CCIE is the highest level of certification offered by Cisco that validates the expertise of a professional in Internetworking and wireless technology. A person who has passed this certification has the skill set and technical know-how that is equivalent to that of an IT expert.  CCIE courses include many modules under it. The CCIE Routing and Switching module covers Internet Protocol, non-IP desktop protocols such as IPX and bridge related technologies. CCIE SNA/IP Integration covers Cisco Mainframe Channel Connectivity and System Network Architecture, etc.

CCIE Security is an expert level certification which validates the knowledge of a security expert. The certification indicates expert level knowledge of IP and IP routing as well as specific security protocols and components such as IOS firewall, PIX firewall, VPN Concentrator and IDS sensor.

The CCIE Security Training involves passing two written qualification exams and an eight hour, hands on lab exam which is available at authorized Cisco Testing facilities. The successful candidate needs to recertify after every two years to ensure that the CCIE credential remains a meaningful measure of individual technical expertise for as long as a CCIE is active in the industry.