Top 10 Senior Network Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a senior network engineer in the job market as they demonstrate the engineer’s level of expertise in the field. For example, certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE) are well-recognized credentials that demonstrate an engineer's ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex networks. Certifications also provide employers with an assurance that the engineer has current knowledge of the latest technologies and can effectively support their organization's networks. Additionally, certifications can help engineers stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs and increase their chances of landing higher-paying positions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Senior Network Engineers and explain how they can help further an engineer's career.

What are Senior Network Engineer Certifications?

Senior Network Engineer Certification is a type of certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to design, implement, and maintain complex network systems. It is typically awarded by professional organizations or vendors such as Cisco or Juniper Networks.

Having this certification can be beneficial for networking professionals in many ways. Firstly, it can provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to work on complex networks, allowing them to progress in their careers. Additionally, having this certification can prove useful when applying for jobs since employers often prefer certified professionals over those without certifications. Furthermore, having this certification can give employers confidence that the individual is knowledgeable in their field and capable of delivering results. Finally, having this certification may also help individuals stand out from other applicants due to their advanced expertise in the area of networking.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a senior network engineer certification, make sure to gain several years of experience in the field and have a thorough understanding of networking concepts. Additionally, research the different certifications available to determine which one best fits your career goals.

Related: What does a Senior Network Engineer do?

Top 10 Senior Network Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Senior Network Engineers 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 an individual’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. It is the second level of certification in the Cisco Career Certification Program.

It typically takes about one year to complete the CCNP certification process. To get started, you must first pass the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) exam or have a valid CCNA Routing & Switching certification. After that, you must pass three additional exams: Implementing and Operating Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE 300-101), Implementing and Operating Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH 300-115), and Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT 300-135).

The cost of each exam varies depending on the testing center you choose, but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam. In addition to the cost of exams, you may also need to purchase study materials or enroll in a training program to help prepare for the exams.

2. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JNCIS)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JNCIS) is a certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in configuring, troubleshooting, and managing Juniper Networks routers, switches, and security devices. It is designed for experienced networking professionals who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of Juniper Networks routers, switches, and security devices.

The JNCIS certification consists of two exams: JN0-103 (Junos Routing) and JN0-347 (Junos Security). Both exams must be completed to earn the certification. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the JNCIS exam. Candidates should have at least one year of experience working with Juniper Networks routers, switches, and security devices before attempting the exam.

To get the JNCIS certification, candidates must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. Each exam costs $200 USD to take.

3. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a certification for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in network technologies. It is designed to validate an individual's ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot basic network infrastructure. It is also used as a prerequisite for more advanced certifications such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).

The CompTIA Network+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as networking concepts, network installation and configuration, media and topologies, security, and performance-based questions.

To get the CompTIA Network+ certification, you must first pass the CompTIA Network+ exam. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online via remote proctoring. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $250-$300 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CompTIA Network+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of completion. After three years, you will need to recertify by taking either the current version of the CompTIA Network+ exam or an approved continuing education course in order to maintain your certification status.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to design, deploy, manage, and maintain complex server infrastructure solutions based on the Microsoft Windows Server operating system. It covers topics such as networking, storage, virtualization, identity management, system security, and business continuity.

It typically takes around 6-12 months of study and practice to get the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification. To get certified you must pass four exams: two core exams (70-410 & 70-411) and two elective exams (70-412 & 70-413). The cost of each exam varies depending on your location but is usually around $150 USD per exam. Once you have passed all four exams you will receive your MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification from Microsoft.

5. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA) is an entry-level certification from Juniper Networks that validates an individual's knowledge of networking technologies, including routing, switching, and security. It is intended for individuals who are new to networking or have limited experience in the field.

The JNCIA certification requires passing a single exam, which is administered by Pearson VUE. The exam covers topics such as IP addressing and subnetting, routing protocols, network security, and network management.

It typically takes about two to three months to prepare for the JNCIA exam. Candidates should study the course material provided by Juniper Networks and take practice exams to ensure they are adequately prepared for the test.

The cost of taking the JNCIA exam varies depending on your location but typically costs around $200 USD.

6. Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)

Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) is a professional-level certification designed to validate the skills and knowledge needed to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex networks. This certification is targeted at network engineers and architects who are responsible for designing multi-layered enterprise architectures that use advanced technologies such as virtualization, wireless, security, and voice.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CCDP exam. To get certified, candidates must pass three exams: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA), and Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP). The cost of the exams vary depending on the country; however, it can range from $300 - $400 USD per exam.

7. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional is a certification exam offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). This certification validates the candidate’s ability to design, deploy, and operate distributed systems on the AWS platform. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of designing and deploying cloud-based solutions using AWS services such as Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, Amazon RDS, and more.

The exam takes about 170 minutes to complete and consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions. To get this certification, you must have at least two years of experience in designing distributed applications on the AWS platform. You must also pass an online proctored exam that covers topics such as architecture design principles, deployment strategies, security best practices, scalability considerations, and more.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $150-$300 USD. After passing the exam you will receive an official certificate from AWS that is valid for three years.

8. Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)

Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) is a certification designed to validate the skills and knowledge of network security engineers who design, deploy, configure, maintain and troubleshoot Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls. The PCNSE certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam.

To obtain the PCNSE certification, candidates must complete an online training course and pass a proctored exam. The online training course covers topics such as firewall architecture, authentication methods, traffic management, threat prevention features, logging and reporting capabilities, policy management and more.

The cost of the PCNSE certification program varies depending on the country in which you are taking it. In the United States it costs $1,200 USD to register for the online training course and exam. In addition to this fee there may be additional fees associated with taking the proctored exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

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

Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCP-N) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in designing, deploying, and troubleshooting Citrix networking solutions. It is designed for IT professionals who have experience with Citrix technologies such as NetScaler, CloudBridge, and NetScaler Gateway.

The certification process consists of two exams: 1Z0-979: Citrix NetScaler 10 Essentials and Unified Gateway; and 1Z0-980: Implementing Citrix NetScaler 10 for App and Desktop Solutions. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE.

The estimated time to complete the certification process is approximately 3 months. This includes studying for the exams, taking them, and then waiting for the results to be released.

The cost of the CCP-N certification varies depending on the country you live in but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exams or purchasing practice tests or study materials.

10. F5 Networks BIG-IP Administrator Certification

F5 Networks BIG-IP Administrator Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate an administrator’s knowledge and skills in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting F5 Networks BIG-IP products. This certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the area of application delivery networking and helps employers identify qualified professionals with the necessary skills to manage their F5 Networks infrastructure.

To become certified, individuals must pass two exams: the F5 Networks Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) exam and the F5 Networks Certified BIG-IP Administrator (CBA) exam. The CTS exam covers general networking concepts and technologies related to F5 Networks products, while the CBA exam focuses on specific topics related to administering and configuring F5 Networks BIG-IP solutions.

The CTS exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, while the CBA exam takes approximately 120 minutes. Both exams are administered through Pearson VUE testing centers located throughout the world. To register for either of these exams, individuals must have a valid email address and credit card or PayPal account. The cost for each exam varies depending on location; however, most locations charge between $150-$200 USD per exam.

Once individuals have successfully passed both exams, they will receive their official F5 Networks BIG-IP Administrator Certification certificate from F5 Networks within 4-6 weeks of completing their exams.

Do You Really Need a Senior Network Engineer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a senior network engineer certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking to advance in the field of network engineering, then having a certificate may give you an advantage over other applicants who do not have one. It could also make you more attractive to potential employers who are looking for someone with specialized knowledge and experience.

On the other hand, if your goal is simply to stay where you are, then a senior network engineer certificate may not be necessary. Many employers recognize that experience is just as important as credentials when it comes to hiring for these positions, so having years of experience in the field could be enough to get you by without one.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether or not a senior network engineer certificate is worth pursuing. If it will help open doors for future career opportunities, then it might be worth the effort and expense. However, if your current job is satisfying and doesn't require any additional certification, then there may not be much benefit in getting one.

Related: Senior Network Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Network Engineer Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available for Senior Network Engineers?

Answer: There are several types of certifications available for Senior Network Engineers, including Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) and VMware Certified Professional (VCP).

2. How long does it take to earn a Senior Network Engineer certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to earn a Senior Network Engineer certification varies depending on the type of certification and the individual's experience level. Generally, it will take between 6 months and 1 year to complete the necessary coursework and exams.

3. What is the cost associated with becoming a Senior Network Engineer?

Answer: The cost associated with becoming a Senior Network Engineer can vary significantly depending on the type of certification chosen, as well as any training materials or courses needed in order to prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, you should expect to spend anywhere from $500 - $5,000+ in order to become certified.

4. How often do I need to renew my Senior Network Engineer certification?

Answer: Most certifications require renewal every 3-5 years in order to maintain their validity. In some cases, you may be able to renew your certification without taking an additional exam if you have maintained your knowledge through continuing education opportunities or work experience related to the field.

5. What benefits does having a Senior Network Engineer certification provide?

Answer: Having a Senior Network Engineer Certification provides many benefits, such as increased job security, higher pay rate potential and greater credibility in the IT industry. Additionally, having this certification may open up new career opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable without it.