Top 11 Network Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for network designers to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. They can help prove to employers that they have a strong understanding of networking concepts and principles, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and configure networking systems. Certifications can also provide evidence that a network designer is capable of staying current with industry trends and technologies. Additionally, certifications can open up career opportunities, such as helping a network designer stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or negotiating higher salaries.

This article reviews the top certifications for Network Designers and explains how they can help to enhance a network designer's career.

What are Network Designer Certifications?

Network designer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and managing networks. A network designer certification can help individuals to become qualified for a wide range of jobs related to networking, such as network engineer, network administrator, or network architect. It can also help them to stand out from the competition when applying for these positions.

Network designer certifications are offered by several organizations, including Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, Juniper Networks, and more. They cover a variety of topics related to networking such as routing protocols, switching technologies, system design principles and processes, security measures such as firewalls and access control lists (ACLs), virtual private networks (VPNs), wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and much more.

Having a network designer certification indicates that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills necessary to build secure computer networks. It also demonstrates their commitment to staying current with the latest trends in networking technology. Employers value this type of certification because it shows that they have invested in the development of their employees’ skills and abilities. As a result, individuals with a network designer certification may have better job prospects than those without one.

Pro Tip: When considering a network designer certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and ensure that the certification you select is recognized by industry professionals. Additionally, stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies to ensure that your certification remains relevant.

Related: What does a Network Designer do?

Top 11 Network Designer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Network Designers today.

1. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a professional-level certification offered by Cisco Systems. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals who work with Cisco networking solutions. The CCNP certification is one of the most sought-after certifications in the industry, and it demonstrates an individual’s ability to design, implement, configure, and troubleshoot complex enterprise networks.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for the CCNP certification. To obtain the CCNP certification, you must first pass four exams: ROUTE (300-101), SWITCH (300-115), TSHOOT (300-135), and DESGN (300-320). After passing these exams, you will be eligible for the CCNP certification.

The cost of obtaining your CCNP certification depends on several factors such as exam fees, training materials, and any other associated costs. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend around $2,000 - $3,000 USD for all four exams required for the CCNP certification.

2. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ certification is a globally recognized industry standard for validating the knowledge and skills of IT professionals working in network administration, support, and operations. It is designed to validate an individual’s ability to troubleshoot, configure, and manage both wired and wireless networks.

The exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To get certified, you must pass the CompTIA Network+ exam with a score of 720 or higher on a scale of 100-900. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $250-$300 USD.

To prepare for the exam, you can take online courses or attend instructor-led classes offered by CompTIA or other training providers. You can also use study guides, practice tests, and other resources available online to help you prepare for the exam.

3. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JNCIS)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JNCIS) is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of Juniper network technologies. The JNCIS certification is designed for professionals who design, implement, configure, and troubleshoot Juniper networks.

To become a JNCIS certified professional, you must successfully complete two exams: JN0-103 and JN0-361. Both exams must be taken at an authorized testing center. The JN0-103 exam focuses on routing fundamentals while the JN0-361 exam covers advanced Juniper routing topics.

The time required to complete the two exams varies depending on your experience level and study habits. Generally speaking, it takes around four weeks to prepare for both exams if you are studying full time.

In order to get your JNCIS certification, you must first register with Pearson VUE and pay the associated fees ($150 per exam). Once you have registered with Pearson VUE, you can schedule your exams at any authorized testing center near you.

The cost of obtaining a JNCIS certification depends on how many exams you need to take in order to obtain it. Each exam costs $150 so if you need to take both exams then the total cost would be $300 plus any additional fees associated with registering with Pearson VUE or taking your exams at an authorized testing center.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing Microsoft cloud-based solutions. The certification covers topics such as Windows Server, System Center, Azure, security, networking, storage, virtualization, and identity management.

It typically takes between six months to a year to get the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification. To get the certification you must pass one or more exams related to the topics mentioned above. You can find out more information about the specific exams required for this certification on Microsoft’s website.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on which ones you take and where you take them. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $165 USD.

5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional is a certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates an individual’s technical expertise and experience in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform. The certification requires a comprehensive understanding of AWS services, their features, and how to use them to design secure, reliable, cost-effective solutions.

The exam for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification takes about 170 minutes and consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions. To prepare for the exam, candidates should have at least two years of hands-on experience designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform. They should also have an in-depth knowledge of one or more programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, or Node.js; familiarity with relational databases; experience with web services; understanding of network technologies; and knowledge of security best practices.

To get certified as an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, candidates must pass both the Associate level exam (which covers basic AWS concepts) and the Professional level exam (which covers advanced topics). Candidates can take either exam online through a proctored environment or in person at an authorized testing center.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on which option you choose. For online proctored exams, it costs $300 USD per exam; for in-person exams at an authorized testing center it costs $400 USD per exam.

6. VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)

VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who are responsible for designing, deploying, and managing VMware NSX environments. The certification is offered by VMware and recognized by the industry as an important credential for networking professionals.

The VCP-NV certification requires candidates to pass two exams: a qualifying exam and a hands-on lab exam. The qualifying exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of NSX architecture, components, features, and use cases. The hands-on lab exam tests the candidate’s ability to configure and troubleshoot an NSX environment.

It typically takes around three months to complete the certification process from start to finish. Candidates must first register for the qualifying exam at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Once they have passed that exam, they can then register for the hands-on lab exam at one of VMware’s authorized training centers.

The cost of the VCP-NV certification varies depending on where you take your exams and which training center you choose for your hands-on lab exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD in total for both exams.

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

Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCP-N) is a certification program offered by Citrix that validates the skills and knowledge required to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex network solutions. It is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for managing Citrix NetScaler environments. The CCP-N certification covers topics such as networking fundamentals, networking protocols, NetScaler features, traffic management, and security.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CCP-N exam. To get the certification, you must pass a two-hour written exam with a minimum score of 70%. The exam fee is $200 USD.

You can find study materials on the Citrix website or from third-party vendors like ExamCollection or PrepAway. You can also take instructor-led courses offered by Citrix partners like Global Knowledge or New Horizons which will help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider but they usually range from $500 to $2,000 USD.

8. HP Master ASE – Data Center and Network Infrastructure Architect V2

HP Master ASE – Data Center and Network Infrastructure Architect V2 is a certification program designed to validate the skills of IT professionals who design, deploy, and manage data center solutions. It is an advanced level certification that requires a combination of technical knowledge and experience.

It takes approximately two years to complete the requirements for this certification. In order to become certified, candidates must pass three exams: HPE0-V14 (Foundations of HPE Storage Solutions), HPE0-V15 (Designing HPE Hybrid IT Solutions) and HPE0-V16 (Implementing Advanced HPE Hybrid IT Solutions).

Candidates can register for the exams through Pearson VUE, which provides online proctoring services for all of the exams. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken; however, they typically range from $100-$200 USD per exam.

To maintain their certification, individuals must recertify every three years by passing one additional exam or completing an approved training course.

9. Brocade Accredited Ethernet Fabric Design Specialist

Brocade Accredited Ethernet Fabric Design Specialist (BEFDS) is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to design, deploy, and manage Brocade Ethernet Fabric solutions. The BEFDS certification validates an individual’s expertise in designing and deploying Brocade Ethernet Fabrics.

The BEFDS certification requires completion of two courses: the Brocade Ethernet Fabric Fundamentals course and the Brocade Ethernet Fabric Design course. Both courses must be completed within one year of starting the program.

The cost for the BEFDS program is $3,000 USD per student for both courses. This cost includes all materials, lab access, instructor-led training, and exam fees.

Once both courses have been completed and exams passed, individuals will receive their official BEFDS certificate from Brocade.

10. Alcatel-Lucent Triple Play Services Expert Certification

Alcatel-Lucent Triple Play Services Expert Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver end-to-end triple play services over IP networks. It is an advanced certification that covers topics such as IPTV, VoIP, and broadband access technologies.

The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Triple Play Services, Advanced Triple Play Services, and Professional Triple Play Services. Each course takes approximately two weeks to complete and includes a final exam. The total time required for completion of all three courses is about six weeks.

To get certified, you must pass the final exams for each course with a score of at least 80%. You will also need to submit proof of experience in the field of triple play services or related areas. This can include relevant work experience or certifications from other organizations.

The cost of the Alcatel-Lucent Triple Play Services Expert Certification program varies depending on where you take the courses. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 USD for all three courses and exams.

11. Extreme Networks ExtremeXOS Core Technology Certification

Extreme Networks ExtremeXOS Core Technology Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of network design, implementation, and troubleshooting using Extreme Networks’ ExtremeXOS operating system. It is an advanced-level certification that provides individuals with the necessary skills to work with enterprise networks.

The ExtremeXOS Core Technology Certification consists of two exams: EXOS-CORE-101 and EXOS-CORE-102. The first exam covers topics such as networking fundamentals, routing protocols, switching technologies, virtualization, and security. The second exam focuses on more advanced topics such as traffic management, high availability, quality of service (QoS), multicast routing, and wireless networking.

In order to obtain the ExtremeXOS Core Technology Certification, individuals must successfully pass both exams within a three year period. Each exam costs $125 USD and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide or online through the Pearson VUE website. Both exams are multiple choice with a total of 70 questions each. The time limit for each exam is 90 minutes.

Overall, obtaining the ExtremeXOS Core Technology Certification requires a total investment of $250 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exams at a Pearson VUE testing center.

Do You Really Need a Network Designer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you are looking to break into the field of network design, then a Network Designer Certificate can be extremely beneficial. It is important to note that not all employers require a certificate in order to be considered for a network designer position. However, having a Network Designer Certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully design and implement networks.

Having a Network Designer Certificate will also give you an edge over candidates with no certification when competing for jobs. Having a certification shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to specialize in network design and are serious about making it your career. Furthermore, many companies may offer higher salaries or more desirable positions to those with certifications as they are seen as being more qualified and experienced than those without them.

In addition, having a certificate also gives you access to exclusive industry events such as conferences and workshops where you can learn from other professionals in the field and build valuable relationships with potential employers or business partners. This can open up many opportunities for future employment or collaborations that could further advance your career in network design.

In conclusion, although it is not absolutely essential for success in the field of network design, obtaining a Network Designer Certificate can provide many benefits that may help propel your career forward faster than if you had no certification at all. It is ultimately up to you whether or not obtaining such a certificate is worth the investment of time and money; however, it can be an invaluable asset when competing for jobs or networking within the industry.

Related: Network Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Network Designer Certifications

1. What is a Network Designer Certification?

A Network Designer Certification is a type of professional certification which demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting network systems. It provides employers with assurance that the job candidate is qualified to work on their networks.

2. What types of certifications are available?

There are several different types of certifications for network designers, including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE), CompTIA Network+, and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

3. How do I become certified?

In order to become certified, you must complete the necessary training courses and pass the associated exams. You may also need to have some hands-on experience with network design before taking the certification exams.

4. How long does certification last?

Certification typically lasts for three years, but can be renewed by taking additional courses or passing additional exams as needed.

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Network Designer Certifications can provide many benefits such as improved job opportunities, higher salaries, access to more advanced technology, and increased credibility among peers in the field.