Top 8 Best Networking certifications of 2023

Your ability to advance in an IT network career will be aided by obtaining the best networking certifications out there. You can get networking certifications to prove your proficiency in working with networks in the information technology IT industry.

Additionally, networking certifications consistently rank among the most sought-after certifications and have made it to the list of the best certifications to get in 2023. So wouldn’t knowing the best networking certifications to get be an advantage?

Best Networking certifications of 2023

There are numerous Networking certifications available to bridge the skills gap, but here is a compiled list of the best networking certifications available:

1. Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA)

One of the best networking certifications that businesses demand is the Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA) certification. If you are planning of becoming a network administrator or engineer, the Cisco CCNA would be a good certificate to pick up.

Network basics, automation and programmability, and security basics are all covered for participants.

Prerequisites: Cisco requires no formal prerequisites but one or more years of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions is required.

Cost: $300

2. CCNP Routing and Switching

The CCNP certification provides extensive routing and switching skills. With this certification, you can demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to collaborate with experts on the cutting-edge phone, wireless, and video solutions as well as plan, install, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks.

Prerequisites: Participants in this certification must hold a current Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching certification or at least five years of experience in network engineering.

Cost: $400, and the amount varies for three other exams.

3. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure

Among Cisco’s best networking certifications, this is one of the most respected and in-demand. The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Infrastructure certification validates your knowledge of complex enterprise infrastructure solutions.

Getting the CCIE exam earns a specialist certification, so you can get recognized for your accomplishments along the way and not a lot of people have this certification. David Bombol is one of Cisco’s respected candidates who has quite a lot of certifications including the CCIE.

Prerequisites: Although there are no formal requirements for CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, you should be well-versed in the exam topics before sitting for it. Also, getting the CCNA and CCNP would be a great advantage.

Cost: $1600

4. CompTIA Network+

One of Cisco’s top competitors is CompTIA, and their certifications offer much more practical knowledge than that of Cisco. So if you want the best alternative in place of the CCNA the CompTIA Network+ certification is best to start with.

You are going to cover topics like Networking Fundamentals, Network Troubleshooting, Network Security, and Network Operations.

Prerequisites: A+ certification and at least 9 to 12 months of networking experience are required.

Cost: $2,050

5. AWS Advanced Networking Certification

The AWS Cloud Computing Certifications are the company’s most well-known product. AWS also provides a wide range of networking certification courses, including the AWS Advanced Networking Certification.

AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty certification verifies knowledge of creating and managing network architecture for the range of AWS services.

Prerequisites: Knowledge of complex networking designs and connectivity options, including things like IP VPN, multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), and virtual private LAN services, as well as professional expertise using AWS technologies (VPLS).

Cost: $300

6. Wireshark Certified Network Analyst

Another significant player in the networking sector is Wireshark. The WCNA Certification proves one’s thorough knowledge of TCP/IP and network protocols because Wireshark is the most well-liked and widely used network protocol analyzer in the world.

The WCNA Certification’s primary focus for individuals is to provide knowledge of TCP/IP and network protocols because Wireshark is the most well-liked and widely used network protocol analyzer in the world.

Prerequisites: None

Cost:$299

7. Azure Network Engineer Associate

Azure is also one of the best competitors in terms of networking certifications. After passing the Azure Network Engineer Associate exam, candidates will have expert-level skills in configuring Microsoft’s Azure platform, as well as superior networking, hybrid connections, and network security knowledge.

Prerequisites: None, but having experience with AWS platforms is an advantage.

Cost: $165

8. Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos (JNCIA-Junos)

JNCIAJunos is the associate-level Juniper Networks technology certification. For those wishing to pursue Juniper Networks’ more specialized certifications in data center technologies, enterprise routing and switching, or service provider routing and switching, this is the prerequisite first step.

Prerequisites: Requires one exam. No prerequisites.

Cost: $200

FAQ

1. Is network engineering a good career?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for computer network specialists in the United States in 2021 was $120,520, or $57.94 per hour. From 2021 to 2031, this is anticipated to increase at a growth rate that is similar to the national average.

2. Do I Need a Degree to Become a Network Engineer?

No, you can get a job by just passing any of the networking certifications like CCNA or CompTIA Network+ to land an entry-level position but having a degree might add some value to your skill set.

3. What Jobs are associated with Networking Certifications?

Passing networking certifications doesn’t necessarily mean you have to become a network engineer, there are other job titles available such as :

• Telecom Engineer
• VoIP Engineer
• Unified Communications Engineer
• Solutions Design Engineer
• Collaboration Engineer
• Systems Administrator
• Cloud Architect

4. Is programming associated with Networking?

Although not required, programming is a beneficial ability to have for network engineers. Learning programming languages like Python is required for some concepts, such as network automation.