Knowledge is power today and this is why certifications and degrees play such an important role in job prospects and career advancement options. That said, not all certifications are created the same. But the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) has reigned as the networking industry’s most influential and knowledgeable certification for over two decades now. Cisco started this CCIE certification in 1993 and indeed moment, you can find thousands of people around the world spending numerous hours on it. At the same time, the IT industry has seen some major changes and outbursts in the last decade and the pace of advancements is adding by the day. Given such a dynamic IT terrain, is Cisco’s CCIE certification still applicable? Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of this certification before we decide on its applicability.
Advantages of CCIE certification
Still, it obviously means they suppose this certification is worth their plutocrat and time! Then are some reasons why this certification continues to attract the likes of so numerous people, If so numerous people around the world are still spending thousands of bones and studying hard to clear this test.
Cisco is the market leader
Cisco is the undisputed leader in the networking industry moment. Though there have been numerous debates about Cisco’s future and examines that Cisco isn’t evolving presto enough to meet the changing requirements of this industry, statistics easily show else. Then’s a graph that shows the request share of different players in the world enterprise networking and communication request.
This graph clearly shows that Cisco is still leading the way in the networking request, indeed if its share has fallen in recent times. In addition, Cisco is one of the oldest companies in this member moment and they’ve erected their character with astral performance over numerous decades. Above everything, Cisco’s systems are used considerably in the U.S. service, top banks, government associations, and major pots around the world. Because of these reasons, the CCIE certification can open up numerous new job openings around the world.
Hiring managers expect it
Many hiring managers believe that a CCIE certification makes you an expert in networking. And they’re right too because this certification covers all aspects of the networking world and makes an existent a real expert in this field. To give you an illustration, take the case of a Boston- based biotechnology company called Wave Life Science. When this company was getting ready for the marketable launch of its operation, its network got a negative assessment and it had to be re-architected. The vice-chairman of IT, Anthony Murabito, had only one demand from implicit networking experts who can fix this issue for him and that was the CCIE certification. This case study gives regard to the frequency of CCIE and the prospects of those in power.
There is no alternative
Though there has been a lot of debate on the relevance of CCIE certification, the truth is there is no alternative to it. There are a few networking certifications here and there, but none of it is as comprehensive as CCIE and more importantly, nothing can beat the reputation of Cisco.
Recent changes
Cisco is also apprehensive of the rapid-fire changes passing in the IT industry and is working to make its certification applicable to the current technological and business world. This is why the company has added a section called “arising technologies” to the written part of the CCIE test. This section has questions about IoT, pall computing, network programmability, and other arising technologies.
Though this fresh section is surely not as in-depth as the networking section, it’s still a good launch to insure that campaigners are apprehensive of the rising trends. Together, all these arising technologies regard for about 10% of the overall score. This section was added in 2016 and Cisco is continuing to acclimatize this certification to include further arising technologies as well. All this means until another similar top certification comes on, CCIE will continue to be applicable and it’ll be a standard for relating the right gift and moxie.
Downsides of CCIE certification
As with everything, there are downsides to CCIE certification as well and some of the prominent ones are:
Expensive and time-consuming
Moment, IT masterminds are trespassed, to say the least. In addition, they’re constantly looking to strike a balance between work and particular life. In such a script, an emphatic course like CCIE can throw their schedule off. According to Network World, it can take anywhere from six to 18 months to complete this course, depending on how numerous hours you’re ready to put in every day and your literacy capability. It may almost feel like you’re back in college, except that you’ll still have to perform at work and spend time with your family. This can be too much of a burden for some people. Besides time, CCIE is expensive too. It can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 to complete the course, depending on how many additional books you plan to buy to clear this exam.
Other than time and plutocrat, there are logistics issues too. CCIE examinations are resolved into written and lab portions. While the written test can be completed at any center, the eight-hour lab test can be taken only at nine Cisco locales around the world or through their mobile lab installations. This restriction may bear some fresh planning to complete the test. Without a mistrustfulness, this certification entails your precious time, plutocrat, and energy. So, unless you’re sure you can complete the course and you’ll get palpable benefits out of it, this course may not be worth your time and plutocrat.
Difficult exam
CCIE certification is so popular among hiring directors because it’s comprehensive and covers all aspects of networking. But from your perspective, it’s a delicate test that requires expansive medication because the volume of knowledge is vast. Worse, there are no fixed pretensions or syllabus as there are for other certifications like CCNA and CCNP. You’re anticipated to know anything and everything about networking as you can get any questions on this content. Similar reservations can add to your stress and can indeed make the medication process life-consuming.
Job openings
There’s no mistrustfulness that CCIE certification can lead to a fat stipend and some of the stylish jobs in networking. But also, the reality is, you’re overqualified for utmost networking jobs because they don’t bear similar advanced knowledge! This is truly a catch-22 situation. Though your career can get a big boost with this certification, you may not get the occasion for this boost if you’re not in the right company. Numerous times, you’ll be forced to take lower-paying places that don’t always need a CCIE certification and this can be relatively frustrating.
Opportunities in emerging technologies
New technologies like IoT and blockchain are taking the world by storm and those with knowledge and chops in these technologies have excellent growth openings. Rather than going through the delicate grind of preparing for CCIE certification, numerous professionals believe they can earn the same quantum of a plutocrat, if not advanced, and have great career openings when they concentrate on erecting their knowledge in these arising technologies. Also, we’re moving towards a further software-acquainted and seller-agnostic working terrain and the applicability of CCIE in similar scripts may be limited. Therefore, these are some of the downsides of this certification.
So, is Cisco’s CCIE certification still relevant?
Now that you understand the pros and cons of the CCIE certification, it’s time to decide if this certification is applicable and is worth your time, trouble, and plutocrat. Well, the verity is, there’s no straight answer to this question and it fully depends on your career, situation, and prospects. Then are some scripts where the CCIE certification will be applicable for you. Still, there’s no other certification other than CCIE that will give you a high standing and character within your association, If you’re going to be interacting with Cisco bias in the future. When you want to help your career prospects and earn eventuality within the networking industry and are ready to dislocate to new metropolises or indeed countries to get your dream job. You’re starting off your career in networking and want to specialize in Cisco’s products.
When you want to show the world you’re devoted and have everything it takes to be successful in a networking job. In this sense, CCIE is seen as a reflection of your personality and fortitude.
Still, there’s no better certification than CCIE, If you want to be an expert in networking. Companies and hiring directors still anticipate CCIE and consider you to be an expert if you have this certification.
While this isn’t a total list, it goes to show that CCIE certification is applicable only for some people and may not be as widely applicable as they were about a decade agone. Also, the applicability of this certification is a particular decision that can differ from individual to individual and occasionally, indeed from situation to situation. So, eventually, you’re the stylish judge when it comes to deciding whether you should take this certification or not. We hope the below advantages and disadvantages help you to make an informed decision.
