There is no denying that computers and networks are the driving forces of the modern world. No matter what new technologies emerge, whether it is cloud computing or big data, or any other technology, they are ultimately powered by networks. Therefore, data networking is and has been, a hot field for quite some time now, which is not likely to change in the future.
So, how can you prepare yourself for computer networking? Of course through training programs and certification in networking courses.
For years, professionals in IT have targeted certifications as a valuable resource for validating knowledge and skills. If you are a job seeker or keen to upgrade your career, certifications are a great way to prove your knowledge and skills to recruiters. They successfully generate interest in your profile and easily make a mark on your employers.
However, achieving an IT certification may not be a cakewalk and can seem to be a tedious and time-consuming process. Therefore, choosing the right certification for networking to enhance your career is a crucial decision before you begin your certification journey.
Top Certification Courses in Networking Available in the IT Market
The certification courses in computer networking have the benefit of covering all the basic computer science topics while you develop expertise in the way they interact and connect to one another. Computer networking has many different applications, from analysis to support positions, so there is a lot you can do in your organization if you have a certification in networking.
For professionals who are seeking a career in computer networking, like any discipline in IT, training and certification are critical. The key to a successful career in networking is a combination of classroom training and industry certifications.
To help you choose the most suitable certification for you, we have enlisted some of the top certification courses in computer networking:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA):
The CCNA—which stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate—is an entry-level information technology (IT) certification issued by networking hardware company Cisco. The CCNA is designed to validate your knowledge on fundamental networking concepts often requested in networking roles in IT positions.
Here’s a quick rundown of key facts:
- To get the CCNA certification you’ll have to pass one exam, the 200-301 CCNA.
- Taking the CCNA exam costs $300, plus tax.
- There are no prerequisites to take the exam, but training and some experience with computer networks are recommended.
- CCNA is a commonly requested IT certification, with over 9,000 job listings on Glassdoor and 6,000 on Indeed that mention the certification in the US, as of May 2022.
Cisco Certified Internet Professional (CCIP):
The Cisco Certified Internet Professional (CCIP) are the experts having a detailed understanding of various technologies in the field of modern telecommunications. The Cisco Certified professional ensure the organizational network is free from any issue for better productivity. A CCNP is essentially the same as a Cisco Certified Internet Professional as it is not much different from working principles.
Basically, Cisco Certified Internet Professional (CCIP) is a professional networking certification provided by Cisco. The Cisco Certified Internet professionals are focused on designing, building, implementing, maintaining, or troubleshooting complex organizational networking infrastructures.
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP):
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) – Datacenter is a popular professional-level certification offered by Cisco Systems. It typically focuses on network infrastructure inside the data center. With technology innovations increasingly focusing inward, to the core of the data center, this certification program has become very popular among network professionals to master data center technologies.
To become CCNP Datacenter certified, a network administrator is required to clear four examinations. Two of the exams are mandatory and test the professional’s knowledge of Unified Computing System and datacenter Cisco Nexus switches.
After successfully clearing the first two exams, the candidate can choose two exams from another set of four exams, according to his preference, that would test his expertise in working in network design or network operations and troubleshooting.
The aforementioned four exams cover topics including the integration between Cisco’s Unified Computing System and other virtualization solutions such as Microsoft, VMware, and Citrix. They also deal with the design and troubleshooting of Cisco’s Fabric switches in data centers.
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is the most desirable expert-level certification for network engineers. It is considered to be a prestigious certification in the IT industry that validates the commitment and hard work traits of a professional. Since its introduction in 1993, CCIE has facilitated many network administrators to prove their high-level networking skills.
The certification has proven to be very rewarding for network professionals for decades and it engenders new opportunities for network administrators in the IT job market.
Earning the CCIE certification can become extremely hard as it requires passing an onerous eight-hour lab examination which is considered one of the toughest exams in the IT industry. Individuals, who attain the certification, are also required to renew their CCIE certifications every two years by appearing for the CCIE written exam in order to keep the certification active.
Bonus Certificates:
Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate or Specialist (JNCIA/JNCIS)
Juniper certification generally emphasizes the knowledge of Junos, the operating system of the Juniper Networks that has a hand-in-glove fit with Juniper’s range of networking hardware. Junos was released in 1998 and is very similar to the open-source Unix OS FreeBSD. Though its roots lie in FreeBSD, Junos has been regularly modified and upgraded by Juniper Networks since its inception.
JNCIA is the first rung on the Juniper certification ladder and basically has three tracks, namely, Enterprise Routing & Switching, Security, and Service Provider Routing & Switching. However, JNCIA is not a prerequisite for JNCIS certification. If you have already got a solid grasp of IT networking, you can directly go for JNCIS certification, which offers the three tracks as in JNCIA in addition to two product technology tracks specific to Firewall/VPN and QFabric.
CompTIA Network+
Network+, vendor-neutral certification for networking, introduces network administrators to various network technologies. This is an entry-level certification and validates the knowledge and skills of network administrators in dealing with network infrastructure. Being vendor-neutral, this certification is designed to provide the basic skills needed to design, and operate any network.
The Network+ certification, offered by CompTIA, remains valid for three years. Network administrators usually acquire this certification at the onset of their career and then build on it to achieve more expert levels certifications. This certification is particularly desirable for anyone looking to begin their career in networking.
Network+ opens up various entry-level job opportunities for aspiring network professionals. Additionally, IT giants like Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, and HP recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks.