Earning one of the best networking certifications is a proven way to validate your skills, boost your earning potential, and unlock new career opportunities. As organizations increasingly rely on complex networks to support cloud computing, cybersecurity, and automation, certified professionals are in high demand. These certifications demonstrate your expertise and keep you ahead in a competitive job market.
The right certification can align your skills with industry demands, such as managing hybrid cloud environments, securing networks against growing threats, or automating network operations. Certifications provide a structured path to master networking technologies. They also offer a clear way to showcase your capabilities to employers and make you a valuable asset in any IT team.
When choosing a certification, it’s important to consider factors like your career stage, desired specialization, and preferred vendors, as well as the cost. This article will guide you through one of the best networking certifications to help you decide to advance your IT career.
Table of contents
- 15 Best Networking Certifications for 2025
- 1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- 2. CompTIA Network+
- 3. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- 4. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- 5. VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)
- 6. Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA-Junos)
- 7. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Infrastructure
- 8. SolarWinds Certified Professional
- 9. Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA)
- 10. F5 Networks Certified Technical Specialist
- 11. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- 12. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- 13. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
- 14. Cisco DevNet Professional
- 15. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- How to Choose the Right Certification
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
15 Best Networking Certifications for 2025
| Certification | Level | Cost | Key Focus |
| Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Entry-Level | $300 | Network fundamentals, IP connectivity, security basics, automation. |
| CompTIA Network+ | Foundational | $369 | Network fundamentals, infrastructure, operations, security, troubleshooting. |
| Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNA) | Professional | $400+$300 (per track) | Advanced enterprise networking, routing/switching, security, SD-WAN, automation. |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Foundational | $100 | Foundational AWS cloud concepts, services, security, pricing. |
| VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV) | Professional | $250 | VMware NSX installation, configuration, and administration. |
| Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA-Jonus) | Entry-Level | $200 | Juniper Junos OS fundamentals, routing, switching, security. |
| Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Infrastructure | Expert | $400 + $1600 | Expert-level network design, deployment, operation, and optimization. |
| SolarWinds Certified professional (SCP) | Intermediate | $200 | Proficiency in SolarWinds network and systems management products. |
| Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA) | Intermediate | $299 | Network traffic analysis and troubleshooting using Wireshark. |
| F5 Networks Certified Technical Specialist (F5-CTS) | Intermediate | $180 | Design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot F5 BIG-IP features. |
| ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | Management | $760 (for non-members) and $575 (for members) | Information security governance, program development, risk management, incident management. |
| (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Management | $749 | Advanced knowledge and skills in information security across eight domains. |
| Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect | Professional | $200 | Designing, developing, and managing secure and scalable solutions on Google Cloud. |
| Cisco DevNet professional | Professional | $400 | Developing and maintaining applications built on Cisco platforms, network automation. |
| Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) | Professional | $599 | Cloud security concepts, architecture, data security, platform and infrastructure, application security, operations, and compliance. |
1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The CCNA certification is one of the most respected certifications in IT networking. It validates your skills to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.
With CCNA, you will gain essential skills in network fundamentals, access, IP connectivity, security, automation, and more. To earn this certification, you must pass the 200-301 CCNA exam, which tests your knowledge across these key areas. There are no formal prerequisites, but Cisco recommends at least a year of experience in implementing and managing Cisco solutions.
With CCNA certification, you will gain skills in:
- Network infrastructure setup and maintenance
- IP addressing and subnetting
- Routing and switching technologies
- Network security fundamentals
- Wireless networking concepts
- Basic automation and programmability
Job roles suitable for CCNA-certified professionals include:
- Network Administrator – $83,252 per year
- Network Engineer – $101,602 per year
- Systems Administrator – $88,249 per year
- IT Support Specialist – $51,399 a year
- Network Analyst – $100,455 per year
- Technical Support Engineer – $82,466 per year
Read more: CCNA vs CCNP: Which is the Right Certification for You?
2. CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification proves your networking skills across different platforms, regardless of the vendor. It covers key topics like network fundamentals, infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting.
To earn this certification, you need to pass the N10-009 exam. There are no strict prerequisites, but CompTIA suggests having 9-12 months of hands-on experience in network support or administration. Having the CompTIA A+ certification can also help you prepare.
With Network+, you will gain skills in
- Configuring and managing wired and wireless networks
- Implementing network security measures
- Troubleshooting network issues
- Understanding cloud and virtualization concepts
- Deploying network devices and cabling
- Configuring IPv4 and IPv6 addressing
Job roles suitable for Network+ certified professionals include:
- Network Administrator – $83,252 per year
- Network Support Specialist – $79,813 per year
- Systems Administrator – $88,249 per year
- Network Technician – $63,931 per year
- IT Support Specialist – $51,399 a year
Read more: Network+ vs CCNA: Which Is Right for Your IT Career?
3. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
The CCNP is an advanced certification that proves your skills in planning, implementing, verifying, and troubleshooting complex enterprise networks. You can specialize in different tracks like Enterprise, Security, Service Provider, and Data Center based on your career goals.
you must pass a core exam and one concentration exam (of your choice). There are no formal prerequisites, but Cisco suggests having 3-5 years of experience in enterprise networking.
With CCNP, you will gain skills in
- Designing and implementing scalable enterprise networks
- Configuring and optimizing routing and switching technologies
- Implementing network security measures
- Troubleshooting complex network issues
- Working with advanced technologies like SD-WAN and network automation
- Understanding cloud integration and hybrid network architectures
Job roles suitable for CCNP-certified professionals include:
- Senior Network Engineer – $129,321 per year
- Network Architect – $149,680 per year
- IT Project Manager – $105427 per year
- Systems Engineer – $115162 per year
- Network Security Specialist – $105,940 per year
- Cloud Network Engineer – $114,548 per year
4. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is a great starting point if you’re new to cloud computing or work in a non-technical role but want to understand AWS. It validates your foundational knowledge of AWS Cloud services, architecture, security, and pricing.
To earn this certification, you must pass the CLF-C02 exam, which includes 65 questions and must be completed in 90 minutes. There are no formal prerequisites, but AWS suggests having basic IT knowledge and some hands-on experience with AWS services.
With AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, you will gain skills in
- Understanding of AWS Cloud concepts and value proposition
- Knowledge of core AWS services and their use cases
- Basic understanding of AWS security and compliance principles
- Familiarity with AWS pricing, billing, and support models
- Awareness of AWS global infrastructure and service models
Job roles suitable for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioners include:
- Cloud Business Analyst – $104,837 per year
- Project Manager – $91261 per year
- Sales Representative for cloud solutions – $147,715 per year
- Marketing Specialist for cloud services – $87,317 per year
- Entry-level Cloud Support Associate – $89,228 per year
- Junior Cloud Administrator – $103,142 per year
Read more: 20 Latest AWS Glue Interview Questions and Answers
5. VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)
The VCP-NV certification proves your skills to install, configure, and manage NSX virtual networking solutions, no matter the physical network architecture. It offers two tracks, NSX-V and NSX-T, to support different virtualization environments.
To earn this certification, you must pass both the VMware vSphere Foundations Exam and the VCP-NV exam. Although there are no strict prerequisites, VMware recommends 6-12 months of hands-on experience with NSX.
With VCP-NV, you will gain skills in:
- Installing and configuring NSX environments
- Implementing and managing logical switches and routers
- Configuring and troubleshooting network security services
- Setting up and monitoring edge services (DHCP, DNS, NAT)
- Implementing network segmentation and micro-segmentation
- Integrating NSX with third-party products and vRealize Automation
Job roles suitable for VCP-NV certified professionals include:
- Network Virtualization Engineer – $98,732 per year
- Cloud Network Architect – $148,109 per year
- Network Security Specialist – $105,940 per year
- VMware NSX Administrator – $97,170 per year
- Virtualization Consultant – $117,725 per year
6. Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA-Junos)
The Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA-Junos) is an entry-level certification that proves your understanding of networking fundamentals and the Junos operating system. It’s a great starting point if you are looking to build expertise in Juniper Networks technologies.
To earn this certification, you must pass a 90-minute JN0-105 exam, which includes 65 multiple-choice questions. There are no formal prerequisites, but Juniper recommends having basic networking knowledge and some hands-on experience with Junos OS. Your certification remains valid for three years. JNCIA-Junos is a foundation for more advanced Juniper certifications.
With JNCIA-Junos, you will validate your skills in:
- Understanding of networking fundamentals
- Junos OS configuration and management
- User interface navigation, particularly the command-line interface
- Basic routing concepts and implementation
- Configuring and monitoring routing policies and firewall filters
- Operational monitoring and maintenance of Junos devices
Job roles suitable for JNCIA-Junos certified professionals include:
- Junior Network Engineer – $85,607 per year
- Network Administrator – $83,252 per year
- Technical Support Engineer – $82,466 per year
- Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician – $75,777 per year
- Systems Administrator – $88,249 per year
7. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Infrastructure
The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification is the highest-level credential in Cisco’s enterprise networking track. It proves your expertise in planning, designing, implementing, and optimizing complex enterprise networks.
To earn this certification, you must pass the CCNP ENCOR (350-401) qualifying exam and an intensive 8-hour hands-on lab exam. The CCIE covers advanced topics like dual-stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture, network automation, security, and software-defined networking.
With CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, you demonstrate expert-level skills in:
- Advanced network design and architecture
- Complex routing and switching implementations
- Network automation and programmability
- Software-defined networking (SDN) and intent-based networking
- Network security and segmentation
- Cloud and hybrid network integration
- Troubleshooting complex network issues
Job roles suitable for CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certified professionals include:
- Senior Network Architect – $157,961 per year
- Principal Network Engineer – $147,152 per year
- Cloud Network Architect – $148,109 per year
- Network Automation Specialist – $101,279 per year
It’s worth noting that CCIE certification holders have reported a 75% increase in salary compared to other certifications.
8. SolarWinds Certified Professional
The SolarWinds Certified Professional (SCP) certification proves your expertise in managing and maintaining SolarWinds network and systems management products. It demonstrates that you have expertise in monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing IT infrastructure using SolarWinds tools.
To earn your SCP certification, you must pass a product-specific exam, conducted through PSI Services’ remote proctoring technology. There are no strict prerequisites, but SolarWinds recommends at least one year of experience in a technical role and six months of hands-on experience with SolarWinds products.
With this certification, you will validate skills such as:
- Configuring and customizing SolarWinds tools for specific IT environments
- Implementing network performance monitoring and management
- Troubleshooting complex IT infrastructure issues
- Using advanced features like PerfStack, NetPath, and AppStack
- Generating and interpreting reports for various stakeholders
Job roles suitable for SCP-certified professionals include:
- Network Administrator – $83,252 per year
- Systems Administrator – $88,249 per year
- IT Support Specialist – $51,399 a year
- Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician – $75,777 per year
- SolarWinds Administrator – $86,658 a year
9. Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA)
The Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA) certification proves your expertise in using Wireshark, the world’s leading network protocol analyzer. It demonstrates that you have the skills to analyze network traffic, troubleshoot performance issues, and detect security threats.
To earn this certification, you must pass a 90-minute exam with 65 multiple-choice questions. There are no formal prerequisites, but having at least six months of hands-on experience with Wireshark is recommended. You should also have a basic understanding of networking concepts and protocols.
With the WCNA certification, you will validate skills such as:
- Network traffic capture and analysis
- Protocol interpretation (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, etc.)
- Network performance troubleshooting
- Security threat detection
- Wireless network analysis
- Voice over IP (VoIP) traffic analysis
Job roles suitable for WCNA-certified professionals include:
- Network Analyst – $100,455 per year
- Cybersecurity Analyst – $102,483 per year
- Network Engineer – $101,602 per year
- Systems Administrator – $88,249 per year
- Penetration Tester – $112,913 per year
10. F5 Networks Certified Technical Specialist
The F5 Networks Certified Technical Specialist (F5-CTS) certification proves your ability to design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced F5 product features for optimizing application delivery networks. This certification lets you specialize in areas like BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM), Domain Name System (DNS), Application Security Manager (ASM), and Access Policy Manager (APM).
To earn the F5-CTS, you must first obtain the F5 Certified BIG-IP Administrator (F5-CA) certification. After that, you need to pass two exams related to your chosen specialization. Although there are no strict prerequisites, hands-on experience with F5 BIG-IP systems and a strong understanding of networking concepts like load balancing, DNS, and SSL/TLS are highly recommended.
With this certification, you will validate key skills such as:
- Advanced network design and architecture for F5 environments
- Implementation and optimization of F5 BIG-IP modules
- Troubleshooting complex application delivery issues
- Configuring and managing advanced security features
- Integration of F5 technologies with other platforms and products
Job roles suitable for F5-CTS certified professionals include:
- Senior Network Administrator – $108,759 per year
- F5 BIG-IP Specialist – $60,111 per year
- Application Delivery Engineer – $97,926 per year
- Network Security Specialist – $105,940 per year
- Cloud Network Architect – $148,109 per year
11. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM is a top-tier certification that proves your expertise in information security governance, program development, risk management, and incident management. It’s ideal if you are a mid-career IT professional looking to move into senior management roles in IT security and control.
To earn the CISM certification, you must pass a challenging 150-question exam. You will also need at least five years of experience in information security management, though some substitutions are allowed. Besides, you must follow ISACA’s Code of Ethics and commit to ongoing professional education to maintain your certification.
With CISM, you will validate skills such as:
- Establishing and maintaining information security governance frameworks
- Developing and managing comprehensive information security programs
- Analyzing and managing information risk aligned with organizational goals
- Implementing effective incident management and response strategies
- Aligning information security strategies with business objectives
Job roles suitable for CISM-certified professionals include:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – $235,019 per year
- Information Security Manager – $147,792 per year
- IT Director – $152,197 per year
- Security Architect – $163,329 per year
- Cybersecurity Consultant – $141,233 per year
- Risk Manager – $105,175 per year
12. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP is a globally valuable certification that proves your expertise in information security. It is the best option for cybersecurity professionals as it covers eight key areas of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).
To earn the certification, you must pass a challenging 3-hour CISSP exam with 100-150 questions and have at least five years of paid work experience in two or more CBK domains. If you don’t meet the experience requirement, you can become an Associate of (ISC)² and have six years to gain the necessary experience.
With CISSP, you will validate skills such as:
- Designing and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity programs
- Performing risk assessments and developing risk management strategies
- Implementing secure network architectures and protocols
- Managing identity and access control systems
- Performing security assessments and penetration testing
- Overseeing security operations and incident response
- Integrating security in software development lifecycles
Job roles suitable for CISSP-certified professionals include:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – $235,019 per year
- Information Security Manager – $147,792 per year
- Security Architect – $163,329 per year
- IT Director – $152,197 per year
- Cybersecurity Consultant – $141,233 per year
- Security Systems Engineer – $121,638
Read more: CISSP vs Security+: Which is Best for you in 2025?
13. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
The Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification proves your ability to design, develop, and manage secure, scalable, and high-availability solutions on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It’s a highly valued credential for organizations adopting cloud strategies.
To earn this certification, you must pass a challenging 2-hour exam with 50-60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, including case studies. There are no formal prerequisites, but Google recommends at least 3 years of industry experience, with 1+ years focused on designing and managing GCP solutions.
With this certification, you will validate skills such as:
- Designing and planning cloud solution architectures
- Managing and provisioning cloud infrastructure
- Implementing security and compliance measures
- Analyzing and optimizing technical and business processes
- Managing cloud architecture implementations
- Ensuring solution and operations reliability
Job roles suitable for Professional Cloud Architect certified professionals include:
- Cloud Solutions Architect – $143,697 per year
- Enterprise Architect – $153,740 per year
- Cloud Consultant – $133,807 per year
- Technical Lead – $133,884 per year
- DevOps Engineer – $109,425 per year
Read more: Which Google Cloud certification is best for me?
14. Cisco DevNet Professional
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification validates your expertise in developing and managing applications built on Cisco platforms. It connects networking with software development, making it valuable in IT.
To achieve this certification, you must pass two exams: a core exam (350-901 DEVCOR) focused on software development and design, plus one concentration exam in a specialization like enterprise automation, IoT, or security. There are no formal prerequisites, but Cisco recommends 3-5 years of experience in software development, including Python programming.
With the DevNet Professional certification, you will validate skills such as:
- Designing and implementing network automation solutions
- Developing applications using Cisco APIs and platforms
- Implementing DevOps practices and tools
- Configuring and managing cloud-based infrastructure
- Securing application deployments and network infrastructure
- Troubleshooting complex network and application issues
Job roles suitable for DevNet Professional certified individuals include:
- Network Automation Engineer – $101,158 per year
- DevOps Engineer – $109,425 per year
- Cloud Developer – $112,368 per year
- Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) – $124,580 per year
- Software Engineer specializing in network applications – $114,839 per year
- Network Programmability Specialist – $80,093 a year
15. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
CCSP from (ISC)² is a globally recognized certification that proves your expertise in cloud security. It covers six domains, including Cloud Concepts, Data Security, Infrastructure Security, Application Security, Security Operations, and Legal, Risk, and Compliance.
To earn this certification, you must pass a challenging 3-hour CCSP exam with 125 multiple-choice questions. You will also need at least five years of paid IT experience, with three years in information security and one year in cloud security.
With CCSP, you will validate skills such as:
- Designing and implementing secure cloud architectures
- Managing cloud data security and privacy
- Implementing cloud platform and infrastructure security measures
- Securing cloud applications and software development processes
- Conducting cloud security operations and incident response
- Meeting legal and regulatory requirements in cloud computing
Job roles suitable for CCSP-certified professionals include:
- Cloud Security Architect – $156,991 per year
- Cloud Security Engineer – $142,823 per year
- Information Security Manager – $147,792 per year
- Cloud Consultant – $133,807 per year
- Cybersecurity Solutions Architect – $136,741 per year
- Compliance Technology Specialist – $97,963 per year
Read more: CCSP vs CISSP: Which is Right for Your Career?
How to Choose the Right Certification
Selecting the best networking certifications for your career requires careful consideration of several factors. Here’s how to decide:
- Determine where you want to be in the next 3-5 years. Are you aiming for a specialist role in network security, or do you want to become a cloud architect?
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses in networking. This self-assessment will help you choose certifications that either build on your existing skills or fill knowledge gaps.
- Look into which certifications are most desirable by employers in your desired field. The best networking certifications align with industry trends and have high market value.
- Choose certifications from well-established organizations like Cisco, CompTIA, or (ISC)². These are widely recognized and respected in the IT industry.
- Make sure the certification covers the latest technologies and skills relevant to your career path. For instance, if you are interested in cloud networking, look for certifications that cover hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
- Consider the exam fees, study materials, and the time required for preparation. Some certifications may require significant investment, so make sure they fit your budget and schedule.
- The best network certifications often include practical exams or simulations. These validate your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, making you more attractive to employers.
- Choose certifications that offer long-term value. Some certifications require regular renewal, which helps you stay updated with the latest networking technologies.
- If you are new to networking, begin with entry-level certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA. These provide a solid base for more advanced certifications later in your career.
Considering these factors can help you pick the right networking certifications that match your career goals and open up more job opportunities in IT.
Wrapping Up
The networking certifications of 2025 focus on cloud computing, automation, and security. There are many opportunities to advance your career, from foundational certifications like CCNA and CompTIA Network+ to expert-level certifications such as CCIE and CISSP. The best approach is to choose certifications that match your career goals and align with the latest trends in AI, automation, and multi-cloud environments.
As technology progresses, staying updated with new certifications helps you remain competitive and in demand. These certifications offer practical skills that make a real impact in real-world scenarios.
If you are getting ready for these certifications, 591Cert offers comprehensive training and practice exams that closely mirror the actual tests. These resources can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success.
FAQs
CCNA is widely considered the best networking certification for most IT professionals in 2025. It covers essential networking concepts and is highly valued by employers. For entry-level professionals, CompTIA Network+ is an excellent alternative.
CCNA is generally considered better than Network+ due to its more in-depth coverage and focus on practical skills. CCNA is more advanced, covers a wider range of topics, and is more valued by employers. However, Network+ is a good starting point for beginners.
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is widely regarded as the most advanced and prestigious networking certification available. It requires extensive knowledge and experience, including passing a difficult 8-hour hands-on lab exam
For entry-level networking positions, CompTIA Network+ or CCNA are commonly required. More advanced roles may require specialized certifications like CCNP or cloud networking certifications.
The highest position in networking is typically a Network Architect or Chief Network Officer. These roles often require expert-level certifications like CCIE or JNCIE, along with extensive experience.
