Do you need a CCIE to get the CCDE?

My goal is to complete the CCDE certification process by the end of 2024. What makes this interesting is that I don’t have a CCIE. I don’t want a CCIE. Not having a CCIE will make it both harder and easier to get a CCDE. Having a CCIE is not a prerequisite for a CCDE (officially there are no prerequisites for the CCDE). But being a CCDE without a CCIE is incredibly rare, let me explain.

What about the CCIE technology?

Already having a CCIE shortcuts all of the technology learning, which in my opinion is the toughest and longest part. It will be easier to get a CCDE without a CCIE because the mindsets of the CCIE and CCDE are very different. I’ve heard that it is almost impossible to pass the CCDE Practical Exam with the CCIE mindset. I think it would easier to change your mindset for an exam than to shortcut years of difficult learning.

Are there CCDEs today that do not have a CCIE?

There are a few hundred folks who have CCDEs and I only know of a few who do not have a CCIE. The common path to the CCDE is to get a CCIE and learn almost everything about networking, pick up a little about design and learn almost nothing about business along the way. Then, go back and learn a lot about design and business to get the CCDE. Since this is the common path to the CCDE, most of the study material that I’ve come across has reflected that reality. They assume the learner already knows the tech. In addition, it feels like a lot of CCDE learners have been dragged into the design and business aspects kicking and screaming. I have always been interested in the design and “big picture” of the network so hopefully, this will help me along.

The reading list for the CCIE is really long and in-depth, as it should be. To my non-CCIE trained eye, the reading list for the CCDE very closely mirrors the CCIE list. I know I’m just beginning but shouldn’t the CCDE reading list be more concise and targeted than the CCIE list? Hopefully, when Zig’s CCDE book comes out in Q1 2023, it will replace all the others on my virtual bookshelf.

This blog post is also serving a commitment device later when things inevitably get tough.

If you think I’m wrong about any of this, contact me, and let’s discuss it.

Come hang out with Zig and the rest of the Zigbits community in our Discord Server.

Check out our current Zigbits giveaway here. Free is my favorite color! I love free stuff and I hope you do as well!

If you want Zigbits-themed merchandise you can check out our store to see Zigbits branded t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and stickers! Check out the Zigbits store here.