Certifications can help IT professionals demonstrate their abilities and build an impressive resume, but they should not serve as a replacement for formal education or experience. CompTIA Network+ certification provides proof of knowledge for networking fundamentals across technologies. It makes an ideal entry-level credential for junior network administrators, field technicians and system engineers.
1. CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network+ certification validates your skills in installing, troubleshooting and managing wired and wireless networks. The internationally-recognized credential serves as an intermediate credential and prerequisite for many networking jobs; covering how to set up, troubleshoot and maintain computer networks used by modern businesses - its 90 question exam can be taken either at home or at an in-person examination center - it also serves as one of the core IT certification requirements of DoD 8570 which applies specifically to federal IT roles or contractor IT roles within these roles.
Network+ is an ideal starting point for IT professionals new to IT as it's vendor-neutral certification, but may lack depth of knowledge gained by passing more advanced exams or certifications with more specific goals. According to Lightcast's estimates, over 51,100 job listings posted in 2022 requested Network+ certification as an employment requirement.
Are You Deciding Between Network+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certifications? Consider Your Current or Desired Career Path When making this decision, one should take their current or desired career path into account. Both certifications can increase earning potential while showing you have a thorough knowledge of basic IT concepts; CCNA offers more of an in-depth knowledge of Cisco products and technologies while Network+ can increase confidence when troubleshooting hardware issues if working at an IT Help Desk; the N10-007 Exam didn't cover these technologies; while now the N10-008 version covers these emerging technologies as well.
2. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is an entry-level IT credential designed to validate your understanding of networking fundamentals. The course serves as an ideal foundation for IT professionals aiming to advance into more advanced networking roles.
The CCNA certification exam covers networking infrastructure, network basics, IP connectivity, security fundamentals and automation and programmability - topics which make this examination ideal for IT professionals working to manage networks across industries. As IT pros begin their networking careers, IT certification experts recommend starting off with vendor-neutral certification such as CompTIA Network+ to gain expertise across any tool or product while the CCNA test only covers Cisco products.
However, the CCNA credential provides IT professionals with a competitive advantage in their fields. Furthermore, it demonstrates your knowledge of recent trends and developments within IT; something which IT managers often require when hiring new staff members. IT professionals with CCNA certification are more likely to receive promotions within their current employer and also find other opportunities outside. The certification can also open doors to other IT jobs outside their current workplace.
3. Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA)
Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA) certification is an entry-level networking certification geared toward professionals with basic to intermediate knowledge of networks. It helps candidates develop an understanding of networking technology as a whole as well as Junos OS core functionality. Juniper offers various prep courses to assist candidates in preparation for the JNCIA exam; however, using them does not guarantee a passing score on this test.
Benefits of Juniper Networks certification include increasing your chance of advancement within the company, opening more job options, and broadening knowledge of their products and services. It can also open doors for those aiming to switch into another IT field; especially those seeking IT security specialists looking to hone their skills beyond basic network administration.
Juniper Networks offers an impressive array of certifications for networking professionals. No matter which track you choose, you could become an expert in routing, switching, data center or cloud networking; automation/DevOps or security are also popular paths of expertise - choosing wisely is key for your career success! Achieve a Juniper Networks associate certification will allow you to move up the career ladder while increasing salary - additionally it is a solid stepping stone toward more advanced certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). So if you want a change in IT career this is how best do it!
4. SolarWinds Certified Professional (SCP)
SolarWinds Orion Certification gives IT professionals an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, increase marketability and ensure efficient network infrastructure within their organizations. Furthermore, attaining this certification opens doors to new career opportunities as it proves that you possess the abilities required for proactive analysis and response of issues with SolarWinds tools.
Earning this certification provides numerous advantages, such as accessing NFR licenses for most (but not all) of the company's products in order to familiarize yourself with them before purchasing decisions are made. This demonstrates your in-depth knowledge about its traits and functionality as well as helping inform more informed purchasing decisions.
Another advantage of current certification paths is that they require you to pass an exam at a PSI Testing Center, thus limiting "paper MCEs" who don't actually know how to use any software. Employers will likely not hire anyone with an SCP certificate who only managed to pass an online test, therefore making your certification more trustworthy for employers.
If you're seeking certification with SolarWinds, take time to properly prepare. Gaining hands-on experience with their products or taking classes from an authorized trainer are great ways to do this, or simply read up on official materials can all help in this regard.