The IT professionals who are skilled in a few areas of networking are in high demand. So, if you are serious about your career and want to take it to new heights, you should consider getting at least one top networking certification. Managing modern networks is not an easy task, and to become an expert, you need to learn how to work with many tools and technologies. If you are planning to work as a network administrator in a company, you should make sure that you have the skills required to carry out this job role. After obtaining any credential in this area, you can validate your skills and become a qualified specialist.
There are so many networking certificates that are offered by several vendors. However, we will only talk about the top 5 credentials that you can earn in 2020. So, without further ado, let’s go deeper.
1. Wireshark WCNA
The first certification that we have on this list is Wireshark Certified Network Analyst that is administered by Kryterion and was created by Laura Chappell. The certificate mainly revolves around the skills required to operate Wireshark technology and also sheds light on other networking areas, such as network security, network troubleshooting, and TCP/IP communications. This sought-after credential is accepted in over 90 countries around the world, and if you are someone who works professionally with Wireshark technologies, you should consider going for this certification.
To earn this credential, the candidates need to pass one exam. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that should be answered within 2 hours. One of the most important things that you need to know about the Wireshark WCNA certification is that it stays valid for three years. Earning it can be very beneficial for your career, and that is why you should pursue this certificate right now.
2. SolarWinds SCP
SolarWinds is a popular provider of IT solutions, it offers several networking tools that are used worldwide. However, that is not all that SolarWinds does because it also has its own certification program, but currently it only offers the SolarWinds Certified Professional credential. It is one of the top certificates in networking and is all about maintaining and using SolarWinds management products and networks. Getting this certification can be important if you are working for a company that relies on its technologies.
One of the best things about this well-known certificate is that you just need to pass one exam (75 questions and 90 minutes). This credential has a validity of just three years, and after that time, you will have to take the test again to hold your certification status.
3. Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and CCIE Enterprise Wireless
When you talk about the top certification vendors out there, you cannot forget about Cisco. It is a market leader when it comes to networking technologies and solutions. Most organizations use its technologies, and that is why they need the certified experts to handle these systems. Cisco offers many paths, one of which is Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE). These certificates show one’s experience and ability to manage and create complex networks.
There are two main certifications in this pathway, one is Enterprise Infrastructure and the other is Enterprise Wireless. The first credential is all about infrastructure operations while the latter focuses on wireless technologies. Other tracks in this domain include CCIE Data Center, CCIE Security, and CCIE Service Provider.
4. Cisco CCNA and CCNP
As you already know, Cisco is one of the market leaders when it comes to networking technologies, it provides networking solutions for a lot of organizations and that is what makes them so important. This is the reason why so many companies out there are always looking for the certified specialists to take care of their systems. As of now, Cisco offers two main certification tracks where one is Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) whereas the other is known as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
The main difference between these two certification paths is that CCNA is designed for the specialists who have just one year of experience with Cisco solutions. As for CCNP, it is intended for the professionals with more than 3 years of experience with enterprise networking solutions.
5. CompTIA Network+
CompTIA is a non-profit organization that is known for offering many well-known certifications. Each certificate covers different domains and is designed for a different target audience. With that said, one of the most popular credentials that this vendor has to offer is known as CompTIA Network+, and as the name suggests, it is all about networks. If you manage to earn this certification, this means that you are proficient in troubleshooting problems, managing networking devices, and designing and implementing networks. The certificate is designed for those individuals who start their career in the IT industry, and obtaining this credential will certainly change their professional life.
Conclusion
Networking has become one of the biggest fields in the world and almost every tech company out there uses some kind of network. The thing is that if these organizations want to keep on functioning properly every day, they need to make sure that they have a working network. This is where the network administrators come in, and their task is to ensure that they handle all anomalies that might occur in the network. If you earn any of the above-mentioned certifications, you will increase your chances of getting a decent job in your preferred company.
Nowadays, the IT certifications have become a necessity because many organizations rely more on the certified specialists. If two candidates apply for the same job position, but one of these individuals is a certificate holder, the employer will certainly hire him or her, as it is easier to trust his/her skills. If you haven’t obtained a credential yet, it is high time to do this because the world needs such a professional like you.
