Top 10 Infrastructure Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for infrastructure engineers in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the engineer has the relevant knowledge and skill set necessary to perform their job. Certifications are also a sign of commitment, as they require time and energy to complete. Employers may view certifications as a sign of dedication to one's profession and may be more likely to hire someone with certifications than an individual without them. Lastly, certifications can help infrastructure engineers stand out from other applicants and potentially increase their earning potential.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Infrastructure Engineers and explains how they can help to advance an infrastructure engineer's career.

What are Infrastructure Engineer Certifications?

Infrastructure engineer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in designing, building, and maintaining computer networks, systems, and applications. It is a comprehensive program designed to help individuals develop the skills necessary to work in the field of IT infrastructure engineering. This certification covers topics such as network design, server administration, storage systems, security protocols, virtualization, cloud computing, and more.

The infrastructure engineer certification can be beneficial for several reasons. First of all, it provides a way for individuals to demonstrate their expertise in this field. By having this certification employers can rest assured that an individual has the necessary qualifications to do the job correctly. This certification also offers individuals with career advancement opportunities as it shows employers that they are committed to their profession and willing to continue learning new technologies. Finally, it gives individuals recognition from peers in the industry which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing any infrastructure engineer certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications for the specific certification you are considering. This will help you ensure that you have the necessary knowledge and experience needed to successfully complete the certification process. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on new developments in the field of infrastructure engineering, as certifications may change or be updated over time.

Related: What does an Infrastructure Engineer do?

Top 10 Infrastructure Engineer Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, deploying, and managing Microsoft cloud solutions. This certification validates an individual’s ability to build and maintain the cloud infrastructure for applications based on Microsoft Azure, Windows Server 2012/2016, Hyper-V, System Center, and other related technologies.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure exam. Preparation can include attending instructor-led courses such as Microsoft Official Courses (MOC) or self-paced online training such as Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA). Additionally, individuals should be familiar with the topics covered in the exam objectives and have hands-on experience with the related technologies.

To get the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, individuals must pass one of two exams: Exam 70-532 Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions or Exam 70-533 Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions. Both exams are available through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

The cost of each exam is $165 USD.

2. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing and Switching

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing and Switching is a professional-level certification for IT professionals who are looking to expand their knowledge and skills in routing, switching, and troubleshooting of Cisco networks. The CCNP Routing and Switching certification validates the ability to plan, implement, verify and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks.

To obtain the CCNP Routing and Switching certification, you must pass three exams: 300-101 ROUTE, 300-115 SWITCH, and 300-135 TSHOOT. The exams cover topics such as network fundamentals, IP addressing services, security fundamentals, routing protocols, switching technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, infrastructure maintenance, quality of service (QoS), virtual private networks (VPNs), network optimization techniques.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete all three exams required for the CCNP Routing and Switching certification. However this timeframe can vary depending on individual learning progress.

The cost of the CCNP Routing and Switching certification depends on your location as well as the type of training materials you choose to use. Generally speaking though it will cost around $1000-$1500 USD for all three exams combined.

3. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a certification offered by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking technologies. It is designed to provide a vendor-neutral foundation for IT professionals who work with network hardware, software, and services.

To get the CompTIA Network+ certification, you must pass the Network+ exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. You must score at least 720 points out of 900 possible points to pass the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $300 USD to take the exam at a testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Prometric. You can also purchase practice exams and study materials from CompTIA or other vendors.

Once you have passed the Network+ exam, your certification will be valid for three years before you need to recertify. To recertify, you must either retake the Network+ exam or complete continuing education credits (CEUs).

4. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an industry-recognized certification from Amazon Web Services (AWS). It validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in designing, deploying, and operating applications and infrastructure on the AWS platform.

It typically takes 3-6 months of studying to prepare for the exam. To get the certification, you must pass a multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as networking, storage, security, compute services, databases, and more. The exam consists of 65 questions and has a time limit of 130 minutes.

The cost of the exam is $150 USD. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online with an approved proctoring service.

5. VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) is a certification program offered by VMware that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in virtualizing data centers. It is designed to demonstrate that the individual has the technical expertise to install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments.

It typically takes around three months to get VCP-DCV certified. The process involves attending a training course, passing an exam, and completing a hands-on lab exercise. The training course can be taken either online or in person. The exam must be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost of getting VCP-DCV certified depends on the type of training chosen. Online courses are usually cheaper than in-person courses but may not provide as much hands-on experience as an in-person course would. The cost of the exam also varies depending on which country it is taken in and whether or not it is taken with a voucher or other discount offer.

In addition to the cost of the training and exam, there may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as proctoring fees or travel costs if taking an in-person course away from home.

6. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program from Red Hat that validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of system administrators in the Linux operating system. It is designed to demonstrate a level of proficiency in administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The certification is applicable to both physical and virtual systems.

The RHCSA exam consists of two parts: a performance-based exam and a multiple-choice exam. The performance-based exam requires candidates to perform real-world tasks on a live system while the multiple-choice exam tests their knowledge of concepts related to Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

It typically takes around 30 hours of study time to prepare for the RHCSA exam. Candidates should have prior experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux or another Linux distribution before attempting the certification.

To get certified, candidates must register for an RHCSA exam at an authorized testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

7. Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate Certification

Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate Certification is a professional-level certification that validates a candidate’s skills in managing cloud services, including the design, implementation, monitoring and maintenance of Microsoft Azure solutions. It demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage cloud-based technologies and services in order to meet organizational needs.

The certification exam takes about two hours to complete and is available in multiple languages. The exam covers topics such as configuring and deploying virtual machines, creating and managing storage accounts, managing networks, monitoring resources, implementing identity solutions, implementing disaster recovery solutions, and more.

To get the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate Certification you must first pass the AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam. This exam requires knowledge of core Azure services such as compute, storage, network security groups and virtual networks. You must also have experience with PowerShell scripting and command line tools for automation purposes.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $99-$165 USD. After passing the exam you will be officially certified as a Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate.

8. Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE)

The Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE) is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced Linux system administrators. The LFCE certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates an administrator’s ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Linux systems in a variety of environments.

To earn the LFCE certification, candidates must pass a two-part exam which consists of a performance-based lab exam and a multiple-choice exam. The performance-based lab exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Linux systems in real time. The multiple-choice exam covers topics such as system architecture, networking, security, system administration, scripting, and more.

The entire process of earning the LFCE certification can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the individual's experience level and study habits. Candidates should plan ahead by setting aside enough time for studying before attempting the exams.

The cost of the LFCE certification varies depending on the country in which you are located; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD for both parts of the exam combined.

9. Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCP-N)

Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCP-N) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in Citrix networking technologies. It validates the ability to design, deploy and manage a network infrastructure that supports Citrix products. This certification requires passing two exams: 1Y0-230: Citrix ADC 12 Essentials and Traffic Management and 1Y0-240: Citrix NetScaler 12 Essentials and Unified Gateway.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CCP-N certification, depending on your experience level with the technology. To get started, you should review the official courseware from Citrix Education, which includes instructor-led training courses and self-paced eLearning options. You can also find practice tests online to help prepare for the exams.

The cost of the CCP-N certification depends on which exam you choose to take first. The 1Y0-230 exam costs $200 USD while the 1Y0-240 exam costs $250 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exams such as proctoring fees or travel expenses if you need to take them at a physical testing center.

10. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP-ENT)

The Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP-ENT) is a professional certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of enterprise routing and switching. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise in configuring, troubleshooting, and managing Juniper Networks enterprise routing and switching solutions.

The JNCIP-ENT certification requires passing two exams: JN0-647 (Enterprise Routing & Switching) and JN0-648 (Enterprise Troubleshooting). The exams are administered by Pearson VUE and the cost for each exam is $400 USD.

In order to prepare for the JNCIP-ENT exam, it is recommended that individuals have at least three years of experience working with Juniper Networks products. It is also recommended that individuals have taken official Juniper training courses such as the Junos Enterprise Routing course or the Junos Enterprise Switching course. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help individuals prepare for the exam.

The time required to complete both exams will vary depending on an individual’s experience level and preparation methods. However, typically it takes between one and two months to study for both exams.

Once an individual has successfully passed both exams they will be awarded the JNCIP-ENT certification which is valid for three years from the date of completion. After three years, individuals must recertify by taking either a new version of the same exam or a different exam altogether in order to maintain their certification status.

Do You Really Need a Infrastructure Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and ambitions. For some, having an infrastructure engineer certificate may be beneficial in order to gain credibility in the field. It can also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of infrastructure engineering.

Having a certificate can demonstrate technical proficiency and knowledge of the latest technologies used in the industry. It is also a great way to show potential employers that you have taken the time to further your education and skills in this particular field. In some cases, having an infrastructure engineer certificate may even open up opportunities for advancement or higher-paying positions within companies.

On the other hand, it is not necessary for everyone who wishes to become an infrastructure engineer. Some people may find that they can learn all they need through self-study and hands-on experience with systems and networks. Others may prefer to take more traditional routes such as attending college courses or getting an apprenticeship. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what path best suits them in order to achieve their career goals.

Related: Infrastructure Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Infrastructure Engineer Certifications

Q1. What certifications are available for Infrastructure Engineers?

A1. There are several certifications available for Infrastructure Engineers, such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Cloud Platform and Infrastructure, CompTIA Network+ and Server+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Professional Cloud Architect.

Q2. How do I become an Infrastructure Engineer?

A2. To become an Infrastructure Engineer, you will need to earn a degree in computer science or a related field, gain experience with the necessary technologies, and pursue relevant certifications such as those listed above.

Q3. What is the best certification for Infrastructure Engineers?

A3. The best certification for Infrastructure Engineers depends on your goals and the technologies you plan to work with. Generally speaking, MCSE Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is considered one of the most comprehensive certifications for infrastructure engineers.

Q4. How much does an Infrastructure Engineer Certification cost?

A4. The cost of an Infrastructure Engineer Certification varies depending on the specific certification you are pursuing; however, most range from $200 - $500 USD per exam or course.

Q5. How long does it take to get certified as an Infrastructure Engineer?

A5. The amount of time it takes to get certified as an Infrastructure Engineer depends on your prior experience with the technology and how much time you can dedicate to studying; however, most certifications can be completed in 1-2 months if studied full-time or 3-6 months if studied part-time