Anyone got a CCIE?

[GCR99]

I'm considering going for the Cisco certification, CCIE security. I currently work as a network consultant and have done for 10 years, with a focus on security. I hold the CCNP which I found fairly straightforward. I have access to all the rack equipment, at my current place of work, myself and another engineer begged, borrowed and cadged the equipment plus a rack.He's attempting the routing and switching exam.


I'd like to hear fromm anyone who has studied, attempted, passed, failed etc.and what effect it has had on the contracts, salaries, jobs etc you are getting?

ta muchly

RCG

[cojak]

Unless it's horrendously expensive I'd do this anyway since it's the way you seem to be steering your business.

I don't think you can ever go too far wrong getting into security (of any kind) in these paranoid times.

You never know where this type of specialism is going to take you...

[snaw]

Yep, got r&s, recertified in security.

Be prepared to sacrifice a large chunk of your life for 1 - 2 years. When you're finished it'll open a few extra doors for you, but finanially it's not that big a difference afterwards.

It's the hardest thing I've ever done, in every sense and I'm not so sure in retrospect that I'd do it again.

[snaw]

Btw ccnp and ccie is like comparing an o grade to a masters. If you don't find ccnp straightforward you wouldn't have a hope in hell. As it stands most fail, and most give up. Think it through first because it really is a huge commitment, and sacrifice (I gave up having a social life, holidays, nights out etc).

Min 40 hours study a week, and probably a few thousand invested, depending on how much financial support you cn get(prob cost me about 12g all in, in old days before simulators etc).

[cojak]

Btw ccnp and ccie is like comparing an o grade to a masters. If you don't find ccnp straightforward you wouldn't have a hope in hell. As it stands most fail, and most give up. Think it through first because it really is a huge commitment, and sacrifice (I gave up having a social life, holidays, nights out etc).

Min 40 hours study a week, and probably a few thousand invested, depending on how much financial support you cn get(prob cost me about 12g all in, in old days before simulators etc).

Flippin' Heck!

Take back wot I said then!

[GCR99]

Btw ccnp and ccie is like comparing an o grade to a masters. If you don't find ccnp straightforward you wouldn't have a hope in hell. As it stands most fail, and most give up. Think it through first because it really is a huge commitment, and sacrifice (I gave up having a social life, holidays, nights out etc).

Min 40 hours study a week, and probably a few thousand invested, depending on how much financial support you cn get(prob cost me about 12g all in, in old days before simulators etc).

Thanks for the comments. I'm under no illusion about the challenge, I know a few CCIE guys myself and some say it wasnt too bad, some say it was a nightmare. To be honest I always need to see an upside to dedicating that amount of time and effort to a qualification. I will probably study for the next 12 months and get as near to the level as possible, then decide whether to attempt it. If I don't , I will still have raised my skills, which is no bad thing.

cheers for the input

[snaw]

Thanks for the comments. I'm under no illusion about the challenge, I know a few CCIE guys myself and some say it wasnt too bad, some say it was a nightmare. To be honest I always need to see an upside to dedicating that amount of time and effort to a qualification. I will probably study for the next 12 months and get as near to the level as possible, then decide whether to attempt it. If I don't , I will still have raised my skills, which is no bad thing.

cheers for the input

That's a great attitude to go into it with. It can't hurt, and don't mean to come across as trying to put you off, just trying to convey fully what's required/involved.

If you want any advice PM me, be happy to help/advise where I can. I'd say straight up, if you haven't already is get onto groupstudy, which is a great resource of knowledge and place to ask questions. For training definitely use internetworkexpert - best out there by a long shot. And finally don't cram the written, all that stuff you're learning for it is a great foundation for the practical - it's not just abot passing it, it's about understanding the fundamental concepts as well.