Top 11 Telecom Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for telecom engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers value. Certifications show employers that an engineer has the necessary skills to do their job effectively and can help them stand out from other applicants. In addition, certifications often provide access to additional resources such as online courses, forums, and industry networks that can help engineers stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in the field. Finally, certifications give engineers a chance to expand their skill set, which can lead to more career opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Telecom Engineers and explain how they can help advance a telecom engineer's career.

What are Telecom Engineer Certifications?

Telecom engineer certification is a type of professional certification issued by organizations to verify that an individual has the required knowledge and skills to work in the telecommunications engineering field. This type of certification can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise, as well as stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. It also helps companies ensure they are hiring qualified personnel to manage their telecom systems.

The certification typically requires individuals to pass an exam covering topics such as network security, wireless communications, IP networking, data networking, voice and video technologies, and more. Some certifications also require completion of a course or other training activity prior to taking the exam. By obtaining this certification, telecom engineers can prove their abilities and demonstrate that they have the necessary technical knowledge and experience to be successful in their roles. Additionally, having a certification may help telecom engineers secure better job opportunities in the industry.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different telecom engineer certification options available to you and find one that best fits your career goals. You should also look into what additional training or continuing education courses may be necessary for your chosen certification program. Additionally, consider joining a professional organization related to the field in order to stay up-to-date with industry trends and news.

Related: What does a Telecom Engineer do?

Top 11 Telecom Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Telecom 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, and troubleshoot routed and switched networks of medium to large size. The CCNP certification requires the successful completion of four exams: ROUTE (300-101), SWITCH (300-115), TSHOOT (300-135), and DESGN (300-320).

It typically takes about six months to complete the necessary training and pass all four exams. To get started, individuals must first become a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). This requires passing one exam – either ICND1 or ICND2. After becoming a CCNA, individuals can begin preparing for the four exams required for the CCNP.

The cost of the CCNP certification varies depending on which route you take to prepare for it. Self-study materials such as books, practice tests, and online courses can range from $500-$1000 USD. Alternatively, there are instructor-led courses available through Cisco Learning Partners that range from $3000-$5000 USD.

Once an individual has passed all four exams required for the CCNP certification, they will receive their official certificate in the mail from Cisco Systems within 6-8 weeks.

2. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JNCIS)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JNCIS) is a certification program offered by Juniper Networks. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of networking professionals in configuring, troubleshooting, and managing Juniper Networks products. The JNCIS certification covers topics such as routing protocols, switching technologies, security, virtualization, and automation.

The JNCIS certification requires passing one or more exams that cover the topics listed above. The exam typically takes two to three hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To become certified, individuals must pass all required exams with a score of 70% or higher.

To get the JNCIS certification, individuals must first register for an exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. After registering for an exam, individuals will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to schedule their exam appointment.

The cost of the JNCIS certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and the testing center used. Generally speaking, each individual exam costs between $200 - $300 USD per attempt.

3. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-standard certification for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in networking technologies. It is designed to validate a candidate’s ability to troubleshoot, configure, and manage both wired and wireless networks.

The CompTIA Network+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a score of 720 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To get CompTIA Network+, you need to take the N10-007 exam which can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD.

You will also need to have at least 9 months of experience in network support or administration before attempting the exam, although it is not required for certification.

4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Communication

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Communication is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge required to design, deploy, manage, and maintain communications infrastructure. This includes messaging systems such as Microsoft Exchange Server, Lync Server, Skype for Business Server, SharePoint Server, and Office 365.

To become an MCSE: Communication certified professional, individuals must pass one or more exams related to communication technologies. The exact exams needed vary depending on the version of the certification being pursued. Generally speaking, it takes around six months of study and preparation to get this certification.

In order to get the MCSE: Communication certification, you must first pass one or more exams from Microsoft’s list of approved exams. You can find a full list of these exams at the Microsoft Learning website. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country in which you take it; however, most exams cost between $100 - $200 USD per exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking an exam such as proctoring fees and registration fees.

Once you have passed all required exams for the MCSE: Communication certification program, you will receive your official certificate from Microsoft through mail or email within 8-10 weeks after passing your last exam.

5. Avaya Certified Implementation Specialist (ACIS)

Avaya Certified Implementation Specialist (ACIS) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully implement Avaya products and solutions. It is offered by Avaya, a leading provider of unified communications, contact center, networking and video conferencing solutions.

The ACIS certification program consists of two levels: Associate and Professional. The Associate level focuses on the fundamentals of Avaya products and solutions, while the Professional level covers more advanced topics such as network design, system integration, and troubleshooting.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the ACIS certification program. To get certified at either level, you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge of Avaya products and solutions. You can prepare for the exam by taking an authorized training course or self-study using Avaya's official study materials.

The cost of the ACIS certification program varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The Associate-level exam costs $150 USD, while the Professional-level exam costs $200 USD.

6. Ericsson Certified Technology Expert (ECTX)

Ericsson Certified Technology Expert (ECTX) is a professional certification program offered by Ericsson to recognize and validate the expertise of professionals in the field of telecommunications technology. The ECTX certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and skills in the areas of network architecture, design, operations, and maintenance.

The ECTX certification requires successful completion of four exams: two written exams, one lab exam, and one practical exam. Each exam has a different focus and covers a variety of topics related to Ericsson’s products and services. The written exams are typically taken online while the lab and practical exams are conducted at an authorized training center or partner facility.

In order to obtain the ECTX certification, individuals must first complete all four required exams within 18 months. After successfully completing all four exams, applicants must submit their application for review by Ericsson's Certification Board. If approved, applicants will receive their official ECTX certificate from Ericsson.

The cost for taking each individual exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $100-$300 USD per exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining the ECTX certification such as travel expenses for attending an authorized training center or partner facility for the lab/practical exams.

7. Alcatel-Lucent Certifications for Service Routing and Switching

Alcatel-Lucent Certifications for Service Routing and Switching are professional certifications that demonstrate an individual's expertise in the field of service routing and switching. These certifications are offered by Alcatel-Lucent, a global leader in networking and communications technology solutions.

The Alcatel-Lucent Certifications for Service Routing and Switching consist of two levels: Associate Level (ALCERS) and Professional Level (PLERS). The Associate Level certification is designed for individuals who have basic knowledge of service routing and switching technologies, while the Professional Level certification is designed for those with more advanced knowledge.

To obtain an ALCERS or PLERS certification, individuals must pass a series of exams. The exams cover topics such as network design, configuration, troubleshooting, security, and management. Depending on the level of certification desired, it can take several months to complete all of the required exams.

In order to become certified, individuals must first register with Alcatel-Lucent’s Certification Program website. After registering, they can purchase exam vouchers from the website which will allow them to take the required exams. Each exam voucher costs $150 USD per exam attempt.

Once all of the required exams have been passed successfully, individuals will receive their ALCERS or PLERS certification from Alcatel-Lucent. With this certification they will be able to demonstrate their expertise in service routing and switching technologies to potential employers or customers.

8. Nokia IP/MPLS Core Network Engineer Certification

Nokia IP/MPLS Core Network Engineer Certification is a globally recognized certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of networking professionals who have experience in deploying and managing Nokia IP/MPLS core networks. This certification is designed to demonstrate that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of the Nokia IP/MPLS network architecture, configuration, and troubleshooting.

The certification requires passing an online exam that consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as network design, routing protocols, MPLS technology, QoS, security, and more. The duration of the exam is 90 minutes and it must be completed within one year from the date of registration.

To get certified as a Nokia IP/MPLS Core Network Engineer, you must first register for the exam with Nokia's Learning Partner or directly with Nokia. Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online course material and take the exam.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your geographical location. In most cases, it costs around $200 USD to take the exam.

9. Huawei Certified Network Professional (HCNP)

Huawei Certified Network Professional (HCNP) is a professional certification program offered by Huawei, one of the world’s leading telecom equipment and solutions providers. The HCNP certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the area of networking technologies, including routing, switching, security, voice and wireless.

The HCNP certification requires successful completion of two exams: the HCNA-R&S exam and the HCNP-R&S exam. The HCNA-R&S exam covers basic networking concepts such as IP addressing, subnetting, routing protocols and network security. The HCNP-R&S exam focuses on more advanced topics such as virtual private networks (VPNs), Quality of Service (QoS), multicast routing and IPv6.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for both exams if you are studying full-time or 12 months if you are studying part-time. To get started with your studies, you will need to purchase books or other study materials for each exam topic. You can also find online resources such as practice tests and tutorials to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of taking the two exams varies depending on your country but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD per exam.

10. Red Hat Certified Engineer in Telecommunications Infrastructure

Red Hat Certified Engineer in Telecommunications Infrastructure (RHCTI) is a certification program designed to validate an individual's skills and knowledge in the field of telecommunications infrastructure. It is a vendor-neutral, industry-recognized certification that validates an individual's ability to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems in a telecommunications environment.

The RHCTI certification requires individuals to pass two exams: EX300 and EX310. The EX300 exam tests an individual’s knowledge of the fundamentals of Red Hat Enterprise Linux system administration. The EX310 exam tests an individual’s ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems in a telecommunications environment.

In order to be eligible for the RHCTI certification, individuals must have at least six months experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems in a telecommunications environment. Individuals must also have attended or completed a formal training course related to the RHCTI curriculum prior to taking the exams.

The cost of taking the two exams varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD per exam. The total cost for both exams is usually around $800-$1200 USD. Additionally, there are several online resources available which can help individuals prepare for the exams such as practice tests and study guides.

Overall, obtaining the RHCTI certification can take anywhere from one month up to several months depending on how much time an individual dedicates to studying and preparing for the exams.

11. Oracle Communications Session Border Controller 6 Implementation Essentials

Oracle Communications Session Border Controller 6 Implementation Essentials is a certification program designed to help IT professionals become proficient in the installation, configuration and management of Oracle Communications Session Border Controllers (SBCs). The program provides an understanding of the SBC architecture, its components, and how to integrate it into existing networks. It also covers topics such as security, VoIP protocols, and troubleshooting.

The Oracle Communications Session Border Controller 6 Implementation Essentials certification requires passing a single exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The cost of the exam is $245 USD.

To get started with the Oracle Communications Session Border Controller 6 Implementation Essentials certification program, you will need to register for the exam on the Oracle website. Once registered, you will be able to access study materials and practice tests that are available online. You can also attend instructor-led training courses offered by Oracle or third-party providers if desired.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from Oracle and be recognized as an Oracle Certified Professional in Session Border Controller 6 Implementation Essentials.

Do You Really Need a Telecom Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. For some people, a Telecom Engineer Certificate may be essential in order to pursue a career in telecommunications engineering. In many cases, employers will require applicants to have a specific level of certification in order to be considered for certain positions.

On the other hand, there are also some individuals who may not need a Telecom Engineer Certificate in order to pursue their desired career path. For example, certain telecom engineers may only need an undergraduate degree and experience working with telecom equipment and systems. While having a certificate can certainly help bolster one's credentials, it is not always necessary for those who already have the necessary skills and knowledge.

At the end of the day, it comes down to what an individual wants and needs from their career path. If someone is looking for more opportunities or better pay, then obtaining a Telecom Engineer Certificate might be beneficial. However, if someone has already achieved success without it or does not feel that they need it in order to reach their goals, then it might not be necessary for them. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide whether or not they should pursue a Telecom Engineer Certificate.

Related: Telecom Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Telecom Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for telecom engineers?

Answer: There are a variety of certifications available for telecom engineers, including the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE), and CompTIA Network+ certification.

2. How do I become certified as a telecom engineer?

Answer: To become certified as a telecom engineer, you must first complete an accredited course or program in telecommunications engineering. After this, you can then take the relevant certification exams to obtain your certification.

3. What are some of the benefits of becoming a certified telecom engineer?

Answer: Becoming a certified telecom engineer can give you access to higher salaries and more job opportunities. Additionally, it can help you develop new skills and stay up-to-date with current industry trends and technologies.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a telecom engineer?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a telecom engineer depends on the type of certification you’re pursuing and which exams you need to take. Most certifications require passing multiple exams but typically take around 6 months to complete all requirements for certification.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified telecom engineer?

Answer: Yes, most certifications have specific prerequisites that must be met before taking an exam or becoming certified, such as having experience with certain types of hardware or software products or having already taken certain courses related to telecommunications engineering.