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Best network/server administrator certifications
Network/server administrator certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an network/server administrator to employers. However, not all network/server administrator certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a network/server administrator are CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP).
Below is a list of the best network/server administrator certifications. Obtaining an network/server administrator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
9 best certifications for network/server administrators
| Rank | Network/server administrator certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA |
| 2 | Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Global Knowle... |
| 3 | Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP) | MS |
| 4 | Network 5 Certification | EC-Council |
| 5 | Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) | RH |
| 6 | VMware Certified Professional 5 - Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV) | VMWare |
| 7 | Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) | Global Knowle... |
| 8 | Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) | MS |
| 9 | Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA) | Cisco |
9 best network/server administrator certifications
1. 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)
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. Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP)
The enterprise administrator is responsible for the overall Windows Server 2008 R2 environment and architecture. The enterprise administrator translates business goals into technology decisions and designs mid-range to long-term strategies.
- 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?
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. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
An IT professional who has earned the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA®) is able to perform the core system administration skills required in Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments. The credential is earned after successfully passing the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) Exam (EX200).
- 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)
6. VMware Certified Professional 5 - Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV)
As the demand for professionals with virtualization expertise grows, it is more important than ever to distinguish yourself with a certification that validates your technical expertise. The VCP5-DCV certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates your data center virtualization expertise, and confirms that you have the skills and ability to successfully install, deploy, scale and manage VMware vSphere environments.
- 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?
7. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
Ready for a new challenge in your daily system and network administration? In only 8 days become part of the hottest multi-exam certification in the industry, the MCSA.Global Knowledge can get you on your way to your MCSA! 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 MCSA certification.
- 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
8. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
Boost your IT support career with unmatched validation as a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST). This credential proves your ability to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments that run on the Microsoft Windows operating system. It also shows you have the necessary soft skills to educate users and help them solve hardware and software operation and application problems on Windows.
- 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
9. 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?
What is the best certification for a network/server administrator?
The best network/server administrator certification is CompTIA Network+. The CompTIA Network+ is awarded by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this network/server administrator certification:
- To become a certified CompTIA Network+, you 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/server administrators?
The most in-demand network/server administrator certification is CompTIA Network+ based on all active job postings. Having this network/server administrator certification will give you access to more network/server administrator jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of network/server administrator certifications include: CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP).
Online courses for network/server administrators to earn certifications
1. Windows Server 2019: Active Directory, GPO, R. Server Access
Training For Beginners - Become a Network Administrator in Microsoft Windows Server 2019 with Remote Server Access!...
2. Windows Server 2016 Administration
Windows Server 2016: Nano Server, Server Core, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Hyper-V, WDS, WSUS, NLB and more...
3. Windows Server 2019 Administration
Learn Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, Storage, Backup, Azure integration and More...
4. Complete Windows Server Administration Course
Installation and configuration of Domain Controller, Active Directory, DNS, Web Server (IIS), Group Policy, WSUS and more...
5. Windows Server 2022 administration course. Lecture and Sims
Learn how to expertly administer Windows Server 2022 with lecture and hands on simulations available 24/7...
6. TOTAL: Active Directory with Windows Server 2016
Identity, Access, and Authentication with Microsoft AD and Identity with Windows Server 2016...
7. Active Directory on Windows Server
Learn how to deploy and manage all aspects of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS and many more technologies...
8. SQL Server High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HA/DR)
Dive deep into how SQL Server works to implement an effective high availability and disaster recovery solution...
9. Introduction to Windows Server 2016 for Beginners
Learn Windows Server 2016: Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, IIS, Group Policy, RDP, WSUS, FSRM, Power Shell, and Much More!...
10. Domain Name System (DNS) Administration- Windows Server 2016
DNS Server installation and domain name / zone setup on Windows Server 2016 using the Server Manager & DNS MMC Consoles...
11. Linux Administration +Linux Command Line+Linux Server 3 in 1
Learn Linux Administration , Linux Command Line, Linux Server admin, Red Hat Linux, Cent OS - Get Linux Certification...
12. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting
Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...
13. CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Training SK0-005 Server+
Comp TIA Server+ Certification Exam Training SK0-005 Server Plus Server Hardware Installation Administration Management...
14. Microsoft windows server 2016 industry lab MCSA fast track
Building your own network from scratch, study MCSA and get ready for your interview and next job, 2022 updates...
15. Mastering DNS on Windows Server
Learn to Install, Configure and Troubleshoot a Windows DNS Server...
16. Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Training for Beginners
Install Windows Server 2016, Build a Windows Domain, Domain Controller, Learn DHCP, Install Windows 10, and much more.....
17. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) Training For Beginners
Setup your lab, Install WSUS, administrate your WSUS server and clients, learn WSUS troubleshooting and MUCH more.....
18. MTA: Windows Server 2016 Administration Fundamentals: 98-365
Windows Server 2016 Edition. Master all core exam topics: AD, DNS, DHCP, DFS, IIS, RDS.....
19. PowerShell for Active Directory Administrators
Use Power Shell to manage Active Directory users, computer, groups, security settings and more on Windows Server...
20. Remote Desktop Services Windows Server 2016
Learn RDS Sessions and Application on Windows Server 2016 and Get Everything You Need To Start Deploying RDS...