Top 10 Network Security Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for network security administrators in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate has a thorough understanding of network security concepts, tools and techniques. They also prove that the administrator is competent in the skills needed to protect an organization's sensitive data from cyber threats. Furthermore, certifications can help distinguish qualified professionals from those who do not have the necessary credentials or experience. Additionally, certifications can give candidates an advantage when competing for positions as they provide proof of their knowledge and commitment to their profession.

The article reviews the top certifications for Network Security Administrators and explains how they can enhance a network security administrator's career.

What are Network Security Administrator Certifications?

Network security administrator certification is a professional designation that demonstrates to employers and peers that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage network security in a variety of environments. Network security administrators are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of networks and information systems. This certification provides individuals with the credentials to prove their expertise in managing network security risks and implementing effective countermeasures.

The certification covers topics such as assessing risk, understanding firewalls and intrusion detection systems, configuring secure access control systems, developing policies and procedures, auditing networks for compliance with standards, troubleshooting network problems, and responding to security incidents. It also covers other topics such as cryptography, authentication techniques, secure programming practices, malware analysis techniques, wireless network security standards, and emerging technologies such as cloud computing. By obtaining this certification individuals can demonstrate to employers that they have the necessary skillset to properly protect their organization’s networks from potential threats.

In addition to providing individuals with the credentials necessary to prove their expertise in managing network security risks and implementing effective countermeasures it can also provide them with job opportunities or promotions within their current organization. Employers often look for candidates who have proven themselves by obtaining certifications in particular areas of expertise. Having a network security administrator certification can be beneficial when applying for jobs or looking for advancement opportunities within an organization.

Pro Tip: Network Security Administrator Certification can provide a great career path for those interested in a career in network security. It is important to research the various certifications available and choose one that best meets your needs. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest security trends and technologies, as this will help you become an effective network security administrator.

Related: What does a Network Security Administrator do?

Top 10 Network Security Administrator Certifications

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

1. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in the field of information security. It is a vendor-neutral certification that covers topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, cryptography, and more.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam. The exam itself consists of 90 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $250 to $350 USD.

To get the CompTIA Security+ certification, you must pass the Security+ exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale from 100 to 900. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate in the mail within 6-8 weeks. You can also obtain your certificate online at certmetrics.com if you choose to do so.

Once you have obtained your CompTIA Security+ certification, it is valid for three years before needing to be renewed by taking another version of the exam or completing continuing education credits (CEUs).

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification in the field of information security. It is a vendor-neutral certification issued by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)². The CISSP credential demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to design, implement, manage and secure IT systems in compliance with industry standards and best practices.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within six hours. The exam covers eight domains of information security: Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Cryptography, Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning, Security Architecture and Design, Legal Regulations and Compliance, Operations Security, and Software Development Security.

In order to become certified as a CISSP professional, you must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains listed above. You can also qualify for the CISSP exam if you have four years of paid work experience plus a college degree or an additional credential from the (ISC)² approved list.

The cost for taking the CISSP exam is $699 USD for members of (ISC)² or $999 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, you will need to pay an annual maintenance fee of $125 USD to maintain your certification status.

3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become an ethical hacker. An ethical hacker is someone who uses the same tools and techniques as malicious hackers, but with permission from the target organization, in order to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities. By utilizing these tools and techniques, ethical hackers can help organizations protect their systems from malicious attack.

The CEH certification is offered by EC-Council, an international organization that provides certifications in various areas of information security. The CEH certification requires candidates to pass a five-hour exam consisting of 125 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in IT security or network administration.

In order to get certified as an ethical hacker, candidates must first complete a training course approved by EC-Council. These courses cover topics such as system hacking, malware threats, cryptography, and social engineering. After completing the training course, candidates must then pass the five-hour exam in order to receive their CEH certification.

The cost of obtaining the CEH certification varies depending on the provider offering the training course and exam preparation materials. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000 for both the training course and exam preparation materials combined.

4. Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA)

Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field of network security. It is offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). The CNDA certification validates an individual’s ability to analyze, design, implement, and manage secure networks.

The CNDA certification exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 70% or higher. The exam covers topics such as cryptography, network security architecture, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, VPNs, and network forensics.

To obtain the CNDA certification, individuals must first complete an approved training course from an EC-Council accredited training center. After completing the course and passing the exam, individuals will receive their official certificate from EC-Council.

The cost for obtaining the CNDA certification varies depending on the training provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD for both the training and exam fees combined.

5. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is a certification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the area of information security. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of essential security concepts and provide assurance that individuals have the necessary skills to secure their organization’s information systems. The GSEC certification is globally recognized as a benchmark for information security professionals.

The GSEC exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as network security, cryptography, authentication, system hardening, incident response, and other security topics. In order to pass the exam, candidates must achieve a score of 75% or higher.

In order to obtain the GSEC certification, candidates must first register with GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification) and pay the associated fee. After registering with GIAC, candidates can then purchase the GSEC exam voucher from Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Once they have purchased the voucher, they can schedule their exam at one of these testing centers.

The cost of the GSEC certification varies depending on where you take your exam and which vendor you use for registration. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for registration with GIAC plus an additional fee for taking the exam at a Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center (usually around $500).

6. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Security

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Security is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and implementing security solutions for Microsoft-based networks. It is designed to validate the skills required to secure Windows Server, Azure, and client systems.

To earn the MCSE: Security certification, an individual must pass four exams: two core exams and two elective exams. The core exams are 70-398: Planning for and Managing Devices in the Enterprise and 70-744: Securing Windows Server 2016. The elective exams can be chosen from a variety of topics such as Cloud Platform & Infrastructure, Data Management & Analytics, Mobility, Productivity, Messaging or Communication.

The total cost of obtaining the MCSE: Security certification varies depending on which electives you choose to take. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 USD per exam plus any associated fees such as proctoring fees or exam retake fees.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all four exams depending on your study habits and experience level with the technology being tested.

7. Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA)

Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in the field of network security. The CCSA certification is intended for individuals who have a basic understanding of networking concepts and technologies, as well as an understanding of Check Point's security products and solutions.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the CCSA certification, depending on your level of experience and dedication to studying. To get started, you will need to purchase or obtain access to the official Check Point training materials, which can be found on their website. You will also need to find an approved training provider in your area that offers instruction in Check Point's products and solutions. After completing the training course, you will then need to pass a certification exam administered by Check Point.

The cost for the CCSA certification varies depending on where you take the training course and if you choose self-study or instructor-led courses. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500-$3,000 USD for all associated costs including exam fees.

8. Cisco Certified Network Associate-Security (CCNA-Security)

Cisco Certified Network Associate-Security (CCNA-Security) is a certification offered by Cisco that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in security technologies. It is designed to provide professionals with the ability to secure Cisco networks. The CCNA-Security certification proves an individual’s understanding of security concepts, implementation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices.

The CCNA-Security certification typically takes around 6 months to complete depending on the individual's experience level. To get this certification, individuals must pass two exams: Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (210-260 IINS) and Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (210-270 SECFND).

The cost for the CCNA-Security certification varies depending on the country. In the United States, it costs around $300 for each exam.

9. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist – Security (JNCIS-SEC)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist – Security (JNCIS-SEC) is a certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the administration, configuration, and troubleshooting of Juniper Networks security products. The JNCIS-SEC certification is valid for three years after which you must renew it by passing an updated version of the exam.

To get the JNCIS-SEC certification, you must first pass the Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist – Security (JN0-634) exam. This exam covers topics related to Junos OS security features, VPNs and firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, unified threat management, and more. You should also have at least six months of experience with Juniper Networks security products before attempting this exam.

The cost of the JN0-634 exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

In addition to passing the JN0-634 exam, you must also meet certain requirements in order to maintain your JNCIS-SEC certification status. These include attending authorized training courses or completing online courses related to Juniper Networks security products every three years.

10. EC-Council Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU)

EC-Council Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect their computer systems from malicious attacks. The CSCU program focuses on teaching students how to identify security risks, use secure computing practices, and understand the importance of protecting confidential information.

The CSCU program consists of four courses: Security Fundamentals, Network Security, Operating System Security, and Application Security. Each course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of computer security and provide them with the necessary skills to protect their systems from attack. The courses are available online or in a classroom setting.

It typically takes around 40 hours to complete all four courses and obtain the CSCU certification. After completing all four courses, students must pass an exam in order to become certified. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test a student’s knowledge of computer security topics covered in the course material.

To get the EC-Council Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU) certification, you will need to register for an EC-Council account on their website and purchase access to the CSCU program materials. Once purchased, you will have access to all four courses as well as practice exams that can help prepare you for the final exam.

The cost for obtaining your EC-Council Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU) certification varies depending on where you purchase it from but typically ranges between $200 - $400 USD.

Do You Really Need a Network Security Administrator Certificate?

The short answer to this question is: it depends. It depends on what you plan to do with your career and how much experience you already have in the field of network security. If you are just getting started in the industry, a Network Security Administrator Certificate could be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. On the other hand, if you already have some experience in the field, a certificate may not be necessary.

The best way to determine whether or not a Network Security Administrator Certificate is right for you is to assess your current career goals and evaluate where a certificate could help get you there. For example, if you want to work as a network security administrator for an organization, having a certificate may give you an edge over other candidates who don't have one. In addition, even if your current job does not require certification, having one may make it easier to transition into more advanced roles within your organization or move into higher-level positions at another company.

In summary, while having a Network Security Administrator Certificate can certainly be beneficial when seeking employment or promotion opportunities, whether or not it is necessary ultimately comes down to individual circumstances and goals.

Related: Network Security Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Network Security Administrator Certifications

1. What certifications are available for network security administrators?

Answer: There are several certifications available for network security administrators, including CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA), GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC), and ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

2. What qualifications do I need to become a certified network security administrator?

Answer: The qualifications required to become a certified network security administrator vary depending on the certification chosen. Generally, most certifications require a combination of experience in the field and passing an exam.

3. How long does it take to become a certified network security administrator?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become a certified network security administrator depends on the certification chosen and the individual's level of knowledge and experience. Some certifications may only take a few months, while others may take up to two years or more.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified network security administrator?

Answer: Yes, some certifications may have prerequisites such as having certain levels of experience or taking specific courses before taking the exam. It is important to check with the specific program requirements before applying for certification.

5. Is there any additional training needed after becoming a certified network security administrator?

Answer: Yes, additional training may be recommended or required after becoming a certified network security administrator in order to maintain certification status or advance your career in the field. Most certifying organizations provide continuing education options that can help keep your skills current and up-to-date with industry standards and best practices.