Top Computer Networking Certifications

Certifications verify networking skills to current and future employers

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by Dori Reuscher
Dori Reuscher is an IT consultant, journalist, and technical writer specializing in computer certifications for graphic design and tech jobs.
Updated November 02, 2017

Networking certifications—like any reputable IT certification—verify your skills to current and future employers and pay off in increased income. Networking skills are valuable, and a certification gives you leverage over the competition when you are looking for a networking job. Some of the most valued networking certifications are listed here.

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CCNA - Cisco Certified Networking Associate Wireless Certification

The CCNA Wireless certification is one of the associate level certifications offered by Cisco to networking professionals. The CCNA is the foundation level of networking. Participants in the CCNA program expand their skills in Cisco network configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting

The Cisco training website supplies a list of self-study materials and network resources to help exam participants. It also recommends the Cisco-approved training available for this certification: the Implementing Cisco Wireless Network Fundamentals (WIFUND) course, which focuses on installing configuring, operating and troubleshooting.

Prerequisite: Any Cisco CCENT, CCNA Routing, and Switching, or CCIE certification.

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EMC Proven Professional Certification - Technology Architect Track

EMC certifications deal in information storage and management. The Architect level is the highest of the certifications offered. As you work towards this you focus on five areas: foundations, consolidation, backup, archiving, and protection of information. Certificate holders are qualified to analyze, design and architect EMC information infrastructure solutions.

Areas of specialties include Backup Recovery Solutions, Isilon Solutions, VMAX3 Solutions, VNX Solutions, EMC Availability Solutions and XtremiO Solutions.

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CWNP - CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administrator Certification

The CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administrator is a wireless LAN certification. It serves as the foundation of the CWNP program. It requires only a single exam and is an excellent certification for entry-level professionals. Areas covered by the CWNA include:

  • Wireless LAN Hardware and Software
  • Wireless Standards and Organizations
  • Network Design, Installation and Management
  • Antenna Concepts
  • RF Technologies
  • 802.11 Network Architecture

The CWNP website contains recommended self-study publications. 

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Micro Focus - CNE Certified Novell Engineer

The CNE certification for the Open Enterprise Server for NetWare track requires three exams and one technical skill assessment, while the Current Netware 6 CNE track requires only one course and exam. The CNE is considered an intermediate certification and does a good job of rounding out a certification profile by adding it to your CCIE or MCSE.  CNE certificate holders are qualified to solve advanced support problems and high-level network problems. Check the Micro Focus site for details.

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CompTia's Network+ Certification

The Network+ certification is a popular and valued certification for those who need general networking knowledge that is not vendor based. It covers the basics of installing, troubleshooting and configuring networking protocols and services. Most people need some experience before taking the exam and an A+ certification is recommended.