Top 11 NOC Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a NOC Technician in the job market because they demonstrate that the technician has a certain level of knowledge and experience. Certifications help to show employers that the technician is qualified to handle the technical tasks associated with the job. They also provide reassurance to employers that their investment in hiring the technician will pay off, as it indicates that the technician is well-versed in necessary skills and can keep up with industry changes. Finally, certifications can be used to distinguish one candidate from another when competing for a position.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the best certifications for NOC Technicians and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are NOC Technician Certifications?

NOC Technician Certification is a form of certification that recognizes individuals who have acquired the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to work in a Network Operations Center (NOC). This certification demonstrates an individual's ability to monitor, manage, troubleshoot, and maintain network infrastructure and services. It also helps to demonstrate that the certified individual has the necessary technical expertise and understanding of IT systems to be able to effectively provide network support.

The NOC Technician Certification program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop the technical skills required for working in a Network Operations Center. This program covers topics such as networking fundamentals, data center architecture, system monitoring and management, troubleshooting techniques, and more. The certification also includes hands-on exercises that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The benefits of obtaining NOC Technician Certification are numerous. It can help employers determine whether or not an applicant is qualified for a position in their organization's NOC. The certification will also enable professionals to stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within their current company. Additionally, having this certification can provide access to higher paying positions as well as better job security since employers will know that the individual is qualified for the position they are applying for. Finally, having this certification can open up opportunities for networking with other professionals in the industry which may lead to additional career advancement opportunities.

Pro Tip: When considering a Noc Technician Certification, make sure to research the specific certification requirements and credentialing process in detail. This will ensure that you have all of the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully pass the certification exam and be successful as a Noc Technician.

Related: What does an NOC Technician do?

Top 11 NOC Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to NOC Technicians today.

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates a technician's skills in computer hardware and software. It is the foundation for a career in IT, and it covers a wide range of topics such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams must be passed to achieve the certification. The exams are 90 minutes long each and contain a maximum of 90 questions.

To get the CompTIA A+ certification you must pass both exams. To prepare for the exam you can take online courses or attend instructor-led classes. There are also practice tests available to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CompTIA A+ exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $200 USD per exam or $400 USD for both exams together.

2. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge of networking concepts, technologies, and best practices. It is designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to troubleshoot, configure, and manage wired and wireless networks.

The CompTIA Network+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of 720 or higher on a scale from 100-900.

To get CompTIA Network+, you must first take the CompTIA Network+ exam. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center. You can register for the exam online through Pearson VUE's website or by phone.

The cost of the CompTIA Network+ exam varies depending on your location but usually costs around $300 USD.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to validate an individual's skills in designing and implementing solutions based on Microsoft technologies. MCSE certifications are offered for a variety of specializations, including cloud platforms, data management and analytics, mobility, productivity, and more.

In order to earn the MCSE certification, individuals must pass several exams that demonstrate their knowledge of specific Microsoft products and technologies. The exams vary depending on the specialization chosen; however, all candidates must also pass an exam related to core Windows Server infrastructure.

The time it takes to get the MCSE certification depends on the number of exams required for the particular specialization chosen. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all of the necessary exams.

To get an MCSE certification, individuals should first decide which specialization they would like to pursue. Once they have selected a specialization, they should research which exams are required for that particular track and create a study plan accordingly. It is important to note that some exams may have prerequisites or other requirements that must be met before taking them.

The cost of obtaining an MCSE certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and their associated fees. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $165 USD (or your local currency equivalent). Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with training materials or other resources needed for preparation.

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems that certifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in network technologies. It is one of the most popular IT certifications and is considered to be a foundational certification for those who want to pursue a career in networking.

The CCNA certification covers topics such as basic networking, routing, switching, security, wireless networking, and IPv6. The exam also covers topics related to virtualization, cloud computing, and automation.

It typically takes about 6-12 months of study and practice to prepare for the CCNA exam. However, it can vary depending on the individual's background knowledge and experience with networking concepts.

To get the CCNA certification, you must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2). Both exams are offered through Pearson VUE testing centers around the world.

The cost of taking both exams varies depending on your location but usually ranges from $400-$600 USD.

5. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program designed by VMware to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot VMware vSphere environments. It is a vendor-neutral certification that validates an individual’s ability to deploy, manage, and support virtualized data centers.

To become a VCP, one must first complete a required training course from an authorized VMware training provider. This can be either an instructor-led or online course. The duration of the course depends on the type of training taken but typically takes 3-5 days to complete. After completing the course, candidates must pass two exams: a Foundation Exam and a VCP Exam.

The cost of the VCP certification varies depending on the type of training taken and which exam you choose to take (Foundation or VCP). Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 USD for both exams and training materials.

6. Citrix Certified Professional (CCP)

Citrix Certified Professional (CCP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully design, deploy, and manage Citrix solutions. The CCP certification is intended for IT professionals who have experience with Citrix products and technologies, including XenApp, XenDesktop, NetScaler, and other related products.

It typically takes about 3-6 months to complete the training and pass the exams required for the CCP certification. The training consists of both online self-paced courses as well as instructor-led classes. In addition to the training materials, you will need to pass two exams in order to become certified: 1Z0-1063-20 Citrix Certified Professional - Virtualization Exam and 1Z0-1064-20 Citrix Certified Professional - Networking Exam.

The cost of the CCP certification varies depending on where you get your training materials from and which exams you choose to take. Typically, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD.

7. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP) is a certification program for experienced networking professionals who want to demonstrate their technical skills and knowledge of Juniper Network technologies. It is the second level of certification in the Juniper Networks Certification Program, following the Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA).

The JNCIP certification requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of experience with Juniper Network technologies. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as routing protocols, security, virtual private networks, and more. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and costs $400 USD.

It typically takes up to six months to prepare for the JNCIP exam depending on your existing knowledge and experience with Juniper Network technologies. To get started, you should review the official study guide from Juniper Networks which outlines all of the topics covered in the exam. Additionally, you can find practice exams online or purchase a training course from an accredited provider to help you prepare for the test.

Once you've passed the exam, you'll receive your JNCIP certification which is valid for three years. After three years, you will need to recertify by taking another exam or attending an approved training course.

8. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCA)

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCA) is a professional certification offered by Oracle that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in administering Oracle databases. The OCA credential is designed to validate the skills required to install, configure, maintain, patch, and troubleshoot Oracle databases.

It takes approximately 8-12 months to prepare for the OCA exam. To get certified, you must pass one or more exams that cover topics such as database administration fundamentals, installation and configuration, backup and recovery, security management, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.

The cost of the OCA certification depends on the number of exams taken. Each exam costs $245 USD.

9. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc. that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in the areas of system administration on the Linux operating system. It is designed to demonstrate competency in managing and configuring systems using the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) operating system.

The RHCSA exam typically takes about three hours to complete and covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, networking, storage management, troubleshooting, and more. To get certified as an RHCSA, you must pass one of two exams: EX200 or EX300. The EX200 exam focuses on basic administration tasks while the EX300 exam covers more advanced topics.

To prepare for the RHCSA exam, you can take a course from Red Hat or self-study with books and online resources. You can also purchase practice tests from third-party vendors to help you prepare for the actual exam.

The cost of taking the RHCSA exam varies depending on where you take it and which version of the exam you choose to take. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD for either version of the exam.

10. Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC)

Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) is a globally recognized certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in Linux system administration. It is designed to assess the competency of professionals who manage Linux systems and networks. LPIC certifications are offered at four levels: LPIC-1, LPIC-2, LPIC-3, and LPIC-4.

LPIC-1 is the entry level certification and covers basic system administration tasks such as installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Linux systems. It also covers topics such as networking fundamentals, security fundamentals, and scripting basics. To obtain this certification you must pass two exams: 101 (System Administration I) and 102 (System Administration II).

LPIC-2 is an intermediate level certification that builds on the knowledge acquired from LPIC-1. It covers advanced system administration tasks such as network services configuration, user management, system security, automation tools, server virtualization, web services configuration, storage management and more. To obtain this certification you must pass two exams: 201 (Mixed Environment) and 202 (Network Services).

LPIC-3 is the most advanced level of certification available for Linux professionals. It covers topics such as high availability clustering services configuration; enterprise directory services; storage area networks; security auditing; performance tuning; virtual private networks; mail server configuration; web server configuration; database server configuration; cloud computing technologies; scripting techniques and more. To obtain this certification you must pass three exams: 301 (Mixed Environment), 302 (Security), 303 (Virtualization & High Availability).

LPIC-4 is the newest level of certification offered by LPI. This certification focuses on DevOps related topics such as container technologies like Docker & Kubernetes; cloud computing platforms like OpenStack & Cloud Foundry; automation tools like Ansible & Puppet; continuous integration/delivery tools like Jenkins & Travis CI; version control systems like Git & Subversion; scripting languages like Python & Bash shell programming etc. To obtain this certification you must pass two exams: 401 (DevOps Tools Engineer) and 402 (Site Reliability Engineer).

The time required to complete each level of LPIC varies depending on your experience with Linux systems administration. Generally speaking it takes approximately 6 months to a year to complete each level of LPIC depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exams each week or month.

To get started with obtaining your LPIC certifications you will need to register for an account with LPI's website where you can purchase exam vouchers for each exam you plan to take in order to schedule your exam date/time/location with Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. The cost of each exam voucher varies depending on region but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD per exam voucher purchased directly from LPI's website or through authorized resellers worldwide.

11. Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate) is a certification that validates an individual's ability to design and deploy applications on the Amazon Web Services platform. This certification is designed for individuals who have experience in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions, which assess an individual’s knowledge of the AWS platform. The exam covers topics such as designing fault-tolerant architectures, selecting appropriate services based on data, security, cost, and performance requirements, estimating costs and identifying cost control mechanisms, understanding cloud architecture best practices, and deploying secure and robust applications on AWS.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam. It is recommended that individuals have at least one year of experience working with the AWS platform before taking the exam. To prepare for this exam, individuals should review course materials from Amazon Web Services or take a training course from an accredited provider. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help individuals prepare for this exam.

The cost of taking the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it will cost around $150 USD to take the exam.

To get certified as an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate you must pass both a written and practical examination administered by Amazon Web Services. After passing both exams you will be awarded your certificate which can then be used to demonstrate your expertise in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

Do You Really Need a NOC Technician Certificate?

No, you do not need an NOC Technician Certificate to work in the IT field. However, having a certification can be beneficial as it shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skill set required to perform the job duties of a network operations center (NOC) technician. Additionally, having a certification may lead to higher wages and more job opportunities.

A certification also serves as evidence that you have mastered certain technical skills related to NOC operations and best practices. This can help employers understand your abilities and decide whether or not to hire you for the position. Additionally, obtaining a certification can demonstrate your commitment to excellence and professionalism in the IT field.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you want to pursue an NOC Technician Certificate. While it is not necessary for all positions in this field, it could give you an edge over other applicants and provide employers with more confidence in your abilities.

Related: NOC Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About NOC Technician Certifications

Q1. What is a NOC Technician Certification?

Answer: A NOC Technician Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual's knowledge and experience in managing and troubleshooting networks, systems, and applications. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the technical skills needed to monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot IT infrastructures.

Q2. What is included in the NOC Technician Certification exam?

Answer: The NOC Technician Certification exam covers topics such as network fundamentals, IP routing protocols, network security, system administration, and system monitoring. It also includes performance-based questions to assess an individual’s ability to configure and troubleshoot networks and systems.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a NOC Technician?

Answer: Depending on the individual’s experience level and study habits, it could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare for the certification exam.

Q4. How much does it cost to become certified as a NOC Technician?

Answer: The cost of the certification exam varies depending on the provider; however, most exams range from $200-$500 USD.

Q5. Is there any additional training required after passing the certification exam?

Answer: Yes, most providers offer continuing education courses or additional certifications that must be completed in order to keep your certification active and up-to-date with industry standards.