CCIE Exams and Test of Skills

CCIE Exams and Tests are of the following

350-001 CCIE Routing and Switching

Theory

• IP
• IP routing
• non-IP desktop protocols
• bridging and switch-related technologies
• Equipment commands

Lab features topics like Bridging and Switching, IP IGP Routing, BGP, IP and IOS features, IP Multicast, QoS and Security. It requires

• Configure series of complex networks to specifications
• Configuring of devices in the network (hubs etc.)
• Troubleshooting

350-018 CCIE Security exam

Theory

• security protocols
• operating systems
• application protocols
• security technologies
• Cisco security applications

Lab features topics like Bridging and Switching, IGP Routing, PIX Firewall, BGP, IP/IOS Features, AAA, VPN, IOS Firewall, Advanced Security and Intrusion Detection System. It requires

• Configure series of secure networks
• Routing and Switching
• Addition of PIX, VPN concentrator, intrusion detection sensor and authentication server

Service provider’s exam

Theory

• General questions related to all providers covers half the questions
  • Cisco Device Operation
  • General Networking Theory
  • Bridging & LAN Switching
  • Internet Protocol (IP)
  • IP Routing Protocols
  • Performance Management
  • WAN (addressing, signaling, framing)

• Remaining Half of the question test skills in specific technology opted by the candidate.
  • 350-021    Cable
  • 350-022    DSL
  • 350-024    IP Telephony
  • 350-020    Optical
  • 350-023    WAN Switching
  • 350-025   Dial
  • 350-026    Content Networking
  • 350-027    Metro Ethernet

Lab features topics like Bridging and Switching, IGP Routing, EGP Routing, SP Multicast, MPLS, L3/L2 VPN, SP QoS and Security, High Availability, and Management. It requires

• Configure a series of networks to given specifications
• Emphasis on BGP, OSPF, ISIS, multicast and quality of service
• Specific services types (such as DSL or IP telephony) are not required on the Lab
• Trouble shooting

350-040 Storage Networking

Theory

• Storage device protocols
• Troubleshooting tools
• Storage networking design
• Applications
• Advanced management

Lab features the following topics Connecting Hosts, Switches, Storage, Security, QoS, IP Services, FICON, Diagnostics and Switch Management. It requires

• Configure a series of storage area networks to given specifications
• Trouble shooting

350-030 Voice examination

Theory

• Voice Technologies
• Voice applications
• Cisco Enterprise VoIP Solution

Lab features topics like Basic Campus Design, Call Manager and Call Manager Express Configuration, Voice Gateway and Signaling, Call Routing, Voice CODEC, Call Admission Control, High Availability Features, Media Resource Management, QoS Considerations, Unified Messaging, CRS/IPCC Express Application, Call Manager Voice Applications, Supplementary Services, Directory Services and Integration and Fax. It requires

• Configure Cisco enterprise voice solution over an IP network
• Troubleshoot parameters of a voice network, such as quality of service, VLANs, gateways and gatekeepers.

Registering for the Exam

The written CCIE exams are conducted online by Pearson VUE and Thomson Prometric at their various on line centers. Written exams are offered for $300 USD each, and beta exams, when available, at a discounted price of $50 USD. The lab exam is conducted only at specific locations. Payment options for lab exam depend on the location of the lab exam. Lab exams cost $1250 USD each.

Pearson VUE

• Pearson VUE is the computer-based testing business of Pearson, the international media company. The link for Cisco certification is http://www.vue.com/cisco/
• Individuals can use exam certificates (vouchers) to pay for IT certification exams. Test vouchers can also be purchased by testing centers, corporations, academic institutions and other organizations. These vouchers can be electronically purchased or can be ordered from a store near you place. Look up the website of Pearson VUE to find out more information.
• Vouchers are non-refundable and non-returnable and expire within 12 months. It can be used via the Web, testing center or Pearson VUE call center.

Thomson Prometric

• Thomson Prometric provides a fully integrated testing system for corporations. It has clients with the government, academic and professional Associations. The link to the site is http://securereg3.prometric.com/
• Prepaid certificates called test vouchers are available for test partners, corporations, schools and government agencies. These vouchers can be purchased electronically or through the regional voucher sales and service team. Look up the website for more information.
• Minimum vouchers per order are three and the vouchers are non-refundable and non-returnable. The expiry date is provided and printed on the voucher at the time of purchase. Vouchers must be redeemed at Prometric client and testing programs only.

Jobs and Salaries

The typical work day for this job is building and troubleshooting the network. The nature of the job varies depending on the track opted for. The average salary of a CCIE is around $95,000. CCIE requirement profile is more of a consultant.

After that grueling preparation it is good to sit back and relax for sometime. This is a good distressing technique. CCIE recertification is necessary or your name may be removed from the Cisco database.