In a world embracing fast-paced technology, the role of a network system administrator has become increasingly essential. However, the more the need for these professionals rises, the greater the competition. With some of the best network system administrator certifications, you can rise above your equals.
Network system administrators are the unsung heroes that ensure the digital world runs smoothly and securely. They manage and maintain an organization’s computer networks through a series of tasks.
The tasks of network system administrators include configuring and monitoring network devices, troubleshooting connectivity issues, implementing security measures, and ensuring network resources are available and functioning efficiently. All these and more you can learn in a network system administrator course, but earning the best certifications double your chances of employment.
If you want to stand out in your career, continue reading to discover the best network system administrator certifications that will set you on the success path.
What is the Average Salary of a Network System Administrator?
According to a recent salary survey by ZipRecruiter, the average salary of a network system administrator is $83,267 per year. The salary at the hourly rate comes to $40 per hour.
However, several factors may affect your earning potential. For example, entry-level positions may be open for a lesser amount, while senior staff tend to earn much more. Location and industry can also affect how much you earn as a network system administrator.
Industries that use more complex network infrastructures, such as healthcare, finance, and technology, offer better salaries. You can also earn more in regions with high cost of living and demand for IT professionals.
Another contributing factor to your earning potential is whether or not you possess specialized certifications. Gaining some of the best network system administrator certifications increases your earning potential.
Skills You Need to Be a Network System Administrator
As a network administrator, you need several skills to be efficient in your job. However, some of the most crucial include the following.
- IT and technical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Patience
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and continuous learning
A network administrator should also have technical proficiency in hardware and sound knowledge of operating systems. You should be conversant with TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP, including platforms like Windows, Linux, and MacOS.
One major role of a network system administrator is security so you should be an expert in setting up firewalls, and encryption while being able to detect and respond to security breaches. An ability to utilize monitoring and management tools such as SNMP and Wireshark will also keep you indispensable.
10 Best Network System Administrator Certifications
CompTIA Network+
Certification exam fee: It costs $358.
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is among the leading organizations powering the world economy through technology. It offers one of the best network system administrator certifications, the CompTIA Network+. CompTIA Network+ is the industry standard for launching a career in information technology, and it is the preferred qualifying certificate for technical assistance and IT operational professions.
A CompTIA Network+ certification demonstrates that you have learned the fundamentals of networking, including network implementations, operations, security, and troubleshooting. It also shows you have mastered wired and wireless installation to retain network connectivity.
Jobs you can secure as a CompTIA Network+ certificate holder include the following:
- Network Security Operations
- Network Security Analyst
- Security Architect
- Data Architect
- Network Security Specialist
- Solution Architect
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Tier II IT Support Technician
To earn the CompTIA Network+ certification, you must pass an exam that comprises multiple-choice and performance-based questions. However, you must have between 9-12 months of experience in networking and a CompTIA A+ certification to be eligible for the exam.
From my research, I can tell you that the practice test on the site is nothing compared to the difficulty level of the main exam. So, do not bank on that! However, enrolling in the training programs will give you an edge.
See CompTIA Network+ for more information.
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Certification exam fee: It costs $400.
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a professional network certification offered by Cisco, a leading company in networking technology. The CCNP certifies that you have the knowledge and skills to manage, configure, and troubleshoot LAN, WAN, and security networks. It demonstrates valuable skills such as cloud computing, network automation, and cybersecurity. These are skills that are increasingly important in the early of technology today.
The CCNP is a highly respected certificate worldwide, giving you increased earning potential. You can secure jobs such as network administrator, systems engineer, network support technician and midlevel network engineer.
You must pass two examinations to become CCNP certified: one core exam and one of the concentration exams. The core exam also qualifies you for the CCIE lab exams.
See CCNP – Training and Certification for more information.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Certification fee: It costs $300.
CCNA is the first level of Cisco Career certification. It is the foundational course to demonstrate entry-level knowledge in networking.
The CCNA certification validates your ability to handle the ever-changing IT ecosystem. It certifies your ability to manage and operate today’s most complex networks. The CCNA certification demonstrates skills in wireless networking, WAN technologies, network management and troubleshooting, and proficiency in managing Cisco switches and routers such as VLANs, STF, OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP.
The CCNA test includes networking basics, IP services, security basics, automation, and programmability. The CCNA training course and exam lay the groundwork for you to take your career in any direction. When you certify with Cisco, you are living proof of the quality and rigor that businesses recognize and rely on to meet and exceed market expectations.
Although there is no formal requirement to take the CCNA certification exam, you should have at least one or more years of experience in implementing and administering Cisco solutions.
The certificate prepares you for job roles such as Network Administrator, System Engineer, System Administrator, and Network Engineer.
You may be wondering the difference between CCNA and CCNP. CCNA is an associate-level certification that tests your expertise in switching and routing fundamentals. CCNP, on the other hand, is a more advanced certification that tests your knowledge of WANs and LANs, and how they work together.
See CCNA – Training and Certification for more information.
CompTIA A+
Certification fee: It costs $246.
CompTIA A+ is one of the best network system administrator certifications for IT professionals. Unlike other certifications, which often only demand coverage of one area, CompTIA A+ covers a greater range of knowledge required of technicians today, making A+ applicable to a wider range of work roles.
The certificate demonstrates your hardware and software skills, including installation of Windows OS, system configuration imaging, and troubleshooting for MacOS, Chrome OS, Linux OS, and Android. It also certifies your proficiency in networks and connections such as TCP/IP, WIFI, and SOHO. Other skills you should have include mobile device connectivity, virtualization, and cloud computing.
The exam requirement includes a 9-12 month hands-on experience in the lab or field. You must pass two core exams consisting of a maximum of 90 questions.
As a CompTIA A+ certified network administrator, you can secure the following jobs:
- IT Support Specialist
- Helpdesk Technician
- Field Technician
- Tier I Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Associate Network Engineer
- Systems Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
See CompTIA A+ for more information.
Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
Certification fee: It costs $125.
CCT is one of the best network system administrator certifications offered by Cisco. Like all other Cisco certificates, it is well respected worldwide.
The basic roles of a Cisco Certified Technician are to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. The certificate demonstrates your skills in these aspects.
The CCT has three major parts: CCT Collaboration, CCT Data Center, and CCT Routing and Switching.
CCT collaboration highlights skills required for onsite support and maintenance of Cisco collaboration endpoints.
CCT Data Center demonstrates an ability to identify Cisco Unified Computing Systems and servers, accessories, cabling, and interfaces. It also requires your proficiency in using Cisco Graphical User Interface to connect and service product components.
CCT Routing and Switching focuses on understanding how to identify Cisco router and switch models, including understanding the Cisco IIOS Software operating modes.
The course has no prerequisites. All you need is good knowledge of the topics before taking the exam.
Jobs you can secure as a Cisco Certified Technician include Desktop Support Technician Level II, Switch Technician, Lead Data Center Technician, Professional Services Field Engineer, and Senior System Engineer.
One tip I would give you to help you pass the exam: pay attention to keywords when reading the exam questions! Take note of words like “not”, “best” and “except” before picking an answer. This tiny detail has made many people fail the certification exam.
See Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) for more information.
Microsoft 365 Certified Administrator
Certification fee: It costs $165 (varies with location).
A certified Microsoft 365 administrator deploys and manages Microsoft 365. They also perform tenant-level Microsoft 365 implementation and administration of cloud and hybrid environments. It has become one of the most sought-after network system administrator certifications worldwide, with more companies valuing Microsoft 365 professionals.
You must have functional expertise with all Microsoft 365 workloads and Microsoft Entra ID, as well as having administered at least one of them to qualify for the certification exams. You must also know about networking, server administration, and DNS.
The certification has five prerequisite options which you can choose from:
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator Associate
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate
- Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate
- Microsoft Certified: Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate certification
See Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert for more information.
Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect
Certification fee: It costs $165 (varies with location).
Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architects are responsible for designing cloud and hybrid solutions on Azure. Azure solutions architects advise stakeholders and translate business needs into designs for Azure solutions that adhere to the Azure Well-Architected Framework.
The Azure Solutions Architect certification validates your skills in designing identity, governance, monitoring, and data storage solutions. It also certifies your expertise in business continuity and infrastructure solutions.
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate is the only prerequisite for this certification. You must pass the certification exam to earn the certificate. Assessments are available to prepare you for the exam.
The certification can secure you a job as a cloud developer, cloud solution architect, cloud DevOps engineer, or cloud consultant.
See Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert for more information.
VMWare Certified Professional (VCP)
Certification fee: It costs $250.
VMWare offers some of the most reputable network system administrator certifications. It offers a series of certifications, such as Cloud Infrastructure Administrator, and Certified Technical Associate, among many others.
The VMWare Certified Professional is a certification level for IT professionals responsible for installing, configuring, managing, and optimizing VMware technologies. VMWare offers several categories of VCP certifications. The certifications verify the fundamental skills required to integrate and manage the technology that enables the company’s customers to achieve their business objectives.
The certifications are divided into many technology fields, with levels for beginners and specialists in the field. They include the following:
- VMWare Certified Professional – VMWare Cloud
- VMWare Certified Professional – Network Visualization
- VMWare Certified Professional – Data Center
- VMWare Certified Professional – Desktop Management
- VMWare Certified Professional – Digital Workspace
- VMWare Certified Professional – Cloud Management and Automation
- VMWare Certified Professional – Application Modernization
See VMWare Certification for more information.
Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)
Certification fee: It costs $80.
The Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT) is a certificate offered by ETA International. It validates your knowledge of computer electronics fundamentals, including applicable Internet and networking technologies.
As a network computer technician, you should have expertise in functioning, installing, managing, and troubleshooting operating systems and computer hardware.
The certification exam has no hands-on requirement. Once you pass the exam with at least a 75% score, you will receive a journeyman or standalone certification accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC). The certification is valid for four years and is subject to renewal.
Having earned a CNCT, you can work as a computer support specialist, network technician, help desk technician, IT support technician, and field service technician.
See ETA Information Technology Certifications for more information.
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Certification fee: It varies with location.
The Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is the best network system administrator certification for network administrators working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments.
The RHCSA certification validates your skills in installing, maintaining, and supporting core systems in Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments. It also shows you understand and employ the necessary tools for working with files, directories, command-line environments, and documentation.
As a RHCSA certified professional, other tasks within your job description include creating and configuring network file systems, and their attributes, such as encryption and access control lists.
To earn the certification, you must pass the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) Exam (EX200). Training is also available to prepare you for the exam.
See Red Hat Certified System Administrator for more information.
Is a Certification Enough to Get a Job as a Network System Administrator?
While a certification is necessary to get a job as a network system administrator today, it is not all the requirements. Your certificate should only validate and complement your hands-on skill, not replace it.
However, having one of these network system administrator certifications increases your chances of getting a job. It speaks highly of your skills, projecting you as a skilled professional to your potential employer.
Other things that impress your potential employer include practical experiences, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to evolving technologies. You should also be able to demonstrate your passion and commitment to continuous learning.
FAQs On Best Network System Administrator Certifications
What is the most challenging part of being a network system administrator?
One major challenge you will encounter as a network system administrator is adapting to hybrid networking demands. Understanding network needs and putting forward workable solutions also presents a significant challenge to network system administrators.
What does a network system administrator do?
A network system administrator configures, installs, troubleshoots, and supports network devices, while ensuring network security and improved network performance.
What is the difference between a system administrator and a network administrator?
System administrators handle internal systems and servers, while network administrators deal with the connectivity and communication between these systems. However, the roles overlap in many cases. A good understanding of both roles gets you ahead of the curve.
Why is a network system administrator certification important?
A network system administrator certification validates your skills in areas, such as network configuration, troubleshooting, and management. It demonstrates to your employer that you can carry out your roles efficiently.
Conclusion
A network system administrator certification is a wise investment for an IT worker seeking career development. As a matter of fact, a CompTIA study showed that 91% of employers see such certifications as a trustworthy indicator of job success. The network system administrator certifications described in this article cover several skills and knowledge related to network management.
Whether you choose Cisco’s CCNA, CompTIA Network+, or any other certifications, each leads to experience and recognition in the fast-developing field of network systems. You should know that each exam has specific requirements, so be sure to read through them. You can also opt for training to improve your technical ability and exam performance. Good luck on your journey to interesting prospects in the ever-evolving world of information technology!