Cisco's CCIE Leads to the Highest-Level Computer Networking Jobs

Cisco's CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert) computer certification is widely recognized as one of the highest-level internetworking qualifications around. CCIEs hold some of the most prestigious networking jobs in the world, and draw some of the highest salaries for IT personnel.

What's So Special About Cisco Certification?

Cisco Computer Systems was established in 1984, and since then has become a world leader in the production of the hardware and software required for Internet Protocol-based networking. Cisco products are now so widely used that it's almost fair to say that the Internet couldn't function without Cisco routers, switches and software.

This means that people with expert knowledge in this area are in very high demand, and hold some of the highest-paid jobs in the industry. This also explains why Cisco computer certifications are so popular and so well-respected.

What's So Special about the CCIE?

In the hierarchy of Cisco certifications, the CCIE is at the pinnacle. In the online magazine CertCities' 2005 survey of certifications, it was voted the "Most Respected High-Level Certification" and one of the top ten "Hottest Certifications for 2006."

The CCIE derives its industry respect from the fact that it is challenging to earn. Candidates must pass a two-hour written exam and an eight-hour practical lab exam, which asks them to put their knowledge into practice in a simulated real-life situation.

The knowledge required is so comprehensive that candidates choose just one topic to specialize in, from the following list of five:

routing and switching
security
service provider
storage network
voice track

Although the CCIE certificate is not easy to earn, becoming a CCIE will do your salary and job prospects a world of good. As a CCIE, you will be eligible to do some of the top computer networking jobs in the industry, and perhaps earn one of the highest salaries. According to Certification magazine's 2005 salary survey, the average salary for a CCIE is $104,020.

Sources
CertCities Ten Hottest Certifications for 2006
CertCities 4th Annual Readers' Choice Awards
Monster
Cisco