The Cisco CCIE Service Provider certificate authenticates the knowledge and skills related to service provider solutions and targets expert-level network engineers wishing to dwell on offering the same. The involvement of these individuals is in bringing their skills in addition to awareness to enable the building of extensible infrastructures in the field, and their purpose is to come up with rich and governed services.

Cisco CCIE Service Provider Explained

The solutions involved in the CCIE Service Provider concern a cloud-to-client approach. They help to unify multiple vendor’s technologies into a streamlined open network service, which is resilient, automation-ready, and straightforward. As a result, these solutions enable premium services that create the flow of clients and subscribers.

Certification Prerequisites

Getting the CCIE Service Provider certificate doesn't require formal requirements. This means you don’t need to pursue an associate or professional certificate. However, the seekers are recommended to have 5-7 years of experience concerned with creating, deploying, running, and optimizing service provider-associated technologies. Overall, the procedure of attaining this certificate is simple as you only need to pass two evaluations. Thus, the first is the 350-501, while the second is the CCIE Service Provider v5.0 lab test. Below, we cover the full details of the two.

350-501 Exam Details

The 350-501 SPCOR in other words is the Implementing and Operating Cisco Service Provider Network Core Technologies. It checks whether the candidate is aware of its particulars that include automation, core architecture, quality of services, networking, services, security, as well as network assurance. To add more, the evaluation has questions set in English and these must be exhausted within 2 hours. The topics to seek in-depth familiarity with include architecture, MPLS as well as segment routing, automation in addition to assurance, networking, and services. Finally, for the aim of scheduling such an exam, you need $400 that will cover all the steps, including testing.

Lab Test Facts

As stated earlier, the CCIE Service Provider v5.0 evaluation is the second step for earning the CCIE Service Provider certificate. This is a practical 8-hour exam that will teach candidates to execute, design, operate, and optimize various dual-stack solutions for the networks within the service provider. All in all, such a test scrutinizes 6 major topics namely, essential routing, services together with architecture, access connectivity, HA & fast convergence, automation alongside assurance, and lastly, security. Note that this test is a closed-book evaluation so no extra references are allowed.

Career Opportunities

Networking, and architecture, in addition to software, are becoming more interlinked with the passing of time. Indeed, there is visible importance of APIs, internet-associated networking, multi-domain, and programmability solutions. The CCIE Service Provider certificate is helpful when it comes to taking advantage of the varied opportunities presented by the huge transformation in the tech space. Thus, candidates are prepared to be ready for digital transformation as a designation like this ensures they bring together their technical skills as well as expertise in creating solutions for the complex service provider. This approach is effective in distinguishing the concerned professionals as leaders who can steer the execution of essential solutions that new as well as established organizations need. What is more, the certification is helpful when you intend to get a job in a renowned company. Technology administrators and hiring directors are fast to pick candidates with the CCIE Service Provider validation. This is because they have the assurance that the person has certified knowledge and skills in the solutions that the certificate is targeting. Besides, having it means you’re aware of all the newest technologies to do with the service provider appropriately. The amazing fact about the Cisco CCIE Service Provider certified experts though is that they are some of the highest-paid in the area of IT. Surprisingly, the salary for such professionals with only a few years in the field is also attractive. So, below are the various jobs that you can apply to after gaining the CCIE Service Provider, including the associated pay as PayScale.com establishes:

• Network administrators The work of a network administrator is to manage the company’s computer networks. The average salary of these specialists will depend on the area of specialization. Generally, they get average compensation of $60,434 per year.
• Network engineers Network engineers, on the other hand, are to build and maintain the daily operations of computer networks that organizations and companies rely on. The average salary of a certified network engineer is $75,161 annually.
• Network managers Also known as network system administrators, network managers are an important part of a company that runs on computer systems. The professional, in particular, is expected to install a range of networks and maintain network availability for all consumers. The median income of a network manager who is certified is $88,762 yearly.
• System engineers In a nutshell, a system engineer is tasked to design and set up a company’s networked computing platform or architecture. Such a person also ensures that the system runs efficiently and smoothly, resolving all technical issues that might arise. The average salary of a qualified system engineer with a professional certificate is $80,445 annually.
• Project managers Finally, project managers are charged with how to plan, procure, and execute a project. The average salary of a certified individual in such a position is $87,451 yearly.

Certification Paths

Armed with your CCIE Service Provider designation, and after applying and successfully getting employed, you might opt to stay in your company and gain more experience on the job. This is to enable you to move up the ranks within the same company. However, if you are ambitious enough and feel like you need an extra certificate or more, it’s vital that you seek what you desire. You must note that the CCIE Service Provider is at the apex of the Cisco scheme in terms of certifications. So, if you need to explore possibilities that come with other technologies other than those linked to the service provider, various CCIE certificates exist. In particular, they include the CCIE Security, CCIE Data Center, CCIE Enterprise Wireless, and CCIE Collaboration, among others. Again, for the sake of spreading your wings to technologies from other providers, you can sign up for any advanced certification from vendors like Microsoft, EC-Council, ISACA, and more. This will bring about flexibility as you will be capable of operating with technologies associated with more than one vendor plus, this means multiplied opportunities. On the other hand, if you’re only starting the service provider track, you’d better opt for the CCNP Service Provider certification offered by Cisco that will require you to pass two exams: the core 350-501 and one concentration test out of three options known as 300-510, 300-515, and 300-535. After that, it’d be sensible to follow the path we’ve outlined above. This way, you’re sure to taste career success!