Top 11 Network Test Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a network test engineer in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the engineer has the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively design, develop, and test networking systems. A certification can be used as evidence of an individual's experience and proficiency in a particular field, which can make them more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications allow engineers to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends, which is essential for success in the ever-evolving world of networking. Finally, certifications can also provide additional credibility when applying for jobs or promotions within an organization.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Network Test Engineers and explain how they can contribute to a network test engineer's career growth.

What are Network Test Engineer Certifications?

Network Test Engineer certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in network testing and validation. This certification is designed to recognize professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform network testing and validation activities on networks. The certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field of network testing and validation, which can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career or gain new employment opportunities. Additionally, having this certification may provide employers with assurance that the individual has the necessary skillset to properly test and validate their networks. Network Test Engineer certification also provides individuals with access to resources such as educational materials, tools, best practices and industry trends that can help them stay up-to-date on current network technologies.

Pro Tip: When considering a network test engineer certification, make sure to research the certification provider and their accreditation. Ensure the certification is recognized by employers in your field and covers topics relevant to your current job or desired career path. Additionally, look for certifications that offer hands-on experience or an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge through an examination.

Related: What does a Network Test Engineer do?

Top 11 Network Test Engineer Certifications

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

1. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is designed to demonstrate competency in network installation, configuration, troubleshooting, management, and security. The certification covers a wide range of topics including network architecture, network operations, media and topologies, security, and network troubleshooting.

It typically takes around 40 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam. To get certified you need to pass the Network+ Exam N10-007. The exam consists of 90 multiple choice and performance-based questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

The cost of the exam varies by country but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD. You can purchase vouchers directly from CompTIA or through a third-party vendor such as Prometric or VUE testing centers. You can also find discounted vouchers online if you search for them.

Once you’ve passed the exam you will receive your CompTIA Network+ certification which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification you need to earn at least 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during each three-year period after passing the exam.

2. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a professional-level certification offered by Cisco Systems. It is designed to validate an individual’s ability to plan, implement, verify and troubleshoot local and wide area enterprise networks.

It usually takes about three to six months of study and practice to prepare for the CCNP exam. The amount of time required depends on the individual's background in networking and their ability to learn quickly.

To get the CCNP certification, you must pass all four exams: ROUTE (300-101), SWITCH (300-115), TSHOOT (300-135) and DESGN (300-320). These exams are available through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost of each exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. In the US, the cost of each exam is $300 USD.

3. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA) is a certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking technologies. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in networking fundamentals, routing and switching, security, and services. The JNCIA is the entry-level certification for Juniper Networks technology.

To obtain the JNCIA certification, you must pass the Junos Basics (JN0-103) exam. This exam tests your knowledge of basic networking concepts such as IP addressing, routing protocols, network security, and more. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 65 multiple-choice questions.

The cost of the JN0-103 exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $150 USD. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through ProctorU. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your JNCIA certification from Juniper Networks within 4 weeks.

In order to maintain your JNCIA certification status, you must renew it every three years by taking a recertification exam or completing a course offered by Juniper Networks or one of its authorized training partners.

4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, deploying, and managing IT infrastructure services based on Microsoft Windows Server. Individuals who hold this certification have the skills necessary to build secure, reliable, and cost-effective server infrastructures.

In order to become MCSE: Server Infrastructure certified, individuals must pass four exams: two core exams and two elective exams. The core exams cover topics such as server installation and configuration, network infrastructure design, active directory design and implementation, identity management solutions, virtualization technologies, storage solutions, system center configuration manager 2012 R2 and system center operations manager 2012 R2. The elective exams cover topics such as advanced networking services, disaster recovery planning and implementation with Windows Azure site recovery services or private cloud deployment with System Center 2012 R2.

The time it takes to get MCSE: Server Infrastructure certified depends on the individual's experience level and study habits. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to a year to prepare for the four required exams.

To get MCSE: Server Infrastructure certified you must first register for the Microsoft Certification Program at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcp-program-overview.aspx . After registering you will need to purchase vouchers for each of the four required exams at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-list.aspx . Each exam voucher costs $150 USD so the total cost of becoming MCSE: Server Infrastructure certified is $600 USD plus any additional fees associated with studying materials or practice tests that may be needed to prepare for the exams.

5. BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)

BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who possess the knowledge and experience to design, integrate and maintain information transport systems. This includes voice, data, electronic safety and security, audio/video and building automation systems.

It takes approximately two years of documented experience in the ICT industry to become an RCDD. Applicants must also pass a rigorous examination that covers topics such as telecommunications infrastructure design, project management, system integration and network technologies.

To get an RCDD certification, applicants must first submit an application to BICSI’s Certification Department. The application must include proof of work experience in the ICT field as well as transcripts from any college-level courses taken in the past five years. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to take a four-hour exam at a designated testing center.

The cost of obtaining an RCDD certification is $450 for BICSI members and $550 for non-members. There is also an additional fee of $60 for international applicants.

6. EC-Council Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA)

The EC-Council Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement and maintain secure networks. This certification focuses on the fundamentals of network security, including network architecture, risk management, incident response, and forensic analysis.

To become certified as a CNDA, you must pass the CNDA exam. The exam covers topics such as network security policies and procedures, network architecture and design, access control methods, cryptography basics, authentication protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), virtual private networks (VPNs), malware prevention techniques, and incident response.

The exam is available online through the EC-Council website or through an authorized testing center. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. You will need to score at least 70% in order to pass.

The cost of the CNDA exam varies depending on where you take it. The cost can range from $500 to $1,000 USD for an online version of the exam or up to $2,000 USD for an in-person version of the exam at an authorized testing center.

7. EXIN Cloud Computing Foundation

EXIN Cloud Computing Foundation is an entry-level certification that covers the basics of cloud computing. It is designed to help IT professionals understand the fundamentals of cloud computing, such as virtualization, storage, networking, and security. The certification also provides a good foundation for more advanced certifications in the field.

The EXIN Cloud Computing Foundation exam takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete, and consists of 40 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a score of at least 65%.

To get certified in EXIN Cloud Computing Foundation, you must first register with EXIN and pay the associated fee (currently €125). Once you have registered and paid your fee, you will be sent an email containing instructions on how to access the online exam. After completing the exam successfully, you will be awarded with a digital certificate.

The cost of EXIN Cloud Computing Foundation certification is €125.

8. VMware Certified Professional - Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)

VMware Certified Professional - Network Virtualization (VCP-NV) is a certification designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in deploying, configuring, and managing VMware NSX networks. It is an entry-level certification that validates the knowledge and skills needed to design, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot VMware NSX networks.

To get the VCP-NV certification, you must first take the VMware NSX: Install, Configure, Manage [V6.2] course or its equivalent. After completing the course and passing the associated exam (VCIX-NV 6.2), you can then take the VCP-NV exam to earn your certification.

The VCP-NV exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 80 multiple choice questions. The cost for taking the exam is $250 USD.

9. Riverbed Certified Solutions Associate – WAN Optimization

Riverbed Certified Solutions Associate – WAN Optimization is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in deploying, configuring and managing Riverbed WAN Optimization solutions. The certification covers the following topics: Riverbed Steelhead Appliances, Riverbed Cascade Profiler, Riverbed Traffic Analyzer, Riverbed Stingray Traffic Manager, and other related technologies.

The certification exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as installation and configuration of Riverbed WAN optimization solutions; basic troubleshooting; deployment best practices; security considerations; network design principles; and product features.

The cost for the exam is $125 USD. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

10. HP ASE – FlexNetwork Integrator V1

HP ASE – FlexNetwork Integrator V1 is a certification program from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in designing, deploying, managing, and troubleshooting HPE FlexNetwork solutions. The certification covers topics such as networking technologies, security, virtualization, cloud computing, storage, and more. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their skills in designing and implementing HPE FlexNetwork solutions.

The HP ASE – FlexNetwork Integrator V1 exam typically takes around 90 minutes to complete and consists of 75 multiple-choice questions. To become certified as an HP ASE – FlexNetwork Integrator V1 professional, you must pass the exam with a score of 70 percent or higher. To get the certification, you must register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost for the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $150 to $250 USD.

11. Citrix CCE-N Certification

Citrix CCE-N (Certified Citrix Engineer – Networking) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who have experience in designing, deploying, and managing Citrix networking solutions. The certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as network architecture, network security, cloud computing, virtualization, and more.

How long does it take to get it?

It typically takes around 4-6 months to prepare for the Citrix CCE-N certification exam. This includes studying materials such as official training courses or self-study guides, attending practice exams, and hands-on experience with the technology.

How to get it?

To obtain the Citrix CCE-N certification, you must first pass a proctored exam administered by Pearson VUE. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as network architecture, network security, cloud computing, virtualization, and more. You must also have at least one year of experience working with Citrix networking solutions prior to taking the exam.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the Citrix CCE-N certification exam is $250 USD. Additionally there may be additional costs associated with training materials or other resources needed for preparation for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Network Test Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the type of work you want to do. If you are looking to work as a network test engineer, then a certificate may be beneficial. A certificate can demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job. It can also show potential employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in network engineering and have taken the initiative to pursue additional training and education in order to gain these skills.

However, if you already possess the technical knowledge needed for the job, then a certificate may not be necessary. Employers will likely value your experience more than any extra certifications or qualifications. Additionally, if you are just starting out in your career, it may be more beneficial to focus on gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions rather than obtaining certificates.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a network test engineer certificate depends on your individual circumstances and career goals. If it is something that can help further your career and demonstrate your commitment to network engineering, then it may be worth considering. However, if it is not necessary for your current situation, then it may be best to focus on gaining relevant experience instead.

Related: Network Test Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Network Test Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Network Test Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Network Test Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of network testing. This certification typically involves passing an exam that covers topics such as IP networks, protocol analysis, network troubleshooting, network security, and performance monitoring.

2. What are the benefits of having a Network Test Engineer Certification?

Answer: Having a Network Test Engineer Certification can help demonstrate your proficiency in the field of network testing to potential employers and can help you advance within the industry. Additionally, it can make you more competitive when applying for jobs and can give you access to better job opportunities.

3. How do I get certified as a Network Test Engineer?

Answer: In order to become certified as a Network Test Engineer, you must first pass an exam administered by an accredited organization or institution. You may also need to have prior experience in the field or complete additional training courses before being eligible for certification.

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

Answer: The amount of time needed to become certified depends on the type of certification program chosen, previous experience in the field, and any additional training courses required for certification eligibility. Generally speaking, it may take several months or more depending on these factors.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Network Test Engineer?

Answer: Yes, many organizations require applicants to have prior experience in network testing or related fields before they are eligible for certification. Some organizations may also require applicants to complete additional training courses before they can sit for the exam required for certification eligibility.