Top 10 Field Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a field engineer in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the engineer has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties. Certifications also provide assurance to employers that the engineer has been trained and tested in a particular area of engineering and is qualified to do the job. Additionally, certifications can help an engineer stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market and can lead to higher pay or better positions. Finally, certifications may be required by certain employers or industries, so having them may be essential for getting hired.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Field Engineers and explains how they can help advance a field engineer's career.

What are Field Engineer Certifications?

Field engineer certification is a type of professional certification that verifies the competency and knowledge of individuals in the field of engineering. It is awarded to professionals who demonstrate an understanding of various engineering principles, techniques, and processes. This certification can help individuals gain credibility in their respective fields and increase their chances for employment. It also helps employers identify qualified engineers with the right set of skills and competencies needed to complete projects successfully. Furthermore, it provides a way for engineers to stay up-to-date on new technologies and advancements in their field, as well as keep abreast of industry best practices. Finally, having a field engineer certification can help boost an individual's salary potential.

Pro Tip: Always ensure that your field engineer certification is up-to-date. Staying current with the latest industry standards and technology will help you stay ahead of the competition and remain an effective professional in your field.

Related: What does a Field Engineer do?

Top 10 Field Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Field Engineers today.

1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems that validates the ability of an individual to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. The CCNA certification is the most popular entry-level certification for IT professionals interested in pursuing a career in networking.

It typically takes about six months to one year of study and practice to prepare for the CCNA exam. To obtain the CCNA certification, individuals must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2).

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on location, but it typically costs around $300 per exam. The cost of training materials and resources can vary widely depending on what type of material you choose.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also have at least one year of experience working with Cisco products before they can become certified.

2. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills in designing, implementing, and administering Windows-based networks. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in Microsoft products and technologies.

In order to obtain the MCSE certification, individuals must pass one or more exams that assess their knowledge of Windows Server, networking infrastructure, Active Directory, system security, messaging systems, and other related topics. The exact number of exams required varies depending on the version of the MCSE certification being sought.

The length of time it takes to get an MCSE depends on the individual's experience level and how much time they can devote to studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to a year or more to complete all the necessary exams.

To get an MCSE certification, individuals must register for and pass each exam associated with their desired certification. Exams can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE. Each exam costs between $125 and $165 USD depending on which version of the MCSE is being sought.

Overall, obtaining an MCSE certification requires dedication and commitment but can open up many doors for those looking for career advancement in IT-related fields.

3. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-leading entry-level certification for IT professionals. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, as well as networking and security. CompTIA A+ is recognized by many employers as a valuable credential for entry-level IT professionals.

It typically takes between six months and two years to complete the CompTIA A+ certification process, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. To get certified, you must pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams cover topics such as installation, configuration, diagnostics, preventive maintenance, networking technologies, security and operational procedures.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 per exam or $400 for both exams. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations or if you need special accommodations.

4. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in network technologies, installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security, and management. It is designed to provide a foundation for those seeking entry-level positions in the field of networking.

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, you must score 700 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To get CompTIA Network+, you must first register for the exam by visiting the CompTIA website. After registering, you will need to study for the exam with materials such as books, practice tests, and online courses. Once you feel prepared for the exam, you can schedule your test date with a testing center near you.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Network+ certification exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $300 USD.

5. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program from VMware that validates an individual's skills in virtualization and cloud computing. It is designed to demonstrate expertise in the installation, configuration, and management of VMware vSphere environments. To become a VCP, you must first pass the VCP exam, which tests your knowledge of VMware products and technologies. The exam typically takes around three hours to complete.

To get the VCP certification, you must first take an authorized training course from VMware or one of its approved partners. Once you have completed the course, you will be eligible to take the VCP exam. You can find a list of authorized training courses on the VMware website.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the type of training course you take and whether or not you are a member of VMware's Partner Network. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $2,000 USD for the training course and exam fee combined.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official VCP certificate and digital badge to showcase your accomplishment.

6. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an entry-level certification from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates a candidate’s technical skills and knowledge of the AWS platform. This certification demonstrates a candidate’s ability to design, deploy, and manage applications on the AWS cloud.

The exam typically takes around 80 minutes to complete and consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions. The exam covers topics such as designing highly available, cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on the AWS platform. Candidates must also demonstrate their understanding of core AWS services such as Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, Amazon RDS, Amazon VPC, and more.

To get certified, candidates must first register for the exam through the AWS website. Once registered, they can take the exam at an approved testing center or online using a proctored system. The cost of taking the exam varies by region but typically ranges between $150-$300 USD.

Candidates who pass the exam will receive an official certificate from AWS that is valid for three years from the date of passing. To maintain certification status after this period expires, candidates must retake and pass the exam again before their current certificate expires.

7. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) is a certification program for IT professionals who have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to install, configure, and manage Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The RHCE certification is designed to demonstrate a professional’s ability to perform the tasks required of an advanced system administrator on Red Hat-based systems.

It typically takes about 6 months of study and practice to prepare for the RHCE exam. Candidates should have prior experience with Linux systems administration as well as knowledge of networking concepts such as DNS, DHCP, firewalls, and security. Additionally, it is recommended that candidates take a series of Red Hat-approved courses in order to better prepare for the exam.

In order to become an RHCE, candidates must pass a single exam administered by Red Hat. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

8. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of networking professionals who have demonstrated in-depth knowledge and experience with Juniper Network products. The JNCIE certification is considered one of the most prestigious certifications in the IT industry and it is recognized by employers as a sign of excellence.

In order to obtain the JNCIE certification, candidates must first pass an exam that tests their knowledge on Juniper Network products. The exam consists of two parts: an online written exam and a hands-on lab exam. The written exam covers topics such as routing protocols, network security, virtual private networks, and other related topics. The lab exam requires candidates to demonstrate their skills in configuring Juniper Network products in a simulated environment.

The entire process typically takes 4-6 months to complete depending on the individual’s level of preparation and dedication. Candidates should plan to spend at least 40 hours studying for the written exam and another 40 hours for the lab exam.

The cost for obtaining the JNCIE certification varies depending on which type of training you choose. Generally speaking, self-study materials can cost anywhere from $200-$500 while instructor-led training can range from $2,000-$4,000 or more depending on the provider. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking each part of the JNCIE certification exam which can range from $100-$300 per part.

9. Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-1)

Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-1) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of Linux professionals. LPIC-1 is the first level of the Linux Professional Institute's professional certification program and is targeted at system administrators working on the Linux operating system. The LPIC-1 certification covers topics such as installation, configuration, and maintenance of Linux systems, as well as basic security, networking, and troubleshooting.

It typically takes between one to two months to prepare for the LPIC-1 exam, depending on your experience with Linux. To get certified, you must pass two exams: Exam 101 (LPI 101) and Exam 102 (LPI 102). Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE and can be taken at any authorized testing center worldwide.

The cost of taking the LPIC-1 exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $200-$250 USD per exam.

10. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with an entry-level understanding of core technology concepts. The MTA certification serves as a stepping stone into the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program, which offers more advanced certifications.

The MTA certification consists of nine exams that cover topics such as Windows Operating System Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals, Networking Fundamentals, and Software Development Fundamentals. Each exam has a different length and cost associated with it.

It typically takes around 2-3 months to complete all the exams required for the MTA certification. During this time, you should be studying and preparing for each exam using a variety of resources such as textbooks, online courses, practice tests, and video tutorials.

The cost of the MTA certification varies depending on which exams you take and where you take them. Generally speaking, most exams cost between $99-$150 USD per exam. However, some discounts may be available if you purchase multiple exams at once or if you are part of an educational institution or organization that has partnered with Microsoft for discounted rates.

Overall, the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is an excellent way to gain foundational knowledge in core technology concepts and prepare yourself for more advanced certifications down the line.

Do You Really Need a Field Engineer Certificate?

A field engineer certificate is a credential that validates an individual's ability to install, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of communication networks. This type of certification is often required by employers in order to demonstrate an employee’s knowledge and experience in the field.

Whether or not you need a field engineer certificate will depend on your career goals and objectives. If you are looking to work as a network engineer, system administrator, or any other position related to computer networking, then having this type of certification can be beneficial. It can help you stand out from other applicants and may even give you an edge in salary negotiations. Additionally, some employers may require a certification as part of their hiring process.

However, if you do not plan to pursue a career involving network engineering or administration, then obtaining a field engineer certificate may not be necessary. In these cases, it may be more beneficial for you to focus your time and energy on other areas such as developing your technical skills or gaining industry experience through internships or volunteer work.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a field engineer certificate will depend on what your career goals are and how important having the certification is for achieving those goals. If the potential benefits outweigh the cost and effort involved in obtaining the certification, then it may be worth pursuing. However, if your goals can still be achieved without it, then it may not necessarily be worth the investment of time and resources.

Related: Field Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Field Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Field Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Field Engineer Certification is an industry-recognized credential that verifies a professional’s knowledge and skills in the areas of installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer systems, networks, and other related equipment.

2. How do I become certified as a Field Engineer?

Answer: To become certified as a Field Engineer, you must complete an approved certification program that includes courses on hardware and software support, network topology and protocols, troubleshooting techniques, and more.

3. Do I need to pass an exam to get my Field Engineer Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require you to pass an exam in order to earn your Field Engineer Certification.

4. What are the benefits of having a Field Engineer Certification?

Answer: Having a Field Engineer Certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence and proficiency in the field of engineering and gives you an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions. It also helps employers identify qualified professionals who understand current technology trends and can be trusted with important tasks.

5. Is there any ongoing education requirement after I receive my certification?

Answer: Yes, many certifications require continuing education credits (CECs) every few years in order to maintain your certification status. CECs are typically earned by attending conferences or taking online courses related to the field of engineering.