The journey of getting a network engineering certification is an achievement in itself. The self-discipline you will develop during the process is evidence of your commitment to growing professionally. Ultimately, passing the certification will serve as your ticket to securing the highest-paying network engineering certifications.
This article discusses the best network engineering certifications to help entry-level and expert network professionals further their careers. If you are also looking to earn more with advanced certifications, you can choose from any of these best certifications for network engineering.
What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is a designation that a person earns to prove their knowledge of the specific job they have received training. The professional must also be able to demonstrate experience and skills to assure that they’re qualified to perform the relevant job or task.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certification and a certificate is mainly related to a degree. Certification has no ties to a degree, while a certificate is a supplementary credential to a degree. The certificate versus certification debate can be settled by noting that a certificate results from an educational process. On the other hand, certification results from an assessment process.
Why Is Certification in Network Engineering Important?
A certification for network engineering is important because it will equip you with more in-demand and relevant skills. For example, The US News &World Report analysis on Cisco Certifications attests that a Cisco certification can help you improve your expertise and make you more marketable in your technical career.
Best Network Engineering Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) | Cisco | $130,000 | $1,600 |
| Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | ISACA | $130,000 | $575, $760 |
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | (ISC)2 | $120,000 | $749 |
| Google Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer | Google Cloud | $100,000 | $200 |
| Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise | Cisco | $100,000 | $700 |
| Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security | Cisco | $97,000 | $700 |
| Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA) | Juniper Networks | $89,000 | $200 |
| Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Cisco | $82,000 | $300 |
| CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA | $70,000 | $348 |
| Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) | Cisco | $66,000 | $125 |
Best Network Engineering Certifications to Further Your Career
How to Choose the Best Network Engineering Certification for Your Career
If you’re passionate about building a network engineering career, you must choose a certification that can best attest to your skills. Here are some tips on selecting the best network engineering certification for your profession.
Decide on a Goal
You must be clear and specific on why you want to get certified. If you’re targeting a new role, want to advance at your current job, or pursue a new career path, this clarity is what would help you be hyper-focused on your goal. You also need to set a time frame for your goal, so you’ll know which certification will help you achieve it.
Choose a Certification That Aligns With Your Goal
There is a wide range of network certifications. Having a goal helps you shortlist your options until you find a perfect fit that aligns with your goal. If your goal is to transition into the network engineering field, you can consider entry-level certifications. However, those who want to secure senior-level network engineer positions should opt for advanced certification programs.
Consider Your Budget
While some certifications may be quite expensive, there are a variety of affordable ones that are tailored to help you upscale a career in network engineering affordably. You should choose pocket-friendly certification programs to avoid the risk of quitting midway through due to financial difficulties.
Which Network Engineering Certifications Pay the Most?
The network engineering certifications that pay the most are Certified Information Security Manager, Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional. These certifications can guarantee better remuneration due to their skills.
Highest-Paying Network Engineering Certifications
- Certified Information Security Manager: $130,000
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert: $130,000
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional: $120,000
- Google Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer: $100,000
- Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise: $100,000
Which Network Engineering Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The best network engineering certifications for beginners are Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate, Cisco Certified Network Associate, and Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician. These certifications are ideal for beginners because they teach the fundamentals and hands-on skills that every beginner needs to get started.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Network Engineering Certification Exam
You can prepare for your network engineering certification exam by completing the required courses and gaining general knowledge of your topics before the exam. You can also take advantage of the certification exam prep resources online.
Best Courses to Prepare for Network Engineering Certification Exams
The best network certification prep courses include CompTIA Network+, Cloud Security and Network Engineering, and CCT Routing and Switching Tech. Below is a detailed overview of these courses, including their costs and duration.
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Other Resources to Prepare for Your Network Engineering Certification Exams
Apart from courses, there are numerous resources available online to aid your network engineering certification exam prep. These resources include webinars, articles, and books. Below is a detailed overview of some of these resources.
Cisco Learning Network
The Cisco Learning Network hosts specific communities, webinars, videos, and study resources relevant to established and aspiring Cisco professionals. Registering for this network guarantees access to these resources and brings you a step closer to your career goals.
Cisco Learning Network Overview
- Type of Resource: Online Community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Cisco Certifications, CCNA Certifications, CCIE Certifications
Google Cloud Documentation
This website contains guides, architectural diagrams, tutorials, API references, and code samples to teach you how to build on Google Cloud. Ultimately, the numerous resources from this website can get you started on how to become a network engineer.
Google Cloud Documentation Overview
- Type of Resource: Website
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Google Cloud Professional Architects
Cisco Learning Network Store
This website grants learners access to self-paced and instructor-led training, assessments, and a community of like-minded people. They can also purchase popular products, such as exam preparation bundles, Cisco Modeling Labs, and exam reviews.
Cisco Learning Network Store Overview
- Type of Resource: Website
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: CCNA Certifications, Cisco Certifications, CCIE Certifications, CCNP Certifications
The Cisco Learning Network Podcasts
This learning network podcast is home to resources, insights, learning, and certification stories directly from industry professionals. By subscribing to Apple Podcast, you can access various episodes that will help you jump-start your career using the Cisco Learning Network’s features.
The Cisco Learning Network Podcasts Overview
- Type of Resource: Podcast
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technicians, Cisco Certified Networking Professionals
ISACA Journal
The ISACA Journal features articles on information security matters, cloud security, and relevant software book reviews. The journal, which has already been 50 years in circulation, has impacted researchers and professionals positively in their areas of expertise.
Juniper Network Design Fundamentals Overview
- Type of Resource: Journal
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Information Security Manager
Best Online Courses
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Network Engineering Job Outlook and Average Salary
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of network engineers to grow five percent from 2020 to 2030. In addition, it records about 24,900 job openings annually. Aside from the impressive outlook for network engineers, the job is also financially rewarding. The median annual salary for network engineers was $80,600 in May 2021.
Best Network Engineering Jobs After Certification
The best network engineering jobs after certification are top Cisco Certified Information Systems Security Professional jobs. These roles include information security manager, information security officer, and network administrator roles.
Best Network Engineering Associations
One of the best ways to improve your visibility as a network engineer is to join an IT organization. The networking opportunities and professional relationships you build with other members can be instrumental to your growth. Below are some of the best network engineering associations.
CompTIA
CompTIA is the Computing Technology Industry Association, a famous provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications. This non-profit trade association makes a great first impression on a resume, as it’s the industry standard for building a career in IT.
Network Professional Association
This non-profit, self-regulating, professional association supports network professionals by setting the standard of ethics and professionalism in the industry, academia, and the government. This global organization has the objective of uniting IT computing professionals and becoming a service provider that meets their needs and interests.
Women in Technology
WIT is an international non-profit organization that aims to close the gender gap and help women embrace technology. The organization has impacted over 200,000 women since 2018 and received the high patronage of many prestigious personnel, including Kolinda Grabar, former president of Croatia, and Elisabeth Moreno, minister of gender equality in France.
Are Network Engineering Certifications Worth It?
Yes, network engineering certifications are worth it because they help network engineers build a competitive edge. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 24,900 job opportunities are available for network administrators each year. This role is in demand in the tech industry. Hence, an excellent way to distinguish yourself in this niche is by earning a network engineering certification.
Additional Reading About Network Engineering
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Network Engineering Certifications FAQ
Yes, you can get a job with a Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification. The CCNA is an excellent entry-level certification for lower-level IT and cyber security jobs. You can significantly increase your chances of landing a good-paying role by combining this certification with technical experience and solid skills.
Yes, network engineers need coding skills. Since the configuration of devices needs commands, network engineers must be able to communicate in machine languages that computers can understand. They must also be proficient in programming languages to understand the feedback these devices give in response to the command they issue.
To become a network engineer, you need a degree or certification to attest to your ability. You must also possess technical skills, knowledge of computer operating systems, and strong analytical thinking skills. Due to the uniqueness of each working environment, employers might also prefer flexible candidates who can work well with others.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate certification can be valid for three years. Since Cisco is famous for making frequent changes to its certification program, it doesn’t require you to do anything to keep your certification active. However, you must satisfy the recertification criteria before the expiration date of your certificate.
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