A network certification can equip you with the necessary skills and expertise to advance in an IT network career.
A woman is engaged in a network administration role.
Network certifications serve as credentials showcasing your proficiency in working with networks within the information technology (IT) domain. These certifications can either be vendor-specific, concentrating on technology from a particular company such as Cisco or Microsoft, or vendor-neutral, implying that the knowledge you gain is applicable across various networking technologies.
Network certifications: Should you get one?
While certifications may not always be mandatory, they serve as a valuable tool for employers to swiftly assess your level of expertise. Acquiring network certifications can enhance the competitiveness of your resume and provide you with the essential skills required to excel in an IT position. If you’re new to the field of IT and uncertain about which path to pursue, contemplate obtaining an entry-level IT certification or enrolling in introductory courses like Google’s Technical Support Fundamentals.
People with network certifications can become network technicians, administrators, engineers, architects, or other network-related professionals. Knowledge of networks can also be useful for some system administration position
Network certifications
1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is widely recognized as a fundamental credential in networking. Positioned at the associate level, it covers a broad spectrum of networking fundamentals. Given Cisco’s prominent position in the networking industry, this certification holds significant relevance. Cisco also offers entry (CCT), professional (CCNP), and expert-level certifications (CCDE).
Cost: $300
Requirements: The certification requires passing one exam. While there are no prerequisites, it is recommended to have at least one year of experience working with Cisco solutions.
Exam Topics: The exam evaluates knowledge in network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security, automation, and programmability.
2. CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification, a vendor-neutral credential, evaluates your comprehension of networking fundamentals irrespective of the origin of your networking technology. CompTIA also provides the CompTIA A+ certification for individuals seeking entry-level IT positions.
Cost: $338
Requirements: The certification entails passing one exam. While no prerequisites are mandatory, it is advisable to have 9-12 months of networking experience or possess the CompTIA A+ certification.
Exam Topics: The exam assesses knowledge in essential networking concepts, cabling, device, and storage technologies, network management, security principles, and troubleshooting methodology and tools.
3. Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos (JNCIA-Junos)
The JNCIA-Junos certification serves as the entry-level credential for Juniper Networks technologies. It serves as the initial prerequisite for individuals aiming to pursue more advanced certifications in data center technologies, enterprise routing and switching, or service provider routing and switching offered by Juniper Networks.
Cost: $200
Requirements: The certification entails passing one exam and has no specific prerequisites.
Exam Topics: The exam assesses understanding of Junos OS fundamentals such as software architecture and transit traffic processing, basic configuration skills, routing policy, and firewall filters.
4. SolarWinds Certified Professional
The SolarWinds Certified Professional certification equips individuals with the skills to effectively utilize and manage SolarWinds network and system products. SolarWinds products are notably utilized across various industries, including government and accounting sectors.
Cost: $200
Requirements: The certification necessitates passing one exam and has no specific prerequisites.
Exam Topics: The exam evaluates proficiency in diagnostics, database performance analysis, network configuration, performance monitoring, and network architecture.
5. Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA)
The Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA) certification validates your ability to design, deploy, and configure a basic Aruba Wireless Local Area Network. Apart from ACMA, there are four additional associate-level certifications offered by Aruba (Switching, ClearPass, Design, and Security). Obtaining any three of these certifications qualifies you as an Aruba Edge Associate.
Cost: $230
Requirements: The certification requires passing one exam and does not have specific prerequisites. However, candidates are encouraged to complete a course in Aruba Mobility Fundamentals.
Exam Topics: The exam assesses understanding of the fundamental aspects of Aruba WLAN and proficiency in utilizing V8 operating system architecture.
6. VMWare Certified Technical Associate – Network Virtualization (VCTA-NV)
For those keen on virtualization, obtaining the VCTA-NV certification serves as a solid introduction to the fundamental concepts of the VMWare NSX network virtualization platform. This certification evaluates your foundational understanding of NSX terminology, graphical user interfaces, and essential technical skills.
Cost: $125
Requirements: The certification entails passing a single exam and does not have any prerequisites.
Exam Content: The exam assesses competencies in areas such as installation, configuration, and setup of NSX; performance tuning, optimization, and upgrades; fundamental architecture and technologies; planning and design considerations; and troubleshooting techniques.
Networking career paths
Networking professionals are in demand across various industries, as virtually any company that utilizes computers requires their expertise. To embark on a career in this field, starting with an entry-level IT position such as a help desk technician is often the initial step. Acquiring an entry-level IT certification like the CompTIA A+ can help prepare you for this role. From there, you can opt to specialize in networking and pursue roles such as network administrator, network engineer, or network architect.
Furthermore, networking professionals may broaden their skill set by venturing into areas like system administration or cybersecurity. Those interested in specializing in cybersecurity from an entry-level IT background may find introductory courses like IBM’s IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity Specialization beneficial.
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