You cannot get a more prestigious and highly esteemed certification in the global IT networking industry than the Cisco CCIE. When you become Cisco CCIE or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, you are recognized as an expert networking engineer with advanced level knowledge of the field, while at the same time specializing in various Cisco networking solutions and products, and possessing the necessary skills to work with them. Like many other Cisco certifications, it has worldwide acceptance, so no matter where you live and work in the world, you could find this certification useful for you.
The certification was first introduced in 1993 and is regularly updated with time. However, you can understand its importance and prestige by the fact that even less than 1% of networking professionals worldwide hold this prestigious certification. No matter which IT market you are working in currently, finding a Cisco CCIE certified professional will be a rarity, and if you think you have the necessary qualification prerequisites, then you may just as well become one yourself.
But you need willingness more than anything else, although professionals familiar with Cisco certifications would know that they will have to work probably the hardest for it. CCIE covers broad areas in IT and networking, so there are many paths that could lead you to this coveted certification. You could either pursue CCIE security, voice, service provider, service provider operations, routing and switching and wireless.
You can pursue the relevant programs further and take the exams, once you are registered for CCIE with Pearson VUE. There are two types of exams, written and lab exams. The candidate must pass the written exam first at a cost of $350, with an available discount as well, and should pass the lab exam, at a cost of $1,400, within a period of 12 months for the attempt to remain valid. Once you are CCIE certified, you will be able to use the CCIE logo, which is a symbol of prestige and honor in the industry.