A network certification may set you up with the skills and knowledge needed to progress in an IT network career.
Network certifications are credentials you can earn to demonstrate your ability to work with networks in the information technology (IT) field. They can be vendor-specific—focusing on the technology from one company, like Cisco or Microsoft—or vendor-neutral, meaning the things you learn should be applicable across different networking technologies.
In this article, we'll explore some of the top network certifications to boost your IT career. But, if you want to start building critical IT skills like wireless networking and using binary code right away, you might also consider enrolling in Google's IT Support Professional Certificate today.
professional certificate
The launchpad to a career in IT. This program is designed to take beginner learners to job readiness in about three-to-six months.
4.8
(187,565 ratings)
1,867,328 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 3 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Cloud Infrastructure, Professional Development, Network Architecture, Systems Administration, Computer Security, Network Security, Technical Support, Applicant Tracking Systems, Package and Software Management, Computer Hardware, Computer Networking, Interviewing Skills, Application Security, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Microsoft Windows, Information Systems Security, File Systems, Cloud Services, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Servers, Active Directory, Disaster Recovery, Virtualization, Network Administration, System Configuration, Data Storage Technologies, Cloud Computing, User Accounts, Generative AI, Problem Solving, Communication, Personal Attributes, Prompt Engineering, Firewall, Malware Protection, Encryption, Cryptography, Security Management, Security Awareness, Authorization (Computing), Hardening, Security Controls, Threat Detection, Identity and Access Management, Security Strategy, Threat Management, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Data Security, Linux Commands, Remote Access Systems, OS Process Management, Software Installation, File Management, Operating Systems, System Monitoring, Command-Line Interface, Technical Support and Services, Linux, Linux Administration, Network Protocols, Network Model, Network Routing, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Wireless Networks, Data Integrity, OSI Models, Network Infrastructure, Hardware Troubleshooting, Help Desk Support, Computer Architecture, End User Training and Support, Technical Communication, Technical Documentation, Software Documentation, Customer Support
Though certifications are often not required, they can be a good way for employers to validate your skill level quickly. Network certifications can help you make your resume more competitive and gain the skills you need to succeed in an IT role. If you’re just getting started in IT and are still not sure about which path in IT you want to take, consider an entry-level IT certification or an introductory IT course like Google’s Technical Support Fundamentals course.
course
In this course, you’ll be introduced to the world of Information Technology, or IT. You’ll learn about the different facets of Information Technology, like ...
4.8
(160,520 ratings)
2,081,213 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 19 hour(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Technical Support, Desktop Support, Computer Architecture, Information Technology, Software Installation, End User Training and Support, Technical Communication, Microsoft Windows, Technical Documentation, Computer Networking, Help Desk Support, Software Documentation, Hardware Troubleshooting, Computer Hardware, Customer Support, Linux
People with network certifications can become network technicians, administrators, engineers, architects, or other network-related professionals. Knowledge of networks can also be useful for some system administration positions.
Widely regarded as a staple network certification, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is an associate-level (early-career) credential. It covers a wide range of networking fundamentals. Cisco is one of the largest companies in the networking industry, making this credential highly relevant. Cisco also offers entry (CCT), professional (CCNP), and expert-level certifications (CCDE).
Cost: $300 [1]
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
Interested in learning more about cybersecurity from Cisco themselves? Cisco's Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals Specialization teaches the basics of networking communication, common attack vectors, and malicious activities.
specialization
Launch Your Career in Cybersecurity Operations. Learn the basic skills required to become an entry-level cybersecurity operations analyst in a Security Operations Center (SOC).
4.8
(516 ratings)
22,294 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 3 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Endpoint Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Threat Detection, Computer Security Incident Management, Network Security, Cybersecurity, Cryptography, Encryption, Linux, Incident Management, Cyber Threat Hunting, Key Management, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Data Security, Incident Response, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Cyber Threat Intelligence, File Systems, Threat Modeling, Malware Protection, Data Management, General Networking, Infrastructure Security, Network Administration, Event Monitoring, Network Monitoring, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Network Analysis, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Continuous Monitoring, Operating Systems, Linux Commands, Microsoft Windows, System Configuration, Windows Servers, Command-Line Interface, System Monitoring, Windows PowerShell, Service Management, Security Controls, Active Directory, Linux Administration, Threat Management, Security Management, SQL, Automation, Cyber Operations, Cyber Attacks, TCP/IP, Network Protocols, Firewall, Network Infrastructure, Load Balancing, Web Applications, Authorization (Computing), Authentications
A vendor-neutral certification, the CompTIA Network+ certification tests your understanding of networking basics regardless of the company your networking technology may come from. CompTIA also offers the CompTIA A+ certification for those who are looking for entry-level IT jobs.
Cost: $390 [2]
Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites, though 9-12 months of networking experience or CompTIA A+ certification is recommended.
What’s being tested: Essential networking concepts; cabling, device, and storage technologies; managing networks; security; and troubleshooting methodology and tools
The JNCIA-Junos is the associate-level certification for Juniper Networks technologies. It’s the first step required for those who want to take more advanced certifications from Juniper Networks in data center technologies, enterprise routing, and switching, or service provider routing and switching.
Cost: $200 [3]
Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites.
What’s being tested: Junos OS fundamentals like software architecture and transit traffic processing, configuration basics, routing policy, and firewall filters
Who better to learn Juniper network security from than Juniper professionals themselves? In Juniper's Networks Security Fundamentals Specialization, you'll explore common cybersecurity problems and learn how Juniper Networks approaches a complete security solution with Juniper Connected Security.
The SolarWinds Certified Professional credential enables you to use and maintain SolarWinds network and system products. SolarWinds products are used prominently in specific industries, like government and accounting.
Cost: $200 [4]
Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites.
What’s being tested: Diagnostics, database performance analysis, network configuration, performance monitoring, and network architecture
If you’re interested in virtualization, getting the VCP-NV certification can be a good way to get started with the essentials of the VMWare NSX network virtualization platform. The certification will test your knowledge of the NSX terminology, graphical user interfaces, and other core technical skills.
Cost: $250 [5]
Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites.
What’s being tested: Installing, configuring, and setup; performance-tuning, optimization, and upgrades; fundamental architecture and technologies; planning and designing; and troubleshooting
Wondering where to start with VMware NSX? Consider enrolling in VMware's Networking and Security Architecture with VMware NSX course.
course
This 8 week online course equips learners with the basics of network virtualization with VMware NSX. To get the most of this course, you should have ...
4.7
(463 ratings)
54,546 already enrolled
Intermediate level
Average time: 20 hour(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Virtualization, Software-Defined Networking, Firewall, Computer Networking, Virtual Machines, Disaster Recovery, IT Automation, Network Security, Cloud Management, Information Technology Operations, Network Routing, Network Architecture
Any company that uses computers is liable to need networking professionals. If you want to enter the field, starting in an entry-level IT role like a help desk technician can be your first step. You can use an entry-level IT credential like the CompTIA A+ to prepare. From there, you might choose to specialize in networks and become a network administrator. You can also choose to become a network engineer or a network architect.
Network professionals might also expand their skill set to work in system administration or cybersecurity. Entry-level IT professionals who are interested in specializing in cybersecurity may consider taking an introductory course like IBM’s IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity Specialization.
specialization
Launch your career in Cybersecurity. Acquire the knowledge you need to work in Cybersecurity
4.6
(5,498 ratings)
63,718 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 1 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
TCP/IP, Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Attacks, Networking Hardware, Windows Servers, Network Security, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Data Ethics, Linux, Linux Servers, Identity and Access Management, Incident Response, Network Protocols, IT Service Management, Information Technology Infrastructure Library, Operating Systems, Cloud Security, Cyber Risk, Malware Protection, Authorization (Computing), Multi-Factor Authentication, Authentications, Security Controls, Security Awareness, Threat Management, Infrastructure Security, Threat Detection, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Endpoint Detection and Response, Network Routing, Information Systems Security, Firewall, Local Area Networks, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Network Planning And Design, Network Analysis, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Data Loss Prevention, Wireless Networks, Endpoint Security, General Networking, Network Infrastructure, Mac OS, Command-Line Interface, File Systems, Docker (Software), Microsoft Windows, Virtualization, Containerization, Systems Administration, User Accounts, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Risk Management Framework, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards, Cyber Governance, Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT), Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), NIST 800-53, Information Technology, Risk Management, Artificial Intelligence, Security Management, ISO/IEC 27001
Start gaining essential IT skills today with Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate. In less than six months, you'll learn in-demand IT skills like wireless networking, computer assembly, and Linux systems that will prepare you for entry-level IT positions. Best of all, upon completion, you'll earn a certificate that you can add to your resume to highlight your job preparedness to potential employers.
professional certificate
The launchpad to a career in IT. This program is designed to take beginner learners to job readiness in about three-to-six months.
4.8
(187,565 ratings)
1,867,328 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 3 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Cloud Infrastructure, Professional Development, Network Architecture, Systems Administration, Computer Security, Network Security, Technical Support, Applicant Tracking Systems, Package and Software Management, Computer Hardware, Computer Networking, Interviewing Skills, Application Security, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Microsoft Windows, Information Systems Security, File Systems, Cloud Services, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Servers, Active Directory, Disaster Recovery, Virtualization, Network Administration, System Configuration, Data Storage Technologies, Cloud Computing, User Accounts, Generative AI, Problem Solving, Communication, Personal Attributes, Prompt Engineering, Firewall, Malware Protection, Encryption, Cryptography, Security Management, Security Awareness, Authorization (Computing), Hardening, Security Controls, Threat Detection, Identity and Access Management, Security Strategy, Threat Management, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Data Security, Linux Commands, Remote Access Systems, OS Process Management, Software Installation, File Management, Operating Systems, System Monitoring, Command-Line Interface, Technical Support and Services, Linux, Linux Administration, Network Protocols, Network Model, Network Routing, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Wireless Networks, Data Integrity, OSI Models, Network Infrastructure, Hardware Troubleshooting, Help Desk Support, Computer Architecture, End User Training and Support, Technical Communication, Technical Documentation, Software Documentation, Customer Support
Cisco. “CCNA: Exam and Training, https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/enterprise/ccna/exams-and-training.html.” Accessed June 26, 2025.
ComTIA. “Network+, https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/network/.” Accessed June 26, 2025.
Pearson VUE. “Voucher Sales Order, https://voucherstore.pearsonvue.com/pricelist.” Accessed June 26, 2025.
SolarWinds. “SolarWinds Certified Professional Program, https://support.solarwinds.com/solarwinds-certified-professional-program.” Accessed June 26, 2025.
Broadcom. “Network Virtualization, https://www.broadcom.com/support/education/vmware/certification/vcp-nv-nsxt.” Accessed June 26, 2025
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