Top Network Engineering Certifications to Boost Your Career
In the dynamic field of network engineering, staying ahead of the curve is essential for career growth and professional development. Earning industry-recognized certifications not only validates your skills but also enhances your credibility and opens up new career opportunities. In this blog, we’ll explore the top network engineering certifications that can significantly boost your career.
Why Network Engineering Certifications Matter
Certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to continuous learning. They are often a prerequisite for advanced roles and can lead to higher salaries, better job security, and increased job satisfaction. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, the right certifications can make a substantial difference.
Top Network Engineering Certifications
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is one of the most popular and foundational certifications in network engineering. It covers a broad range of topics, including network fundamentals, IP connectivity, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability. If you want to get into network engineering, this is the certification to start with. Also, just a note, this certification is Cisco networking specific - whereas the Network+ certification from CompTIA is more vendor-neutral.
Key Benefits:
Foundation: Provides a strong foundation in networking concepts.
Versatility: Applicable to various networking roles and environments.
Recognition: Widely recognized and respected in the industry.
Exam Details:
Exam Code: 200-301 CCNA
Duration: 120 minutes
Cost: $300 USD
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is designed for experienced network engineers. It offers specialization in areas such as enterprise, data center, security, service provider, collaboration, and DevNet. Currently, yours truly is trying to study for the CCNP ENCOR (core exam). I passed the “old” version back in 2015 when it was three tests (route, switch, and troubleshoot) - troubleshoot was my favorite Cisco exam I’ve ever taken. I let the CCNP lapse, so now I‘m back in the saddle. When I passed my CCNP in 2015, it really opened a lot of doors for me.
Key Benefits:
Specialization: Allows you to focus on your area of expertise.
Advanced Skills: Validates advanced networking knowledge and skills.
Career Advancement: Opens doors to senior network engineering roles.
Exam Details:
Core Exam: Concentration exam depending on your chosen track.
Duration: Varies by exam.
Cost: $400 per exam.
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network+ is an entry-level certification that provides a solid foundation in networking concepts. It’s ideal for beginners and those looking to validate their networking knowledge across multiple vendors.
Key Benefits:
Vendor-Neutral: Applicable to various networking environments.
Comprehensive: Covers a wide range of networking topics.
Entry-Level: Perfect for those new to network engineering.
Exam Details:
Exam Code: N10-009
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: $338
Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA-Junos)
The Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA-Junos) certification focuses on Juniper Networks technology and the Junos operating system. It’s suitable for those working in environments that utilize Juniper equipment. This certification has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years with the increase of Juniper gear out there, however, I am curious to see what happens over the next few years since they were recently bought by HPE.
Key Benefits:
Juniper Expertise: Validates your skills with Juniper Networks technology.
Specialized Knowledge: Focuses on Junos OS and networking fundamentals.
Career Opportunities: Opens up roles in organizations using Juniper solutions.
Exam Details:
Exam Code: JN0-105
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: $200
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized certification in the field of information security. For network engineers, it validates expertise in designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity programs. This certification is extremely hot right now. Shoutout to my high school buddy and former work colleague Kevin who got his CISSP a few years back and is now Chief of Staff at Schellman, the CISSP was a big part of his rise to the top!
Key Benefits:
Cybersecurity Focus: Emphasizes security skills relevant to network engineering.
Global Recognition: Highly respected and valued worldwide.
Advanced Roles: Qualifies you for senior cybersecurity and network security roles.
Exam Details:
Exam Code: CISSP
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $749
VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)
The VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV) certification validates your ability to implement, manage, and troubleshoot VMware NSX environments. It’s ideal for those focusing on network virtualization.
Key Benefits:
Virtualization Skills: Focuses on network virtualization technologies.
VMware Expertise: Recognized expertise in VMware NSX.
Career Opportunities: Opens roles in virtualized network environments.
Exam Details:
Exam Code: 2V0-41.24
Duration: 135 minutes
Cost: $250
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification is designed for network engineers who work with AWS. It validates advanced networking skills and knowledge in designing and implementing AWS and hybrid IT network architectures. Note - If you’re in an Azure environment, the equivalent would be the AZ-700 exam.
Key Benefits:
AWS Focus: Specializes in AWS networking.
Advanced Skills: Validates complex networking expertise.
Cloud Opportunities: Enhances career prospects in cloud environments.
Exam Details:
Exam Code: ANS-C01
Duration: 170 minutes
Cost: $300
Conclusion
Earning network engineering certifications is a strategic investment in your career. Certifications like CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+, JNCIA-Junos, CISSP, VCP-NV, and AWS Advanced Networking can significantly enhance your skills, marketability, and career prospects. Choose the certifications that align with your career goals and areas of interest, and embark on the path to becoming a highly skilled and sought-after network engineer.
