is ccie still worth it?

Unknown

Is ccie still worth it? I looked on job boards and I barely see anything for ccie more so ccnp with 8+ yrs of experience. Are employers just looking for ccnps with ccie level experience so they dont have too pay for a ccie?

Ch@rl!3m0ng

Depends on where you are and what level of job you are going for I would have thought. No doubt if am wrong then one of the guys who has CCIE will be along shortly to correct me.

I would have to say if your good enough then yes its worth it. I know alot of companies here in the uk want you to have CCIE (for certain jobs). There are some fokes on here that have it and they will more that likely tell you its the best thing they have ever done (Cert wise and more than likely achevement wise) It is bloody hard make no mistake about it.

My advise would be if you think your good enough to do it then go for it. It can't hurt to be a CCIE can it.
I have read a blog that has a link on here somewhere and the guy has all the CCIE's. His advise was if you want a CCIE then study for it then sit the NP before it. I will never be a CCIE dont have the time or brain power for it.

phaneuf1

dmarcisco wrote: »

Is ccie still worth it? I looked on job boards and I barely see anything for ccie more so ccnp with 8+ yrs of experience. Are employers just looking for ccnps with ccie level experience so they dont have too pay for a ccie?

Every single penny my friend

phaneuf1

Ch@rl!3m0ng wrote: »

I will never be a CCIE dont have the time or brain power for it.

It doesn't depend of brain power, it depends on how hard you work... Don't say such bad things about yourself, anybody has the power to do anything, it's just a matter of commitment and effort.

WafflesAndRootbeer

dmarcisco wrote: »

Is ccie still worth it? I looked on job boards and I barely see anything for ccie more so ccnp with 8+ yrs of experience. Are employers just looking for ccnps with ccie level experience so they dont have too pay for a ccie?

It depends. There really isn't a demand for CCIEs in the US, despite what Cisco and the tech schools tell you, simply because outsourcing and whatnot has eliminated many in-house networking positions and the jobs that seem to really do want CCIEs are either traveling contract jobs where you live out of a suitcase or you are in military and government installations around the world. Where I live, you pretty much won't find anyone actually maintaining advanced networks in-house as it's usually done via remote access by a third-party contractor such as Cisco or some boutique network support business with a dozen employees for a fraction of what it costs to retain someone full-time.

cyberguypr

Ch@rl!3m0ng wrote: »

I will never be a CCIE dont have the time or brain power for it.

Wow. I've never heard anyone make such a vehement statement before. Although I am completely confused by your other thread where you said you have a lot of free time in your current job.

Ch@rl!3m0ng

cyberguypr wrote: »

Wow. I've never heard anyone make such a vehement statement before. Although I am completely confused by your other thread where you said you have a lot of free time in your current job.

Right I put this due to not having enough exposure to CISCO to do the CCIE and dont think I ever will (Just my Opnion). I do have a lot of free time in my job at present and when I go Home. However I am expecting to become a Dad in 3 months. At which point my study time at home is going to vanish! for the forceable future!

jmritenour

Ch@rl!3m0ng wrote: »

However I am expecting to become a Dad in 3 months. At which point my study time at home is going to vanish! for the forceable future!

I can say for sure that kids definitely cut into your study time - actually, my study time cuts into my daddy/daughter is more accurate. My little girl was born a year ago, and it took a while to figure out how to balance things, but I've managed to pass the CISSP, VCP5, 2 tests on the MCITP:EA track, and knocked out a 64 CUs at WGU in that time.

And that's not to pat myself on the back, just re-affirming that nothing is impossible if you stay focused, budget your time, and don't give up.

networker050184

WafflesAndRootbeer wrote: »

It depends. There really isn't a demand for CCIEs in the US, despite what Cisco and the tech schools tell you, simply because outsourcing and whatnot has eliminated many in-house networking positions and the jobs that seem to really do want CCIEs are either traveling contract jobs where you live out of a suitcase or you are in military and government installations around the world. Where I live, you pretty much won't find anyone actually maintaining advanced networks in-house as it's usually done via remote access by a third-party contractor such as Cisco or some boutique network support business with a dozen employees for a fraction of what it costs to retain someone full-time.

Totally inaccurate from my experience in this field.

higherho

I always believed that if you want to be an expert / specialist in your field then go for the highest level certification / degree available for it. For example: if you want to work for Verzion and be their lead Networking individual for 4G LTE deployment, I'm sure they will want an expert backing them up.

I really want to be en expert or at least on that level in terms of Networking. So why would I stop at CCNP because jobs only list this cert? I feel that I would be losing to the competition if I follow this philosophy.

Roguetadhg

What would you say?

UnixGuy

Definitely worth it.

Put it in the effort, learn everything, and get a CCIE.


Please bare in mind that there's no such thing as "this certification will get you this salary figure". It's a matter of opportunity. CCIE is an investment in your career, well-worth it. You will meet many people who will try to put you down and stop you from studying by telling you stories about their imaginary network guru who got CCIE and is poorly paid - don't listen. Do it.

N2IT

UnixGuy wrote: »

Definitely worth it.

Put it in the effort, learn everything, and get a CCIE.


Please bare in mind that there's no such thing as "this certification will get you this salary figure". It's a matter of opportunity. CCIE is an investment in your career, well-worth it. You will meet many people who will try to put you down and stop you from studying by telling you stories about their imaginary network guru who got CCIE and is poorly paid - don't listen. Do it.

Agree with this

Todd Burrell

From what I have seen in IT today the more certs you can get the better. I'm currently working towards my CCNP, but if I can fit it in I will certainly try and go on for my CCIE. The thing I have noticed with IT jobs and hiring over the past few years is that a cert can be the deciding point between 2 candidates (one has cert and one does not). Getting my PMP was a complete pain in the butt, but it has opened a number of doors for me that I would not have been able to open without it. I'm sure the CCIE and CCNP will have the same affect. And I may be a total geek for saying this, but I've enjoyed playing around with my routers and switches to learn for the CCNA and CCNP. It's fun to get my hands dirty.

Roguetadhg

Yeah, I think that's the best point - hands on.

It makes theory stick, and real.

N2IT

Roguetadhg wrote: »

Yeah, I think that's the best point - hands on.

It makes theory stick, and real.

I agree with this

Working under a program manager/engagement manager as a project analyst/coordinator has really helped reinforce the PMP processes. Not all but a lot of them, especially procurement and cost.

cknapp78

jmritenour wrote: »

I can say for sure that kids definitely cut into your study time - actually, my study time cuts into my daddy/daughter is more accurate. My little girl was born a year ago, and it took a while to figure out how to balance things, but I've managed to pass the CISSP, VCP5, 2 tests on the MCITP:EA track, and knocked out a 64 CUs at WGU in that time.

And that's not to pat myself on the back, just re-affirming that nothing is impossible if you stay focused, budget your time, and don't give up.

Man....talk about motivation. I am just getting back into the fold with certs. I have worked fine for 15 years without them. Now I have to find someone to my MCITP:EA, Messaging, SharePoint, Net+, Server+, Storage+ done in the next 18 months. Only issue is...how the heck do I find the time with a 3 year old, 6 year old, and my wife's health issues.

I should just start the IV drip of caffiene now

cknapp78

cknapp78 wrote: »

Man....talk about motivation. I am just getting back into the fold with certs. I have worked fine for 15 years without them. Now I have to find someone to my MCITP:EA, Messaging, SharePoint, Net+, Server+, Storage+ done in the next 18 months. Only issue is...how the heck do I find the time with a 3 year old, 6 year old, and my wife's health issues.

I should just start the IV drip of caffiene now

Umm...I meant find someway to take them...not someone

Iristheangel

cknapp78 wrote: »

Man....talk about motivation. I am just getting back into the fold with certs. I have worked fine for 15 years without them. Now I have to find someone to my MCITP:EA, Messaging, SharePoint, Net+, Server+, Storage+ done in the next 18 months. Only issue is...how the heck do I find the time with a 3 year old, 6 year old, and my wife's health issues.

I should just start the IV drip of caffiene now

LoL. I feel your pain. I work from 6am-3pm Mon-Friday, do about 4-7 contracting work orders a week, on my last semester for my B.S. from WGU (39 credits this semester), studying for my CISSP, and girlfriend time after everything is done. I try to compartmentalize and mentally separate blocks of time for everything.
For example:
6AM-11AM - I do a TON of work while listening to the new TV shows I didn't watch the previous night.
11AM-12PM Lunch - I take out my CISSP CBK book and make sure I read and take notes on at least 20 pages.
12PM-3PM - Since I did a TON of work in the morning and busted my arse doing it, I have a little more leeway in the afternoon to finish up various projects and get a little WGU study time in if I need it.
3PM-5PM - If I have contracting work, I go do it. If not, I go home and relax for a bit. Watch some news, shows, etc.
5PM-8AM - Hardcore WGU study/work time. I usually set a goal for what I want to get done that night or how many chapters to read.
8PM-6AM - I'm a human being again

That's just an example of I strive for every day. I do a great job most of the time but some days, I don't. I don't beat myself up over it but I feel good when I set goals and give myself blocks of time to study. When I don't make my daily goals, I work hard on the weekends to "catch up" to where I should have been

With your MCITP:EA, Messaging, Sharepoint, Net+, Server+, and Storage+ to do, I would recommend setting time oriented goals.

Network+, Server+, and Storage+ are all CompTIA and therefore very easy in comparison to the rest. I would say that you need about a month to study for each. When I was doing CompTIA exams, I'd grab a book and read a chapter a day. Then I would watch some CBT Nuggets or Testout videos to reinforce what I had learned through the book. You could easily have those three out of the way in 3 months.

MCITP:EA is comprised of four major exams as well as a couple electives which is comparable to the MCSE in that way. I would give myself a little more time to get these done. Let's say a month an a half per test. Do the same thing: Chapter a day (should take 2 weeks to complete the book), refresh with videos (another 2 weeks), review notes (1 week), apply knowledge in a test lab (1 week), and then you're ready to go. Thankfully the Microsoft Press books have some really great labs to work through as you're going through the book and it really does help cement the knowledge. I would say that you could have the MCITP:EA out of the way in 9 months

The Sharepoint one is a little out of my scope and I'm sure someone else on here could help you out with time expectations on this one.


Sorry. I know this thread wasn't about time management skills but I thought I'd share my experience/advice so you don't feel like you're too overwhelmed or it's impossible.

cknapp78

Iristheangel wrote: »

Sorry. I know this thread wasn't about time management skills but I thought I'd share my experience/advice so you don't feel like you're too overwhelmed or it's impossible.

That's alright. Half the reason I love hanging around this board is that I have realized I am not the only one who feels the need to be institutionalized at least once a month. I actually told my wife to check me in to the local looney bin last night into a sound proof room so I can get some sleep. Don't need a long stay...just a day or two should do it

NOC-Ninja

dmarcisco wrote: »

Is ccie still worth it? I looked on job boards and I barely see anything for ccie more so ccnp with 8+ yrs of experience. Are employers just looking for ccnps with ccie level experience so they dont have too pay for a ccie?

You cant really compare CCNP vs CCIE. CCIE is on a different level. IT department have different needs and those needs depend on the budget. If your theory is true that employers are looking for ccnps rather than ccie then there will be jobless CCIE. In my experience, i havent met any CCIE that are jobless or regret getting the CCIE.

I dont believe that there is a CCNP with CCIE level experience. How do you define CCIE level experience if the guy doesnt even have CCIE #? If he doesnt have the CCIE# then he does not have a CCIE level experience.

Roguetadhg

Life is full of exceptions.

Don't forget the CCIE certification is expensive - really really expensive. Especially if you plan on tackling the beast on your own dime. Not to mention the time to do it. Just because someone has a CCNP, doesn't mean they can't pass the IE, based on experiences.

I'm sure that a CCIE would definitely be helluva lot more marketable than a CCNP, as a CCNP would be better than CCNA, then a CCENT, then nothing. I don't see cisco exams relying on luck. You know it, or you don't. You may think you know it, but you may not know it the way cisco wants you to know it. Which makes the test so much sweeter. Urgh. I hate CCIEs in training. They inspire me more than a CCIE. Makes the piddy studying for NP nothing. :P

Kelkin

"i havent met any CCIE that are jobless or regret getting the CCIE"

Totally agree.. I have yet met any IE that regretted getting it.. Every IE Ive talked to said it was the best investment they could have made..

"If he doesnt have the CCIE# then he does not have a CCIE level experience. "

I dont agree with this statement.. Ive met a few and only a few that would in my opinnion qualify for this level.. they simply dont have the digits to prove it and honestly they have the mindset of they dont need to prove it..

networker050184

NOC-Ninja wrote: »

I dont believe that there is a CCNP with CCIE level experience. How do you define CCIE level experience if the guy doesnt even have CCIE #? If he doesnt have the CCIE# then he does not have a CCIE level experience.

So you don't think there is someone out there with a CCNP, or no certifications for that matter, that is on an expert level with Cisco gear?

Cisco recommends like three years of experience before the CCIE. Not too hard to come by.

NOC-Ninja

networker050184 wrote: »

So you don't think there is someone out there with a CCNP, or no certifications for that matter, that is on an expert level with Cisco gear?

Cisco recommends like three years of experience before the CCIE. Not too hard to come by.

Ive met amazing guys that have CCNP or no certs who can troubleshoot flawlessly and walk around other guys that have multiple types of CCNPs. Although, they are an expert in Cisco gears but that does not change that they are not a CCIE.

shodown

There are plenty of CCNP's with CCIE level experience. We have one on this board currently, when I was working at a few other jobs and we have CCVP's who did some pretty massive designs that I don't think a CCIE V without experience behind him wouldn't have been able to pull off. Better yet I knew another guy who only had security + who did a entire global CUCM dial-plan

networker050184

Of course it doesn't change that, but we were talking about CCIE level of experience. After all the certification is there to certify someone has this ability. So someone would have to already have this ability before passing the exam. Its not like the CCIE number gives you magical powers.

shodown

networker050184 wrote: »

Of course it doesn't change that, but we were talking about CCIE level of experience. After all the certification is there to certify someone has this ability. So someone would have to already have this ability before passing the exam. Its not like the CCIE number gives you magical powers.

I thought it was suppose to make u a chick magnent.

Zartanasaurus

networker050184 wrote: »

Of course it doesn't change that, but we were talking about CCIE level of experience. After all the certification is there to certify someone has this ability. So someone would have to already have this ability before passing the exam. Its not like the CCIE number gives you magical powers.

You mean I ordered a cape for nothing?

Sett

shodown wrote: »

I thought it was suppose to make u a chick magnent.

Oh, it does, it just works only at the Cisco Expos.

cxzar20

The CCIE can only help you professionally, no doubt. However it certainly isn't some magical qualification that makes you some type of networking deity. One call to Cisco TAC can certainly affirm how one can be an "internetwork expert" and still be incompetent.