What Is a Network Certification?

Navigating a job in the information and technology industry isn’t always a simple task. While there are plenty of roles to select, there are also plenty of employees to choose from, making it harder than ever to stand out from the competition.

It’s an industry that has seen exponential growth in the last few years, and this growth has attracted an array of job-seekers, all of whom have a variety of skills and experience. If you want to become a desirable candidate for the job of your dreams, then a computer network certification might be valuable to you.

If you are not entirely sure what a network certification is, then carry on reading to learn what skills you can develop, which jobs value the accreditation, and where you can study.

Ten years ago, it wasn’t always necessary to displace evidence of basic technology skills. However, as the IT industry has continued to expand, it has become essential to demonstrate aspects of IT you are and are not comfortable with practicing; not just for future employers who want to be sure that you can satisfy the role but also as a confidence boost for yourself.

The network plus certifications are one way to show your level of computer knowledge at a foundation level, and this is why it can be a great way to develop your technical skills. But what skills can you specifically learn?

• Implementing basic design principles
• Managing network security and performance
• Implementing standards for network configurations
• Troubleshooting a variety of network issues
• Identifying the benefits and setbacks of existing networks

Many network certificates have been developed and distributed by one of the world’s leading companies in the technology industry, CompTIA. As a non-profit trade association, they amass 60 million dollars globally and continue to establish strong educational ties around the world, something which is reflected in their company motto:

“Advancing the Global IT Industry”

Their stellar reputation means that CompTIA certifications are recognized internationally, giving you confidence that your investment into the certificate is not jeopardized even if you plan on relocating.

What Careers Could a Network Certification Benefit?

If you have ever considered a career in information technology, then working towards a network certification could be a great entryway into the industry. Potential jobs after completing a network certification are:

Trainee Network Technician: Once you have your qualifications, there is nothing stopping you from diving into a trainee position with a network technician. Having learned all the essential basics, it’s all about gaining experience until you can become a fully qualified network technician.

Network Engineer: This role involves a variety of different responsibilities, including updating firmware releases, monitoring network performance, reporting anomalies to specialists, and configuring firewalls. You’ll also find that you will get to work with a range of other positions if you work within a company, with the opportunity for promotions on the horizon.

Security Specialist: One of the biggest worries in a world with so much reliance on technology is security. You can be confident that there will be plenty of opportunities for jobs in this field, and it can be satisfying as a career choice. The role will involve securing a network with appropriate firewalls and maintaining a high level of protection against bugs.

Teaching: While many people complete the certifications to progress into specific areas of technology, that doesn’t have to be the case. Teaching in this sector be a very fulfilling job, especially if you enjoy both technology and working with people.

IT Consultant: While a single network certification may not be enough on its own to start as an IT consultant, it can often lead to this role. It’s a great social job as you will work with a variety of different businesses and complete tasks with varying difficulty. If you like a position that is typically project-based, then this might be the right choice for you.

It’s not only your career that can benefit, but these certifications can also be used to forward your education. For instance, if your goal is to achieve Microsoft network certifications such as Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), then a network certification would be an essential stepping stone to begin with. In fact, it has become an important foundation for many other programs supported by large corporate giants such as HP or Novell, that you might wish to study later in your academic career,

Where to Find a Network Certification Course?

You can find many computer training schools supplying network courses; the problem won’t be finding them but choosing between the vast array. If you don’t want to study in a general direction, you can focus on a specific area of technology. For example, if you have an interest in learning cybersecurity, you can search for that area specifically: cybersecurity courses.

If you live on the West Coast in the US, you can find plenty of technical schools in San Diego, such as ICOHS. We offer extensive CompTIA network+ training from a range of different programs including, Computer Network Technician and IT Network Specialist. We provide you with the building blocks to develop new skills as well as improving those you may already have.

We are also a tech school that supports the WIOA (Work and Innovation Act) because obtaining training and education shouldn’t cost you a fortune. On top of that, 85% of our students are getting certified and we offer both job placement assistance and industry experience.

One positive aspect of network certification courses is that they don’t necessarily rely on a physical location in order for them to be taught. You can find plenty of courses that are able to be completed online, giving you complete freedom.

Final Thoughts on Network Certifications

Whether you have been working in the information technology industry for years, or are only just working out how to achieve the first step on the career ladder, a network plus certification could be an important consideration for your future success.

Not only will it give your resume a boost making it more attractive to potential employers, but it will equip you with all the essential skills you need to compete with other industry insiders.

You can find more information on ICOHS and the courses that we provide here.