Top 11 Senior Systems Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a senior systems engineer in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has advanced knowledge and skills in their field. Certifications provide employers with an assurance that the candidate is qualified to perform the duties of a senior systems engineer. They show employers that the individual has taken the time to invest in themselves and their career, and that they have kept up with industry trends and best practices. In addition, certifications can give candidates an edge over other applicants who lack such credentials.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Senior Systems Engineers, providing insight into how they can contribute to a senior systems engineer's career.

What are Senior Systems Engineer Certifications?

Senior Systems Engineer Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of systems engineering. It is mainly targeted at IT professionals who are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing systems solutions. The certification provides recognition of an individual's technical proficiency and experience in the area of system engineering and helps employers identify qualified candidates for job openings.

The certification can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession as well as their proficiency in the field by providing them with a recognized credential that proves their capabilities. Additionally, it provides a way for employers to evaluate potential job applicants on the basis of their technical skills and experience rather than simply relying on resumes or references. Finally, it can help individuals stand out from other applicants by showcasing their advanced knowledge of systems engineering principles and practices.

Pro Tip: When considering a senior systems engineer certification, make sure to research the requirements and prerequisites for the specific certification you are interested in. Many certifications require prior experience or knowledge of specific technologies and frameworks, so it is important to ensure that you have the necessary background before beginning your studies.

Related: What does a Senior Systems Engineer do?

Top 11 Senior Systems Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Senior Systems Engineers today.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that validates a professional’s expertise in building, managing and maintaining an enterprise-level server infrastructure. It requires knowledge of Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, Active Directory, Networking Infrastructure and System Center.

To get the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification, you must pass three exams: 70-410 Installing & Configuring Windows Server 2012; 70-411 Administering Windows Server 2012; and 70-412 Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services. The exams can be taken in any order and are required to be completed within one year from the time of your first exam registration.

The cost for each exam varies depending on the country or region where it is taken. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD.

In total, it takes approximately 50 hours of study to prepare for the three exams and should take about 6 months to complete them all.

2. CompTIA A+ Certified Technician

CompTIA A+ Certified Technician is a certification program that validates the skills of IT professionals who work with computer hardware, software, and networks. It is an internationally recognized credential in the IT industry.

The CompTIA A+ certification requires two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). The Core 1 exam focuses on hardware and troubleshooting, while the Core 2 exam covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Both exams can be taken independently or as part of a bundle.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exams. This includes studying for the exams and gaining hands-on experience with computer hardware and software.

To become CompTIA A+ certified, you must pass both the Core 1 and Core 2 exams. The cost of each exam varies depending on where you take it; however, the average cost is around $200 USD per exam.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official CompTIA A+ certification from CompTIA. This credential is valid for three years before needing to be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the tests.

3. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a professional-level certification from Cisco Systems. It is designed to validate an individual’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the CCNP program. To get the certification, you must pass all three of the required exams: Route, Switch, and TSHOOT. The exams are offered in both online and in-person formats.

The cost of the CCNP program varies depending on the format chosen for taking the exams. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD for all three exams combined. This price does not include any additional training materials or resources that may be needed for successful completion of the program.

In addition to passing all three required exams, you must also have at least one year of networking experience before becoming eligible for CCNP certification.

4. VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) is a certification that validates the technical skills and knowledge of an individual in designing, installing, configuring, and managing VMware vSphere 6.x environments. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who are looking to demonstrate their expertise in virtualizing business-critical applications and services.

To obtain the VCP6-DCV certification, you must first attend a VMware authorized course such as the VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V6.x] or equivalent training. After completing the course, you will need to pass two exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) Exam and the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCAP6-DCV) Design Exam. The VCP6-DCV exam is a multiple choice exam with 85 questions and a time limit of 105 minutes; it costs $250 USD. The VCAP6-DCV Design Exam is a performance-based exam with 8 tasks and a time limit of 120 minutes; it costs $450 USD.

Once you have completed both exams successfully, you will be awarded your VCP6-DCV certification from VMware. This process typically takes between 2 weeks to 1 month depending on your availability for taking the exams.

5. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) is a certification that demonstrates the skills and knowledge required to install, configure, and manage Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is administered by Red Hat and is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in managing Red Hat systems.

It typically takes around 4-6 months of preparation to become an RHCE. This includes studying for the exam, gaining hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and completing any prerequisites such as the Red Hat System Administration I course.

To get certified as an RHCE, you must pass the RHCE Exam (EX300). The exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of system services, networking services, storage management, security administration, system maintenance, troubleshooting and more. It costs $400 USD to take the exam.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your RHCE certification from Red Hat which is valid for 3 years from the date of completion. After 3 years you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

6. Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Professional is an advanced certification for cloud architects who have expertise in designing and deploying applications on the AWS platform. It is designed to validate a candidate’s ability to design, deploy, and troubleshoot complex cloud architectures on Amazon Web Services.

The exam typically takes between 180 minutes to complete. Candidates must have at least two years of experience working with AWS and should have knowledge of at least one programming language.

To get the certification, candidates must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test a candidate’s knowledge of various aspects of AWS architecture, such as network design, security, storage, scalability, availability zones, and more.

The cost of the exam varies by region but generally ranges from $300 to $400 USD.

7. Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V)

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the area of virtualization. It is intended for IT professionals who are involved in the design, implementation, and management of virtualized environments. The certification requires passing an exam that tests knowledge on topics such as server virtualization, storage optimization, networking and security, application delivery, resource management, and more.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the CCP-V exam. Candidates should have a solid understanding of Citrix XenServer products, including XenCenter and XenMotion. They should also be familiar with concepts such as server clustering, resource pooling, high availability, disaster recovery planning and implementation.

To get the CCP-V certification, candidates must first register for the exam through the Citrix website. Once registered they will receive an authorization code which they can use to schedule their exam at an authorized testing center. After passing the exam they will receive their official certificate from Citrix.

The cost of the CCP-V certification varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

8. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA): Windows Server 2016

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA): Windows Server 2016 is a certification that validates the skills of IT professionals who are responsible for managing and maintaining Windows Server 2016 environments. This certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in areas such as installation, configuration, storage, networking, virtualization, identity management and more.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete the requirements for this certification depending on the individual’s experience level. To get certified, individuals must pass two exams: Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 and Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016. Both exams must be passed within 12 months of each other to earn the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification.

The cost of these exams varies by region but generally ranges from $165-$200 USD per exam.

9. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional is a certification program offered by Oracle to validate the technical knowledge and skills of database administrators. It is designed to demonstrate that the certified professional has the ability to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Oracle Database 12c environments.

It typically takes around six months of preparation and practice before taking the exam. To get certified, you must pass one exam: 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location, but it usually ranges from $245 to $295 USD.

To prepare for the exam, you should have a good understanding of Oracle Database 12c architecture and components, as well as experience with managing an Oracle Database environment. You should also be familiar with basic database administration tasks such as creating databases, tablespaces, users, roles, profiles, views, sequences and synonyms; configuring memory parameters; setting up security; performing backup and recovery; monitoring performance; and troubleshooting issues related to Oracle Database 12c.

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

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist – Security (JNCIS-SEC) is a certification program that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in the area of Juniper Networks security technologies. The JNCIS-SEC certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to configure, troubleshoot, and monitor Juniper Networks SRX Series Services Gateways, as well as Junos Security software.

The JNCIS-SEC certification requires passing one exam: JN0-334, which covers topics such as security policies, authentication, encryption technologies, NAT/PAT, VPNs, IDP/IPSec/SSL VPNs, and more. The exam consists of 65 multiple choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete.

To get certified for the JNCIS-SEC you must first pass the JN0-334 exam. You can prepare for the exam by taking online training courses offered by Juniper Networks or by purchasing study materials from third party vendors. Once you have passed the exam you will be awarded your JNCIS-SEC certification.

The cost of the JN0-334 exam varies depending on where it is taken; however it usually costs around $200 USD.

11. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is designed to help individuals understand the core principles and key concepts of IT service management. The certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of training and covers five core areas: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes to complete. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and candidates must score at least 65% in order to pass. The cost for the exam varies by provider but generally ranges from $200 to $300 USD.

In order to obtain the ITIL Foundation Certification, individuals must first complete an accredited training course or self-study program. After completing the training program, individuals can register for the exam through an authorized provider such as PeopleCert or EXIN. Once registered for the exam, individuals will receive their results within 48 hours after completion. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their ITIL Foundation Certificate via email within 7-10 business days.

Do You Really Need a Senior Systems Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no. A senior systems engineer certificate is not a necessary requirement for most systems engineering roles. However, it can be beneficial for certain positions and may help you stand out from the competition if you are applying for a senior-level engineering role.

A senior systems engineer certificate demonstrates that you have extensive knowledge of complex system architecture, design, and implementation. It also shows that you have the ability to apply your technical expertise to solve difficult problems and develop innovative solutions. In some cases, employers may even require applicants to hold a senior systems engineer certificate in order to qualify for certain roles.

If you are considering pursuing a senior systems engineer certificate, it’s important to research the requirements and make sure that it aligns with your career goals. It is also important to ensure that the program you choose offers quality instruction and an up-to-date curriculum so that you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

In conclusion, while a senior systems engineer certificate isn’t necessary for most positions, it can be beneficial if you are looking for more advanced roles or want to demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

Related: Senior Systems Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Systems Engineer Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Senior Systems Engineer?

Answer: Requirements for becoming a Senior Systems Engineer typically include a combination of related experience and certifications, such as CompTIA A+, Network+ or Security+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).

2. How long does it take to obtain a Senior Systems Engineer certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain a Senior Systems Engineer certification varies depending on the type of certification and how much prior experience you have. Generally, certifications can be obtained within 6-12 months with sufficient preparation and dedication.

3. What is the cost of obtaining a Senior Systems Engineer Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Senior Systems Engineer Certification depends on the type of certification you are pursuing, but generally ranges from $500-$5,000 USD.

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Senior Systems Engineer Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to have achieved certain prerequisites before applying for their certifications. This could include passing specific exams or having certain amounts of experience in relevant fields. It is important to research each individual certification you are interested in to determine its specific prerequisites.

5. What type of job opportunities are available for someone with a Senior Systems Engineer Certification?

Answer: With a Senior Systems Engineer Certification, you will be qualified for various roles such as System Administrator, Network Architect, Infrastructure Manager, IT Security Analyst and more.