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

network engineer

A network engineer is a technology professional who has the necessary skills to plan, implement and oversee the computer networks that support in-house voice, data, video and wireless network services. Continue Reading
Network pros share Cisco DevNet certification advice

Cisco DevNet certifications require a lot of time investment, but network pros who pursue the certifications say the gained skills and knowledge are worth it. Continue Reading
A look inside the official Cisco DEVASC 200-901 guidebook

In this book excerpt, readers can explore the Cisco DEVASC 200-901 official guide and get a flavor of one of Cisco's newest exams and its blend of networking and software topics. Continue Reading

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

Is Cisco DevNet worth it? Experts say yes, it's the future

Any IT professional who's heard the hype for Cisco's newest certification track may wonder, 'Is Cisco DevNet worth it?' Some experts say it's the future. Find out more in this Q&A. Continue Reading
The power and plights of female network engineers

Impostor syndrome burdens female network engineers, due to discrimination, as well as a lack of representation and education. But many of these women are working to change that. Continue Reading
The future of networking jobs in the new normal

Soft skills will grow in relevance as network pros adapt to a post-pandemic world that includes more remote troubleshooting and the move away from a hard network edge. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

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
Will 5G networks require new network engineer skills?

The 5G network will likely affect network engineer skills in areas such as security, physical appliances and software. But enterprise teams won't see too much change, for now. 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