10 essential network management, monitoring and security certifications

Network monitoring and security skills are in high demand among organizations. Having the right certificates can increase your employability in this industry.

Several organizations offer network certifications that focus on monitoring and management or network security knowledge. Below, we have listed 10 essential certifications for any network engineer or administrator who focuses on monitoring, managing, and securing corporate networks.

AWS Certified Advanced Networking – For network engineers and businesses using Amazon Web Services (AWS), AWS Certified Advanced Networking Certification demonstrates expertise in using AWS to solve complex networking tasks. Holders of this certification demonstrate their ability to design and maintain network architecture using AWS services as well as leverage tools to automate AWS networking tasks. To earn this certification, users must demonstrate knowledge not only in building and managing networking technologies but also in operating AWS.

GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification – This is a security-focused network monitoring and management certification designed for network and security engineers. To earn this certification, professionals must demonstrate their ability to detect and prevent anomalous network intrusions. Specific areas that the certification covers include building and maintaining defensible security architectures, network security monitoring, ongoing diagnostics and mitigation, and continuous security monitoring.

Netreo Certified Monitoring Engineer – Netreo offers its Certified Monitoring Engineer certification for those who demonstrate experience in network management. The certification exam covers conceptual and technical knowledge of network monitoring and management; topics users can expect to work with include network strategy and planning, incident response, prioritizing network alerts, configuring complex dependencies, tuning and troubleshooting network boundaries, and integrating with third-party APIs.

Paessler Certified Monitoring Expert – Paessler offers a certification that demonstrates proficiency in the use of Paessler PRTG, whose recipients demonstrate deep technical knowledge in the use of PRTG. The company seeks those who have a deep technical understanding of its tool and can demonstrate PRTG to its customers, as well as consult with customers seeking network monitoring solutions. In addition, Paessler seeks experts to discuss architecture options and help users determine the best license for their needs.

SolarWinds Certified Professional – Technology company SolarWinds offers the SolarWinds Certified Professional program that designates users with technical expertise in using and maintaining SolarWinds network and systems management products. The program offers several certifications that show knowledge in specific SolarWinds tools, including Access Right Manager, Network Configuration Manager, Network Performance Monitor, Network Traffic Analyzer, and Server & Application Monitor.

Cisco CCNP Data Center – This is a certification that offers a deep dive into the world of enterprise-grade data centers to cover things like the impact of networking related to converged or hyper-converged architectures, automating common data center processes, as well as designing for highly resilient and distributed environments.

Network+ – This is an entry-level certification offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). A Network+ certification gives you the knowledge you need to keep an organization connected. It is a great option for information security professionals looking for their first certification.

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) – Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) offers GSEC, a relatively expensive entry-level certification for information security professionals. It provides practical knowledge to manage security tasks, covering areas such as Linux services, network security appliances, cryptography, and risk management.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) – The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) offers the CISM, which is an advanced network security certification. This certification certifies that the professional knows how to control information systems, audit them and make them secure. Recent independent studies consistently rank the CISM as one of the highest-paid and most sought-after IT certifications.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – This is arguably the most popular network security certification, offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC) 2. It is recommended for information security professionals with years of experience and knowledge. Earning the CISSP proves that the professional has mastered what it takes to effectively design, implement and manage a cybersecurity program.