Are you looking to start or further your career in IT? If so, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and know which certifications will be in high demand.
In this blog post, we will discuss six network certifications that will be hot in 2022!
Keep reading to learn more.
Network certifications are certificates indicating that you have the knowledge and abilities to work with networks in the information technology (IT) sector.
They may be vendor-specific, focusing on a specific company’s technology, such as Cisco or Microsoft, or vendor-neutral, meaning that what you learn should apply to other networking technologies.
Network certifications: Are they Worth it?
Certifications aren’t always necessary, but they might be a beneficial method for employers to validate your competency level. If you believe earning a network certification will provide the skills needed to compete for the positions or promotions you desire, getting one may be a smart investment in your career.
Consider obtaining an entry-level IT certificate if you’re just getting started.
Network certifications can lead to various careers, including network technicians, network administrators, network engineers, and network architects.
Some system administration jobs might benefit from a knowledge of networks.
Network certifications
1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The CCNA is a basic networking certification recognized as a standard in network certifications. The CCNA is an associate-level (early career) credential that covers a wide range of networking fundamentals and is widely respected as a must-have for network experts. Cisco is one of the largest networking companies, making the credential useful for many network specialists. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) are higher-level certifications from Cisco.
- Cost: $300
- Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites, though at least one year of experience working with Cisco solutions is recommended.
- What’s being tested: Network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security, automation, and programmability
Read more: What Is the CCNA? An Entry-Level Networking Certification
2. CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification is a vendor-neutral certification that assesses your understanding of basic networking principles, regardless of the provider your networking technology comes from. For individuals seeking entry-level IT positions, CompTIA offers the CompTIA A+ certification as well.
- Cost: $338
- Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites, though CompTIA recommends at least six months of experience in network administration or support.
- What’s being tested: Network architecture and design, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management and security, troubleshooting skills and tools.
Read more: What Is the CompTIA Network+ Certification?
3. Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos (JNCIA-Junos)
The JNCIA-Junos is a certification for Juniper Networks products that requires no prerequisites. It’s the initial step toward more advanced certifications from Juniper Networks in data center technologies, enterprise routing and switching, or service provider routing and switching for those who want to advance.
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites.
- What’s being tested: The basics of Junos OS software architecture and transit traffic processing, configuration principles, routing policy, and firewall filters are covered.
4. SolarWinds Certified Professional
The SolarWinds Certified Professional credential allows you to use and maintain the SolarWinds network and system tools. Certain sectors, such as government and accounting, rely on SolarWinds technology.
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites.
- What’s being tested: Networking diagnostics and performance analysis, network configuration and architecture assessment, performance monitoring, database system administration
5. Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA)
Some employers may assess you for Aruba networking skills. The ACMA guarantees that you can create, set up, and manage a basic Aruba Wireless Local Area Network. There are four additional associate-level Aruba certifications (Switching, ClearPass, Design, and Security); obtaining any three of them will qualify you as an Aruba Edge Associate.
- Cost: $230
- Requirements: Requires one exam. However, there are no prerequisites for this course. While it is not necessary, candidates should consider taking an Aruba Mobility Fundamentals class.
- What’s being tested: V8 operating system architecture is utilized in the description of Aruba WLAN’s essential processes.
6. VMWare Certified Technical Associate – Network Virtualization (VCTA-NV)
If you’re interested in virtualization, the VCTA-NV certification may be a good place to start. The exam will check your fundamental understanding of the NSX language, graphical user interfaces, and other key IT skills.
- Cost: $125
- Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites.
- What’s being tested: Installation, configuration, and setup; performance optimization and upgrades; fundamental architecture and technologies; planning and designing; troubleshooting
Networking career paths
Every computer-using business must have people with networking skills. If you want to get into the business, a good place to start is an entry-level IT position like as a help desk technician or IT associate. An entrance-level IT credential such as the CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support Professional Certificate can assist you in acquiring the skills you need for an entry-level job.
Some networking certifications require experience and can lead to more advanced positions such as network administrator, network engineer, or systems engineer. More experienced IT professionals may wish to pursue vendor-specific certifications such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA).
The skills required for networking are in high demand and the industry is expected to grow by about six percent through 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the right certifications, you can start your networking career on the path to success.
