Below is a summary of the costs I have incurred while pursuing the CCIE certification. I have included EVERYTHING, so that people considering the same journey will have a more realistic view of how much it costs.

Cisco QOS Exam Certification Guide, 2nd edition: $55

CCIE Exam Certification Guide, 4th edition: $50

Routing TCP/IP Volume I: $50

Internetwork Expert products (Vol I/II, Advanced tech CoD): $1,700

Skeletek 24U rack: $125

(3) 2611XM routers 128/32M: $500

(1) 2511 Terminal server: $200

(2) 9-outlet rack mountable PDU: $50

(3) 2503 routers 16/16: $140

(1) 2522 router (frame-relay switch): $200

(3) 3640 routers w/ modules: $500

(4) 3550 switches: $1,200

Misc (cables/cable stripper/CAT5/etc): $250

WIC-1T/NM-4T/2E2W/1E2W/NM-4A/S modules: $400

Mindtechcom rack rentals:$200

Total as of February 24th, 2010:  $5,620

*In the next 12 months, I expect to add a few books (TCP/IP Vol II, Internet routing architectures, MPLS book), and possibly buy another INE product. Right before the lab attempt, I will most likely attend INE’s 6 day bootcamp here in Tampa if possible, which will add another $2.5k to the cost of everything. I fund all of this myself, and am by no means rich..so if I can do it, anyone can do it!