Top 10 Network Security Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for network security engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and skills in the field. A certification can show employers that a candidate is qualified to perform certain tasks related to network security, such as installing and configuring firewalls, encrypting data, and monitoring networks for potential threats. Additionally, certifications give professionals the opportunity to specialize in particular areas of network security, such as cloud computing or mobile devices. Finally, certifications provide an additional layer of credibility for employers since they come from trusted organizations like CompTIA or ISC2.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Network Security Engineers and explains how they can contribute to a Network Security Engineer's career by providing valuable knowledge, skills and recognition.

What are Network Security Engineer Certifications?

Network Security Engineer certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of network security principles and practices. It provides a validation of an individual's knowledge and experience in designing, implementing, monitoring, and troubleshooting secure networks. This certification can help individuals gain the skills needed to protect data, applications, and infrastructure from malicious attacks. Additionally, it can help them stay up-to-date on the latest security trends and best practices. With this certification, employers are more likely to hire someone with the necessary skillset to ensure their businesses remain secure. Furthermore, having this certification helps demonstrate an individual’s commitment to ongoing learning and development in the field of network security.

Pro tip: Network security engineer certifications are a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field, but don't forget to also stay up-to-date on the latest security trends, tools, and technologies. This will help you stay ahead of the game and increase your chances of success in the certification process.

Related: What does a Network Security Engineer do?

Top 10 Network Security Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized certification for information security professionals. It is administered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc., also known as (ISC)². The CISSP certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of information security concepts and practices in order to protect organizations from cyber threats.

The CISSP certification requires candidates to have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Candidates must pass an exam that covers all eight domains and demonstrate their knowledge and experience through a rigorous application process. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes up to six hours to complete.

In order to obtain the CISSP certification, candidates must first register with (ISC)² and pay a registration fee. After registering, they must then prepare for the exam by studying the CBK material and taking practice exams. Once they are ready, they can schedule their exam at an authorized testing center. Upon passing the exam, candidates must submit an application along with proof of their work experience in order to be awarded the certification.

The cost of obtaining the CISSP certification varies depending on which study materials you choose, but it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD for registration fees and exam costs combined. Additionally, some employers may reimburse employees who successfully obtain their CISSP certifications.

2. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in information security. The certification is designed to ensure professionals have the necessary skills to protect organizations from threats and secure their data.

The CompTIA Security+ exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To obtain the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 750 out of 900.

To get CompTIA Security+, you must first register for the exam through CompTIA's website or through one of their authorized testing centers. You will then need to purchase a voucher from CompTIA or an authorized partner before scheduling your exam date.

The cost of the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on where you take it, but it generally costs between $320 and $350 USD.

3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a certification offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It is designed to help IT professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify, assess, and counter security threats posed by malicious hackers. The certification requires participants to demonstrate their ability to think like a hacker in order to effectively protect an organization’s network from attack.

It typically takes around four months of study and practice to prepare for the CEH exam. During this time, students are expected to become familiar with topics such as scanning networks, enumeration, system hacking, Trojans, viruses and worms, sniffers, social engineering, DoS/DDoS attacks, session hijacking, cryptography and web server exploitation. In addition to studying these topics on their own or through online courses or books, many students also choose to attend an in-person training course that covers all of the material in greater detail.

To get certified as a CEH you must pass the EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker exam. This exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 4 hours. To take the exam you must first register with EC-Council and pay a fee of $950 USD. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official CEH certification which is valid for three years. After three years you will need to renew your certification by taking an updated version of the exam or completing other continuing education requirements set out by EC-Council.

4. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is a certification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in information security. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their ability to identify, analyze, and respond to security threats. It is the first step towards becoming a certified information security professional.

The GSEC certification requires passing a single exam, which takes approximately four hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as network security, cryptography, computer forensics, incident response, system hardening, and risk management.

In order to become certified with GSEC, individuals must first register for the exam through GIAC's website. They must then purchase the appropriate study materials from GIAC or other third-party providers. After studying for the exam and completing all of the necessary preparation activities, individuals can then take the exam at an authorized testing center.

The cost of obtaining GSEC certification varies depending on where you purchase your study materials from and how much time you spend preparing for the exam. However, it typically costs between $1,000 - $2,000 USD for all associated fees including registration and study materials.

5. Certified Network Defender (CND)

Certified Network Defender (CND) is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the skills and knowledge required to protect, detect, respond, and recover from network security incidents. The CND program is offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council).

The CND program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as network security fundamentals, access control models, cryptography, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), virtual private networks (VPNs), and more. The course takes approximately 40 hours to complete.

Once the online course is completed, candidates must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.

The cost of the CND program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 for the entire program including both the online course and exam fees.

6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in cloud security, as well as provide organizations with assurance that their cloud security practices are up-to-date.

To become a CCSP, candidates must pass an exam that covers six domains of cloud security: architecture, design, operations, compliance, information management and risk management. The exam is administered by ISC2 and takes about four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CCSP exam, candidates must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in information technology and three years of information security experience. Candidates must also hold one of the following certifications: CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor).

The cost of the CCSP exam varies depending on the country where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $599 USD.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Security (MCSE:Security)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Security (MCSE:Security) is a certification from Microsoft that validates an individual's expertise in designing, implementing, and administering secure solutions with Microsoft technologies. It is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for designing, deploying, and managing secure network infrastructure.

To get the MCSE:Security certification, you must first pass two exams: one on Windows Server 2012 and one on Network Infrastructure Security. The exams can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exams varies depending on the location and type of exam chosen.

The length of time it takes to get the MCSE:Security certification depends on how much time you can dedicate to studying and preparing for the exams. It typically takes around six months to a year to complete both exams if you are studying full-time.

The cost of getting the MCSE:Security certification varies depending on which exams you take and where they are taken. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $200 USD per exam plus any additional fees associated with taking them at an authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

8. Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security)

Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security) is a professional-level certification from Cisco Systems. It is designed to validate an individual’s skills in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting secure networks using Cisco technologies. The CCNP Security certification is a prerequisite for the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security) certification.

The CCNP Security certification requires the completion of four exams: Implementing and Administering Cisco Secure Access Solutions (300-208 SISAS), Implementing and Operating Cisco Identity Services Engine (300-209 SIMOS), Securing Networks with ASA Advanced (300-206 SENSS), and Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (300-210 SITCS). All of these exams must be passed within three years of starting the program.

In order to get the CCNP Security certification, you must first pass all four required exams. You can register for each exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Each exam costs $300 USD, so the total cost for all four exams is $1200 USD.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all four exams and earn your CCNP Security certification. However, this timeline can vary depending on an individual’s experience level, study habits, and other factors.

9. Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA)

Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) is a certification program offered by Check Point Software Technologies. It is designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Check Point security systems. The CCSA certification validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, and manage basic Check Point security solutions.

The CCSA exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To pass the exam, you must score at least 70%. In order to obtain the CCSA certification, you must first successfully pass the CCSA exam.

To prepare for the CCSA exam, it is recommended that you take a course or training program from an authorized Check Point training provider. These courses can be taken in person or online and typically range from two days to two weeks in length depending on the provider and course type.

The cost of obtaining a CCSA certification varies depending on the training provider and type of course chosen. Generally speaking, courses range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

10. EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)

EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH) is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify, analyze, contain, eradicate and recover from security incidents. It is an intensive training program that focuses on incident handling, malware analysis and reverse engineering. The ECIH certification requires a minimum of 40 hours of hands-on training in order to be eligible for the exam.

To obtain the ECIH certification, you must first complete an approved course and pass the associated exam. The course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills required to become an effective incident handler. After completing the course, you will then take a proctored exam which tests your understanding of incident handling principles and techniques. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your ECIH certification.

The cost of obtaining the ECIH certification varies depending on which training provider you choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 USD depending on which course and provider you select. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the proctored exam such as registration fees or travel expenses if applicable.

Do You Really Need a Network Security Engineer Certificate?

Network security is an important aspect of any business or organization. As technology continues to evolve, so does the need for qualified network security engineers to ensure the safety and security of a company’s data and systems. A network security engineer certificate can be beneficial in this field as it provides a way to demonstrate expertise in the area.

A network security engineer certificate can provide an individual with a valuable credential that will help them stand out from other applicants when applying for positions within the field. It shows potential employers that they have the necessary knowledge and experience required to work as a network security engineer. Additionally, it serves as evidence that they have taken the time to learn more about the specific topics related to networking and cybersecurity.

Having a network security engineer certificate may also open up opportunities for advancement within an organization or even increase job prospects with other companies. Having this certification provides assurance that you are qualified for various positions related to network security engineering and will be able to perform at a high level of proficiency.

In addition, having a network security engineer certificate can benefit individuals by providing access to continuing education options offered through professional organizations or educational institutions. These courses can provide additional training on new technologies and trends in order to keep up with changing industry standards. This type of education is invaluable for staying ahead of potential threats and attacks on networks.

Overall, having a network security engineer certificate is beneficial for anyone interested in working in this field as it provides proof of knowledge and experience, increases job prospects, and gives access to ongoing education opportunities. Therefore, if you are considering pursuing a career in network security engineering, obtaining a certification is highly recommended.

Related: Network Security Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Network Security Engineer Certifications

1. What are the benefits of becoming a Network Security Engineer?

Answer: Becoming a Network Security Engineer provides many career benefits, including increased job security, higher salaries, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology. Additionally, certifications demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession and provide valuable recognition in the industry.

2. What certifications are available for Network Security Engineers?

Answer: There are several certifications available for Network Security Engineers, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+, and GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC).

3. How much does a Network Security Engineer certification cost?

Answer: The cost of a certification varies depending on the type of certification and provider offering it. Generally speaking, most certifications range from $500-$2,000 USD.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Network Security Engineer?

Answer: The amount of time needed to become certified depends on the type of certification chosen and how much prior experience an individual has in the field. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two months to one year to complete all steps required for certification.

5. What is the best way to prepare for a Network Security Engineer certification exam?

Answer: The best way to prepare for a certification exam is by taking practice exams or enrolling in preparation courses that cover topics related to network security engineering principles and practices. Additionally, staying up-to-date on industry news and trends can help ensure that individuals have the most relevant knowledge when taking their exams.