Top 20+ Networking Certifications for Your IT Career in 2025: A Complete Guide
Updated on Dec 21, 2024 | 25 min read | 1.7k views
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Updated on Dec 21, 2024 | 25 min read | 1.7k views
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Did you know that the first wireless network, ALOHA, was invented in 1971 by researcher Norman Abramson? It connected the University of Hawaii’s main campus with its outlying islands, paving the way for the wireless networks we rely on today.
Networking remains a cornerstone of the IT industry, and enhancing your networking skills or earning a certification can give your career a significant boost. Whether you're aiming to enhance your current role or explore new opportunities, network certifications for your IT career can open doors to a range of exciting positions.
In this guide, you’ll explore various certifications and how they can help you excel in your IT career with networking certifications. Dive right in!
Choosing the right certification for your IT career with networking certifications depends on various factors—your current skill level, your career goals, and the specific areas of networking you’re interested in.
Some certifications are more general, while others specialize in areas like security, cloud, or wireless networking.
Let’s take a look at the top network certifications for your IT career to consider in 2025.
The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DevNet) certification is designed for professionals who want to combine software development with networking.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Automating network operations | Essential for cloud computing and DevOps roles |
Writing scripts for network management | Increasingly important for enterprises adopting automation |
Working with cloud services APIs | A skill highly valued in companies leveraging cloud technology |
Also Read: Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing in 2025
CompTIA Network+ is an excellent starting point for IT professionals who want to pursue network certifications for your IT career.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Managing and troubleshooting networks | Widely applicable across all industries in IT roles |
Setting up and securing networks | Crucial for any role in network administration |
Supporting network infrastructure | Vital for IT teams in large organizations |
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is a great starting point for those new to the world of cloud computing. This certification offers foundational knowledge of Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the most widely used cloud platforms globally.
Earning this certificate positions you for a future IT career with networking certifications, particularly in cloud-based networking.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Why It’s Important:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Managing AWS infrastructure | AWS is the market leader in cloud computing |
Deploying cloud applications | Cloud services are widely used across industries |
Understanding cloud pricing | Crucial for IT roles involving cost management |
Also Read: AWS Cloud Practitioner Exam Cost In India 2024? Is it Worth it?
CompTIA Security+ is one of the most prevalent cybersecurity certifications and is ideal for those pursuing network security roles. It validates your ability to protect network infrastructure, a critical skill as cybersecurity threats continue to rise globally.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Securing network infrastructure | All industries need network security expertise |
Risk management and mitigation | Crucial in sectors dealing with sensitive data |
Implementing encryption protocols | Security-focused roles in every IT organization |
Also Read: Confidentiality, Integrity & Availability (CIA Triad) in Cyber Security: What is this, Why does it m
Microsoft Fundamentals certifications are designed for IT beginners, they cover basic cloud concepts, data management, and Microsoft 365.
Earning this certification can boost your chances of starting an IT career with networking certifications.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Configuring Microsoft 365 | Required for most roles in IT support or administration |
Managing Azure environments | Highly relevant in cloud administration roles |
Implementing cloud solutions | In-demand in businesses moving to the cloud |
Also Read: AWS v/s Google v/s Azure: Who will win the Cloud War?
The GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) certification is designed for professionals interested in gaining a solid foundation in cybersecurity.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Implementing network security | Essential for roles in IT security and network protection |
Managing risk and vulnerabilities | Highly relevant in organizations focusing on cybersecurity |
Understanding cryptography | Required for advanced roles in information security |
Also Read: Top 9 Highest Paying Cyber Security Jobs in India [A Complete Report]
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is an advanced certification that validates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot complex enterprise networks.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Designing and implementing enterprise networks | Essential for senior network engineers and administrators |
Troubleshooting network issues | Highly relevant for network support and engineering roles |
Securing large-scale networks | In-demand in businesses requiring robust network security |
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is designed for individuals who wish to develop fundamental project management skills.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Managing networking projects | Important for IT project managers and team leads |
Scheduling and resource allocation | Useful in large-scale networking or infrastructure projects |
Leading project teams | In-demand for network implementation and development projects |
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is recognized globally as one of the leading certifications in cybersecurity.
This certification is ideal for those looking for networking certifications in your IT career.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Penetration testing | Critical for organizations seeking proactive security measures |
Vulnerability assessment | In-demand across industries to protect sensitive data |
Cybersecurity defense | Essential for security-focused IT roles in various sectors |
The Google Cloud Digital Leader certification offers professionals a solid understanding of cloud technologies, focusing on Google Cloud services.
It is intended for individuals looking to learn about cloud computing with an emphasis on the practical application of Google Cloud solutions.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Managing cloud infrastructure | High demand in IT, tech, and consulting industries |
Leveraging machine learning | Beneficial in roles focused on cloud AI and data analytics |
Implementing cloud security | Essential in businesses adopting cloud technology |
Also Read: Google Cloud vs AWS: Difference Between Google Cloud & AWS
The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification focuses on the security operations required to protect and defend network systems. With a growing emphasis on cybersecurity, this certification is perfect for anyone looking to specialize in security operations, monitoring, and incident response.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Security monitoring | Vital for protecting organizations from cybersecurity threats |
Incident response | Crucial for roles in security operations and network defense |
Network defense strategies | Highly applicable to companies focused on network security |
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is one of Cisco's highest-level certifications, focusing on advanced networking skills.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Network design and architecture | In-demand for senior-level technical roles in major companies |
Troubleshooting large networks | Vital for positions in large-scale networking projects |
Network security and automation | Essential in businesses adopting advanced network technologies |
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is one of the most respected certifications in the cybersecurity field.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Managing and securing IT systems | Vital in all industries, particularly finance, healthcare, and government |
Identifying and mitigating risks | Essential for roles involving risk assessment and mitigation strategies |
Developing security policies | Highly relevant for organizations focused on compliance and data protection |
CompTIA Security+ is one of the most widely recognized certifications for IT professionals interested in cybersecurity.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Network security management | Relevant across all industries to secure network infrastructure |
Risk mitigation and vulnerability management | Crucial in IT roles focused on protecting sensitive information |
Implementing security protocols | Vital in companies of all sizes for protecting their networks and systems |
Also Read: Top 11 Cyber Security Skills Employers Are Looking For
The ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a globally recognized certification for individuals who manage, design, and oversee an enterprise’s information security program.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Leading security programs | Essential for organizations with large-scale security operations |
Risk assessment and incident response | Vital for roles in companies with complex IT infrastructures |
Compliance management | Crucial in industries with strict regulatory requirements |
The SolarWinds Certified Professional certification focuses on network performance monitoring and management using SolarWinds software.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Network monitoring and troubleshooting | Essential for IT roles in large organizations with complex network infrastructure |
Server and application performance optimization | Widely applicable to any organization using SolarWinds tools for network management |
Network performance analysis | Crucial for IT teams to focus on network efficiency and uptime |
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification is one of the most sought-after credentials for IT professionals working with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Designing and deploying cloud solutions | Essential in industries transitioning to cloud-based infrastructures |
Cost optimization and resource management | Key for enterprises aiming to optimize AWS usage and reduce costs |
Ensuring scalability and high availability | Vital in industries like finance, e-commerce, and entertainment |
Also Read: What is AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification: Career Scope, Salary Trends, Jobs
Cisco's DevNet Professional certification is designed for software developers, automation specialists, and network engineers who work with Cisco platforms and technologies.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Network automation and integration | Crucial for roles in network engineering, automation, and DevOps |
API development and network programming | Vital for companies automating large-scale networks and cloud infrastructure |
Troubleshooting and optimizing network services | Highly relevant in IT infrastructure management and service providers |
A Cloud Architect certification prepares you to design and manage cloud infrastructure.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Designing cloud solutions for businesses | Critical for industries transitioning to the cloud such as tech, banking, and healthcare |
Cloud infrastructure management | Essential for roles requiring expertise in cloud platform integration and service management |
Cost-effective cloud design | Vital for businesses seeking to optimize cloud service costs and scalability |
Also Read: Cloud Architect Salary in India: For Freshers & Experienced [2024]
A Cloud Engineer certification focuses on the technical side of cloud computing. Engineers are responsible for managing and maintaining cloud services, applications, and infrastructure. They often work directly with cloud platforms to ensure they function smoothly.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Deploying and maintaining cloud solutions | Essential for tech companies, cloud service providers, and large enterprises |
Managing cloud resources and services | Key for organizations adopting cloud-first strategies |
Cloud-based disaster recovery and security | Vital for industries handling sensitive data such as healthcare and finance |
Also Read: Cloud Engineer Salary in India: Trends, Roles & Top Recruiters
The ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is one of the leading credentials for IT professionals in information systems auditing, control, and security.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
IT auditing and risk assessment | Vital for sectors like finance, healthcare, and government to ensure systems are compliant with laws and regulations |
Designing and implementing security controls | Essential in sectors that require high-level data protection, such as banking and finance |
Evaluating data privacy and security | Key for IT professionals working in data-sensitive industries like e-commerce and healthcare |
Also Read: Top 10 Cloud Computing Books to Read For Beginners
The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification, offered by (ISC)², focuses on network and information security for IT professionals.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Network security and data protection | Critical in IT departments across industries needing to secure networks and prevent cyber-attacks |
Risk management and compliance | Key in sectors like banking and government to meet security standards and regulations |
Implementing security measures | Invaluable in healthcare and finance, where data security is a regulatory requirement |
The Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA) certification is perfect for network professionals interested in mastering the Wireshark packet analyzer tool.
Requirements:
Key Features of the Certificate:
Skills Gained:
What’s Being Tested:
Benefits:
Practical Applications and Industry Relevance:
Application |
Industry Relevance |
Network troubleshooting and optimization | Vital for organizations seeking to ensure their networks are operating efficiently |
Protocol analysis and security monitoring | Critical for cybersecurity professionals to identify threats or performance bottlenecks |
Enhancing network security through packet analysis | Essential for IT professionals to secure sensitive data and prevent breaches |
Now that you’ve explored the top networking certifications, it’s time to understand why earning these certifications is a crucial step toward success in this competitive field.
In 2025, networking certifications willwill be more than just a way to enhance your resume—they will bwill be a vital investment in your IT career. Networking certifications equip professionals with the knowledge and skills required to navigate and master these changes, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive.
The increasing complexity of networks, the rise of cloud computing, and the expansion of IoT (Internet of Things) mean that IT professionals must adapt quickly to new technologies. Certifications are designed to provide a structured learning path and offer practical expertise in areas that are critical to modern business operations.
Now, let's look at some key tips on how to select the proper certification for your career growth.
Selecting the right networking certification is a critical step in advancing your IT career. With so many options available, it's important to choose a certification that aligns with your career goals and expertise.
Follow these tips to make an informed decision:
Selecting certifications strategically ensures you stay competitive and aligned with industry needs.
With the right networking certifications, the next step is to explore how platforms like upGrad can accelerate your IT career.
upGrad offers a comprehensive suite of online programs designed to help you earn industry-recognized network certifications for your IT career.
These courses are tailored to provide practical, hands-on experience in networking technologies, ensuring you're not just learning theory but gaining skills that can be immediately applied in the real world.
Here are the top related courses:
If you want to connect with the experts, book a career counseling session today with upGrad or visit an offline center to know more!
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References:
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/unknown-facts-of-networking
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