Computer networking is a fast growing area for the past several years. There has always been demand for network engineers and administrators across the sectors. Top 5 networking certifications, along with a brief description of topics covered, and practice test providers are given below for new entrants that are exploring to start a career in networking and network security.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Brief description: An entry-level certification that validates your understanding of networking fundamentals, including IP addressing, network security, and Cisco technologies.
Topics covered:
- Networking fundamentals
- IP addressing
- VLANs and routing
- Network security fundamentals
- Automation and programmability
Prep Information, Practice test, exam guides providers:
- Cert-Ex: Cert-Ex™ Exam Simulator with NetSim for CCNA Download (certexams.com)
- ExamGuides: https://www.examguides.com/CCNA/cisco-ccna.htm
- Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/associate/ccna.html
- CompTIA Network+
- Network+ (Network Plus) is a vendor-neutral certification that covers a broad range of networking topics, including network technologies, security, and troubleshooting.
Topics covered:
- Networking concepts
- Network infrastructure
- IP addressing
- Security essentials
- Network devices
- Troubleshooting
Prep Information, Practice test, exam guides providers:
- Cert-Ex: https://www.certexams.com/comptia/net+/online-exam-details.htm
- Practice Tests Info: https://www.practicetests.info/infowiki/index.php?title=Network_Plus_Certification
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- An associate-level certification that validates your ability to design and deploy secure, scalable, and cost-effective architectures on the AWS platform. While not strictly a networking certification, it covers many relevant networking topics.
Topics covered:
- Design principles and best practices
- Cloud architecture design
- Implementing core infrastructure
- Security features
- Cost management
Study materials, practice tests, and other useful resources:
- Amazon Web Services: https://www.knowledgehut.com/practice-tests/aws-solutions-architect-associate
- Tutorials Web: https://www.tutorialsweb.com/computer-networking.htm
- Microsoft Certified Azure Network Engineer Associate
ANEA is an associate-level certification that validates your ability to implement and manage Microsoft Azure networking solutions.
Topics covered:
- Azure networking fundamentals
- Implementing virtual networks
- Configuring network security groups
- Managing public IP addresses
- Connecting to on-premises networks
Practice test providers:
- Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos (JNCIA-Junos)
Juniper Networks Certified Associate Junos (JNCIAJunos) certification logo
JNCIA – JUNOS is an entry-level certification that validates your knowledge of the Junos operating system, used by Juniper networking devices.
Topics covered:
- Junos basics
- Routing fundamentals
- Switching fundamentals
- Security basics
- Management and automation
Practice test providers:
- Juniper Networks: https://www.juniper.net/us/en/training.html
- Sim-Ex: https://www.simulationexams.com/exam-dtails/juniper-examsim-with-network-sim.htm
- ExamGuides.com: https://www.examguides.com/juniper.htm
The best certification for you will depend on your experience, career goals, and the specific networking technologies you want to focus on. For career starters, CCNA and JNCIA both provide very good fundamentals knowledge, though both focus on respective networking operation systems for learning purpose.
