15 Top Network Engineer Certifications In 2022

15 Top Network Engineer Certifications In 2022

The IT industry is rapidly expanding because of increased reliance on innovation in day-to-day life in both households and businesses, creating a demand for more network engineers and IT professionals.

If you’re looking for the best way to organize your business, you have a lot of options to choose from. Certifications can be a great tool for demonstrating to employers that you are knowledgeable in your field. However, not all certifications are equal.

This article will define the duties of a network engineer, the various types of network engineer certifications, and the necessary steps to becoming a network engineer.

Who is a Network Engineer?

A network engineer is a draftsman who plans, develops, and supervises organizations to ensure they are advanced and running well. As a network engineer, you’re in charge of establishing an organization’s IT infrastructure and the entire organization.

While network specialists assist with the day-to-day IT and investigation responsibilities, a network engineer oversees the high-level planning and development of businesses

You’ll create and execute physical and remote organizations, investigate challenges, and explore and coordinate new advancements, depending on the organization.

What Does a Network Engineer Do?

Network engineers, sometimes known as network executives, are part of an organization’s IT department. They are to make sure that their company’s computer systems and equipment are up and functioning.

As new equipment becomes available, they install it, do diagnostics, and complete routine programming updates. Also, they are expected to adopt preventive security steps to protect against malware and other potential threats.

How Do I Become a Network Engineer?

It takes time and confidence to become a network engineer. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming one, but there is a recommended procedure for achieving your objectives. If you want to break into the field of network engineering, this is where you should start.

Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree

employers usually require A four-year college background in software engineering, data frameworks, or PC design. Depending on the position, some organizations may also need you to have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or software engineering prior to applying.

Obtain IT Experience

that is Relevant: Your chance will be secured if you have a lone ranger or graduate degree. Whatever the case may be, it is insufficient. To become a network engineer, you must master practical IT skills.

You can start by setting up a systems management infrastructure. An IT support job in the work area is a bonus and an incredible way to foster teamwork. When it comes to gathering information, get innovative. Volunteer for personal projects or as a partner.

Attempt a position at the entry level. Build your own computer or take on a full-stack organizational project. You’ll improve your organizational skills, broaden your project scope, and have something to talk about at your next interviews.

When you’ve mastered the fundamentals of IT, look for more applicable systems administration positions. Working as a less experienced network engineer can help you gain more experience.

Recognize the Network Engineering Career path you want

Once you’ve gained some section-level IT expertise, you’ll need to figure out your career path. Professionals and jobs in network engineering vary widely depending on the industry, organization, and innovation.

If you’re just getting started, here’s a breakdown of some of the jobs available.

Administrator
Technician
Analyst
Network Engineering Manager

Make sure you’re Comfortable in your Networking Role:

Over the course of your network engineering career, you could practice a lot more. Jobs range from cloud and security specialties, such as a cloud organizing modeler or an organization security subject expert, to remote and VoIP specializations, such as a remote systems administration quality assurance or VoIP engineer.

As a full-stack network engineer, you might also choose to dabble in a little bit of everything (FSNE). Here are two strategies to help you characterize your path if you don’t know which one you need to pursue.

Seek advice from other Engineers in your Organization: Talk to your boss or a coach about your career goals. They could be able to help you transition into further systems administration positions.
Examine senior-level positions in the field of Network Engineering: Examine the job posts that pique your interest. What skills and requirements are firms looking for? Are there any affirmations or courses available? Exploring careers might help you identify interests and skill gaps that you can fill.

Networking Training & Courses are a Great Way to Round Out Your Skills

Instructional programs and IT certifications are a fantastic way to improve hands-on preparation.
You’ll learn about working frameworks, data security, network organization, and programming principles in systems administration training classes. They may require explicit confirmations or educational seminars, depending on the organization.

Is CCNA Better than Network+?

The most frequently asked question is; what is the difference between Network+ and CCNA certifications, given that they are both linked to network engineering? The most obvious distinction is that Network+ is supplier agnostic, whereas the CCNA is Cisco item-specific.

Because the Network+ is vendor agnostic, the content covered in the course is, by necessity, broader than what you’ll find in Cisco CCNA classes (Cisco offers two options for preparing for the CCNA certification: ICND1 + ICND2 or one CCNA test).

There are some similarities in content and some notable differences between the two courses.

Organization Fundamentals/Theory is covered in both courses and is essentially the same. TCP/IP Addressing is also covered in both courses, with just minor differences in content (with the special case that the Cisco course invests more energy in sub-netting and VLSM).

Different topics, such as routing and VLANs, are discussed far more thoroughly and comprehensively in the Cisco courses than in the Network+ curriculum. Although exchanging isn’t covered in the Network+ course, it is a huge part of the Cisco courses, both theoretically and practically.

Aside from the differences in course content, there is also the value of affirmations in the corporate marketplace.

Most people agree the CCNA is more prestigious and is seen more favorably by network engineers. As a result, making this declaration prompts more work openings, with any remaining things being equal.

Top 15 Network Engineer Certifications

Network engineer certifications will help you demonstrate your expertise to your bosses. Nonetheless, not all certifications are created equal.

This article provides you with a list of the top recognized certificates for network engineers. Not only will getting these certifications to provide you an advantage in the job market, but they will also increase your overall worth.

1. Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP)

A network engineer with a CCNP may introduce, construct, and study neighborhood and wide-area networks for large corporate organizations with networks ranging from 100 to over 500 hubs.

The content emphasizes topics such as security, collaborative groups, quality of service (QoS), virtual private networks (VPN), and broadband advancements.

2. Certification in CCNA Routing and Switching (CCNA RS)

As businesses transition to regulator-based models, the position and skills required of a central network engineer are growing and becoming more important than at any previous time in recent memory.

The CCNA Routing and Switching credential will not only prepare you for this organizational transformation, but it will also ensure that you remain relevant with the ranges of abilities essential for receiving innovative developments.

3. Certification in CCNA Routing and Switching (CCNA RS)

Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) is one certification for network engineers which validates that, partners have the knowledge and skills required to join Cisco companies.

With a CCNA Security certificate, an organization’s expert may show the skills required to build a secure foundation, recognize network threats and weaknesses, and mitigate security risks.

4. Network 5 Certification

Even in the most rigorous sense, today’s innovation is ‘planned.’ Organizations have grown into an important part of our daily lives. Consideration of interchanges selective of organizations is incomprehensible.

Network 5 introduces the network engineer to key concepts in systems administration.

5. Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)

The network computer technicians are entrusted with gathering information on PC gadgets, Internet, and systems administration innovation relevant to many areas of the PC industry. When the CNCT has gained these skills, abilities, and knowledge, he or she will be eager to work in any aspect of the PC industry.

The CNCT should become a valuable and productive element of the PC industry labor force with minimal training in areas specific to the specific goods.

6. Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician certification validates the skills required for entry-level IT support employment, which are the starting point for several lucrative careers in systems administration.

You must have the knowledge and experience necessary to establish, operate, and investigate a small business branch organization, including required organization security. As a network engineer, CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA certification, which includes medium-sized enterprise branch networks with more complex associations.

7. CCIE

The CCIE (Cisco Certified Inter-network Expert) is still regarded as one of the most prestigious certifications in networking. There are seven CCIE Tracks available since the 2020 upgrade. CCIE Enterprise Infra, Wireless, Data Center, Security, Service Provider, Collaboration, and Design Expert, to name a few.

Each track represents a significant amount of expertise in a specific area of Network Engineering. Getting the CCIE signifies that you have earned a spot among the top echelon of network engineers.

8. Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) approves information needed to plan a Cisco met network.

With a CCDA certification for network engineers, an organization expert shows the abilities required to configure directed and exchanged organization frameworks and administrations for firms and associations, including LAN, WAN, and broadband access.

Planning vital grounds, server farms, security, voice, and remote organizations are all part of the CCDA instructional curriculum.

9. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

If you want to build a career in data security; one of the most well-known jobs today and you have at least five years of experience with data security, then the (CISSP) certification should be your next career goal.

The CISSP, which was licensed by the American National Standards Institute to ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 17024:2003, was the leading certification in the subject of data security. CISSP certification isn’t only a target percentage of greatness; it’s also a globally accepted standard of achievement.

10. Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless)

Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless) certifies partner-level knowledge and skills in the design, implementation, and support of remote LANs, with a focus on enterprises that use Cisco gear.

Network engineers can maintain an essential remote organization on a Cisco WLAN in an SMB to large commercial organization with a CCNA Wireless credential.

11. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Global knowledge can get you en route to gaining your MSCE. You will develop a plan that is appropriate for your work obligations and professional achievement goals.

It will provide you with all the information you need to get your MCSE certification. Microsoft 2003 MCSE Boot Camp, Microsoft Windows 2003 MCSE Upgrade Boot Camp, MCSE: Messaging Specialization, and Windows 2003 MCSE are all included in one certificate.

12. Master Telecommunications Engineer (NCE)

Experts involved in the research and practice of electromagnetic correspondences will benefit from the broadcast communications certificate. We define broadcast communications as the science and innovation of correspondence (rather than data preparation) over long distances using electronic transmission of motivations, such as via transmit, link, phone, radio, or television.

13. Python

Python is a user-friendly, object-oriented, and unquestionably high-level programming language. The Python language framework is extremely simple to learn and comprehend.

That is why it is gaining in popularity and is still being used to support a slew of outstanding projects. Python is used by YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify.

Furthermore, the pre-planning language has now found its way into controlling networks.

14. Citrix Certified Associate

Virtualization is still a hot topic. Virtualization currently affects 40% of workers, and reports indicate that this trend will continue.

It’s common for employees in large businesses to rely on virtual administrations when they’re at home, which is why many companies invest in distributed computing, which refers to the use of remote workers to store data and allow customers to access it from anywhere.

Having a certification like the CCA-N (Citrix Certified Associate – Networking) increases your value in the tech industry significantly.

15. AWS Certified Advanced Networking

For a long time, concepts like SDN, Virtualization, and Cloud Computing have piqued people’s interest. These developments will continue to be dominant for a long time. You’ll learn about AWS as you begin your journey into the field of technology and networking.

It’s possible that your company is looking to implement an uncommon arrangement, or that you’re assisting a customer who is using AWS. This is because AWS is a well-known and widely used service.

It is a brilliant concept to take the AWS Certified Advanced Networking certification if you have a lot of openness to these advances.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Who is a network engineer?

A network engineer is a draftsman who plans, develops, and supervises organizations to ensure they are advanced and running well.

What does a Network Engineer do?

A network engineer ensures that a company’s computer systems and equipment are up and functioning. Installation, diagnostics, and complete routine programming updates are all part of the network engineer’s duties.

What are the steps to becoming a network engineer?

To become a network engineer, you can follow the guide below;

Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
Obtain IT Experience
Recognize the Network Engineering Career path you want
Make sure you’re comfortable in your Networking Role
Obtain certifications

What job titles can I hold as a network engineer?

As a network engineer, you can work as;

Technician
Administrator
Analyst
Network Engineering Manager

Conclusion

Network engineering is a fascinating and difficult area to work in. However, you cannot go there on your own.

Although the certifications for network engineers described above are subject to a variety of conditions, they cover a wide range of networking topics and are now quite popular in the market.

Many employment jobs require such qualifications, so network engineers who have them will have an easier time switching careers or finding a new job with a high wage.