Top 10 IT Networking Certifications

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) +

Not limited only to networking professionals, the MCSE certification is proof that an IT professional has what it takes to design, implement and administer technology infrastructures built on Microsoft Windows Server platforms. According to a Dice survey, there are currently nearly 1,000 available career opportunities requiring this certification.

CompTIA A++

Although employers often have need of networking professionals with more specialized skill sets, many of them require their IT staff to know the basics without being focused on one vendor. This vendor-neutral certification proves the certification holder can perform network installation and preventative maintenance, implement security and troubleshoot problems.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) +

As the leading networking vendor in the market, Cisco Systems' certifications appear in several locations on this top 10 list. CCNA is a second-level certification within the Cisco career path, and it focuses on installation, configuration, operation and troubleshooting of medium-sized LANs and WANs.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) +

The next level up from Cisco's CCNA certification is CCNP. While CCNA enables networking professionals to show off their ability to install, configure and maintain a network, CCNP takes the knowledge base to the next level with technologies such as QoS, VPNs and more advanced security features. Having a CCNP certification shows that a networking professional has the ability to plan, implement, verify and troubleshoot LANs and WANs. According to Joe Iovinelli, CEO of SmartSource, the CCNP is often requested by employers who are on a budget but need someone with networking skills.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) +

If CCNP is the certification for more budget-minded employers, CCIE is for those that require the highest level of technical networking certification Cisco has to offer. Professionals holding this certification have worked their way up the ranks of the Cisco career path to become masters at their disciplines. To achieve CCIE certification, they must prove their ability to do everything in the CCNP exam while also understanding the more advanced technologies that drive complex networks. According to Iovinelli, this is one of the most sought-after certifications by employers.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Voice+

Although CCIE Voice is part of the CCIE certification track, the growing adoption of VoIP over the last few years means it deserves its own place on the top 10 networking certifications list. SmartSource's Iovinelli pointed out CCIE Voice is a certification that employers have been requesting in their personnel more and more over the last year starting in early 2009.

CompTIA Network++

Cisco may be the leader in the field and its certifications are much sought after, but the CompTIA vendor-neutral certifications are of definite interest to employers, according to Dice. Network+ shows employers the networking professional can manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install and configure basic network infrastructures.

ISC(2) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) +

Security is still a top-of-mind concern among C-level executives, as well as among IT professionals in general. ISC(2)'s CISSP security certification is an important piece of paper to have for networking professionals dealing with access control and network security.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) +

Similar to the MCSE, the MCSA certification from Microsoft is in demand by employers because professionals who possess it have proven their expertise in systems administration and troubleshooting networks that are in a Windows Server environment. According to Dice, it's a good piece of paper to have for network administrators, network technicians and network operations analysts.

CompTIA Security+

Last but certainly not least in the list of top 10 networking certifications is CompTIA's Security+ certification, which is earned by networking professionals with knowledge of system security, network infrastructure, access control and organizational security.

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