- Exam Details
- Trouble Spots
- Preparation Hints
- Recommended Study Resources
- Exam Topics
- Where to Go from Here
Preparation Hints
Familiarize yourself with the CCIE Security Lab Blueprint v3.0 for a complete list of exam topics, and the CCIE Security Lab Exam v3.0 Equipment List, for information about the hardware and software versions used in the lab. Both of these documents are available to registered Cisco website users.
The most important element of your preparation is hands-on practice. With the hardware and software equipment list, you can construct a lab rack with the required elements. Another option for rack time is through the Cisco Worldwide Partner Learning Channel’s ASET (Advanced SE Training) Program.
To attain the certification, commitment to practice and study is crucial. Statistics on past candidates shows the time taken to prepare for the exam is anywhere between four months to two years, with practice labs taking the majority of the time. Practice labs are available from a variety of training partners focused on CCIE preparation. Many candidates have used practice lab workbooks and attended instructor-led training from the following companies:
Many topics relevant to CCIE study are discussed on various blogs, forums, and message boards. The following are the most popular and often moderated by CCIE’s and Cisco Certification representatives:
- CCIE Security Study Group-The Cisco Learning Network
- CCIE Security Study Group-Online Study List
- CCIE Security Blogs
- Cisco Online Support Community on Facebook