Studying for the CCIE EI exam and studying to improve my actual skills are two different things.

Writing this down before I forget, after passing on November 18th.  

 
 

Studying for the CCIE EI Exam

To study for the CCIE EI exam, you first need study materials.
People studying abroad seem to have access to various channels for learning.
Of course, since everything is taught in English, it would be much easier if you're fluent in English.

Two Types of CCIE Study:

1. Studying for skill development
2. Studying for the exam itself

Some people study the theory for 10 years without ever taking the exam.
Others take the exam first and then study the rest later.

I belong to the latter group.
This is based on my personal experience, so I’m not saying my approach is the only way—it’s just what I went through.
I can't disclose any details directly related to the exam, but I can share how I studied.

In Korea, there are only two academies where you can study for the CCIE in Korean.
I attended one of them.

Ways to Obtain Study Materials

1. Enroll in a training center
2. Purchase materials directly

Since only two academies in Korea offer CCIE training in Korean, there aren't many choices.
Finding an academy that suits you is important.

If you choose to purchase study materials yourself, there are many companies to choose from.
However, luck plays a huge role—about 70-80% of the outcome depends on it.
Depending on what company you pick, you may either struggle a lot or have a smooth journey.
Only those who have taken the exam can truly understand this.

My Study Process

I first studied for the exam, and now I’m studying for CCIE knowledge itself.
I'm also studying CCIE Security as my next certification.

Here are the materials I used:

• Vendor A: $1,600
  • Provided 120 hours of lab access
  • I used up all of it and purchased an additional 80 hours for extra practice
• Vendor B: Academy-provided materials
  • No lab hours included, so I had to purchase my own
  • Each 4-hour lab session cost $30, and I rented labs 55 times
  • Total: 55 sessions × 4 hours = 220 hours of lab practice
• Vendor C: Simulator
  • Provided by the academy
  • Installed on my home lab server and practiced at least 100 hours

The Importance of Study Volume

In this sea of study materials, choosing what to follow becomes clearer as you study more.
The more you study, the more you try to develop your own study methods.
If you study less, you tend to just follow pre-made materials.

Every day, I practiced one notepad-based lab as soon as I arrived at work.
(Those who have studied will know what this means—it means mentally running through a lab configuration using only a notepad.)

• One lab during morning work hours
• One lab after lunch
• One rented 4-hour lab session after work

For about a month before the exam, I did 3 full labs per day.

Exam Attempts and Study Hours

After taking the exam three times, I can say this:
You don’t need to practice as much as I did.

However, after failing once, I kept repeating my previous practice methods, which tripled my study hours.
If you pass on the first attempt, about 166 hours of practice (1/3 of my 500+ hours) should be enough.

If you practice for 4 hours a day for a month (about 120 hours), you should reach a level where passing is possible.

CCIE EI vs. CCIE DC

I took both the CCIE EI and CCIE DC exams three times.
From my personal experience:

• CCIE EI was easier
• CCIE DC was harder

However, opinions vary—some say the opposite.

CCIE EI has more study materials and better simulators, so practicing was relatively easier.
(Of course, it was expensive...)

For CCIE DC, without real rack rentals, practice is extremely difficult.

If I had to rate the difficulty (out of 5 points):

• CCIE EI: 2/5
• CCIE DC: 3/5

I gave conservative ratings because I haven’t taken all CCIE tracks yet.
Once I do, I may adjust them.

CCIE Security shouldn’t be too hard if I fully commit.

Final Thoughts on CCIE

Studying for the CCIE exam itself is one thing, but developing true CCIE-level expertise is an entirely different challenge.
Some CCIE candidates pass when the exam difficulty is lower, while others struggle during tougher exam periods.

Ultimately, CCIE is about personal satisfaction.
In the U.S., you don’t need CCIE certification to be respected in this field.

What Matters More Than CCIE?

1. Experience
2. English skills

In the U.S., certifications are not that important.
At my current company, I’m the only one with two CCIEs—yet, I hold the lowest position.

Don’t expect CCIE to change your life overnight.
Unlike a medical license, CCIE doesn’t guarantee a high-paying career.

Doctors study for 10-15 years to get their qualifications—CCIE isn’t at that level.

If I had to rank what’s most important in the U.S.:
English > Experience > Certifications

If you can’t communicate, you can’t be trained.
If you lack knowledge, someone can teach you—but if you don’t understand the language, both you and your mentor will struggle.

That’s exactly what I’m experiencing right now.

The Bigger Picture

Despite all this, I continue pushing forward because I believe that in 5-10 years, my efforts will pay off and change my life.