In today’s ever-evolving technology landscape, networking certifications have become a crucial aspect of professional development for IT professionals. These certifications not only validate an individual’s knowledge and skills but also provide them with a competitive edge in the job market. With so many networking certifications available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to pursue.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the best networking certifications available, their benefits, and how they can help you advance your career in the networking field. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, this blog will provide you with insights into the best networking certifications that will help you stay ahead in your career.
Importance of continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest networking trends and technologies:
Continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest networking trends and technologies are crucial for professionals in the networking field. Here are some reasons why:
- Rapidly changing technology: Networking technologies are constantly evolving, and new technologies emerge frequently. Staying current with these changes helps professionals keep pace with the latest developments in the field and remain competitive in the job market.
- Improved job performance: Continuous learning helps professionals stay current with the latest tools and techniques, allowing them to perform their job more effectively and efficiently. This can lead to improved job performance, better outcomes for the company, and increased job satisfaction.
- Career advancement: Staying up-to-date with the latest networking trends and technologies can lead to career advancement opportunities. Employers value professionals who are knowledgeable and skilled in the latest technologies, and they are more likely to promote and reward those who invest time in staying up-to-date.
- Better problem-solving skills: Learning new networking technologies and techniques can help professionals develop better problem-solving skills. By staying up-to-date, they can identify new solutions to old problems, innovate new solutions, and address challenges more effectively.
- Networking opportunities: Engaging in continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest networking trends and technologies also provides opportunities to network with other professionals in the field. This can help professionals build their professional networks, gain insights into new technologies, and learn from others’ experiences.
Best Networking Certifications: 2023
The following are the most widespread and useful networking certifications to help you advance, even if many employers favor some over others:
1. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
Individuals with five years of practical experience designing and executing network solutions should pursue the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C01). Before you take this exam, we recommend you have:
- AWS networking complexities and how they relate to the integration of AWS services, professional knowledge of AWS technology, AWS security best practices, AWS storage choices, and their underlying consistency models.
- Understanding of cutting-edge networking topologies and connection possibilities [such as IP VPN, MPLS, and VPLS].
- Knowledge about the creation of automation tools and scripts. This should involve the creation, application, and optimization of the following: static and dynamic routing architectures; multi-regional business solutions; and highly available connectivity solutions (e.g., AWS Direct Connect, VPN).
- Understanding of IPv6 transition issues, including AWS WAF, intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), DDoS protection, and economic denial of service/sustainability, as well as knowledge of CIDR and sub-netting (IPv4 and IPv6) (EDoS).
The test certifies a person’s proficiency in doing the following duties. It is intended for those who handle sophisticated networking jobs in:
- Utilizing AWS to create and develop hybrid and cloud-based networking solutions.
- Using recommended AWS techniques for implementing fundamental AWS networking services.
- Operating and managing a hybrid and cloud-based network infrastructure.
- Using tools to deploy and automate AWS networking tasks that are cloud-based and hybrid.
- Utilizing AWS native networking components and services to create secure AWS networks.
Exam Details:
- Length: 170 minutes to complete the exam
- Cost: 300 USD
- Passing Score: 750
- Questions: 65 questions
- Format: Multiple choice or multiple responses
- Language: English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese
Exam Outline:
- Network Design 30%
- Network Implementation 26%
- Network Management and Operation 20%
- Network Security, Compliance, and Governance 24%
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate
The planning, implementation, and maintenance of Azure networking solutions, including hybrid networking, connectivity, routing, security, and private access to Azure services, call for candidates for the Azure Network Engineer Associate certification to possess subject-matter expertise in these areas.
This position’s duties include suggesting, organizing, and putting Azure networking ideas into practice. In this position, experts oversee performance, resilience, scaling, and security solutions. Utilizing the Azure Portal as well as other tools like PowerShell, Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI), and Azure Resource Manager templates, they install networking solutions (ARM templates).
In order to earn this certification, you need to pass Exam AZ-700: Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions. Candidates for this exam should have extensive experience and knowledge of networking, hybrid connections, and network security in addition to expert Azure administration skills.
Exam Details:
- Cost: $165 USD*
- Language: (Saudi Arabia), German, English, Spanish, French, Indonesian (Indonesia), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional)
- Passing Score: 700
- Questions: 40-60
Exam Outline:
- Design, implement, and manage hybrid networking (10–15%)
- Design and implement core networking infrastructure (20–25%)
- Design and implement routing (25–30%)
- Secure and monitor networks (15–20%)
3. CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ is the only industry-recognized credential with performance testing to indicate experts can think on their feet to handle important IT support jobs. Candidates for the CompTIA A+ Core Series must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102), which focus on the new technologies and competencies IT professionals need to support a hybrid workforce.
Expanded information on these expanding facets of the IT support position may be found in the new CompTIA A+ Core Series:
- A broadening of the fundamental security subjects important to the IT support position, such as malware, physical vs logical security ideas and methods, and more.
- Fundamentally different methods of establishing operational process proficiency, encompassing fundamentals of catastrophe avoidance, recovery, and scripting.
- A growing reliance on connectivity and networking.
Mobile devices, networking technologies, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing are all covered by CompTIA A+ 220-1101. Operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures are all covered within the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 exam.
Experience: 9 to 12 months of practical experience in a lab or field are recommended.
Exam Details:
- Number of Questions: 90 questions per exam
- Type of Questions: Multiple choice questions (single and multiple responses), drag and drops and performance-based
- Length of Test: 90 Minutes per exam
- Passing Score:
- 220-1101: 675 (on a scale of 900)
- 220-1102: 700 (on a scale of 900)
- Languages: English at launch. German, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai and Spanish
- Price: $246 USD per exam
Exam Outline:
- Hardware
- Operating systems
- Software troubleshooting
- Networking
- Troubleshooting
- Security
- Mobile devices
- Virtualization and cloud computing
- Operational procedures
4. Google Associate Cloud Engineer
Associate Cloud Engineers oversee corporate solutions, implement apps, and keep an eye on operations. They maintain one or more deployed solutions that make use of Google-managed or self-managed services on Google Cloud by using the Google Cloud Console and the command-line interface.
The Associate Cloud Engineer examination gauges your proficiency in:
- Create a setting for a cloud solution.
- Prepare and set up a cloud solution.
- Install and deploy a cloud-based system.
- Ensure a cloud solution is operating successfully.
- Access and security settings.
Recommended experience: 6+ months of practical Google Cloud experience
Exam Details:
- Length: 2 hours
- Registration fee: $125 (plus tax where applicable)
- Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese
- Questions: 50-60
- Types: multiple choice and multiple select questions
Exam Outline:
- Setting up a cloud solution environment
- Planning and configuring a cloud solution
- Deploying and implementing a cloud solution
- Ensuring the successful operation of a cloud solution
- Configuring access and security
5. JNCIA-Junos
Networking professionals with beginner-intermediate expertise in networking should pursue the JNCIA-Junos certification. Your grasp of the fundamental capabilities of the Juniper Networks Junos OS is validated by the written test.
JNCIA-Junos serves as the entry-level certification for several certification tracks since it offers a fundamental grasp of the Juniper Networks core operating system.
Exam Details:
- Code: JN0-104
- Exam Length: 90 minutes
- Questions: 65 multiple-choice questions
- Software Versions: Junos OS 21.2
- Price: $200 USD
Exam Outline:
- Networking Fundamentals
- Junos OS Fundamentals
- User Interfaces
- Configuration Basics
- Operational Monitoring and Maintenance
- Routing Fundamentals
- Routing Policy and Firewall Filters
6. CompTIA Security+
The first security certification a candidate needs to obtain is CompTIA Security+. It establishes the fundamental skills necessary for any cybersecurity position and serves as a launching pad for cybersecurity employment at the intermediate level. Best practices for practical troubleshooting are incorporated into Security+, ensuring that candidates have the abilities to:
- Determine the enterprise environment’s security status, then suggest and execute the best security measures.
- Monitor and secure cloud, mobile, and IoT hybrid environments.
- Operate with an understanding of the relevant laws and regulations, including the governance, risk, and compliance concepts.
- Security issues and occurrences are identified, examined, and handled.
Recommendations: CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of IT administration experience with a security focus
Exam Details:
- Number of Questions: 90 questions
- Type of Questions: Multiple choice and performance-based
- Length of Test: 90 minutes
- Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
- Languages: English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese
- Price: $392 USD
Exam Outline:
- Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities
- Architecture and Design
- Implementation
- Operations and Incident Response
- Governance, Risk and Compliance
7. CompTIA Network+
A career in IT infrastructure that includes network management, configuration, and troubleshooting may be developed with the help of CompTIA Network+. The technical expertise required to safely construct, manage, and troubleshoot the vital networks that organizations depend on is validated by CompTIA Network+.
The CompTIA Network+ equips candidates to maintain networks on any platform, in contrast to other vendor-specific networking certifications. The only certification that addresses the specific competencies required of network workers is CompTIA Network+. Other certifications lack the specific knowledge and practical skills required in today’s networking environments because they are so broad.
Experience: CompTIA A+ certification and at least 9 to 12 months of networking experience are recommended for the experience.
Exam Details:
- Number of Questions: 90 questions
- Type of Questions: Multiple choice and performance-based
- Length of Test: 90 Minutes
- Passing Score: 720 (on a scale of 100-900)
- Languages: English, German, and Spanish, with Japanese scheduled and others TBD
- Price: $358 USD
Exam Outline:
- Networking Fundamentals
- Network Implementations
- Network Operations
- Network Security
- Network Troubleshooting
8. VMware Certified Technical Associate Network Virtualization 2022
The holder of the VCTA-NV certification can recognize use cases and business requirements for the VMware NSX platform, comprehend NSX jargon, and navigate the NSX graphical user interface (s). Additionally, the certified individual can articulate at high-level ideas related to VMware Virtual Cloud Network, Network Virtualization, SDDC, and NSX portfolio.
The VCTA is for anyone new to the industry, whether they are just graduating from college, making a career change, or already employed in the sector and looking for ways to advance. The VCTA is designed for people carrying out an operator job role, which entails the kind of routine, recurring activities that are often assigned by administrators of virtualized systems on Day 2.
To earn this, you need to pass EXAM 1V0-41.20 Associate VMware Network Virtualization.
The Associate VMware Network Virtualization Exam verifies a candidate’s fundamental understanding of the VMware NSX platform, NSX jargon, and NSX’s graphical user interface (s).
Exam Details:
- Language: English
- Number of Questions: 30
- Format: Single and Multiple Choice, Proctored
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Passing Score: 300
- Pricing: $125 USD
Exam Outline:
- Architecture and Technologies
- Products and Solutions
- Planning and Designing
- Installing, Configuring, and Setup
- Performance-tuning, Optimization, and Upgrades
- Troubleshooting and Repairing
- Administrative and Operational Task
9. SolarWinds Certified Professional Program
This certification concentrate on enabling the efficient use of SolarWinds’ products and is built upon a global network of thousands of SolarWinds Certified Professionals.
You can be confident you have the technical know-how to utilize and maintain SolarWinds network and systems management solutions by becoming a SolarWinds Certified Professional (SCP).
Exam Details:
Cost: US$200.
- Architecture and Design
- Access Rights Manager (ARM)
- Database Performance Analyzer (DPA)
- Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
- NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA)
- Network Configuration Manager (NCM)
- Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
- Security Event Manager (SEM)
- Server and Application Monitor (SAM)
10. Cisco 200-301 CCNA certification
Your ability to navigate through the ever-evolving IT environment is demonstrated by your CCNA certification. The CCNA exam covers the principles of networking, IP services, security, automation, and programmability. The CCNA certification, which was created for flexibility and agility, attests to your proficiency in managing and optimizing today’s most sophisticated networks.
Your career may go in any direction with the foundation provided by the CCNA training program and test. By earning a certification from Cisco, you demonstrate the caliber and rigor that companies regard as essential for meeting and exceeding market demands.
Exam Details:
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Languages: English and Japanese
- Price: $ 300 USD
Exam Outline:
- Network fundamentals
- Network access
- IP connectivity
- IP services
- Security fundamentals
- Automation and programmability
