Are you interested in becoming a network engineer, but not sure which certifications will help you secure that initial job? CyberTex helps you obtain 10+ certifications that will create a well-rounded skillset for you to promote yourself to organizations in Austin and Killeen. So, what does an entry-level network engineer do?
What Does an Entry-Level Network Engineer Do?
An entry-level network engineer is responsible for supporting the design, build, install and maintenance phases of a network. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, and intranets, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level network engineers also:
- Work in teams to identify an organization’s needs and install network system
- Help create plans for data communication networks
- Manage network security and data risks
- Assist with the upgrading and repairing of network systems and
- Ensure network systems are operating correctly
- Help maintain network system security
- Optimize network performance and reliability
- Research new networking technologies
How Do You Become a Network Engineer?
A great way to become a network engineer is by attending CyberTex’s Network Engineer program. We help you lay a foundation of knowledge and skills that you can build upon throughout your career. We prepare you for 10+ industry standard certification exams that prove your network engineer knowledge to employers.
Our instructors know what you need to succeed and will mentor you along the way. They have been in your shoes and can offer classes that build upon themselves until you have a complete education. If you have 45 weeks to attend CyberTex full-time, you can become a network engineer that is in demand.
What Certifications Does a Network Engineer Need?
There are many certifications that a network engineer can obtain. CyberTex helps you obtain the most important certifications in the field. Some of the certifications include:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA is one of the most important entities in the IT world. The organization provides a wide range of certifications that touch on almost every element of the computing industry. CompTIA’s exams are especially notable for their scope and difficulty. Passing CompTIA’s exams and receiving certification is definitive proof that you’re exceptionally skilled within that particular area. And people often begin their CompTIA certification path with A+.
CompTIA’s A+ is a foundational certification that requires the successful completion of two in-depth exams. The topics cover most of the subjects network engineers deal with. This can range from basic networking all the way to strategies for hardware upgrades on a desktop system.
CompTIA Network+
Network+ is CompTIA’s network-focused certification. As you might expect, it’s one of the most important certifications for network engineers. As is often the case for CompTIA, the scope is one of the certification’s most important elements. The Network+ exam covers many areas of modern digital networking. This includes the engineering know-how needed to turn an initial idea into a fully functioning system. And of course, the software side of networking is also given a considerable amount of attention as well.
The Network+ certification exam provides a solid introduction to cybersecurity. Keep in mind that this isn’t on the same level as what you’ll find in the Security+ certification, but it serves as an example that Network+ prepares you for almost any situation involving networking.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA’s Security+ certification covers most of the security-related topics in Network+ and proceeds to move into even more detailed areas. One of the notable elements of Security+ is that it covers digital security.
People often assume that modern networking security is solely focused on cybersecurity threats. However, there’s also a heavy social element to it. And Security+ ensures that you know how to anticipate user-related security issues as well as problems stemming from purely technical concerns.
CompTIA Server+
CompTIA’s Server+ takes a multi-platform approach to the subject of networked digital servers. This vendor-agnostic approach is particularly notable as it prepares you to work with Windows, Linux, and generalized Unix machines with an equal level of ease.
The Server+ certification attests that you’re able to handle both the hardware and software side of all types of digital servers. This can range from a simple file server to advanced web servers with carefully designed redundancy.
CompTIA Linux+
Even companies that use Windows for office work tend to have Linux machines somewhere in the IT department. And it’s quite common for Linux to form the foundation of an entire company’s IT implementation. As such, CompTIA’s Linux+ is an especially significant certification for network engineers.
While A+ covers some elements related to Linux, the Linux+ certification takes this exam to the next level. In addition to basic usage, the exam also looks at more advanced subjects. This includes Linux kernel modules, virtualization, and command line scripting.
Microsoft 365 certification
The certifications have been largely platform agnostic to this point. However, if you’re interested in working in environments that make heavier use of Microsoft or Amazon’s platforms then certifications from those entities makes a lot of sense.
The Microsoft 365 certification exam covers a wide range of subjects related to Microsoft’s enterprise-level products. It puts special emphasis on the office products typically used in these professional settings. This ensures that you have the knowledge needed to fully support end-users from both an app and network-focused perspective.
Amazon AWS certification
It almost goes without saying that cloud computing is an important part of today’s IT implementations. Network engineers usually need to work with cloud computing to at least some extent. Many of the previously mentioned certifications do touch on cloud computing. Linux+, for example, covers the use of Linux in cloud-based environments. However, AWS certification puts a heavier emphasis on cloud computing as a subject unto itself.
The fact that the certification comes from Amazon is also significant. Amazon’s cloud services are among the most important in the industry. And a certification from Amazon can be quite valuable in a workplace that makes heavy use of Amazon Web Services.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know which certification you will need to succeed as a network engineer, it is time to learn more about CyberTex. Take the time to visit our Austin and Killeen campuses, as well as talk to instructors and fellow classmates to learn about the importance we place on helping prepare our graduates for the workforce. Take the first step toward a new career today.
Want to Learn More?
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 11, Windows 2019 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.