Cisco CCIE training is arguably one of the hardest tasks for internetworking professionals, not because Cisco CCIE lab training is hard or Cisco CCIE written boot camps are tough, but because the actual exam tests your knowledge to the limit. And without Cisco certification saying that you have cleared the Cisco CCIE course exam, it is impossible to convince people you are an expert in the field itself.

There are two parts to the Cisco CCIE course exam; the first one calls for you to utilize a Cisco CCIE written boot camp because it is a computerized written test. You have to clear the written test to qualify for the lab exam. For that, you need Cisco CCIE lab training in advance.

Do you need Cisco CCIE Written Training?

The challenge though is to utilize the money spent to actually get the end result. For that we need Cisco CCIE training. Luckily, for anyone really interested in networking, there are plenty of options in Cisco CCIE lab training as well as Cisco CCIE written boot camps available to cater to your preparation needs. Attending a Cisco CCIE training course is a great option, though it might be easier to attend the Cisco CCIE written boot camp before trying to tackle the lab training. Remember, the lab work applies what you learned in the written training and the Cisco CCIE lab boot camp is always costlier.

For those wondering why they should be spending on a Cisco CCIE written boot camp, the major question is to decide on the seriousness of their effort towards the Cisco CCIE course certification. You can study by yourself, or consider online Cisco CCIE written training as an option too. When you are spending $300 just to take an exam, further investment in formal Cisco CCIE training is not a bad idea if it ensures you get through the exam. Remember though, your instructor is the key to any Cisco CCIE boot camp, if he is not a certified professional under Cisco CCIE, you are more than likely wasting money and time with the course.

Cisco CCIE Lab Boot Camp: Worth the Time and Money?

After the efforts of your Cisco CCIE written training, you will have 18 months to get Cisco CCIE lab training and clear your lab practical. As hard as it is to clear, the 8 hour exam costs a bundle too so you really do need quality Cisco CCIE lab training to make sure it's a one time cost.

There are plenty of options available for Cisco CCIE lab training just as there are for the Cisco CCIE written boot camps, the idea is to prepare yourself for the environment you are going to be working in. A Cisco CCIE boot camp that makes you share equipment with other trainees will not make the cut. You need Cisco CCIE lab training with exclusive access to the equipment and a qualified proctor to guide.

There are also Cisco CCIE lab training racks available for sale as well as rent. You could get one for around $750 and train for 8 hours on it, that's the same time amount as the lab test itself. Or get Cisco CCIE training on rented racks for almost half the price for 4 hours. If you think that time limit is enough for you, it is an option but you will not have the Cisco CCIE lab boot camp style proctor around to help guide and assess. The computer may give you detailed Cisco CCIE lab training assessments but it is not human, and it is certainly not the mentor you probably need to prepare for the Cisco CCIE courses.