Are you interested in becoming a network engineer, but not sure which certification will help your career? There are a few options like CompTIA and MTA certifications. You can prepare with the help of CyberTex and our Network Engineer program. Plus, there is no need to attend a 4-year college and spend more time than you need to prepare for a network engineer career. If you have as little as 45 weeks, you can graduate with a diploma and become a network engineer after graduation. So, are you asking yourself, “what does a networking engineer do?”

What Does a Network Engineer Do?

Network engineers handle most work related to a company’s networks. This includes the intranets used to connect a company’s computers within a central workplace. However, it also encompasses most aspects of a company’s Internet use. Network engineers will commonly work alongside professionals in areas managed by a unique team, such as IT security. However, the scope of this career path and the wide variety of skills it needs raises an important question. How do you study for a position as a network engineer and prove that you’ve mastered those skills?

How Do You Become a Network Engineer?

Most agree that attending a technical school program is an efficient way to become a network engineer. Technical schools allow you to learn skills related to a network engineer role from people who are part of the larger world of information technology.

Plus, a technical school program will prepare you for the certification exams integral to become a network engineer. Certification is how you prove to potential employers that you have, in fact, mastered the skills taught within a technical school program.

What Certifications Do You Prepare for in a Network Engineer Program?

Many IT-related careers line up perfectly with a single certification. For example, an IT security specialist might only focus on CompTIA Security+ certification. However, a network engineer’s wider scope of responsibility means that a number of certifications are applicable. It’s not uncommon for network engineers to earn multiple certifications rather than just one, and a technical school program will prepare you for that challenge.

Certification paths for network engineers typically focus on CompTIA. This non-profit trade association is one of the most respected within the industry. It offers several certifications which are extremely valuable ways to prove mastery of IT-related domains. CyberTex is a CompTIA authorized academy. These certifications start with the CompTIA A+ exam.

CompTIA A+

CompTIA’s A+ certification is a foundational certification that covers almost every aspect of IT to some degree. The wide range of subject matter means you’ll have to pass two exams to earn a full A+ certification.

The A+ certification is associated with basic computer repair, maintenance, and support. Someone with A+ certification has proven that they know a fair amount about what could go wrong with a computer. And, as such, they can identify and repair those issues. However, A+ isn’t just about basic repair and maintenance, it is also paired with other certifications to provide a wider context. For example, someone with Security+ certification and A+ certification has proven that they can identify and categorize problems stemming from security breaches and unrelated hardware issues.

Network+

Network+ has an obvious appeal for network engineers. The Network+ certification covers most subjects that would fall under the larger banner of networking. This includes the design and maintenance of internal intranets for a company. Likewise, the Network+ certification puts a heavy focus on the Internet. Network+ also covers more advanced networking subjects such as cloud computing and virtualization.

It’s also important to note that Network+ is largely platform agnostic. There’s many routers, servers, and networking options specifically tied to individual companies, but the Network+ certification stresses its holder’s ability to work with technologies from all of the major vendors.

Security+

Security+ is a particularly important certification for network engineers. Security is one of the most important parts of modern networking. After all, networks are one of the primary targets for hackers, and Security+ certification touches on the most significant elements of cybersecurity. This includes designing and implementing networks that consider security elements as a fundamental attribute. Security+ also covers threat assessment, risk management, and the various tools used to manage network security.

One of the most significant areas of overlap between Security+ and a network engineer’s duties comes from the certifications’ focus on architecture and design. Network engineers are often called on to design and implement new networks. IT security professionals are part of that process as well. Understanding the role of security in network architecture means being able to fully participate in discussions with security-focused coworkers to make sure networks are secure.

Server+

Server+ certification is supplemental to the Network+. Network+ covers how data moves to and from a server. While Server+ covers the various ways servers will act as input/output devices for a larger network.

The certification doesn’t just cover how to install and maintain servers, however. It also looks at security issues and disaster recovery. You learn how to maximize uptime and mitigate issues resulting from unavoidable downtime or crashes.

It’s also important to note that like most CompTIA certifications, Server+ is platform agnostic. Someone with Server+ certification has proven that they are able to manage servers using many  different underlying architectures.

Linux+

Linux+ certification is intended for those who expect to work with Linux-based servers or desktop systems. The popularity of Linux means that other CompTIA certifications may touch upon this topic, but the Linux+ exam goes into the more advanced usage scenarios.

Linux+ certification covers the standard tasks that you’d expect when working with a sever. For example, the exam covers software management, handling processes, and how firewalls or other security measures work under Linux. However, the Linux+ certification also covers the basics of scripting and programming with Linux. This coverage includes writing simple shell scripts, using Git to work with source code versioning, and orchestration processes.

What Is the Microsoft Technology Associate Certification (MTA)?

You might wonder if there are any other organizations offering relevant certifications. It’s true that CompTIA is an extremely important part of the IT industry. However, there are other certifications that are held in high regard. Those offered by Microsoft, in particular, have an important place in the industry.

The Microsoft Technology Associate Certification (MTA) is relevant to network engineers. It’s a banner term that covers a range of certifications from Microsoft. These include certifications focused on the fundamentals of Windows desktops, Windows servers, and Microsoft SQL. The certifications are heavily focused on Microsoft’s own technologies. However, the MTA also covers some platform-agnostic topics like Python, JavaScript, and HTML. There’s still some overlap between MTA and CompTIA’s certifications even though most MTA certifications emphasize Microsoft’s technologies. As such, you may well wonder what differentiates the two.

What Is the Difference Between the CompTIA and MTA Certifications?

The main difference between CompTIA and MTA certifications comes down to intent. CompTIA’s certifications are designed to support for all the important subjects related to IT. MTA certifications focus on IT, but from the perspective of an individual who always looks to Microsoft-based solutions.

There are situations where a non-Microsoft technology is the only possible tool for the job. And MTA will promote the 3rd party solutions in those situations. As a general rule, an MTA certification is best pursued by people who work in a company centered around Microsoft’s solutions. While CompTIA certifications will prepare you for both Microsoft and non-Microsoft environments. The wider scope of CompTIA certifications makes it the better choice for most people.

Want to Learn More?

Now that you know more about the difference between CompTIA certification and Microsoft Technology Associate Certifications, it is time to learn more about CyberTex. The Network Engineering Program at CyberTex prepares you for advanced computer networking & security jobs. The course prepares you in the most advanced networking certifications and software available including Windows 10, Windows 2012R2 Server and multiple CompTIA offerings. You will learn the skills and abilities necessary to setup, install, configure, repair, and manage modern computer networks and their security. Contact us today to learn more.