The global network security market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% between 2022 and 2030, as per a report by Acumen Research and Consulting. The market size is expected to reach USD 84,457 Million by 2030 at this rate. This growth is phenomenal, leading to a high demand for network professionals.
Many professionals are looking to be a part of this growth. Certifications assist individuals in entering and succeeding in the field.
Let us look at networking courses and which will be the best one to opt for in 2023.
About Network Certifications
Network certifications validate your ability and knowledge in the network field. Certifications can be both vendor-specific and vendor-neutral.
- Vendor-specific certifications are for specific technology and help you learn the skills and expertise in that specific technology.
- Vendor-neutral certifications cover skills that can be used on all technologies.
Certifications are not compulsory to get a job. However, they provide you with an edge during the recruitment process. According to Cisco,
- 99% of organizations consider certifications while hiring,
- 78% of technology executives consider certifications a significant factor for success.
Getting a network certification can be incredibly beneficial as it equips you with relevant skills and knowledge.
Top 9 Networking Courses You Can Take in 2023
Let us discuss the top networking courses that can benefit you in 2023
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Network Associate certification is an associate-level certification widely popular in the industry. Cisco is a huge name in the networking industry, making this certification relevant and popular among aspiring network professionals.
The certification validates your skills in fundamental networking concepts. The course covers
- fundamentals of networking,
- automation,
- programmability,
- security fundamentals.
Individuals with this certification know how to manage and optimize networks used today.
CCNA is valid for three years, and holders must renew their certification by giving a qualifying exam or earning 30 continuing education credits.
Skills covered: The exam covers the following topics.
- Network Fundamentals
- Network Access
- IP Connectivity
- IP Services
- Security Fundamentals
- Automation and Programmability
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this certification. However, Cisco recommends having at least a year or more experience working with them.
Number of exams: You must clear the 200-301 CCNA exam to get this certification.
Price: $300 or INR 25,000-30,000 (plus taxes)
Career options: With this certification, you can apply for roles like
- Entry-level network engineer
- Network administrator
- Network support technician
- Help desk technician
It is also useful for IT support specialists, and senior network engineers.
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA is an industry leader, and its certifications are valuable in the IT sector. CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification that helps you start your IT career and validates the holders’ technical skills in developing, maintaining, and troubleshooting networks, regardless of the technology and vendor.
Candidates can access different training options and follow a self-paced learning model, live online, or custom training. The certification covers
- operating systems,
- security,
- virtualization,
- networking, and cloud computing.
Skills covered: Following skills are covered by this certification.
- Networking Fundamentals
- Network Implementations
- Network Security
- Network Operations
- Network Troubleshooting
Prerequisite: There are no mandatory requirements, but CompTIA recommends candidates have CompTIA A+ certification and 9-12 months of experience in networking.
Number of exams: Candidates must take two exams to get this certification
- N10-008
- N10-007
The maximum number of questions in the exams is 90, and the length is 90 minutes
Price: $358
Career options: With the certification, you can be a
- Junior network administrator,
- Data center support technician,
- Network engineer,
- Telecommunications technician,
- Associate network engineer,
- NOC technician,
- Cables technician,
- System administrator
Juniper Networks Certified Associate - Junos (JNCIA-Junos)
JNCIA-Junos is for networking professionals with intermediate networking knowledge and skills. It is an associate-level certification, compulsory for people who want advanced Juniper Networks certifications.
The certification validates your in-depth knowledge of Juniper Networks' core operating system. It is ideal for people who want to build a career in Juniper Networks and want to get the Enterprise Routing and Switching Certification or Service Provider Routing Switching Certification Tracks.
The certification is valid for three years.
Skills covered: The certification tests the following topics in the exam.
- Networking Fundamentals
- Junos Os Fundamentals
- User Interfaces
- Configuration Basics
- Routing Fundamentals
- Operational Monitoring and Maintenance
- Routing Policy and Firewall Filters
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites.
Number of exams: Candidates have to pass the JNO-104 exam.
Price: $200
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification is an expert-level certification with multiple tracks. Many new tracks have been added over the past few years. Getting this certification requires much effort and hard work due to the expertise level, opening new doors for holders.
The certification is valid for three years and needs to be renewed.
Tracks included: CCIE covers the following tracks.
- CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
- CCIE Enterprise Wireless
- CCIE Data Center
- CCIE Security
- CCIE Service Provider
- CCIE Collaboration
- CCDE
- Cisco Certified DevNet Expert
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites. However, Cisco recommends having at least five to seven years of experience in the specific track fields.
Number of exams: For each track, candidates must clear qualifying and lab exams to get the certification.
Price: The cost of the qualifying exam is $450, and the cost of the lab exam is $1600.
Career options: CCIE is useful for
- Cloud administrators
- Network security
- Cloud specialists
- Cloud architects
- System administrators
- Principal network architects
- Senior network support specialists
SolarWinds Certified Professional
SolarWinds offers organizations solutions for
- Network management
- database management
- Ccloud and IT helpdesk
- System management and security.
SolarWinds Certified Professional certification validates the holder’s knowledge and skills in using and maintaining the SolarWinds network.
Since the company frequently releases new technologies and products, holders must regularly attend training and events by maintaining a subscription. Failure to do this results in the certification expiring after three years.
Skills covered: SCP exam study guides include the following.
- Architecture and Design
- Access Rights Manager
- Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
- Database Performance Analyzer
- NetFlow Traffic Analyzer
- Security Event Manager
- Server and Application Manager
- Network Performance Monitor
- Network Configuration Manager
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites. However, SolarWinds recommends:
- A year of technical experience (networks, systems, security, and compliance),
- Six months of experience with SolarWinds products,
- Basic knowledge of its technologies.
Number of exams: One exam
Price: $200
AWS Advanced Networking Certification
AWS Advanced Networking Certification is a specialty-level certification that validates the holder’s knowledge in designing and maintaining network architecture for AWS services. The exam is available in four languages: English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
The certification is ideal for experienced networking professionals with knowledge of scripting, architecting, advanced automation, and security with AWS solutions.
Skills covered: The certification tests your knowledge and skills in the following domains.
- Network Design
- Network Implementation
- Network Management and Operation
- Network Security, Compliance, and Governance
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites, but AWS recommends that candidates should have:
- Professional experience with AWS technology
- Knowledge of advanced networking architectures
- Basic knowledge of automation scripts
- Tools development, CIDR, and subnetting
Number of exams: AN-C01(65 questions and duration of 170 minutes)
Price: $300
Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA)
Aruba Certified Mobility Associate validates the holder’s skills in configuring and designing Aruba Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) proving you have the fundamental knowledge of building the Aruba Mobile First Platform.
This associate-level certification is ideal for IT professionals who deploy network solutions based on Aruba technology and products. Aruba has four associate-level certifications, and an associate has to get at least three of these certifications.
The certification is valid for three years. To renew the certification, the candidate must clear any exam from these: the current exam or the Aruba Certified Mobility Professional exam.
Skills covered: The following skills are covered by this certification.
- Fundamental knowledge of Aruba Mobile First Platform
- Configure secure WLAN features and integrated firewall
- Features of Dynamic RF management
- Controller and AP communications
- Implement guest networking solutions
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites. However, it is recommended to know Aruba Mobility Fundamentals.
Number of exams: Only one exam
Price: $230
Azure Network Engineer Associate
This certification validates the holder’s expertise in designing and implementing Azure networking solutions. Individuals with this certification have the skills to maintain Azure networking solutions and manage hybrid networking, security, routing, and access to Azure services.
The certification prepares the holders to take on the role of Azure network engineers who collaborate with different IT professionals and deploy networking solutions by leveraging Azure resources and services.
Skills covered: The certification covers the following skills.
- Design, implement, and manage hybrid networking
- Core networking infrastructure
- Routing
- Private access to Azure services
- Secure and monitor networks
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites.
Number of exams: AZ-700 exam
Price: $165
VMware Certified Technical Associate - Network Virtualization (VCTA-NV)
VCTA-NV is perfect for people interested in virtualization. The certification validates the holder's skills in the VMware NSX platform and navigating NSX graphical user interfaces. Associates know
- NSX terminology
- network virtualization concepts
- NSX portfolio
- VMware Virtual Cloud Network vision.
The certification provides hands-on practice. Experienced professionals and beginners can do this to learn about virtualized infrastructure, networking, device management, and security.
Skills covered: Skills covered are as follows.
- Fundamental Architecture and Technologies
- Products and Solutions
- Performance tuning and optimization
- Troubleshooting
- Installing, configuring, and setup
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites.
Number of exams: One exam
Price: $125
The networking world is expanding and blooming with career opportunities. The above-mentioned courses on networking can help beginners get started with their networking careers. These certifications will allow them to expand their knowledge and skill set and remain relevant in an ever-changing industry.
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