There are many International Standard Certificate of Network Series. Here are some:
1. Network Engineer
Role Overview: Designs, implements, and manages network systems (LAN/WAN, routers, switches).
Recommended Certifications:
| Level | Certification | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA |
| Associate | Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Cisco |
| Professional | Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core | Cisco |
| Expert | Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise | Cisco |
Career Path:
- Network Technician → Network Engineer → Senior Network Engineer → Lead Network Engineer → Network Architect
2. Network Administrator
Role Overview: Maintains and manages existing network systems, ensuring daily operations and troubleshooting.
Recommended Certifications:
| Level | Certification | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | CompTIA A+ / Network+ | CompTIA |
| Associate | Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Administrator | Microsoft |
| Professional | Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) | Red Hat |
| Advanced | Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Cisco |
Career Path:
- IT Support → Junior Network Admin → Network Admin → Senior Network Admin → Systems Engineer
3. Network Security Engineer
Role Overview: Focuses on securing network infrastructure from breaches and vulnerabilities.
Recommended Certifications:
| Level | Certification | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA |
| Associate | Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate | Cisco |
| Professional | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | (ISC)² |
| Expert | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | EC-Council |
| Specialized | Palo Alto Networks PCNSE / Fortinet NSE | Palo Alto / Fortinet |
Career Path:
- Network Engineer → Security Analyst → Network Security Engineer → Security Consultant → Security Architect
4. Cloud Network Engineer
Role Overview: Designs and manages network infrastructure in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Recommended Certifications:
| Level | Certification | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | CompTIA Cloud+ | CompTIA |
| Associate | AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty | AWS |
| Associate | Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate | Microsoft |
| Expert | Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer | Google Cloud |
Career Path:
- Network Engineer → Cloud Network Engineer → Cloud Infrastructure Engineer → Cloud Solutions Architect
5. Network Architect
Role Overview: Designs high-level network architectures; focuses on planning, scaling, and integrating systems.
Recommended Certifications:
| Level | Certification | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) | Cisco (retired) |
| Professional | Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) | Cisco (retired) |
| Expert | Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) | Cisco |
| Strategic | TOGAF 9 Certification (Architecture Framework) | The Open Group |
| Cloud | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional | AWS |
Career Path:
- Network Engineer → Senior Network Engineer → Network Architect → Principal Architect / CTO
Resources and Links
Network Engineer & Network Administrator
1. CompTIA Network+ Study Guides
- Todd Lammle’s CompTIA Network+ Study Guide (N10-008): A comprehensive guide covering networking fundamentals, protocols, and troubleshooting techniques.
- Union Test Prep: Offers free study guides and practice questions tailored to the CompTIA Network+ exam. (Union Test Prep)
2. Network+ Guide to Networks (8th Edition)
- An in-depth textbook covering networking concepts, hardware, and software, aligned with CompTIA Network+ objectives.
3. Network Bulls – Cisco Ebooks
- Provides free downloadable eBooks and workbooks for Cisco certifications, including CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE. (Network Bulls)
Network Security Engineer
1. CompTIA Security+ Study Guides
- FreeComputerBooks.com: Offers a study guide covering all objectives of the CompTIA Security+ exam (SY0-501), including practice questions.
- Union Test Prep: Provides free study guides and practice questions for the CompTIA Security+ exam. (Free Computer Books, Union Test Prep)
2. Palo Alto Networks PCNSE Study Guide
- An early access study guide based on PAN-OS® 9.0, useful for those preparing for the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) exam. (Savant Solutions)
Cloud Network Engineer
1. Google Cloud Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam Guide
- An official exam guide detailing the skills and knowledge required for the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Network Engineer certification. (Amazon)
2. Google Cloud Learning Resources
- Provides learning paths, training resources, and documentation to prepare for Google Cloud certifications.
Network Architect
1. TOGAF 9 Certification Resources
- While specific free eBooks are limited, The Open Group provides official documentation and resources for TOGAF 9 certification.
2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
- AWS offers a range of free training materials, whitepapers, and documentation to prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam.
Additional Resources
- CompTIA Official Study Guides: CompTIA provides official study guides for various certifications, available in eBook format. (CompTIA)
- Internet Archive: A valuable resource for accessing older editions of networking textbooks and study guides.(Internet Archive)
