How to Become a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert - Wireless (CCIE Wireless)

Cisco network certifications are some of the most sought after IT (Information Technology) certifications. There are four levels of Cisco certifications (Entry, Associate, Professional, and Expert) to enhance your professional credentials. Specialist certifications are also offered to verify focused knowledge in many topics.

According to Cisco, "CCIE Wireless certifies expert-level knowledge and skill for building an extensible Enterprise WLAN. Benefits of CCIE Wireless Certification: • Provides greater opportunity for salary increase and job advancement • Validates expertise in major aspects of wireless LAN technology • Provides a stepping stone for individuals interested in a career in managing or working with Cisco wireless technologies. The Cisco CCIE Wireless certification validates that a professional has the expertise to design and manage wireless networks and to make mission-critical and business-critical wireless network decisions. It confirms that you have the job skills and technical knowledge required of an expert-level network IT practitioner."

PREREQUISITES:

There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Other professional certifications or training courses are not required.

TRAINING FOR THE WRITTEN EXAM:

No formal training requirement exists for CCIE certification.

REVIEW AND PRACTICE OPTIONS FOR THE WRITTEN EXAM:

Training options to help you prepare for the written exam are available at Written Exam Study Information and Written Exam Practice Questions.

TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAM:

Once you are ready to take your exams you can register at Schedule Your Written Exam. You will be required to take CCIE Wireless Written - 350-050 CCIE Wireless Exam. It is a 2 hour test with 90-110 questions. Once you pass this qualification (written) exam, you are them eligible to schedule the lab exam.

TRAINING FOR THE LAB EXAM:

No formal training requirement exists for CCIE Service Provider Certification.

REVIEW AND PRACTICE OPTIONS FOR THE LAB EXAM:

Training options to help you prepare for the written exam are available at Lab Exam Study Information and Lab Exam Practice.

TAKE THE LAB EXAM:

Once you have passed your written exam, you are qualified to schedule your lab exam. The CCIE lab exam is an eight-hour, hands-on exam which requires you to configure a series of networks to given specifications. The lab focuses on implementing Enterprise WLAN solutions, such as implementing the Autonomous infrastructure, Unified infrastructure, Unified Controllers and AP's, Unified WCS and Location and implementing Voice over Wireless. Candidates are expected to demonstrate expert level wireless skills as well as troubleshooting skills to diagnose and solve issues as part of the CCIE lab exam. You can register at Schedule Your Lab Exam.

RECERTIFICATION:

CCIEs Are Required to Recertify Every Two Years. Active CCIE status shows your commitment to maintaining expert-level knowledge in an industry critical to the success of virtually every organization. CCIEs are encouraged to continually expand their technical knowledge and are required to pass a recertification exam every two years. If you do not complete your recertification before the deadlines, your CCIE certification will be suspended and you and your employer will lose the benefits associated with your expert status. You have one year to reinstate your CCIE status before you becomes inactive and must begin the certification process all over again.