you should hire a CCIE; Why you don't want to lose a CCIE from your staff.
^ Terry Slattery
^ First CCIE's
^ CCIE History
^ CCIEs Worldwide - CCIE RESOURCES - Cisco Systems
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