Network certifications are credentials you can earn to demonstrate you have the knowledge and skills to work with networks in the information technology (IT) field. They can be vendor-specific—focusing on the technology from one company, like Cisco or Microsoft—or vendor-neutral, meaning the things you learn should be applicable across different networking technologies. Certifications can be a good way for employers to quickly validate your skill level. Earning a network certification will grant you the skills needed to make you more competitive for the jobs or promotions you want; earning a certification can also be a solid way to invest in your career. Entry-level IT professionals with network certifications can go on to become network technicians, network administrators, network engineers, network architects or other network-related professionals. Knowledge of networks can also be useful for some system administration positions.
Type
Professional Certification
Provider
CompTIA via Pearson VUE
Job Level
Tier 2
Overview
CompTIA Network+ helps develop a career in IT infrastructure covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks.
Prerequisites
CompTIA A+ Certification and at least 9 to 12 months of networking experience is recommended.
What you'll learn
CompTIA Network+ validates the technical skills needed to securely establish, maintain and troubleshoot the essential networks that businesses rely on.
Courses
Networking Fundamentals
Network Implementations
Network Operations
Network Security
Network Troubleshooting
Cost
$348 - Voucher
$449 - Basic Bundle
$559 - Exam Prep Bundle
$999 - eLearning Bundle
Format
Self-Guided
eLearning - Virtual Labs
Exam Prep - Study Guides
Instructor-Led Training
90 Questions
90 Minutes
Multiple Choice & Performance-Based
720 Passing Score (100-900 scale)
Type
Professional Certification
Provider
CompTIA via Pearson VUE
Job Level
Tier 2
Overview
CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification IT professionals should earn. It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.
Prerequisites
None
Two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus is recommended.
What you'll learn
CompTIA Security+ exam will certify that you have the knowledge and skills required to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment, recommend and implement appropriate security solutions, monitor and secure hybrid environments, operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, and identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.
Courses
Attacks, Threats & Vulnerabilities
Architecture & Design
Implementation
Operations & Incident Response
Governance, Risk & Compliance
Cost
$379 - Voucher
$549 - Basic Bundle
$949 - eLearning Bundle
$2,499 - CompTIA Bootcamp
Format
Self-Guided
eLearning - Virtual Labs
Exam Prep - Study Guides
Instructor-Led Training
90 Questions
90 Minutes
Multiple Choice & Performance-Based
720 Passing Score (100-900 scale)
Type
Professional Certification
Provider
Cisco via Pearson VUE
Job Level
Tier 3 - Entry
Overview
Cisco Certified Technicians have the skills to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. Technicians work closely with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to quickly and efficiently resolve support incidents.
Prerequisites
None
What you'll learn
Certification as a Cisco Certified Technician shows that you have the skills to successfully perform onsite support and maintenance of Cisco networking and systems devices, and work effectively with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
Certification Paths
CCT Routing & Switching Certification
CCT Collaboration Devices (CLTECH)
Cost
Cisco Certified Technician:
Routing & Switching - $125
Cisco Certified Technician:
Data Center - $125
Cisco Certified Technician:
Technical Collaboration - $125
Format
Study Tools - Practice Tests
Webinars - Training Videos
60-75 Questions
90 Minutes
Type
Professional Certification
Provider
Cisco via Pearson VUE
Job Level
Tier 3 - Intermediate
Overview
CCNA certification proves you have what it takes to navigate the ever-changing landscape of IT. CCNA exam covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation and programmability. Designed for agility and versatility, CCNA validates that you have the skills required to manage and optimize today's most advanced networks.
Prerequisites
None
One or more years of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions is recommended.
What you'll learn
Cisco CCNA gives you a broad range of fundamental knowledge for all IT careers. You will learn how to install, operate, configure and verify basic IPv4 and IPv6 networks, as well as a foundational understanding of network programmability, automation and software-defined networking.
Courses
Network Fundamentals
Network Access
IP Connectivity
IP Services
Security Fundamentals
Automation & Programmability
Cost
$300
Format
~ 40-60 questions
120 minutes
According to Cisco, passing scores are not published because “exam questions and passing scores are subject to change without notice.” Although the passing score is not specified exactly, it's about 800-850 points out of 1000.
Type
Training Course/Exam Prep
Provider
Job Level
Tier 3 - Intermediate
Overview
Build your Cisco Meraki technical knowledge and skills with this training. Participants will gain the core knowledge and skills needed to operate Cisco Meraki solutions as a unified management system of an entire network from a centralized dashboard.
Prerequisites
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Familiarity with:
Basic network fundamentals & building simple LANs
Basic IP addressing & subnets
Routing & switching fundamentals
Basic wireless networking concepts & terminology
What you'll learn
Cloud Architecture, Administration & Licensing
Hardware & Features of all Product Families
Best Practices for Troubleshooting & When to Contact Support
Courses
Lesson 1: Describing the Cloud and the Cisco Meraki Dashboard
Lesson 2: Describing Cisco Meraki Products and Administration
Lesson 3: Describing Cisco Meraki Troubleshooting
Lesson 4: Configuring the Cisco Meraki Dashboard
Lesson 5: Enable Advanced Features and Optimize Networking
Lesson 6: Troubleshooting the Network using the Cisco Meraki Dashboard
Cost
Self-Study E-Learning
Instructor-Led
Type
Training Course/Exam Prep
Provider
Cisco via Pearson VUE
Job Level
Tier 3 - Intermediate
Overview
Elevate your Cisco Meraki technical knowledge and skills with this three-day, instructor-led training. In this advanced technical training course, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to plan, design, implement and operate complex Cisco Meraki solutions. This is the second of two courses that will prepare you to take the Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist certification.
Prerequisites
Before taking the ECMS2 course, you should complete the following:
ECMS1, or possess equivalent Meraki knowledge and experience
CCNA certification or have an equivalent level of technical expertise
What you'll learn
Network Deployments Planning via Meraki
Meraki Architecture Designs for Redundancy, High-Density & Scalability
Comprehensive Meraki Product Features Implementation to Meet Design Objectives
Meraki Networks Operations & Complex Network Incident Troubleshooting via Meraki Dashboard & Analytics
Courses
Lesson 1: Planning new Meraki Architectures
Lesson 2: Designing for scalable management & high availability
Lesson 3: Automation & scaling deployments
Lesson 4: Routing design and practices
Lesson 5: QoS and traffic shaping design
Lesson 6: Architecting VPN and WAN topologies
Lesson 7: Advanced Network Security
Lesson 8: Switched Networks
Lesson 9: Wireless Concepts
Lesson 10: Endpoint Management
Lesson 11: Physical Security
Lesson 12: Applications Monitoring
Lesson 13: Monitoring/Logging/Alerting Services
Lesson 14: Dashboard Auditing & Reporting
Lesson 15: Troubleshooting & Incident Resolution
Cost
Self-Study E-Learning - $450
Instructor-Led - $2,800
Format
Self-Study E-Learning
Instructor-Led
Type
Professional Certification
Provider
Cisco via Pearson VUE
Job Level
Tier 3 - Specialist
Overview
The Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist certification ensures that you have the proper skill set to adequately manage and grow the Meraki deployment as the needs of the network grow. As a Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist, you will be highly valued in your organization, giving your team confidence in the resilience and capabilities of their Meraki technologies, and helping them realize the full return on their investment.
Prerequisites
What you'll learn
The Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist Certification enables you to:
Design, implement, and manage a Meraki solution
Optimize a current deployment, ensuring that the full value is realized
Work to grow or add capabilities as requirements on the network evolve with time
Courses
Cost
Exam Fee via Pearson Vue - $300
Format
ECMS Exam Self-Study Lab Supplement
90 minutes
Type
Professional Certification
Provider
Cisco via Pearson VUE
Job Level
Tier 3 - Professional
Overview
The CCNP Enterprise certification program prepares you for today’s professional-level job roles in networking technologies. One of the industry’s most respected certifications, CCNP validates the core knowledge you need while providing the flexibility to choose a focus area. Achieving CCNP Enterprise certification proves your skills with enterprise networking solutions. To earn CCNP Enterprise certification, you pass two exams: one that covers core enterprise technologies and one enterprise concentration exam of your choice, so you can customize your certification to your technical area of focus.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for CCNP Enterprise, but you should have a good understanding of the exam topics before taking the exam. CCNP candidates often also have three to five years of experience implementing enterprise networking solutions.
What you'll learn
Dual stack (IPv4 and IPv6) Architecture
Virtualization
Infrastructure
Network Assurance
Security
Automation
Exams
Core Exam
Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies
Concentration Exams
Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions
Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks
Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks
Implementing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks
Implementing Automation for Cisco Enterprise Solutions
Cost
350-401 ENCOR (Exam Only) - $400
ENCOR Self-Study E-Learning - $1,000
300-410 ENARSI: $300
300-415 ENSDWI: $300
300-420 ENSLD: $300
300-425 ENWLSD: $300
300-430 ENWLSI: $300
300-435 ENAUTO: $300
Format
300-401 ENCOR: 120 minutes
300-410 ENARSI: 90 Minutes
300-415 ENSDWI: 90 minutes
300-420 ENSLD: 90 minutes
300-425 ENWLSD: 90 minutes
300-430 ENWLSI: 90 minutes
300-435 ENAUTO: 90 minutes