Networking plays a highly important role in this globalized world. With advancing technology and increasing connectivity, with the corporate world being driven on data, the IT professionals’ need for proficiency in networking is constantly increasing. The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Routing and Switching (CCIE R&S) certification is one such certification aimed at expert- level professionals. CCIE is the most reputed training course, and examination in the IT world and very few people have completed it even to date.
Road map to success refers to a series of different posts that aim to teach potential students and learners to understand certification pathways and the consequent career opportunities that those certifications might open up. They also enlighten students about the new steps that can be taken in their careers.
What is CCIE routing and switching?
The CCIE routing and switching is the most prestigious course at the expert level for industry level professionals. An interesting point about the course is that even though it is aimed at expert-level professionals, it does not formally require any prerequisites. However, you need to have a deep understanding of the fundamentals of networking and even working experience to crack the examination. The CCIE routing and switching certification is further divided into two papers –
- 400-101 CCIE Routing and Switching Written Exam
- CCIE R&S Lab Exam
To qualify and crack both the exams, the course taker has to display proficiency in several different networking areas. Some of the major areas are given below –
- Network principles
- Technologies for Layer 2
- Technologies for Layer 3
- Infrastructure security
- Evolving technologies v1.1
- VPN-based technologies
- Infrastructure-based services
Exam details –
The entire length of the written exam is 120 minutes. There are a total of 90- 110 questions. For the lab examination, the only prerequisite is to have passed the first written examination. The allotted time for the exam is 8 hours. If you fail to pass the lab examination, you have a window of 12 months to retake the examination for your written paper result to remain valid. Failure to do so would mandate you to repeat the entire process to get the CCIE certification.
After passing the examination, learners need to recertify their status every two years. After two years, you would be required to sit for a recertification exam to rectify your CCIE passing status. Many learners also opt for further courses like the CCIE security course or the CCNP certification exams to further improve their resume and credentials.
How to prepare for the examination?
There are numerous study materials and study patterns to practice and learn for the examination. Some of the most effective methods and tips have been illustrated below –
- Study the exam pattern-
A deep and complete understanding of the exam pattern is a must before you start your preparations. You need to be familiar with the number of questions, sections, topics, etc. before organizing your study materials and preparing for the paper. Looking at previous year’s questions would also help you understand the type of questions generally asked in the exam.
- Practice –
The real-world application of theoretical concepts is a must when you are preparing for such exams. There are several online services where you will be able to practically implement your learnings of networking. Two such services are –
- Virtual Internet Routing Lab (VIRL PE)
- Modelling Labs
- Training libraries –
The technical Cisco Platinum Learning Library contains numerous guides and resources and advice from experts and professionals from the networking industry on how to qualify for both the CCIE routing and switching exam exams. You can also access many lab materials and blueprints that have been modeled according to the real exam. You can also access several guide books relevant not only for CCIE exams but also for any networking exam you give. These materials contain many preparatory tips on how to manage your time and prepare good- quality notes.
- Individual and group studies –
Cisco provides many study materials and guides with questions and tips on how to crack the examination. You can study the materials individually or sit in groups to divide the work and then collaborate on all your learning in the end. This has proven to be a very effective method a lot of times. Several CCIE routing and switching study groups online help individuals clear the exam by providing them with relevant materials to crack the exam.
