Cisco Systems presents the CCIE certification as the gold standard for network professionals. CCIE represents the highest level of networking certifications, designed to validate advanced technical expertise. Professionals prove their skills through rigorous written and practical exams across various specializations.
Network leaders and hiring managers closely track CCIE numbers worldwide. Approximately 69,000 CCIE-certified professionals exist globally. These expert-level certifications open doors to remarkable job opportunities and challenging network assignments.
Curious how many CCIE in the world today? This guide breaks down the latest 2025 stats and gives you a clear picture of where CCIEs are, how the numbers are shifting, and what it all means for your career.
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How Many CCIE in the World?
Over the years, the number of CCIE-certified professionals has grown significantly, reflecting the increasing demand for advanced networking expertise.
Historical Growth of CCIE Numbers
The CCIE program started in 1993, with the first certification number (#1025) awarded to Stuart Biggs, who helped design the original CCIE exams.
- By 2013, there were approximately 38,005 CCIE-certified individuals globally.
- In 2019, estimates suggested that over 60,000 certifications had been issued since the program’s launch. However, not all certifications remained active due to expiration or emeritus status.
Current Estimates (2025)
| Category | Number | Details |
| Total CCIE Certifications Issued | ~69,102 | Includes all certifications issued since the program’s inception in 1993 |
| Active CCIE Certifications | ~45,000–48,000 | Accounts for certifications renewed within the required three-year period |
| Inactive Certifications | ~20,000–24,000 | Includes certifications not renewed or transitioned to emeritus status |
| DevNet Expert Certifications | ~150 | Represents a specialized track introduced recently |
As of 2025, precise numbers remain elusive. Based on available data and trends:
- Total Certifications Issued: The number of CCIE certifications issued since 1993 likely exceeds 69,000.
- Active Certifications: Industry estimates suggest that around 45,000 to 50,000 CCIE certifications are active worldwide. This figure accounts for certifications that have expired or transitioned to emeritus status.
Below is a table summarizing the estimated distribution of CCIE-certified professionals by continent and country as of 2025.
| Continent | Country | No. of CCIEs |
| North America | United States | ~5,025 |
| Canada | ~740 | |
| Mexico | ~118 | |
| Caribbean (Various) | ~13 | |
| South America | Brazil | ~176 |
| Argentina | ~68 | |
| Colombia | ~33 | |
| Chile | ~21 | |
| Europe | Venezuela | ~13 |
| United Kingdom | ~922 | |
| Germany | ~607 | |
| France | ~231 | |
| Russia | ~289 | |
| Netherlands | ~197 | |
| Asia Pacific | China | ~3,008 |
| Japan | ~1,030 | |
| South Korea | ~949 | |
| India | ~442 | |
| Singapore | ~163 | |
| Africa | South Africa | ~101 |
| Egypt | ~57 | |
| Nigeria | ~14 | |
| Middle East | United Arab Emirates | ~122 |
| Saudi Arabia | ~118 | |
| Israel | ~53 | |
| Pacific Islands | Australia | ~528 |
| New Zealand | ~81 |
Related: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Salary in 2025
What is the Most Common Second CCIE Earned
Many CCIE-certified professionals pursue multiple certifications to expand their expertise across different tracks. Among those with various CCIEs, certain tracks are more commonly chosen as the second certification.
| Second CCIE Track | Number of Certifications | Percentage |
| Service Provider | ~887 | 35.84% |
| Security | ~634 | 25.62% |
| Data Center | ~296 | 11.96% |
| Routing and Switching | ~185 | 7.47% |
| Voice | ~177 | 7.15% |
| Collaboration | ~150 | 6.06% |
| Wireless | ~44 | 1.78% |
| Storage Networking | ~41 | 1.66% |
| ISP Dial | ~31 | 1.25% |
| WAN Switching | ~17 | 0.69% |
How Many People have Multiple CCIEs
Achieving multiple CCIE certifications is a rare accomplishment, but it highlights the dedication and skill of networking professionals who aim to master various tracks.
| Number of CCIEs Earned | Number of Individuals |
| 8 | ~4 |
| 7 | ~15 |
| 6 | ~30 |
| 5 | ~71 |
| 4 | ~190 |
| 3 | ~640 |
| 2 | ~2476 |
Which Industry has the Most CCIEs?
CCIE-certified professionals are employed across various industries, with Information Technology and Telecommunications leading the way due to their reliance on advanced networking infrastructure.
| Industry | Number of CCIEs |
| Information Technology | ~19,624 |
| Computer Networking | ~10,826 |
| Telecommunications | ~8,344 |
| Computer & Network Security | ~3,147 |
| Internet | ~1,257 |
What seniority levels are most CCIEs?
CCIE holders often occupy senior roles within organizations due to their specialized knowledge and expertise.
| Seniority Level | Number of CCIEs |
| Senior | ~26,843 |
| Entry-Level | ~15,400 |
| Manager | ~4,225 |
| Director | ~3,462 |
| CXO | ~1,440 |
Related: Pass CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1: Candidate Stories
What Factors Affect CCIE Numbers?
Here are the top factors affecting the CCIE numbers.
Multiple Certifications
Networking experts rarely settle for just one milestone. Professionals often chase multiple Cisco CCIE certifications across different tracks in the competitive networking field.
Data reveals a fascinating landscape where approximately 16,548 individuals have collected 19,973 certifications. Some remarkable professionals push boundaries, accumulating up to seven prestigious certifications in various networking domains.
Certification Attrition
Maintaining a CCIE certification isn’t a one-time achievement. Cisco’s rigorous recertification policy demands professionals renew their certifications every three years.
When experts fail to recertify, their hard-earned CCIE status becomes inactive. This dynamic keeps certified professionals sharp and current with evolving technological landscapes and their technical skills.
Emeritus Status
Seasoned networking veterans who’ve dedicated over a decade to their craft can embrace emeritus status.
This unique recognition allows long-standing CCIE professionals to retain their titles without continuous active recertification. It’s a testament to their profound contributions and deep understanding of the networking industry.
Related: CCIE EI v1.1 Lab Success: 591Lab Student Experiences
Why People Prefer Getting CCIE Certified over Other Certifications
The CCIE remains highly valuable in the IT industry. CCIE certifications are still worthwhile for the reasons below.
Career Opportunities
Network professionals recognize CCIE as a powerful career accelerator. Moreover, companies actively seek CCIE-certified experts for critical roles. Consequently, network architects and senior engineers with this certification gain a competitive edge.
Furthermore, their professional profile becomes more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, the accreditation demonstrates advanced technical proficiency in the networking field.
Financial Rewards
CCIE certification directly correlates with substantial financial benefits. Consequently, certified professionals command higher salaries in the market. Moreover, starting pay rates increase significantly for CCIE holders. Indeed, some experts see salary jumps of up to 40%.
Notably, specialized skills translate into better compensation packages. Therefore, the investment in certification pays off quickly.
Industry’s Gold Standard
CCIE represents the highest level of networking expertise in the industry. Specifically, extensive lab exams test deep technical knowledge across various domains. Moreover, security tracks allow professionals to showcase advanced troubleshooting skills.
Additionally, the certification goes beyond basic networking understanding. Consequently, employers value this comprehensive and expert-level certification. Thus, CCIE stands as a benchmark of professional excellence.
Wrapping Up
The CCIE certification continues to be a highly sought-after certification in the networking industry. Whether through earning multiple certifications or advancing into senior roles across diverse sectors, CCIE-certified professionals play a pivotal role in shaping modern network infrastructure. These insights about how many CCIE in the world underscore the value and versatility of this prestigious certification program.
How prepared are you to face one of the toughest networking exams? With 591Lab’s in-depth materials and mentor-driven support, you gain more than knowledge. You build confidence and real-world mastery.
FAQs
Approximately 13,500–14,400 CCIEs (30% of ~45,000–48,000 active globally)
Stuart Biggs was awarded the first CCIE certification (#1025) in 1993
~10%-20%, reflecting the exam’s rigor and hands-on lab complexity
