If you’ve ever thought about pursuing the ccie certification, you’ve probably heard the same thing I did before I started: “It’s one of the hardest IT exams out there.” And honestly? They weren’t wrong. The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) exam isn’t just a test—it’s a full-on journey. But I’m here to tell you that cracking it on your first try is 100% possible—with the right strategy, resources, and most importantly, mindset.
In this post, I’ll break down exactly how I passed the CCIE exam, from the prep phase to the final lab, and share the hacks and habits that helped me stay focused and motivated along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or knee-deep in your studies, I hope this gives you some real, usable insight into what it takes to succeed.
Why I Chose the CCIE
Let’s rewind a bit. I’d been working in networking for a few years—mostly with enterprise clients—and wanted to take my career to the next level. I looked into several certifications, but the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure stood out.
Why? Because it’s recognized globally, commands respect in the industry, and honestly, I just wanted to challenge myself. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I also knew I’d grow like crazy in the process.
Phase 1: Creating a Study Strategy That Actually Worked
The first thing I realized was this: you can’t go into CCIE prep blindly. You need a roadmap. So I split my prep into three main phases:
🔍 1. Theoretical Foundation (3 months)
This is where I focused on building deep understanding of core topics like:
- Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP)
- Layer 2 technologies
- Infrastructure automation
- Network design principles
I used Cisco Press books for deep dives, INE’s video series for visual learners like me, and Anki flashcards to reinforce key concepts.
🧪 2. Hands-On Lab Practice (6 months)
After I passed the core written exam, I went all-in on lab work. I used EVE-NG to simulate my own lab environments, practiced lab scenarios daily, and followed the CCIE lab blueprint religiously.
Every time I broke something in the lab (which was a lot), I treated it like a win. Debugging under pressure became second nature—and that was crucial for the real exam.
🧠 3. Mock Exams + Review (Final 2 months)
I started taking full 8-hour mock labs every weekend. I can’t emphasize enough how valuable this was. Simulating real exam conditions taught me time management, stress control, and how to move on from a problem I couldn’t immediately solve.
My Go-To Resources
With so many materials out there, I stuck to a curated list of high-impact tools:
- Cisco Official Cert Guide (Enterprise Infrastructure)
- INE All Access Pass – Lab workbooks, topology guides, and mock labs
- Cisco Learning Network – Blueprints, forums, and peer advice
- EVE-NG – Lab platform for practicing real-world scenarios
- Anki – Flashcards for active recall on topics like QoS, BGP attributes, and policy-based routing
- Reddit (r/ccie) – Real-world tips, success stories, and study hacks
I avoided jumping between too many resources. The key is depth, not breadth.
The Mindset That Made the Difference
Here’s where a lot of people slip up. CCIE isn’t just about knowing the content—it’s about staying consistent, resilient, and focused for months on end. That’s not easy.
Here are a few mindset shifts that really helped me:
✅ Consistency beats intensity.
I studied every single day, even if it was just 30 minutes. Building a daily habit is more powerful than cramming for 8 hours once a week.
✅ Progress, not perfection.
There were times I didn’t get 100% on practice labs or couldn’t troubleshoot something right away. Instead of beating myself up, I treated it like a learning moment.
✅ Visualize your success.
I literally had my target CCIE number written on a sticky note above my monitor. Every day, it reminded me of why I was doing this.
✅ Don’t go it alone.
I joined a CCIE study group on Discord. Being able to share wins, vent frustrations, and learn from others kept me going.
Exam Day: What It Felt Like
When exam day finally arrived, I was nervous—but prepared. The lab exam was no joke. The first couple of hours flew by, and at times, it felt like my brain was being pulled in ten directions at once.
But I leaned into my training. I stayed calm, stuck to my process, and kept reminding myself: “You’ve practiced this exact scenario a dozen times.”
When I got the result—“Pass”—I honestly just sat in silence for a few minutes, soaking it in. All those late nights, weekends in the lab, and missed hangouts… totally worth it.
You’ve Got This
If you’re aiming for your CCIE in 2025, here’s what I want you to know: You don’t need to be a genius. You just need a plan, the right resources, and the drive to see it through.
Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Everyone struggles during this journey, but the growth you’ll experience—both technically and personally—is something no one can take away from you.
So set your goal. Build your routine. Lean on your community. And go get that number.