Career Certifications in Computer Networking

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Entry Level Computer Networking Certifications: Given below are some of the most popular entry level certifications in the networking domain.

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking: CCST has been introduced recently and it's geared towards candidates intending to start a career in networking.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): The CCNA is one of the most widely known networking certifications. It covers networking fundamentals, routing, and switching, network security, and troubleshooting. For those, who are new to networking, it is recommended to start with CCST Networking. Apart from general networking topics, CCNA focusses on Cisco IOS and configuring using Cisco networking devices.

CompTIA Network+: The Network+ is another popular entry-level networking certification. It covers topics similar to the CCNA, but it is vendor-neutral.

Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA): The JNCIA is an entry-level certification that focuses on Juniper Networks technologies. The certification is similar to CCNA, but focusses on Juniper JUNOS operating system and Juniper routers and switches.

CWNA: The Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) is an entry-level wireless networking certification from the Certified Wireless Network Professionals (CWNP). As the name implies, it focusses on wireless networking using Hubs, Switches, Access Points, and wireless routers. It is a vendor-neutral certification, meaning that it is not specific to any particular wireless networking vendor.

We discuss about certification topics, preparation resources, and job roles available.

Preparation Resources For Certification Preparation.

There are a number of preparation resources available for exam preparation. These resources can help you learn the material that is tested on the exam and practice answering questions in a timed environment.

Some of the frequently used resources are given below:

Study Guides: Books are a great way to learn the material that is tested on the exam. They can provide you with a comprehensive overview of the topics that are covered on the exam and can help you to understand the concepts in depth.
Online courses: Online courses are another great way to learn the material that is tested on the exam. They can provide you with a more interactive learning experience and can help you to stay motivated. YouTube videos are available on almost all topics and recommended.

Practice exams: Practice exams can help you to get used to the format of the real exam and to practice answering questions in a timed environment.
Study guides: Study guides can provide you with a summary of the important concepts that you need to know for the exam.

Computer Labs: Many certifications, like CCNA, JNCIA, or A+ require some amount of hands on preparation to answer simulation type questions. There are two ways to practice labs, software based labs and physical labs.

Exam Cram or Notes: Exam crams offer last minute review of important topics. Make sure you prepare cram notes or at least browse the web and get cram notes for quick review.

When choosing preparation resources, it is important to consider your learning style and budget. If you are a visual learner, you may want to choose books or online courses that include videos and audios. If you are a hands-on learner, you may want to choose practice exams or study guides that include interactive exercises. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to choose free or low-cost resources, such as online courses or practice exams.

How to prepare effectively for a certification exam:

Create a study schedule: Break down the material into manageable chunks and create a schedule for studying. Make sure to schedule time for practice exams and to review your mistakes.

Use hands-on labs: Use physical labs as many networking exams consist of lab simulations. If you don't have access to physical lab equipment, there are some lab sims provided by vendors such as certexams.com and boson.com. Check them out. Before buying any lab, make sure that the exam topics are covered extensively in the labs. Ability to design your own labs in addition to library lab exercises is a plus.

Use a variety of resources: Don't just rely on one type of preparation resource. Use a variety of resources to learn the material and to practice answering questions.

Take breaks: Don't try to cram everything into one long study session. Take breaks to avoid burnout.

Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for memory consolidation. Make sure to get enough sleep before the exam.

By following these tips, you can use preparation resources effectively and increase your chances of passing the exam.

Entry Level Networking Jobs for Certified Professionals
Often, it's difficult to break the ice. However, with sufficient preparation and hard work, it is possible to obtain a job in a reputed company. Some of the most common entry-level positions include:

Network Administrator: Network administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a network, such as installing and configuring hardware and software, troubleshooting network problems, and managing network security.

Network Technician: Network technicians assist network administrators with the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network equipment.

Junior Network Engineer: Junior network engineers are responsible for basic network engineering tasks, such as designing, configuring, and troubleshooting networks.

Help Desk Technician: Help desk technicians provide technical support to users, including help with network problems.

Desktop Support Technician: Desktop support technicians provide technical support to users, including help with network problems.

Field Service Technician: Field service technicians install, configure, and maintain network equipment at customer sites.

Entry-level networking engineers typically require a bachelor's degree or diploma in computer science or a related field, and a certification such as CCNA or CCST would be preferred.

How to Prepare Yourself For Application Process:
Network with other IT professionals: Attend industry events and meetups to network with other IT professionals. This is a great way to learn about job openings and to get your name in the door.

Use social media: Social media platforms such as LinkedIn can be a great way to find job openings and to connect with other IT professionals.

Contact networking equipment vendors: Many networking equipment vendors have job boards where they post job openings. You can also contact vendor representatives directly to inquire about job openings.

Research companies: Before you apply for a job, research the company to learn about their culture and values. This will help you to determine if the company is a good fit for you.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding and landing an entry-level networking engineer position.
Career Advancement
Once you are able to land an entry level job, it's time to look for career advancement. Most of the certification providers offer professional and expert level certifications. For example, Cisco offers CCNP and CCIE (expert level) certifications where as Juniper offers JNCIP (professional level) and JNCIE (expert level). Depending on your own interest and enthusiasm, and the organizational goals, you can plan for your career advancement.
Good luck!
Some useful resource links are given below for quick reference:
Certification | Juniper Networks US
Discover how to take the next step in your career and validate your skillset with our Juniper Networks Certification Program.
Certifications - Training & Certifications - Cisco
We offer five levels of network certification: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert and Architect, the highest level of accreditation within the Cisco Career Certification program.
Practice exams, Lab Sims, and Exam Cram for various certifications including CCNA, CCNP, A+, Network+, and others.
You find practice exams, network simulators, and labs for various leading industry certifications.