network engineer qualifications

network engineer qualifications

Education 

Working in network engineering for a couple of years won’t guarantee you a well-paid role in your company. To advance to higher-paying positions, you will have to validate your expertise.

Aside from a bachelor’s degree, certifications are some of the most common network engineer education requirements.

Here are some of the certifications worth investing in: 

CompTIA A+ Certification: This entry-level certification proves your ability to maintain, install, customize, and operate personal computers. Although it barely scratches the surface of the responsibilities of network engineers, it’s a great foundation for any IT occupation. Plus, it leads to more opportunities for advance networking certifications.

To earn a CompTIA A+ certification, you need to pass two exams. It has no prerequisites, however, nine to twelve months of experience is ideal.

CompTIA Network+ Certification: If you’re hoping to build an impressive resume for an entry-level network engineer job, you can start with the CompTIA Network+ exam. This vendor-neutral certification can open more opportunities for professional networking certifications. 

A CompTIA Network+ certification requires a 90-item exam, which you will answer for 90 minutes. There are no prerequisites for this entry-level certification.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert: This Cisco credential may require a bit of work and investment. However, it’s worth your effort as it paves the way for new opportunities and limitless income potential. It entails a written exam, consisting of 90 to 110. Once you pass, you can take a lab exam within the next 18 months.

The written exam costs $450, while the lab test costs $1,600. There are no prerequisites for the written exam.

Cisco Certified Network Professional: Another Cisco certification that can advance your career is the CCNP. For Routing and Switching certifications, you need to pass three exams. Once you earn this certification, you gain access to hone further skills and gain specializations within the CCNP path. 

The CCNP written exam costs $300. To become a Cisco network engineer with a CCNP certification, you need to earn a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or CCIE certification first.

Wireshark Certified Network Analyst: A WCNA certification proves your knowledge and expertise of network analysis, security, troubleshooting, as well as TCP/IP communications. It requires a single 100-item multiple-choice exam. If you pass the exam, your certificate will be valid for three years. However, to maintain it, you’ll have to earn 20 professional education credits annually.

 The WCNA exam costs $299. There are no prerequisites for the WCNA certification. 

Other than these, you may want to earn product and vendor-neutral certifications to prove your knowledge and skills of the fundamentals in network engineering such. Those kills include management, planning, and troubleshooting.