Top 10 Certifications for Networking Professionals

The entire world is connected by a network, which means connecting businesses across the countries to provide seamless communication to our home. Here behind the scenes, heroes are network professionals who take care of each of our requirements. In this ever-lasting field staying ahead is very important. Certification is the best way to present and validate your skills and knowledge. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Certifications for networking professionals that will help you validate your skills and knowledge of the Networking field.

What is the Significance of These Networking Certifications for Professionals?

Obtaining certificates in a field brings many benefits to professionals, organizations, and industry. By obtaining certification, professionals can validate their skills in the field and it helps industries and organizations in screening those professionals in the initial stage. Network professionals also have many significant benefits such as validating professional network configuration, routing, switching, IP addressing, and many other basic and advanced networking skills.

Below are some key points that highlight the importance of these certificates.

• Professional skill and knowledge validation
• Advancement of their career
• Staying updated with technology
• Job security
• Competitive advantages
• Networking opportunities
• Proof of specialization

Top 10 Certifications for Networking Professionals

We will bifurcate certification in the following three categories

• Certification for beginners
• Certification for mid-level network professionals
• Certification for experienced network professionals

Certification for Beginners

1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The CCNA certificate is the perfect option when you are starting your networking career. Acquiring this certificate indicates your mastery of core concepts such as IP addressing, routing, switching, and security along with an understanding of how a network functions. Getting certified with this certificate demonstrates a solid grip on networking fundamentals and increases the chances of various networking opportunities.

Why it's Important

• It validates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot networks.
• CCNA is recognized globally by employers.

Skills Covered by Earning Cisco Certified Network Associate

• Fundamental of Networking
• IP connectivity and services
• Security basics
• Access to network

2. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is another ideal certificate for beginners as it validates their basic networking skill set and knowledge such as network design, implementation, and troubleshooting. This certificate is known as a vendor-neutral certificate as it provides you with a broad understanding of networking regardless of the specific technologies used.

Why it's Important

• It is recognized by many employers globally
• Validates strong grip on networking

Skills Covered by Earning CNNA

• Networking basic concepts
• Infrastructure
• Network security and operations
• Troubleshooting and tools

Certification for mid-level network professionals

3. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Once you are certified with CCNA, the next certificate you can have is a CCNP which signifies your ability such as design, implement, and troubleshoot complex networks of enterprise. CCNP offers several subjects that you can choose such as routing, switching, or wireless networking, Choose the subject that suits best your ability, and career goals and demonstrates expertise in your focused networking area.

Why it's Important

• It validates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot networks.
• Validates your advanced networking skills and knowledge

Skills Covered by Earning Cisco Certified Network Professional

• Security
• Advance Networking
• Automation
• Advanced routing and switching skills

Also Read: What is the Difference Between CCNA and CCNP?

4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

For professionals who specialize in Microsoft Network solutions mainly, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification is perfect for them as it validates their skills including designing, deploying, and managing Microsoft Windows server network. This also certifies the skills in managing and running data centers as well as knowledge in storage and networking.

Why it's Important

• It demonstrates advanced skills in managing and configuring networks mainly in Microsoft
• It's recognized as a global certificate mainly for enterprise-level network and data management

Skills Covered by Earning Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert

• Managing Windows server
• System management
• Visualization
• Storage management

Certification for Modern/Trending Era

5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate – Networking Specialty

The aim of designing this certificate is to validate a professional's specialization in AWS networking. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate – Networking Specialty certificate signifies your ability to design and implement AWS and hybrid IT network architectures. This certificate is perfect for you in the growing demand for cloud networking area.

Why it's Important

• It validates your expertise in AWS networking solutions
• It's recognized by employers who are using AWS networking solutions

Skills Covered by Earning AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate – Networking

• Design and implement AWS and hybrid network infrastructure
• Best practices for Networking structure
• Troubleshoot Network issues
• Advanced network concepts such as WS Direct Connect, AWS Transit Gateway

6. Microsoft Certified - Azure Network Engineer Associate

When we are talking about networking or cloud, Microsoft Azure is a huge name. The Azure Networking Solutions Associate certification will help you validate your skills in implementing Microsoft Azure networks such as deploying and configuring network resources. This certificate is ideal for professionals who are aiming to work with Microsoft Azure.

Why it's Important

• It indicates your expertise in Azure networking
• Widely recognized by employers who are using Microsoft Azure

Skills Covered by Earning Azure Network Engineer Associate

• Fundamental of Azure Networking
• Network security
• Network monitoring and troubleshooting
• Hybrid networking

Certification for Specialized Skills

7. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA)

For network professionals who are interested in working with Juniper network devices, the JNCIA-Junos certification is a perfect match for them. This entry-level certificate helps you in validating your understanding of fundamental Junos OS concepts such as routing, switching, and network security. It's an entry point for further exploration of Juniper technologies.

Why it's Important

• It indicates your expertise in Azure networking
• Widely recognized by employers who are using Microsoft Azure

Skills Covered by Earning Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate

• Fundamental of Azure Networking
• Network security
• Network monitoring and troubleshooting
• Hybrid networking

8. VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)

The VCP-DCV certificate is mainly for those professionals who want to validate their skills in virtualizing data centers using VMware's vSphere environment. This certificate covers network configuration, deployment, and management of vSphere infrastructure. This certificate makes you eligible for a critical role in managing a virtualized network environment.

Why it's Important

• It helps you to prepare yourself perfectly for a role in data center virtualization
• It validates your expertise in VMware virtualization technologies.

Skills Covered by Earning VCP-DCV

• Installation, configuration, and management of VMware vSphere environments.
• Monitoring and management of network resources
• Backup solutions and data center security
• Virtual machine management

9. Google Associate Cloud Engineer- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Google Cloud platform is one of the rapidly growing cloud providers and Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification validates your abilities to design, deploy, and operate Google Cloud platforms. This certificate covers the core and fundamental skills required to work with GCP cloud services. This certificate will help you in GCP environments that demand strong networking skills.

Why it's Important

• Demonstrates your ability to work with the Google Cloud Platform.
• It is recognized by employers using Google Cloud services.

Skills Covered by Earning Google Associate Cloud Engineer Certificate

• How to configure cloud solution environment.
• Deploying and implementing cloud solutions in the GCP environment.
• Make sure the successful operation of cloud solutions.
• Ensures access and security.

10. Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA)

The Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA) certification is mainly designed for network professionals who focus on wireless LAN solutions and mobility technologies using Aruba products. ACMA is an ideal choice for those professionals who are working with or planning to work with Aruba solutions.

Why it's Important

• It validates your expertise in Aruba wireless solutions.
• Helps you prepare yourself for advanced Aruba certifications.

Skills Covered by Earning Aruba Certified Mobility Associate

• Aruba wireless network setup fundamentals
• WLAN design and deployment and management
• Network security
• Troubleshooting and management of wireless network

Choosing the Right Certification for You

Consider the below factors before choosing a certificate for you.

• Level of experience: If you are an entry-level network professional then go for CCNA or CompTIA Network+ and for an experienced level professional choose Microsoft/AWS certification.
• Career Goals: Choose a certification that aligns with your desired career path. Like if your target career is in Microsoft Azure then you should get Azure certificates.
• Specific Technologies: Professionals who have strong experience with a particular vendor's technology then consider their certificates (e.g., MCSE for Microsoft or JNCIA for Juniper).

Also Read:

• Tech Certifications: Worth the Effort in 2024?
• Top 10 Most Valuable Cloud Computing Certifications
• Top 10 Highest Paying IT Certifications

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining networking certifications is essential for validating your skills and advancing your career in the competitive job market. Whether you're starting with a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or CompTIA Network+, advancing with a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), or specializing with AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV), these certifications provide significant benefits. They enhance your professional credibility, offer job security, and open up numerous networking opportunities. Stay ahead in the networking field by continuously learning and getting certified.