[mikester]

I've been a CCNP since 2000 and recently passed the CCIE written and am preparing for the lab later this year.

Having had the certs for a while I can say that I agree with the above statement that they won't get you a job you don't already deserve. They lend some credibility to your resume to about 50% of the folks who are looking to hire - the other 50% think they are just bunk.

It's true that some book knowledge and product knowledge will help you pass the test - um I think that is the way it is supposed to work. The tests can't replace experience. The Professional level tests are quite a bit more detailed but I wouldn't say they are harder.

I've never used them specifically to get the job I wanted - rather to improve my own ability so I could qualify for the job I wanted. They have always helped me to learn more and get better at what I'm doing.

The CCIE exam is somewhat tough (the written) but far from impossible. You just need to KNOW the material and that knowledge is quite powerful when put into practice in the real world. Knowing the protocols and processes routers and switches use to make networks work (or not work) makes the difference between someone who gets it and knows it and someone who doesn't. I feel pretty safe saying that and feeling that I am closer to getting it than not.

They have been very valuable to me; I don't believe they are "cash cows" but their primary purpose is to encourage resellers to invest in training so that their sales staff are properly knowledgeable.