6 Best Networking Certifications in 2024: Boost Your IT Career

Skilled network specialists keep IT businesses running. Today, as organizations increasingly depend on complex networks, the need for talented individuals to manage them is skyrocketing.

Earning one or more of the best networking certifications can be your ticket to success in this competitive field. Networking certifications don’t just prove your skills – they boost your reputation and improve your job prospects. Whether you’re new to networking or aiming to advance your career, top networking certifications can open the door to new opportunities.

From foundational credentials that enhance your knowledge and advanced certifications that demonstrate your mastery of intricate network architectures to the best network security certifications, the range is considerable and varied.

In this article, we’ll explore the best networking certifications that can drive your IT career to new heights, providing you with the knowledge and recognition you need to excel in this field.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Six Best Networking Certifications in 2024
3. The Bottom Line
4. FAQs
5. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Six Best Networking Certifications in 2024
3. The Bottom Line
Show Full Guide
4. FAQs
5. References

Six Best Networking Certifications in 2024

The following are six of the top networking certifications you might want to pursue in 2024.

6. Cisco Certified Network Professional Security

The Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security) certification validates that you can design and implement secure network infrastructure. One of the best network security certifications, CCNP Security caters to IT professionals, such as Cisco network security engineers, who are responsible for network security across routers, switches, and various networking devices.

Earning this Cisco certification demonstrates your ability to deploy, troubleshoot, and maintain firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems within a Cisco network environment.

The program emphasizes automation and programmability to help you manage complex security solutions efficiently. You’ll have to pass two exams to earn this certificate: the core exam and one of seven CCNP Security concentration exams.

There are no special prerequisites; however, students typically have three to five years of experience implementing security solutions.

5. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification is designed for experienced network professionals. This certification demonstrates your ability to create, implement, and manage complex network architectures on the AWS cloud platform.

The exam focuses on your ability to design and implement scalable and secure network architectures for all types of AWS services. You’ll also need to demonstrate expertise in using automation tools to streamline network management tasks. Overall, this certification is a way for you to showcase your advanced skills in AWS cloud networking. It can be valuable if you’re working in cloud engineering, network operations, or solution architecture roles.

This certification will require at least five years’ hands-on experience architecting and implementing network solutions as well as a strong understanding of AWS networking services, security best practices, and storage options.

4. Junos, Associate (JNCIA-Junos)

The JNCIA-Juno certification offered by Juniper Networks is geared toward networking professionals with beginner-intermediate knowledge of networking. This certification validates your understanding of the core concepts and foundational knowledge of the Junos operating system, which is used in Juniper’s networking products.

To earn the JNCIA-Junos certification, you must pass the JN0-105 exam, which covers a range of topics. These include the basic design and architecture of the Junos OS, the fundamentals of networking, and the configuration and troubleshooting of Juniper devices. The exam also tests your knowledge of routing concepts, such as static routing.

The JNCIA-Junos certification is particularly valuable if you’re looking to work with Juniper Networks equipment and software. Obtaining the JNCIA-Junos certification demonstrates your desire to master Juniper’s technologies and your ability to effectively manage and troubleshoot network environments.

Recommended training includes:

• ?Getting Started with Networking
• ?Introduction to the Junos OS

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is an entry-level IT certification. This certification validates your foundational knowledge and skills in computer networking. Earning the Cisco CCNA certification indicates that you have a grasp of core networking concepts, including network security, IP services, and automation.

To obtain this certification you must pass the CCNA core exam: Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions. This exam covers a wide range of topics, including your knowledge and skills of network fundamentals, network access, security fundamentals, automation, programmability, IP services, and IP connectivity.

The CCNA is a valuable credential if you’re looking to launch a career in IT networking. It provides you with the essential knowledge to pursue network specialist or network administrator roles. The CCNA is also one of the popular network engineer certifications.

There are no special prerequisites, but students can benefit from at least one year of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions.

2. CompTIA Network+

The CompTIA Network+ certification validates your knowledge and skills in network administration. This certification is vendor neutral, so it applies to a wide range of networking devices and isn’t specific to the products of any one company.

Earning a CompTIA Network+ certification demonstrates that you can create, maintain, troubleshoot, and secure networks. It covers the main skills that you’ll need to support networks in any environment. It also shows that you have a grasp of emerging technologies, including virtualization and cloud.

This certification is a great way to break into the IT field, particularly for such roles as network support specialist, network operations specialist, and systems administrator.

The recommended experience include CompTIA A+ certification and a minimum of nine to 12 months’ hands-on experience working in a junior network administrator/network support technician role.

1. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is a technical certification for senior networking professionals. This certification validates that they can design, implement, troubleshoot, and operate complex Cisco network infrastructure.

This certification stands out as one of the most difficult and highly regarded credentials in the IT field. There are eight different tracks under the CCIE certification, each focusing on a specific networking specialty, such as enterprise infrastructure, data center, and security.

To earn the CCIE certification, you must pass a core exam that you can take online as well as an eight-hour, in-person, hands-on lab or practical exam.

There are no strict prerequisites. However, five to seven years of experience designing, deploying, operating, and optimizing network technologies and solutions is recommended.

The Bottom Line

Pursuing top networking certifications enhances your technical skills and validates your expertise in a rapidly evolving field crucial to modern infrastructure. Whether you’re aiming for a Cisco CCNA certification to gain foundational knowledge or you’re opting for more specialized certifications, such as CompTIA Network+ or offerings from Juniper Networks, each certification demonstrates that you’re committed to staying up-to-date with industry standards and technologies.

Ultimately, investing in these certifications opens doors to new career opportunities and positions you at the forefront of networking modernization.

FAQs