Networking careers and certifications

Learn about networking certification and career resources to help engineers, managers, and architects and specialists hone their networking skills. Read about the most popular certifications, including Cisco's CCNA, CCNP, CCIE certifications, and learn how SDN, automation and other technologies are changing the way networking pros design and manage today's networks.

April 17, 2020 17 Apr'20
Cisco online certification tests are now available

Cisco online certification testing launched April 15. To prevent cheating, the Pearson VUE testing software commandeers the video cameras and microphones on candidates' home PCs.
August 09, 2018 09 Aug'18
What it takes to be a steward of your SDN career

When it comes to SDN careers and training, the impetus is on vendors, enterprises and individual network professionals to create and pursue training and certification opportunities.
May 24, 2018 24 May'18
IDC, Cisco survey assesses future IT staffing needs

New IDC survey on digital transformation's effects on future IT staffing outline technology trends affecting IT hiring and 20 roles that emphasize need for expanded skill sets.
April 11, 2018 11 Apr'18
MEF launches SDN certification and specs for Presto APIs

MEF worked with The Linux Foundation and ETSI to develop an NFV and SDN certification to focus on related knowledge and skills. Meantime, MEF published specs for its Presto APIs.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

Study various network types, topologies for configuration

Those looking to earn a Network+ certification need to learn about network types, topologies, network design best practices and more. James Pengelly's book covers those topics. Continue Reading
How NetOps differs from traditional network operations

When comparing NetOps and conventional network operations, network teams focus on automating repeatable tasks that correct problems rather than introducing new ones manually. Continue Reading
What does a cloud network engineer do?

A cloud network engineer juggles a number of responsibilities -- from network design and troubleshooting to knowledge of specific cloud providers and platforms. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

What is NetOps? Everything you need to know

NetOps, also referred to as NetOps 2.0 and NetDevOps, is an approach to networking operations that uses DevOps tools and techniques to make network changes more efficiently and effectively than in the past. Continue Reading
The rise of the NetOps engineer

The need for NetOps engineers with network automation and software development skills is rising with the continued drive to create more flexible networks. Find out what it takes. Continue Reading
Experts discuss stretched VLAN use cases, MEC and more

In this networking blog roundup, experts give reasons to stretch VLANs, discuss benefits of deploying private MEC with 5G, and differentiate between junior and senior IT engineers. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Black network engineers juggle building networks, being seen

2020 didn't transform diversity and inclusion in companies, according to some Black network engineers. But diversity in their careers and networks goes beyond hiring practices. Continue Reading
Software drives changes in network engineer skills, certifications

Learn what network analysts think about network engineer skills and certifications in the modern networking industry. Hint: Proprietary hardware is in the rearview mirror. Continue Reading
Top enterprise network challenges include agility, product hype

Product hype and network agility are some of the primary network challenges for modern enterprises, according to networking experts. Read up on their insights and advice. Continue Reading

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

Network teams spend more time than ever on network security issues

The workloads of network teams have evolved from their original objectives because of network security threats. Yet teams are still expected to maintain their initial goals. Continue Reading
What roles are included in a network engineer job description?

What is a network engineer? The role can encompass several disciplines, especially as new technologies emerge. Software knowledge, in particular, is in high demand. Continue Reading
Information security certifications: Introductory level

This series looks at the top information security certifications for IT professionals. Part one reviews basic, vendor-neutral certifications for entry-level positions. Continue Reading