CCIE training is very intense, and for good reason; it is Cisco's highest professional certification level and opens the door to many unique career opportunities. There are three different levels of Cisco Certification, each with their own sub categories, Associate, Professional, and Expert. Expert describes the CCIE certification level. It is estimated that there are only about 17,000 professionals in the entire world that hold this level of certification which is considered to be the highest level of IT certification, and has the highest salary track record in the profession.

CCIE training is available from a variety of companies, and candidates have several learning options to choose from. If you don't have time for a traditional classroom centered training program, you can opt for an online course, complete with supplemental workbooks and training DVDs in some cases. It is important to schedule some time for actual hands on preparation, training, and practice, however, whether you chose to rent rack space or build your own practice lab.

While there is no formal requirement for taking the two part certification test, it is recommended that candidates have at least three to five years of IT experience. Many candidates build Cisco labs of their own to practice in, or rent time at locations where they can hone their skills. Passing the CCIE requires in-depth knowledge of many real-life networking situations. There is simply no substitute for being exposed to, designing, deploying, and troubleshooting a wide range of complex, real-world networks.

Candidates must also pass a qualifying exam to apply for CCIE certification, and then must pass the CCIE expert exam in their given track, as well as a laboratory component in which candidates demonstrate skills in different pressure-intensive scenarios. Candidates should be able to install, configure and maintain Voice solutions over IP networks. The CCIE Voice track, however, does not certify an understanding of the infrastructure over which VoIP solutions are implemented. Candidates need to keep in mind passport and visa details if traveling to another country to take the CCIE lab exam as well as factoring in the cost of the travel.

Your CCIE training will be essential in ensuring your success on the exam, so be sure to choose a program carefully, taking the time to evaluate your schedule and needs, as well as your individual learning style and areas of weakness and strength. Careful preparation will increase your chances of obtaining this coveted certification.