What are the best network certification exams to prepare for?

1 CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is one of the most widely recognized and respected network certification exams for beginners. It covers the fundamentals of network design, installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security, and management. It also introduces you to various network technologies, such as wireless, cloud, virtualization, and mobile. CompTIA Network+ is vendor-neutral, meaning it does not focus on specific products or vendors, but rather on general network principles and best practices. CompTIA Network+ is a good choice if you want to demonstrate your basic network knowledge and skills, or if you want to prepare for more advanced network certifications.

2 Cisco CCNA

Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is one of the most popular and valued network certification exams for intermediate-level network professionals. It covers the core aspects of network administration, such as routing, switching, security, wireless, automation, and programmability. It also focuses on Cisco products and solutions, such as Cisco IOS, Cisco Catalyst, Cisco Meraki, and Cisco DNA. Cisco CCNA is a good choice if you want to specialize in Cisco network technologies and solutions, or if you want to pursue higher-level Cisco certifications, such as CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) or CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert).

3 Juniper JNCIA

Juniper JNCIA (Juniper Networks Certified Associate) is another network certification exam for intermediate-level network professionals who work with Juniper products and solutions. It covers the basics of Juniper network architecture, design, configuration, troubleshooting, security, and automation. It also focuses on Juniper products and solutions, such as Junos OS, Juniper EX, Juniper MX, and Juniper SRX. Juniper JNCIA is a good choice if you want to specialize in Juniper network technologies and solutions, or if you want to pursue higher-level Juniper certifications, such as JNCIS (Juniper Networks Certified Specialist) or JNCIP (Juniper Networks Certified Professional).

4 AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is a network certification exam for network professionals who want to learn about cloud computing and AWS (Amazon Web Services). It covers the fundamentals of cloud computing, such as cloud concepts, cloud security, cloud architecture, and cloud pricing. It also covers the basics of AWS, such as AWS services, AWS regions, AWS support, and AWS billing. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is a good choice if you want to gain an overview of cloud computing and AWS, or if you want to prepare for more advanced AWS certifications, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer.

5 (ISC)2 SSCP

(ISC)2 SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) is a network certification exam for network professionals who want to enhance their network security skills and knowledge. It covers the seven domains of network security, such as access controls, security operations, risk management, cryptography, network security, systems security, and cloud security. It also covers the best practices and standards of network security, such as ISO, NIST, and COBIT. (ISC)2 SSCP is a good choice if you want to demonstrate your network security expertise and competence, or if you want to prepare for more advanced network security certifications, such as (ISC)2 CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?