CCIE or MCSE

[biggiesmallz]

Which one should I pursue first? I'm basically about to go all out on a learning spree. I hear MCSE takes a few years to achieve and CCIE takes even longer. I'm about to begin dedicated work on one of them. I'm looking for advice of what most people would recommend to pursue first.

 

[Garion]

MCSE, without a doubt. CCIE's are the best of the best of the best. I've spent the last 8 years of my career doing hard-core networking and wouldn't even think about taking a CCIE - And I'm pretty good, too. It's a killer two-day test (one day written, one day lab) that costs $1,500+. I believe the average pass rate for the lab is still below 20%.

If you want to start, do a CCNA or CCDA. If you think you're really hot stuff, do the CCNP.

Put it this way - Of all the really good networking guys on this board, I've only seen one CCIE. And there's some pretty amazing people around here.

- G

 

[SR]

If you're looking to get a job in the industry go for mcse but 1 cert may not get you in the door if you have no experience. Which track would really depend on what you are trying to achieve.

 

[biggiesmallz]

Originally posted by: Garion
MCSE, without a doubt. CCIE's are the best of the best of the best. I've spent the last 8 years of my career doing hard-core networking and wouldn't even think about taking a CCIE - And I'm pretty good, too. It's a killer two-day test (one day written, one day lab) that costs $1,500+. I believe the average pass rate for the lab is still below 20%.

If you want to start, do a CCNA or CCDA. If you think you're really hot stuff, do the CCNP.

Put it this way - Of all the really good networking guys on this board, I've only seen one CCIE. And there's some pretty amazing people around here.

- G

I'm sort of confused. Are you recommending the MCSE path because it's better or because it's easier for most people to learn.

 

[biggiesmallz]

Originally posted by: SR
If you're looking to get a job in the industry go for mcse but 1 cert may not get you in the door if you have no experience. Which track would really depend on what you are trying to achieve.

Well which one of these fields can earn the most $$$$ .
That's a good start.

 

[Vegito]

Originally posted by: biggiesmallz
Which one should I pursue first? I'm basically about to go all out on a learning spree. I hear MCSE takes a few years to achieve and CCIE takes even longer. I'm about to begin dedicated work on one of them. I'm looking for advice of what most people would recommend to pursue first.

well, it depends, if you have experience, it'll be fast, i did 1 mcse exam a week and got it over with fast.. i would do mcse and then ccie.. but thats the way i would do it.. flip a coin

 

[Tallgeese]

Originally posted by: biggiesmallz
Which one should I pursue first?

MCSE = Easier = More Plentiful = Less $$$
CCIE = ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE HARDER = Scarce = Much More $$$

BTW: Listen to Garion, who is VERY sharp, when he honestly says he wouldn't DREAM of attempting CCIE. And he works with the stuff every day!
BTW2: spidey07 (what's up my brother?), who is unequivocally one of the gurus on this forum, and who ALSO works with large, high-level networks EVERY DAY, has not passed the CCIE Lab Exam (but he will soon )

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: biggiesmallz

Originally posted by: SR
If you're looking to get a job in the industry go for mcse but 1 cert may not get you in the door if you have no experience. Which track would really depend on what you are trying to achieve.

Well which one of these fields can earn the most $$$$ .
That's a good start.

Well they are both really for the IT field, just networking vs system administration. Similar earning potentials, the better you are, the more you will make (or so the theory goes). But don't expect to get a cert and start making the big bucks. Knowing real stuff is a whole lot better than what MS or Cisco (especially MS) thinks you need to know. I don't know a lot about your situation, but I'd say get some experience in IT if you can (and if you don't have it already).

 

[Buddha Bart]

CCIE or MCSE

Thats kinda like saying "Doctorate in Networking, or Associates Degree in System/Desktop Administration"

Odly enough, 8 years for the former and 2 years for the latter are about right. Only its that many years of experience, not education.

bart

 

[spidey07]

If you're sharp with computers and have no trouble reading technical cram books, then MCSE is pretty easy. You could do it in a few months.

CCIE - it is recommended to study for a year with lab work. It is that hard. You can throw me into just about any network and any network problem and I can trace it down and fix it in no time flat. Many folks consider me a network guru.

BUT I still failed the Lab and I have 10 years hard core networking experience. Its really not something that can be tought (sp?).

So you really can't compare MCSE and CCIE as they are two different levels of certification dealing with two very different aspects of IT. Now go get that MCSE!

 

[Garion]

Well they are both really for the IT field, just networking vs system administration. Similar earning potentials, the better you are, the more you will make (or so the theory goes).

Ahh.. No. A CCIE probably pulls in double what a MCSE does. Probably $126K vs $60K (ish)

- G

 

[HDRick]

I would go with MCSE not CCIE Its a long road to take for CCIE I got my CCNP and I wouldn't even think of going for my CCIE.

 

[Xtremetechie]

If you even need to ask this question you're not worthy of a CCIE. CCIE is the equivelent of god status in these parts. And regarding MCSE, the world's already loaded with too many "paper" mcse's. Get as much experience as you can, then figure out what you like and get certified in that not the other way around.

 

[Bovinicus]

My networking teacher told me that the average fail rate for CCIE is above 90%. The test is extremely tough, and they unleash a host of problems upon you which you must fix. If you are not experienced, then it is not worth trying. Once you get into the field, have the more rudamentary certifications under your belt, and have a lot of money to probably throw down the toilet, then be my guest. =)

 

[ktwebb]

If you really need to ask then you certainly have no business attempting the CCIE lab or written test.

"Tought" ???

Was that a joke?

 

[biggiesmallz]

Originally posted by: Xtremetechie
If you even need to ask this question you're not worthy of a CCIE.

The key word in my question was "pursue". Pursue meaning my goal after putting the hard work to achieve it.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"




I asked this question to try to figure out which one I should invest my time and effort into first due to the fact I was gonna start with one, finish that and then work on the other one.

Since MCSE is the easiest I'm gonna work on that first.

But give me some time and I will get a CCIE.
It'll just take a lot of dedication, reading, and hard work. I think I can manage that.





Thanx for the help and advice

 

[SaigonK]

A BS in computer science with some real world experinece can go a LONg way too.
I think that most certs are just that...certs...they dont always reflect the true capabilities or shortcomings of the person who holds the title.

We have an indivudal where I am who holds a BS in computer science and an MCSE..he is a great guy, and over time he will do well I am sure, but he couldnt build a server or admin my lan to save his life.....

 

[spidey07]

It'll just take a lot of dedication, reading, and hard work. I think I can manage that

Post back when you pass the practical lab.

 

[Santa]

The biggest difference I see between the two exams are that you can get the MCSE without real world experience whereas the CCIE you will need many years of real world experience to even attempt.

On top of that.. knowing that you need this experience would you be willing to drop $1500 each final exam if you were told it is almost impossible without many years of experience?

Your job/life would dictate whether you can get the CCIE or not. Do you work with Cisco products on an everyday basis, do you do it on a large enough scale.. ect.. If you answer no to both of these in all practicallity the CCIE is not useful since near $3000 out of your pocket will never be earned back.

 

[Xtremetechie]

Originally posted by: biggiesmallz

Originally posted by: Xtremetechie
If you even need to ask this question you're not worthy of a CCIE.

The key word in my question was "pursue". Pursue meaning my goal after putting the hard work to achieve it.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"




I asked this question to try to figure out which one I should invest my time and effort into first due to the fact I was gonna start with one, finish that and then work on the other one.

Since MCSE is the easiest I'm gonna work on that first.

But give me some time and I will get a CCIE.
It'll just take a lot of dedication, reading, and hard work. I think I can manage that.





Thanx for the help and advice

Exactly what the world needs another paper MCSE!

 

[Fatt]

Just so you know...

There are only about 5,000 CCIEs in the entire world.

I'm working on my CCNP right now and it's a bitch. I'm doing my BSCI tomorrow and I really don't know if I'm going to pass.

 

[biggiesmallz]

Originally posted by: Xtremetechie

Exactly what the world needs another paper MCSE!

Why are you ASSUMING that. Think before you type cause you may be wrong. Matter of fact you are wrong!

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: Fatt
Just so you know...

There are only about 5,000 CCIEs in the entire world.

I'm working on my CCNP right now and it's a bitch. I'm doing my BSCI tomorrow and I really don't know if I'm going to pass.

CCIE #'s were 10000+ now?

for ccie path, u need to pass the ccna, then pass the ccnp. ccna is easy. you can get the deluxe sybex book w/complete router simulator program and pass. 40hrs study time, 20 hrs practice exams, and 10hrs hands on w/the simulator

ccnp is harder, but you still may pass w/o experience. ccie is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to pass w/o EXTENSIVE hands on experience.

ccie = $100k+/year, mcse= will get you an interview. paper mcse = $40k. w/experience = $60-70k

 

[spidey07]

ps - there are no prerequisites for taking the CCIE written test. Anybody can schedule it and take it.

 

[Fatt]

Originally posted by: XFILE


CCIE #'s were 10000+ now?

Well, I was at the roadshow in NYC a gew weeks ago and that's the number I heard there.

Of course, the person I was talking to may have had it wrong, so I don't plan on putting my hand on a bible about this.