6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career in 2025

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.

Network certifications: Should you get one?

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.

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Technical Support Fundamentals

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Network certifications

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.

1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

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

• 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

Read more: What Is the CCNA? An Entry-Level Networking Certification

Build your cybersecurity skills with Cisco

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.

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Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals

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).

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Endpoint Security, Computer Security Incident Management, Threat Detection, Vulnerability Assessments, Encryption, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Incident Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Linux, Cyber Threat Hunting, Data Security, Threat Modeling, Key Management, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Cryptography, Incident Response, Malware Protection, Network Security, Threat Management, File Systems, Event Monitoring, General Networking, Infrastructure Security, Cybersecurity, Data Management, Network Administration, Operating Systems, Linux Commands, Microsoft Windows, Service Management, Windows PowerShell, Command-Line Interface, Windows Servers, Security Controls, System Monitoring, System Configuration, Active Directory, Linux Administration, Network Monitoring, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Continuous Monitoring, Network Analysis, Security Management, TCP/IP, Authorization (Computing), Network Protocols, Firewall, Web Applications, Authentications, Network Infrastructure, Load Balancing, Automation, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Operations, SQL

2. CompTIA Network+

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: $338

• 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

Read more: What is the CompTIA A+ Certification? A Certification to Start Your IT Career

3. Juniper Networks Certified Associate - Junos (JNCIA-Junos)

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

• 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

Learn Juniper network security from Juniper

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.

4. SolarWinds Certified Professional

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

• Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites.

• What’s being tested: Diagnostics, database performance analysis, network configuration, performance monitoring, network architecture

5. Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA)

Some companies may expect you to know Aruba networking features. The Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA) ensures you can design, set up, and configure a basic Aruba Wireless Local Area Network. There are four other associate-level Aruba certifications (Switching, ClearPass, Design, and Security); getting any three of them will make you an Aruba Edge Associate.

• Cost: $230

• Requirements: Requires one exam. No prerequisites, though candidates are encouraged to take a course in Aruba Mobility Fundamentals.

• What’s being tested: Essential workings of Aruba WLAN, using V8 operating system architecture

6. VMWare Certified Technical Associate - Network Virtualization (VCTA-NV)

If you’re interested in virtualization, getting the VCTA-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 basic knowledge of the NSX terminology, graphical user interfaces, and other core technical skills.

• Cost: $125

• 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; troubleshooting

Learn VMware NSX from VMware

Wondering where to start with VMware NSX? Consider enrolling in VMware's Networking and Security Architecture with VMware NSX course.

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Networking and Security Architecture with VMware NSX

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IT Automation, Virtual Machines, Network Security, Firewall, Computer Networking, Network Architecture, Information Technology Operations, Virtualization, Cloud Management, VMware ESX Servers, Disaster Recovery, Software-Defined Networking

Networking career paths

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.

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IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity

Launch your career in Cybersecurity. Acquire the knowledge you need to work in Cybersecurity

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Computer Security Incident Management, Identity and Access Management, Cloud Security, Networking Hardware, Network Protocols, Operating Systems, IT Service Management, Linux Administration, Data Ethics, Information Technology Infrastructure Library, Linux, TCP/IP, Incident Response, Malware Protection, Network Security, Cyber Risk, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Endpoint Detection and Response, Cyber Governance, Authentications, Multi-Factor Authentication, Authorization (Computing), Threat Detection, Cyber Attacks, Security Controls, Infrastructure Security, Security Awareness, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Threat Management, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Network Routing, Wireless Networks, Data Loss Prevention, Firewall, Information Systems Security, General Networking, Endpoint Security, Local Area Networks, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Infrastructure, Network Analysis, Network Planning And Design, Risk Management Framework, Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), NIST 800-53, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT), Security Management, ISO/IEC 27001, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Command-Line Interface, File Systems, Containerization, Mac OS, Windows Servers, Windows PowerShell, User Accounts, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, System Configuration

Keep learning with Coursera

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 using 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.

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Computer Networking, Package and Software Management, Network Troubleshooting, Computer Security, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Professional Networking, Network Administration, Technical Support, Network Security, Computer Hardware, File Systems, Information Systems Security, Microsoft Windows, Applicant Tracking Systems, Interviewing Skills, Desktop Support, Application Security, Active Directory, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Disaster Recovery, Servers, Virtualization, Cloud Computing, User Accounts, Data Storage Technologies, System Configuration, Server Administration, Technical Support and Services, AI Personalization, Talent Sourcing, Personal Attributes, LinkedIn, Professional Development, Recruitment, Keyword Research, Generative AI Agents, Problem Solving, Communication, Adaptability, Prompt Engineering, Firewall, Encryption, Cyber Attacks, Cryptography, Security Awareness, Security Management, Hardening, Authorization (Computing), Identity and Access Management, Cybersecurity, Threat Detection, Data Security, Information Technology, Threat Management, Security Strategy, Linux Commands, Remote Access Systems, OS Process Management, File Management, System Monitoring, Software Installation, Operating Systems, Linux Administration, Linux, Command-Line Interface, Hardware Troubleshooting, Help Desk Support, Technical Documentation, Software Documentation, End User Training and Support, Technical Communication, Computer Architecture, Network Model, Wireless Networks, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Protocols, Data Integrity, Network Routing, Virtual Private Networks (VPN)