Getting certified the Cisco way

28.06.2006
In a dimly-lit hallway of the cavernous Las Vegas convention center, three Cisco networking customers were fretting over a networking certification exam they had just finished.

"Dang, it's like finals week at college," said one man. A woman in the trio shook her head; the second man in the group groaned.

"I think that baby, well, I might wanna take it again," the second man said, forcing a smile.

All three looked up and smiled widely when a reporter approached, asking later that their names not be used for a story. They turned to walk slowly out of the convention complex into the 105-degree Vegas afternoon, arms wrapped around one another's shoulders in consolation.

Taking a Cisco certification exam is serious stuff.

The winners -- and those who pass really think of themselves as winners -- get a plaque and a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) identification number for the toughest level of tests, a number they can use on business cards and resumes to enhance their earning potential. The losers, who often take the exam again, are sometimes out more than US$10,000 for travel, books and preparation classes, as well as the testing fee, according to several who took the test last week at Cisco Networkers 2006.