Networking careers: wired, wireless, mobile and more
One of the largest categories for IT certifications, and thus IT careers, has to be networking. Without applying more specific criteria, a networking cert could cover local wired and wireless IP network design, connectivity, routing, and administration, but also mobile communications technologies like LTE and Mobile WiMAX.
In addition, data center networking falls under this umbrella, as well as wide area network (WAN) connectivity and quality of service, as do traditional long-haul technologies such as carrier Ethernet, optical fiber, and so on. This survey whittled the list down mainly to the most popular local wired and wireless networking certifications. A handful of certs in this article overlap general networking with Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and mobility, but they're exceptions to the rule.
The list also includes a mix of vendor-neutral and vendor-specific credential sponsors, although vendors are more heavily represented. You'll see certifications from well-known technology vendors like Aruba Networks, Cisco, Extreme Networks, HP, and Juniper Networks, as well as vendor-neutral certifications by BICSI, CompTIA, and the IPv6 Forum.
Advancing your career in networking
If you're just starting a career in networking, we recommend that you pursue one or more vendor-neutral, entry-level credentials such as the CompTIA Network+, any of the CWNP certifications, and the IPv6 Forum Silver Certified Engineer. These credentials expose you to many different but highly valuable networking technologies and products and will be helpful in finding a networking job.
The only free certification on the list is Hurricane Electric IPv6, which actually represents several credentials at multiple levels. The program is very well developed and continually expands, and it looks to be more than worth the time you will spend studying for any of the exams.
After achieving one or more vendor-neutral credentials, consider vendor-specific certifications that are pertinent to your line of work. For example, if you work for a consulting firm that supports Cisco and HP technologies, pursue applicable intermediate- or professional-level certifications. Training costs for vendor-specific certifications are generally higher than vendor-neutral, so be sure to find out if your employer will cover part or all of the cost of training and certification exam fees.
Networking job types
For those just starting a career in networking, here is a short list of the available types of positions and networking jobs:
- Network Specialist
- Network Technician
- Network Administrator
- Network Analyst
- Network Manager
- Network Engineer
- Network Solutions Architect
As you develop your networking career further, you might decide to specialize in one or more areas of networking. At this point, the networking jobs you would be applying for might include:
- Network Security Specialist
- Cloud Networking Architect
- Networking Research and Development Specialist
- Wireless Networking QA Engineer
- Wireless Infrastructure and Mobility Specialist
- Mobility Solutions Architect
- VoIP Engineer
- Telecom Project Manager
- Data Center Networking Specialist
There are also plenty of networking jobs in sales and consulting, so be sure to check out:
- Networking Sales Specialist
- Networking Account Manager
- Networking Consultant
- Networking Program Manager
40+ most popular networking credentials
The following table lists 46 networking credentials in alphabetical order by sponsor.
| Alcatel-Lucent Certifications | |
| Alcatel-Lucent Network Routing Specialist I (NRS I) | These are foundation-level certifications in the Alcatel-Lucent Service Routing Certification (SRC) program. |
| Aruba Networks Certifications | |
| Aruba Certified Solutions Professional (ACSP) | Established program with seven certifications, ranging from Tier 1 (foundation) to Tier 3 (Expert). |
| BICSI Certifications | |
| Focused on supporting the information technology systems (ITS industry), BICSI is a professional association with more than 23,000 members in approximately 100 countries. | |
| Certification Partners | |
| Entry-level certification developed by Certification Partners and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). | |
| Cisco Certifications | |
| Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) | Cisco has well-known and highly developed certification portfolio. |
| CompTIA Certifications | |
| One of the most popular general networking certifications in the world. | |
| Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) | |
| Certified Wireless Technology Specialist (CWTS) | Established certification program offering a full complement of certifications ranging from entry level to professional career certifications. |
| Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) International Certifications | |
| Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT) | ETA offers more than 80 certifications, which target electronics professionals. |
| Extreme Networks Certifications | |
| Extreme Networks Certified Specialist (ECS) | Technical based certifications focused on practical hands-on training. |
| HP ExpertOne Networking Certifications | |
| HP Accredited Integration Specialist (HP AIS) – Network Infrastructure | Mature vendor-specific certifications range from entry-level networking credentials for business and mid-class networks to certifications validating skills necessary to implement complex, large-scale, networking solutions. |
| Hurricane Electric Internet Services Certifications | |
| Free online certification project that validates skills in basic IPv6 concepts. | |
| IPv6 Forum Certifications | |
| IPv6 Forum Silver Certified Engineer | IPv6 Education Certification Logo Program promotes IPv6 education and helps candidates build skills to foster swifter adoption of IPv6. |
| Juniper Networks Certifications | |
| Juniper Networks Certified Specialist Enterprise Routing and Switching (JNCIS-ENT) | JNCIS-ENT, JNCIP-ENT, and JNCIE-ENT are vendor-specific credentials that address installation and support of LAN/WAN routers and switches in Juniper Networks technology-based networks. |
| Oracle Certifications | |
| Oracle Certified Expert, Oracle Solaris 10 Network Administrator (OCE) | Oracle has a well-established vendor-specific certification program. OCE is an advanced certification validating technical skills of system administrators who work with LANs and the Oracle Solaris operating system (Oracle Solaris OS). |
| Palo Alto Certifications | |
| Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (CNSE) | CNSE credential holders possess knowledge and technical skills necessary to install, configure, and implement Palo Alto Networks technologies at the advanced engineering level. |
| Riverbed ProfessionalServices (RPS) Certifications | |
| Riverbed Certified Solutions Associate – Network Performance Management (RCSA-NPM) | Vendor-specific credentials that recognize knowledge of and skills with the Riverbed Cascade product suite (RCSA-NPM) and Riverbed Network Performance Management – NPM products (RCSP-NMP). |
| SolarWinds Certifications | |
| Credential validates skills in networking management fundamentals, network management planning, network management operations, network fault and performance troubleshooting, and Orion NPM administration. | |
| Wireshark Certifications | |
| Vendor-specific credential for professionals who use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and then use the information to troubleshoot, optimize, and secure networks. | |