Alright, hear me out. I’m not saying the CCIE is easy. I’m not saying it’s “easier then ever.” What I AM saying is, I think the v4.0 (while many have been afraid of 4.0)- is easier than 3.0 Here’s how I see it..
Cisco had a problem with cheating/braindumps
We all know it. Braindumping was running rampant (and still seems to be on the lower-level certifications). Braindumping and cheating severely devalues a certification. The individual taking the certification doesn’t learn anything, and the vendor faces a situation in which their certification doesn’t mean as much as it used to. With the prestige of the CCIE- this isn’t acceptable.
Why I think Cisco made it easier..and harder
I should make it clear- I think the purpose behind v4.0 was primarily to cut down on the cheating in the CCIE program. How better to do this, then to introduce a 2 hour troubleshooting section (and OEQ’s..which were introduced before 4.0)?? It seems that possibly- and this is speculation- the OEQ’s did help, but not as much as Cisco hoped. With the troubleshooting section included, this HAS to weed out a considerable amount of those attempting to cheat the exam.
Easier? Well, I think so..for those of us who study the material. Let’s look at it: Everyone knows that Cisco added things like MPLS/VPN to the CCIE exam. So, let me get this right, we have to troubleshoot for 2 hours, have 30 minutes to take our OEQ’s..and we have to conquer a test that already had a 10%’ish (don’t quote me) pass rate on the first try? And we only have 6 hours to handle the configuration portion…with more material? I don’t think so. It seems to me, that Cisco may have widened the river, and made it a little more shallow. When I say ‘shallow’, I mean it relatively..I’m not implying the CCIE is considerably easier, but that maybe..just maybe, the CCIE is more attainable for those who put in the work. It should also go without beind said, that the troubleshooting section means you do need to be on your game when you show up to test.
Of course, all of this is personal speculation..and ultimately, I will find out firsthand when I sit the lab exam next year.
What about all those who have failed the 4.0 exam?
I’m not trying to take anything away from those who have failed the new exam, but I can’t help but think some candidates may have jumped the gun, anxious to try the new v4.0 format. In that same note, it’s a new experience for them..new experience brings frustration, anxiety, and stress. The CCIE isn’t easy, and never was, so you can’t really blame them. I expect we’ll see more passes in the next 6 months. Only time will tell. If it continues to be this difficult, it will be interesting to see what CCIE candidates do.
Comments are closed.