Q: What are the requirements for achieving the CCIE certification? Is the CCNA one of them?
A: Oddly enough, the flagship certification for Cisco does not have an actual prerequisite. The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) may not require any certifications such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) for a prerequisite, but that does not negate the recommendation of at least three years professional experience. In other words, you are not required to have the certification, but you should master the concepts of the CCNA and the professional level exams too before you try to get your CCIE.