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Best senior network administrator certifications
The best certifications for a senior network administrator are CompTIA Network+, Network 5 Certification, and CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP).
Senior network administrator certifications demonstrate your competency as a senior network administrator to employers. However, not all senior network administrator certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best senior network administrator certifications. Obtaining a senior network administrator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
14 best certifications for senior network administrators
| Rank | Senior network administrator certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA |
| 2 | Network 5 Certification | EC-Council |
| 3 | CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP) | Cisco |
| 4 | Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA) | Cisco |
| 5 | Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT) | ETA |
| 6 | CCNA Routing and Switching Certification (CCNA RS) | Cisco |
| 7 | Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Global Knowle... |
| 8 | Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP) | MS |
| 9 | Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) | Global Knowle... |
| 10 | Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | ISACA |
| 11 | Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) | Cisco |
| 12 | VMware Certified Professional 6 - Cloud (VCP-Cloud) | VMWare |
| 13 | Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) | Cisco |
| 14 | Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) | Global Knowle... |
14 best senior network 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. 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?
3. CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP)
The Cisco Certified Network Professional in Service Provider Operations (CCNP SP Operations) validates knowledge and skills required (of a Tier II or Tier III support engineer) to troubleshoot and maintain service provider IP NGN core (PE-PE and PE-CE) network infrastructures. With a CCNP SP Operations certification, a network professional demonstrates knowledge and skills required to isolate network performance problems, implement proactive fault measures using operations management processes, frameworks, and network management systems.
- 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)
4. 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?
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. 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?
9. 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
10. 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)
11. 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)
12. VMware Certified Professional 6 - Cloud (VCP-Cloud)
The VMware Certified Professional - Cloud (VCP-Cloud) certification validates your ability to install, configure and administer a Cloud environment using vCloud Director and related components. Successful candidates demonstrate core vSphere skills in extending data virtualization throughout the cloud by creating and managing vApps, service catalogs, and organization/provider VDCs, as well as administering cloud enabled networking and storage. This competency is built on the skills and knowledge needed to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments along with a solid foundation in basic cloud infrastructure concepts including public/private/hybrid clouds, multi-tenancy, and cloud security.
- 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?
13. 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)
14. 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)
What is the best certification for a senior network administrator?
The best senior network 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 senior network 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 senior network administrators?
The most in-demand senior network administrator certification is CompTIA Network+ based on all active job postings. Having this senior network administrator certification will give you access to more senior network administrator jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a senior network administrator career and salary?
The Certified Information Security Manager certification will help you to secure a chief information officer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A chief information officer's average salary is $152,104 whereas senior network administrators make an average salary of $89,169.
The most common combination of senior network administrator certifications include: CompTIA Network+, Network 5 Certification, and CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP).
Online courses for senior network administrators to earn certifications
1. Networking and Security Architecture with VMware NSX
This 8 week online course equips learners with the basics of network virtualization with VMware NSX. To get the most of this course, you should have familiarity with generic IT concepts of routing, switching, firewalling, disaster recovery, business continuity, cloud and security. At the end of the course, you will be able to: • Understand network virtualization basics • Describe NSX business value and use cases • Explain how NSX is different from traditional networking • Summarize networking...
2. 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!...
3. Windows Server 2019 Administration
Learn Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, Storage, Backup, Azure integration and More...
4. Active Directory on Windows Server
Learn how to deploy and manage all aspects of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS and many more technologies...
5. Complete Windows Server Administration Course
Installation and configuration of Domain Controller, Active Directory, DNS, Web Server (IIS), Group Policy, WSUS and more...
6. TOTAL: Active Directory with Windows Server 2016
Identity, Access, and Authentication with Microsoft AD and Identity with Windows Server 2016...
7. Windows Server 2016 Administration
Windows Server 2016: Nano Server, Server Core, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Hyper-V, WDS, WSUS, NLB and more...
8. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking
For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...
9. Microsoft 70-741 - Networking with Windows Server 2016
Networking with Windows Server 2016 MCSA Training Course...
10. 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...
11. 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!...
12. Beginning Windows System Administration
Get what you need to know to start your career in being a System Administrator...
13. Computer Networking Fundamentals
Learn all about the basics of computer networking fundamental concepts and network security concepts...
14. [Active Directory] Management using Windows PowerShell
[Power Shell] Simplified practical knowledge for automation & management of [Active Directory] using Windows Power Shell...
15. SonicWall Firewall Administration Course
You will Learn How to Administrate your Sonic Wall Firewal from Zero to Sonic Hero...
16. 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!...
17. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support
Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...
18. VMware vSphere 6.0 Part 5 - VM Backup and Replication
Learn to backup and recover VMs using VMware Data Protection and how to replicate VMs using v Sphere Replication...
19. Windows 10 System Administration & Basic Computer Skills
Learn the basics of system administration for the Windows 10 operating system, as well as some basic computer skills...
20. Essential Tools for Windows System Administrators
[Windows] [System Administration] Learn Windows Builtin Tools & Open Source Tools for Efficient System Administration...