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Best Certifications for a Network Engineer (2026 Guide)

Sourced and verified directory of the most demanded credentials in the market to help you land a role as a Network Engineer. We've filtered these certifications by market demand, salary increase, and exam difficulty to give you the best return on your study time.

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CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)

cloud
Offered by CompTIA

Validates foundational networking skills across infrastructure and protocols.

Difficulty: Beginner+
Cost: $369
Study Time: 8 Weeks
Est. Boost: +$2,000
networkingTCP/IPDNSroutingswitching

AWS Advanced Networking Specialty (ANS-C01)

cloud
Offered by Amazon Web Services

Validates advanced expertise in implementing and managing AWS networking solutions, including hybrid connectivity and advanced routing.

Difficulty: Expert
Cost: $300
Study Time: 12 Weeks
Est. Boost: +$12,000
AWSnetworkingVPCVPNDirect Connect

Professional Cloud Network Engineer

cloud
Offered by Google

Advanced certification validating expertise in designing and managing complex network architectures on Google Cloud.

Difficulty: Expert
Cost: $200
Study Time: 12 Weeks
Est. Boost: +$11,000
GCPnetworkingVPCCloud InterconnectCloud VPN

AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)

cloud
Offered by Amazon Web Services

Entry-level AWS certification covering cloud concepts, core AWS services, security, and pricing.

Difficulty: Beginner
Cost: $100
Study Time: 4 Weeks
Est. Boost: +$2,000
AWScloud computingEC2S3IAM

Cisco CCNA (200-301)

networking
Offered by Cisco

The most recognised entry-level networking certification covering IP connectivity, network access, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $330
Study Time: 12 Weeks
Est. Boost: +$4,000
networkingTCP/IProutingswitchingVLANs

Cisco CCNP Enterprise

networking
Offered by Cisco

Professional-level Cisco certification for advanced enterprise networking including SD-WAN, network design, automation, and troubleshooting.

Difficulty: Advanced
Cost: $400
Study Time: 20 Weeks
Est. Boost: +$8,000
networkingSD-WANnetwork architectureOSPFBGP

AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03)

cloud
Offered by Amazon Web Services

Covers designing scalable, resilient, and cost-optimized architectures on AWS.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $150
Study Time: 8 Weeks
Est. Boost: +$5,000
AWSVPCIAMEC2S3