The CCIE Security lab exam is designed to test candidates on their
practical knowledge and troubleshooting skills at expert-level. As the name
suggests, this particular track specialization covers network security on various
subjects such as IOS, IDS, and ASA among others. During the lab exam,
candidates are given eight hours to go through each scenario where particular
specifications are given and they must be able to configure secure networks to
meet these specifications. Like with the other tracks in Cisco’s CCIE family of
certifications, a candidate needs to earn at least 80% of the total number of
points given for this examination in order to pass.
Preparing for the CCIE Security Lab Exam
Preparing for this particular exam requires a lot of time and
money. The standards and blueprints of the CCIE Security lab exam are regularly
updated, so it’s not a good idea to rely on hand-me-down learning materials.
Up-to-date workbooks and practice labs are easily available if you know where
to look. Signing up for CCIE boot camps and other training options offered by
reputable training vendors is always a wise idea. It may not come cheap, but it
is worth it once you are able to pass for the certification. Self-study is also
a good option. Learning materials and workbooks can be purchased on their own
and one can also build a home rack or rent a professional rack in order to be
able to get some hands-on practice to prepare for the actual lab exam.
Most candidates log a minimum of 1,000 hours of lab time in order
to prepare for the exam. This number can rise or fall depending on the
candidate’s existing practical knowledge. There are several topics covered in
the exam and each topic has a long list of sub-topics that a candidate needs to
learn for the exam. What makes the CCIE Security lab exam extra difficult, is
that the candidate does not know what topic he or she will be given until the
day of the exam. This is why it’s important to understand all the concepts
covered by the exam, and being able to log more than enough lab hours makes it
possible to learn and practice how to perform these tasks as quickly and
efficiently as possible.
Taking the Test
The lab exam is the 2nd part of a 2-part test. While
the written exam is important, candidates pay more attention to the lab exam
because this is where majority of the candidates fail. In fact, a lot of
candidates don’t pass until their 3rd or 4th try. The lab
exam lasts for eight hours excluding the one hour lunch break. There are
proctors present to observe and award points for each task. The on-site
proctors evaluate the candidate’s performance, but the final evaluation is done
by a trained proctor who determines whether or not the configurations made by
the candidate are correct. The results are released 48 hours after the exam and
are available online.
The CCIE tests candidates at expert-level which makes a
certification in any one of the 8 CCIE tracks a most coveted achievement.
Preparing for the CCIE Security lab exam can be a grueling experience, but
passing the test is well worth the sacrifice.
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