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Best network engineer certifications
Network engineer certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an network engineer to employers. However, not all network engineer certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a network engineer are CCNA Routing and Switching Certification (CCNA RS), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA).
Below is a list of the best network engineer certifications. Obtaining an network engineer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for network engineers
20 best network engineer certifications
1. CCNA Routing and Switching Certification (CCNA RS)
As Enterprises migrate toward controller based architectures, the role and skills required of a core network engineer are evolving and more vital than ever. To prepare for this network transition, the CCNA Routing and Switching certification will not only prepare you with the knowledge of foundational technologies, but ensure you stay relevant with skill sets needed for the adoption of next generation technologies.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
CCNA certification is the first level of Cisco Career certification and indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. With a CCNA Security certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. Network 5 Certification
Technology today is 'networked' - even in the literal sense. Networks have become an integral part of mundane existence. It is inconceivable to think of communications exclusive of networks. Network 5 serves to expose the learner to basic networking concepts.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification is the sign of a qualified networking professional.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
6. Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
The Cisco CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions, the starting point for many successful careers in networking. Candidates should have the knowledge and skill to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) validates knowledge required to design a Cisco converged network. With a CCDA certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to design routed and switched network infrastructures and services involving LAN, WAN, and broadband access for businesses and organizations. The CCDA curriculum includes designing basic campus, data center, security, voice, and wireless networks.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
8. CCIE Routing & Switching (CCIE)
Cisco CCIE Routing and Switching certifies expert-level knowledge of networking across various LAN and WAN interfaces, and a variety of routers and switches.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Cisco Networks Certified Professional
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
10. Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)
Certified Network Computer Technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of computer electronics basic concepts, Internet and networking technology applicable to various areas of the computer industry. Once the CNCT has acquired these skills, abilities and knowledge, he or she will be able to enter employment in any part of the computer industry. With minimal training in areas unique to the specific products, the CNCT should become a profitable and efficient part of the computer industry workforce.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
11. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Global Knowledge can get you on your way to your MCSE! Global Knowledge will help you create a development track suitable to your job responsibilities and career advancement goals. Our real-world training will provide you with the knowledge needed to obtain your MCSE certification.This certification includes the following tracks: Microsoft 2003 MCSE Boot Camp, Microsoft Windows 2003 MCSE Upgrade Boot Camp, MCSE: Messaging Specialization, and Windows 2003 MCSE.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
12. Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless)
Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless) validates associate-level knowledge and skills to configure, implement and support of wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. With a CCNA Wireless certification, network professionals can support a basic wireless network on a Cisco WLAN in a SMB to enterprise network.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
13. Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT)
CCENT certification was created to address the need for networking professionals with a solid practical understanding of modern TCP/IP networks built with Cisco hardware, and it verifies practical skills required for entry-level network support positions.CCENT certification serves as the base of Cisco's certification pyramid, is similar in nature to CompTIA's Network+ Certification, and represents a tangible first step in earning your CCNA certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
14. Cisco Certified Technician Routing and Switching (CCT)
Cisco Certified Technician Routing and Switching (CCT Routing and Switching) certification focuses on the skills required for onsite support and maintenance of Cisco routers, switches, and operating environments. Technicians in this area must be able to identify Cisco router and switch models, accessories, cabling, and interfaces; understand the Cisco IOS Software operating modes and identify commonly found software; and be able to use the Cisco Command Line Interface (CLI) to connect and service products. Achieving CCT Routing and Switching certification is considered the best foundation for supporting other Cisco devices and systems.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
15. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP has clearly emerged as the key certification for security professionals. In fact, in an informal survey of information security jobs on a major employment web site, more than 70% of the positions required CISSP certification. Corporations are demanding experienced information security professionals with the certifications to prove it to protect their information and assets. Our course has been prepared with great care to provide the most exhaustive survey of the CISSP information, test taking techniques, and preparation materials available in the industry. While other CISSP course providers require extensive reading and practice test preparation between completing the class and taking the exam, our students have found that the high quality of our course and its in-class practice test result in a minimum of extra time spent preparing for the exam.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
16. Network Technology Associate
The Network Technology Associate Certification proves your mastery of the basics of networking and prepares you for further study in the specialty of your choosing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
17. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification program is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is for the individual who manages, designs, oversees and/or assesses an enterprise's information security (IS). The CISM certification promotes international practices and provides executive management with assurance that those earning the designation have the required experience and knowledge to provide effective security management and consulting services. Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, attaining a one-of-a-kind credential. The CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
18. Cisco Certified Network Associate Security Certification (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security certification validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. With a CCNA Security certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats. The CCNA Security curriculum emphasizes core security technologies, the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices, and competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security structure.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
19. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
With a CCNP, a network professional can install, configure, and troubleshoot local and wide area networks for enterprise organizations with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes. The content emphasizes topics such as security, converged networks, quality of service (QoS), virtual private networks (VPN) and broadband technologies.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
20. Juniper Networks Certified Associate - Junos (JNCIA-Junos)
The Juniper Networks Certified Associate - Junos (JNCIA-Junos) is the entry-level credential required to continue to the advanced certifications in our Junos certification tracks. Successful candidates demonstrate knowledge of the Juniper Networks Junos OS, networking fundamentals, and basic routing and switching.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
What is the best certification for a network engineer?
The best network engineer certification is CCNA Routing and Switching Certification (CCNA RS). The CCNA Routing and Switching Certification (CCNA RS) is awarded by the Cisco Systems, Inc. this certification tests for knowledge about the use of proprietary software or hardware products. It is used primarily for computer-related companies.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this network engineer certification:
- To become a certified CCNA Routing and Switching Certification (CCNA RS), you don't need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for network engineers?
The most in-demand network engineer certification is Cisco Certified Network Associate based on all active job postings. Having this network engineer certification will give you access to more network engineer jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a network engineer career and salary?
The CCNA Routing and Switching Certification certification will help you to secure a senior network engineer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A senior network engineer's average salary is $106,494 whereas network engineers make an average salary of $83,557.
The most common combination of network engineer certifications include: CCNA Routing and Switching Certification (CCNA RS), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA).
Online courses for network engineers to earn certifications
1. Networking Concepts with Socket Programming - Academic Level
Networking course with socket programming concepts in depth with TCP/UDP/HTTP Socket Programming for beginners to expert...
2. Cisco ASA Firewall Training
This course will cover functionality , setup, configuration, troubleshooting and Failover of Cisco ASA Firewall...
3. General Networking - wireless, routers, firewalls, Cisco NAS
Port forwarding? Dynamic DNS? Home NAS Server? Slow Wireless? Learn how to fix your home nework. Includes 802.11ac!...
4. Ansible for Network Engineers: Quick Start GNS3 & Ansible
Ansible for Network Engineers with GNS3, Ansible and Cisco IOS. Learn Network Automation & Programmability = the future...
5. Mastering Modbus TCP/IP Network Communication
Learn how to design, build and troubleshoot Modbus TCP/IP client-server networks...
6. Master Class: TCP/IP Mechanics from Scratch to Expert
Networking Course, UDP, TCP IP protocol Suite, Flow and Congestion Control, CCNA and others, TCP/IP Complete Course...
7. Python Programming for Network Engineers: Cisco, Netmiko ++
Network Programmability and Network Automation using GNS3 and Python for Cisco engineers: Telnet, SSH, Paramiko, Netmiko...
8. Java Network Programming - TCP/IP Socket Programming
Learn how to write powerful network applications...
9. Introduction to Networking
IPv4, Subnetting, DNS, DHCP, IPv6, Routing and Switching...
10. Python Network Programming for Network Engineers (Python 3)
Program networks using Python version 3. Learn network programmability with this practical GNS3 and Cisco course...
11. Fundamentals of Network Engineering
Understanding the first principles of networking to build low latency and high throughput backends...
12. TCP/IP Training Video A Definitive & Easy To Follow Course
Essential TCP/IP Training Course For Professionals Who Manages Servers, Networks Or Any Other Network Connected Device...
13. Computer Networks Foundations - Best Starter Course [2023]
Learn foundations of computer network systems in a simplified manner...
14. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals
Learn Windows-based networking, network management tools, DNS, TCP/IP, network protocols and much more!...
15. Linux for Network Engineers: Practical Linux with GNS3
Linux for Networking Engineers (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE etc). Practical Linux with GNS3 = network programmability & automation...
16. CCNA Security Real World Labs - Cisco ASA, Network Security
Identify, lock down, and secure vulnerabilities in a small to medium enterprise branch network - real world training...
17. GCP - Google Cloud Professional Cloud Network Engineer
Pass Google Cloud Professional Network Certification with 15+ Hours of HD quality video and 90+ Hands-on Practical labs...
18. The World of Computer Networking. Your CCNA starts here
Learn everything about Internet - Ethernet, IP, Routing, Switching, TCP, UDP, NAT, DHCP and DNS, prepare for CCNA exam...
19. Introduction to Networking 2 Hour Crash Course
Learn the basics of IP, Ethernet, VPNs, WANs, DHCP, DNS, and more with no prior knowledge required...
20. Python for Network Engineers: Netmiko, NAPALM, pyntc, Telnet
Program networks using Python. Learn network automation and programmability with this practical course (Cisco networks)...