Best Computer Networking Professional Certifications in 2021
Are you interested in learning more about computer networking? This article provides a list of some of the best computer networking professional certifications in 2021. These certifications are not required for a job, but they can help you to hone your skills and earn promotions. Learn more about the best computer networking certifications below.
What Is a Computer Networking Professional Certification?
A computer networking professional certification is a credential that you can earn after completing an exam. It demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge to operate and maintain computer networks. It certifies skills in networking protocols and networking communication principles. There are many different certifications available.
Professional Certification vs Certificate Program
Many professionals mistake certificate programs for professional certifications. As much as earning a certificate of completion is a milestone in your career, it may not be effective in landing you new career opportunities.
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Professional certifications give you the recognition and relevance you need to land a new job opportunity. Employers rely on these certifications to hire world-class professionals to help champion specific roles. Unlike certificates, professional certifications are issued by third-party professional associations.
The professional certification indicates that you have the mastery and knowledge of handling specific tasks according to industry standards. A certificate from a certificate program only demonstrates that you have completed a training program or course from a school.
Computer Networking Skills: What’s Demand Like in 2021?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a computer networking professional is $53,689. Salary will vary depending on your degree levels, certification, and work experience.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the job growth of network and computer systems administrators will increase by four percent by 2029. This means that there will be many more jobs available. If you earn a professional certification, you will have even more job opportunities compared to others in the field.
Importance of Computer Networking Certification
A computer networking certification will help you boost and refine your set of skills. It can help professionals land new job opportunities. The certification will give you the recognition you need among industry peers. It is one of the many steps to becoming an expert in your field.
Top 10 Computer Networking Certifications
Computer networking certifications have a huge impact on the careers of IT professionals. Before signing up for an exam, make sure you choose the right certification for you. The top computer networking certifications in 2021 are listed below.
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Enterprise Infrastructure
Cost: $400
Validity: Three Years
To earn the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification, you must pass two exams. You will complete the qualifying exam first and then finish with the lab exam. You will also need to have more than five years of experience in optimizing network solutions and technologies.
The certification is relevant in verifying professional skills in enterprise infrastructure solutions. It is a good choice for your career advancement, especially in terms of job promotion.
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Enterprise Wireless
Cost: $400
Validity: Three Years
The CCIE Enterprise Wireless certification will help to prove your skills in handling enterprise wireless solutions. It’s a common certification among industry professionals.
To earn this Cisco certification, you must pass two exams. You will have to complete a hands-on lab examination and a qualifying exam covering networking technologies. To pass the exam, you need extensive knowledge of the network lifecycle. This means you need more than five years of experience designing and optimizing network infrastructure solutions.
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Cost: $400
Validity: Three Years
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is an entry-level certification. If you have basic skills in network security, information technology, IP access, and automation, this is the certification you need.
To earn the Cisco networking certification, you must pass the CCNA certification exams. You will also need to have more than one year of experience in implementing Cisco solutions. The examination is not that challenging, but it is still important to prepare. The platform offers an exam blueprint, instructor-led classes, and self-study materials.
Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise
Cost: $400
Validity: Three Years
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise certification is essential to demonstrate professional skills working with enterprise networking solutions. To earn this certification, you must pass two examinations. The core examination will test you on virtualization, network assurance, automation, and security.
Once you pass the core exam, you automatically qualify to sit for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and CCIE Enterprise Wireless certifications. The concentration exams assess your capabilities in network design and automation. You can effectively prepare for these exams by attending the platform’s training programs.
Cisco Certified Network Professional Service Provider
Cost: $1,200
Validity: Three Years
This Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Service Provider certification showcases your skills with service provider solutions. It also proves your ability to work with various professionals on advanced security wireless solutions. If you want to become a network engineer or network technician, you should consider pursuing this certification.
To earn this certification, you must complete two exams. The first covers core service provider technologies. The second exam is on a concentration of your choice. You may choose advanced routing, VPN services, and automation. You will need three to five years of experience with networking concepts.
Cisco DevNet Professional Associate
Cost: $300
Validity: Three Years
Earning the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification will showcase your ability to build applications on Cisco successfully.
This certification features two main exams. You will be assessed on software development and design based on Cisco platforms. The other exam focuses on a concentration of your choice. You can choose data center automation, enterprise automation, or security automation, to name a few.
CompTIA A+ Certification
Cost: $232
Validity: Three Years
The CompTIA A+ certification validates professional skills in network security. This highly recommended certificate is effective in helping employers hire top-notch individuals to run their IT departments.
The certification requires two exams. The exams will test your knowledge on configuring operating systems, supporting IT infrastructure, implementing data backups and recovery. If you’re considering a general networking certification, this is a fantastic option.
CompTIA Linux+ Certification
Cost: $338
Validity: Three Years
CompTIA Linux+ certified IT professionals demonstrate extensive experience and knowledge in using Linux. These professionals excel at using Linux in administrative work, cyber security, and even cloud operations.
Unlike other certifications, the CompTIA Linux+ only features one exam. The core exam touches on all aspects of Linux. This includes basic maintenance, the configuration of workstations, and the Linux command line. This is a highly recommended certification for web, Linux, network, and systems administrators.
CompTIA Network+ Certification
Cost: $338
Validity: Three Years
The CompTIA Network+ certification ensures that a professional achieves the desired skills and educational standards to handle different networks. This certification demonstrates the ability to configure and maintain a network device. They also showcase their ability to troubleshoot network security problems.
This is a highly recommended certification for professionals who have extensive skills in network operations and security. This certification is common among system engineers, network analysts, computer technicians, or network administrators.
CompTIA Server+ Certification
Cost: $338
Validity: Three Years
This is a certification to showcase professional ability to handle servers in data centers. The CompTIA Server+ certification validates a professional’s ability to install, maintain, and troubleshoot servers in hybrid environments or on-premises. It is the only certification that cuts across different administrative positions.
To earn the certification, you must pass the CompTIA Server+ certification exam. This performance-based examination will evaluate your knowledge and skills in cloud computing, scripting, and hardware and software technologies.
How to Choose the Right Certification
Selecting the best certification can be a challenging process. You need to be aware of key elements like personal interest, relevance, and career objectives. Take a look at these top factors to consider before choosing a computer networking certification.
Interest
If you are looking to start a new career, it can be helpful to put your interests first. Your interests should determine the type of certification you select in computer networking. Use them to narrow down your options because it can be more difficult to pursue a career you’re not passionate about.
Relevance
The relevance of certifications in the current market is high. Choose a certification relevant to your career. This will prove to be most beneficial and help you save time and money. Additionally, consider the relevance of your certification to the constantly changing job market. Make sure that the certification you earn is up to date.
Objectives
Career goals are important to consider when choosing a certification. Set objectives for your career and pursue certifications to make them a reality. Keeping this in mind can be helpful if you are looking for a promotion or a career change.
Top Courses to Prepare for Certifications
Certification exams can be intimidating. Whether you are a professional or a beginner, you need to prepare for certification exams. Below is a list of top courses that can help you prepare to earn professional certifications in computer networking.
CompTIA Linux+ Certification Training | ONLC
Cost: $2,495
Duration: Five days
Format: Self-Paced
Outcome: Certificate of Completion
This is another CompTIA Linux+ course to prepare you for certification. This training course will teach you to install Linux as well as manage and troubleshoot any Linux-related issues. The training course will take you through the topics that will be on the main exam. You will learn how to manage Linux files, operating systems, and network services.
CompTIA Linux+ XK0-004 Certification Exam | A Cloud Guru
Cost: Personal Basics $348, Personal Premium $468
Duration: 41 hours
Format: Self-Paced
Outcome: N/A
This course was designed for IT professionals who work with Linux daily and wish to get certified. The curriculum will take you through localization, Linux graphic user interface, and secure shell and terminal types. You will also learn how to configure network connections, manage storage in Linux environments, and conduct software installations.
CompTIA Network+ Certification Training | Learning Tree International
Cost: Dependent on Membership
Duration: Five Days
Format: Online, Self-Paced, On-Demand
Outcome: N/A
This training course will help you get ready for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. The course covers wireless network management, virtualization, protocols, and troubleshooting procedures. You will also receive study guides and practice questions. You can attend the course using on-demand or live instruction options.
CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) | Udemy
Cost: $89.99
Duration: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Format: Instructor-Led, Self-Paced
Outcome: Certificate of Completion
This Udemy course will equip you with the proper knowledge and skills to take the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. Udemy designed the training course for professionals seeking to change, advance, or solidify their career in cyber security.
The curriculum will touch on all major topics such as ethernet basics, network installation, wireless networking, network architectures, network operators, and risk management. These are foundational concepts that will help you succeed in your certification exams.
Network Services for Cisco CCNA | Pluralsight
Cost: Standard $159, Premium $239
Duration: One hour
Format: Instructor-led, Self-Paced
Outcome: N/A
There are a variety of protocols available to build networks. Pluralsight’s training program will take you through highly effective protocols to use to build a network. You will learn the procedures that provide quality of service, network monitoring, and redundancy. This course will help you build a solid foundation of in-network services for Cisco.
Is a Computer Networking Certification Worth It in 2021?
Yes, a computer networking certification is worth it in 2021. These certifications will help you to solidify and increase your skills. They can help you to earn more or find a new job. The need for computer network specialists is growing. This means certifications will continue to be relevant now and in the future.
