Top 6 Networking Certifications for Network Engineers

In the fast-paced world of IT, obtaining the best networking certifications is crucial for network engineers aiming to enhance their skills and advance their careers.

With a projected 9% growth in networking jobs over the next decade, network certifications like Cisco's CCNA and CompTIA Network+ are more valuable than ever. 

A Networking certification not only validates your expertise but also significantly increases your earning potential. For instance, certified network engineers can earn up to 20% more than their non-certified peers.

In this article, we will explore the 6 best networking certifications in 2024 that can help you launch or elevate your career as a network engineer.

What are Networking Certifications

Networking certifications are essential credentials that validate a professional's expertise in designing, implementing, and managing computer networks.

These certifications equip individuals with the skills necessary to handle various networking technologies and enhance their career prospects in the IT field.

Some examples of networking certificates are CCNA, CCNP, JNCIA, CompTIA Network+, etc.

Most Popular Network Certifications List

Here is a list of the most popular networking courses along with their provider, and certification levels,

Top 6 Networking Certificates for Network Engineers

Here we will discuss the 6 best networking certificates for network engineers along with their exam information. These certifications are very popular and in most demand to give a significant boost to your career.

1. Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA)

CCNA, or Cisco Certified Network Associate, is a beginner-level certification from Cisco. It teaches network engineers the basic skills needed to manage, troubleshoot, configure, and maintain networks.

In the past, CCNA had different certifications for areas like cloud and routing. Now, it has been simplified into one exam that covers all these topics, making it more relevant and challenging.

Check out Live CCNA Training class to prepare for the CCNA certification exam

CCNA Certification Exam Details

● Exam Code: CCNA 200-301

● Exam Duration: 120 minutes

● Available Languages: English & Japanese

● Conducted by: Cisco

● Exam Fees: 300 USD

● The validity of Certification: 3 years

2. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

CCNP, or Cisco Certified Network Professional, is a professional-level certification offered by Cisco. It validates the skills needed for configuring, installing, troubleshooting, and managing networks at a more advanced level than CCNA.

CCNP includes various specialized certifications, allowing professionals to focus on specific areas such as security, data center, or service provider networks.

To earn the CCNP certification, candidates must pass a core exam and one concentration exam

1. CCNP Enterprise

2. CCNP Data Center

3. CCNP Security

4. CCNP Service Provider

5. CCNP Collaboration

6. Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional

7. Cisco Certified DevNet Professional.

CCNP training courses offered by UniNets:

● CCNP Enterprise Course

● CCNP Data Center Course

● CCNP Service Provider Course

● CCNP Collaboration Course

● CCNP Security Course

3.  Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

CCIE, or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, is the highest-level certification offered by Cisco. It is known for being very challenging and recognizes experts in the networking field. CCIE-certified professionals are skilled at handling complex network devices, troubleshooting issues, and designing networks.

The CCIE certification is the domain specified hence it has several certification options, such as:-

1. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure

2. CCIE Enterprise Wireless

3. CCIE Collaboration

4. CCIE security

5. CCIE Data Center

6. CCIE service provider

CCIE Certification Courses on UniNets:

● CCIE Enterprise Wireless Training Course

● CCIE Security Course Live Online Training

● CCIE Data Center Course: DC Live Online

● CCIE Collaboration Live Online Course

4.  CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a foundational certification for IT professionals, focusing on essential networking skills. It covers a wide range of important topics, including network design, configuration, management, and troubleshooting.

This certification is ideal for beginners and helps candidates secure entry-level jobs in networking. It is vendor-neutral, meaning it applies to various technologies and platforms.

CompTIA network+ Certification Exam Details

● Exam Code: N10-007

● Duration of time: 1 hour 30 minutes

● Format of exam: MCQ, performance-based, and drag and drop.

● Number of Question: 90 questions per exam

● Language: English, German, Japanese (coming soon: Portuguese, Spanish)

● Conducted by: Pearson VUE

● Exam Fees: USD 338

● The validity of certification: 3 years

5. Checkpoint CCSA

The Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) certification is designed for IT professionals who want to validate their skills in managing Check Point security solutions.

This certification covers essential Check Point technology and security administration tasks, making it ideal for beginners in the field.

CCSA Certification Exam Details

● Exam Code: 156-215.81

● Duration of time: 90 minutes

● Format of exam: Multiple choice questions

● Number of Questions: Approximately 80 questions per exam

● Language: English, German, Japanese (additional languages may be available)

● Conducted by: Pearson VUE

● Exam Fees: USD 250

● Validity of certification: 2 years

The CCSA certification serves as a foundational step for advancing in the Check Point certification path, paving the way for more advanced certifications such as the Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE).

Checkout Checkpoint Courses

● Checkpoint CCSA Training Live Online

● Checkpoint CCSE Training 

6.  CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is highly sought after in today's job market due to the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals. With the rise in cyberattacks, organizations are prioritizing the security of their data from unethical hackers.

The CEH certification, offered by the EC-Council, teaches candidates how to protect networks and data by understanding hacking techniques and vulnerabilities. This knowledge helps ethical hackers defend against external attacks effectively.

CEH Certification Exam details

● Exam Code: 312-50 (ECC EXAM), 312-50 (VUE)

● Duration of exam: 4 hours

● Exam format: MCQ

● Conducted by: EC Council

● Exam Fees: Application fee ($ 100) + Voucher fee ($950 ECC voucher)

● The validity of Certification: 3 years

Check out the CEH Course: Certified Ethical Hacking

These were some of the most popular network certifications for network engineers. You can prepare for these certifications by visiting the training course links provided for each certification.

Best Network Certification Training

For the best online network certification training, consider UniNets. Our website offers comprehensive courses that include workbooks, virtual labs, and live training sessions, providing a hands-on learning experience.

They offer different networking certification training and equip you with essential networking skills needed in today’s job market. With expert instructors guiding you through complex topics, UniNets ensures you are well-prepared for your certification exams and career advancement.

To know more about network courses and training.

Benefits of Networking Certifications

There are many benefits of getting a network certificate, here are some reasons why you should get a networking certification.

● Enhanced career opportunities and access to a wider range of networking roles

● Higher earning potential, with certified professionals often commanding higher salaries and bonuses

● Industry recognition and respect from employers, peers, and clients

● Skill enhancement and knowledge update through the certification training process

● Foundation for advanced certifications and continued professional development

● Global reach and portability of certifications like CCNA

● Improved job security in a competitive field

● Networking opportunities through certification communities

● Enhanced problem-solving skills developed through hands-on practice

Best Networking Certifications - Summing Up!

When considering the best networking certifications in 2024, several key options stand out. Cisco certifications, such as CCNA and CCNP, provide essential skills for networking professionals, while CompTIA Network+ offers a vendor-neutral foundation suitable for beginners.

Additionally, the Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) validates expertise in network security management. Pursuing these certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects, providing valuable knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in the ever-evolving IT landscape.

Investing in networking certificates can lead to increased employability and earning potential. So wisely choose the certification you want to pursue and you can get training in a wide variety of networking certifications training at UniNets.