Thursday, January 1, 2015



IT professionals skilled in the many areas of networking remain in high demand in today's job market. Those who are serious about a career in networking should consider one or more of these best networking certifications in order to set themselves apart from the competition. 

When it comes to the care and feeding of modern networks, there's quite a laundry list of tools and technologies that qualified IT professionals must master -- especially those who aspire to work as Network Administrators.
In addition to the servers and clients that make up the end-points in such environments, there's a lot of network infrastructure to worry about nowadays, too. This includes, switches, routers, plus many of a raft of network appliances such as Unified Threat Management (UTM), firewalls, WAN optimization, spam and e-mail filtering, content filtering, and a whole lot more. 
Getting your head around all of the different certification options and specialties can be challenging. Some well-known, highly regarded networking certifications can help. In this article we look at five networking certifications we consider to be leaders in the field of networking for 2015.
Top 5 Networking Certs
MCSE: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert
CCNP: Cisco Certified Network Professional
RHCE: Red Hat Certified Engineer
CompTIA Network+
CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
Beyond the Top 5: More Networking Certs
MCSE: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is the prevailing mid-range Microsoft certification that covers most administrative job roles, including systems administration at both the desktop and server levels, as well as more specialized job roles that include Private Cloud, Data Platform and Business Intelligence (SQL Server), Messaging (Exchange Server), Communication (Lync Server) and SharePoint.
But the brightest lights in this group for networking content are those that address Windows Server for desktop infrastructure, server infrastructure and private cloud topics. These credentials don't specifically use "network administrator" in their descriptions and nomenclature, and they do fall under systems administration headings. But because there's so much networking involved in modern server administration the MCSE ranks as one of the top networking certifications you can achieve today.
Beyond the MCSE (and underlying Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or MCSA), Microsoft also offers its Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) credential. While not required to obtain the MCSA or MCSE certifications, the MTA is an entry point into the Microsoft certification towers for those seeking to validate their core knowledge in IT fundamentals. The MTA offers Server, Desktop, Applications, Database and Developer certification tracks.
Table 1: MCSE Facts & Figures
Certification NameMicrosoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) tracks:
   - MCSE: Server Infrastructure 
   - MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure 
   - MCSE: Private Cloud
Prerequisites/Required CoursesNo required courses. The the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification is a prerequisite (three exams: 70-41070-411 and 70-412).
Number of ExamsMCSE: Server Infrastructure:
   - Exam 70-413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
   - Exam 70-414: Implementing and Advanced Server Infrastructure

MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure:
   - Exam 70-415: Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure
   - Exam 70-416: Implementing Desktop Application Environments

MCSE: Private Cloud:
   - Exam 70-246: Monitoring & Operating a Private Cloud with System Center
   - Exam 70-247: Configuring & Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center
Cost per Exam$150 USD per exam; prices vary by location.
URLwww.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/mcse-certification.aspx
Self-Study MaterialsPractice tests, self-paced training, distance learning, books, online resources, recommended learning plans and more available at Microsoft Learning:www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/exam.aspx#tab2

CCNP: Cisco Certified Network Professional

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a credential that takes square aim at platforms and products from a leading networking equipment vendor found in the majority of communications and Internet service providers, not to mention enterprises and businesses of all sizes, as well as government, research and academia. It's hard to go wrong by earning Cisco certification nowadays, and the CCNP is its leading mid-range credential across a wide variety of specialties.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a required stepping-stone to the CCNP. What usually comes after the CCNP for most networking professionals could be another CCNP (different specialty), one or more Cisco Specialist certifications, or the evergreen and advanced Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) -- which is also available in numerous specializations, in parallel with CCNA and CCNP credentials.
Table 2: CCNP Facts & Figures
Certification NameCisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

CCNP Specialties:
   - CCNP: Voice
   - CCNP: Wireless
   - CCNP: Data Center
   - CCNP: Security
   - CCNP: Service Provider
   - CCNP: Service Provider Operations
   - CCNP: Routing and Switching 
Prerequisites/Required CoursesA valid CCNA or CCIE credential are required. Prerequisites for specialty CCNP certifications include the CCNA certification in the chosen concentration area or any CCIE credential. 
Number of ExamsThe primary CCNP requires three exams:
    - 642-902: Implementing Cisco IP Routing or 300-101 ROUTE
    - 642-813: Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks or 300-115 SWITCH
    - 642-832: Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks or 300-135 TSHOOT

Note: After January 30, 2015, the only exams available for testing will be 300-101 ROUTE, 300-115 SWITCH and 300-135 TSHOOT. The last day to test on 642-901 ROUTE, 642-813 SWITCH and 642-832 TSHOOT is January 29, 2015.

CCNP specializations require four to five additional exams depending on the certification path.
Cost per ExamCCNP: $250 USD per exam; $750 USD total for the primary CCNP credential. 
URLwww.cisco.com/web/learning/certifications/professional/ccnp/index.html
Self-Study MaterialsRecommended training is listed online for each CCNP track. Self-study materials include books, flash cards, practice tests, virtual and physical labs, and more. 
RHCE: Red Hat Certified Engineer

Red Hat is a major presence in many data centers nowadays, particularly amidst various cloud service providers, communications and Internet providers, and private cloud operations at many levels of scale and complexity. The Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) has long been a desirable IT certification for those who work with Linux in an enterprise or high-volume production environment, and has always included substantial networking component. RHCE remains both interesting and desirable for practicing and prospective network administrators who work with Linux on a day-to-day basis.
As a prerequisite for the RHCE, candidates must first obtain the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification. The single exam for the RHCSA credential is $250 USD, which will bring the total exam fees for the RHCE credential to $650 USD.
Table 3: RHCE Facts & Figures
Certification NameRed Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
Prerequisites/Required CoursesCandidates must hold a current Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification (one exam: EX200). Courses are available and recommended but not required.
Number of ExamsOne exam: EX300-Red Hat Certified Engineer
Cost per Exam$400 USD 
URLwww.redhat.com/en/services/certification/rhce
Self-Study MaterialsMultiple training options are available, including online, classroom, self-paced, virtual, and more: www.redhat.com/training/ways_to_train/.
CompTIA Network+

There aren't that many entry-level networking IT certifications around, probably because CompTIA's Network+ credential more or less owns this particular certification niche. Many IT and certification pundits, including us, believe the Network+ to be an important early check-box element in any savvy IT professional's basic certification portfolio. If you're just starting out, this is a cert for you.
CompTIA Network+ is also a vendor-neutral certification and a stepping stone to a number of more advanced networking credentials. Some vendor-specific certification programs even include it as a prerequisite.
Table 4: Network+ Facts & Figures
Certification Name:CompTIA Network+
Prerequisites/Required Courses:None
Number of Exams:One exam: N10-005 (JK0-019 for CompTIA Academy Partners)
Cost per Exam:$261 USD; prices vary by location and membership.
URL:certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/network.aspx
Self-Study Materials:CompTIA Study Materials:

Exam objectives, sample questions, study guides ($50 USD), classroom and e-learning training, CertMaster online learning tool:certification.comptia.org/training/studymaterials.aspx

Books:

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th edition, by Tamara Dean, June 14, 2012, Cengage Learning, ISBN-10: 1133608191, ISBN-13: 978-1133608196

CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide: Exam N10-005, 5th edition,
 by Michael Meyers, January 9, 2012, McGraw-Hill Osborne Media, ISBN-10: 0071789227, ISBN-13: 978-0071789226

CompTIA Network+ N10-005 Authorized Cert Guide, 
by Kevin Wallace, November 27, 2011, ISBN-10: 0789748215, ISBN-13: 978-0789748218

Practice Exams:

CompTIA Network+ Sample Questions: certification.comptia.org
Network+ Practice Exams, by ProProfs: proprofs.com 

Self-Paced Training:

CompTIA Network+ Training Kit (Exam N10-005), by Craig Zacker, December 2012, Microsoft Press/O’Reilly Media, ISBN-10: 0735662754, ISBN-13: 978-0735662759

CompTIA Network+ Deluxe Study Guide Recommended Courseware: Exam N10-005, 2nd edition, by Todd Lammle, February 21, 2012, Sybex, ISBN-10: 111813754X, ISBN-13: 978-1118137543

Other self-paced training available through CompTIA:certification.comptia.org/Training/studymaterials.aspx
CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert

Certainly the unparalleled networking certification today is and remains the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), which comes in a wide range of specialties. The annual production of CCIEs remains small enough that Cisco still claims it could hire all of them itself, with demand and appreciation for this difficult and rewarding certification still extremely high. Over the past few years, the Storage Networking credential gave way to the Collaboration specialty, and the Data Center credential was introduced.


Although the road to obtaining the CCIE is long and hard, it will be well worth the effort, time and money spent. This is a credential that will open doors to plenty of job opportunities and high salaries.

Table 5: CCIE Facts & Figures
Certification NameCisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Prerequisites/ Required CoursesNone
Number of ExamsEvery CCIE track requires both a written and lab exam. Written exam scores are valid for 18 months. Lab exams must be attempted within 18 months of the written exam. CCIE candidates may not schedule a lab exam until a passing score is received on the written exam. Candidates must retake the written exam if the lab exam is not passed within 3 years.

CCIE Collaboration:
   - CCIE Collaboration Written Exam: 400-051
   - CCIE Collaboration Lab Exam

CCIE Data Center:
   - CCIE Data Center Written Exam: 350-080
   - CCIE Data Center Lab Exam

CCIE Routing and Switching:
   - CCIE Routing and Switching Written Exam: 400-101
   - Routing and Switching Lab Exam

CCIE Security:
   - CCIE Security Written Exam: 350-018
   - CCIE Security Lab Exam

CCIE Service Provider:
   - CCIE SP Written Exam: 350-029
   - CCIE SP Lab Exam

CCIE Service Provider Operations:
   - CCIE SP Operations Written Exam v1.0: 350-060
   - CCIE SP Operations Practical Exam

CCIE Wireless:
   - CCIE Wireless Written Exam: 350-050
   - CCIE Wireless Lab Exam
Cost per ExamWritten exam: $400 USD or equivalent worldwide.
Lab exam: $1,600 USD or equivalent worldwide.

Note: Exam rates vary based on exchange rates and local taxes (VAT, GST)
URLwww.cisco.com/web/learning/certifications/expert/index.html
Self-Study MaterialsFree self-assessments available through the Cisco Learning Network Store. Other learning opportunities include study documents, recommended reading, test examples, training opportunities, online communities, study groups and more, all available through the Cisco Learning Network.
Beyond the Top 5: More Networking Certs

Outside of the top 6 networking certifications, there are lots of other choices for networking professionals to investigate and pursue. Many major networking vendors, including Juniper,BrocadeAlcatel-LucentF5 and even HP, offer networking focused credentials that ascend all the way to advanced or expert level credentials. Serious network professionals will also want to check out the certifications offered by AvayaCitrix and Extreme Networks.
If you don't see something you like in our short list of the leading networking certs, that doesn't mean there's nothing else to choose from, by any means. As you explore your options, take a look at some of our networking-related certification and career options:

{ 1 comments... read them below or add one }


  1. I get a lot of great information from this blog. Thanks for sharing this valuable information to our vision. You have posted a trust worthy blog keep sharing.
    Online Data Scientist

    ReplyDelete

Pageviews

Followers

Powered by Blogger.

- Copyright © 2013 Selva Sharing -Selvasharing- Powered by Blogger - Designed by @ Access -