10 Top Networking Courses List 2021- Career, Exam, Job Roles

Networking has become one of the most attractive career profiles among candidates. From the basics of Routing, Switching, Network Security, Software Defined Networking to Cloud Networking, networking domain advancements are beyond one’s imagination. The Best Networking courses mentioned in this blog post can provide conceptual knowledge and develop the hands-on skills required to build, maintain, operate, and troubleshoot the network. Here are the Top 10 Networking Courses that will help you be a Certified Network Professional and achieve success in 2021.

Top 10+ Networking Courses/Certifications:

• Cisco CCNA 200-301
• Cisco CCNP Enterprise-ENARSI
• Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (300-415 ENSDWI)
• CCNP Security
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEHv11)
• CompTIA Network+
• Cisco DevNet Associate
• Cisco CCIE Security
• Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
• Checkpoint CCSA
• Checkpoint CCSE
• Palo Alto Networks (PCNSE)
• Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT)
• AWS Solutions Architect Associate

Cisco CCNA 200-301

Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301 CCNA) is one of the most sought networking certifications. Enterprises these days are diverting towards controller-based architecture. The skills required for networking engineers are also evolving as businesses have increased demands, and numerous advancements are happening every day. To meet these challenges, engineers need to be up-to-date with networking skills. Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301 CCNA) Networking Course/Certification is for individuals who want to start their careers in networking by learning the Cisco Networking Fundamentals. The course provides you a comprehensive range of fundamental knowledge for all IT careers. The course focuses on installing, operating, managing, configure, and verifying IPv4 and IPv6 networks. The course helps you learn about configuring network elements such as routers, switches, and WLC-wireless LAN controllers; maintaining network devices; and recognizing primary security threats. Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301 CCNA) course also provides you a foundation in network programmability, automation, and software-defined networking.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PREREQUISITE:

There are no formal prerequisites for CCNA certification, but you should make sure to have a good understanding of the exam topics. Before attending this course, you should have: –

• Basic computer literacy
• Necessary PC operating system navigation skills
• Basic Internet usage skills
• Basic IP address knowledge

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED:

• Components of a computer network
• Cisco Internetwork Operating System
• LANs-Local Area Networks
• TCP/IP
• operation of switches
• basic configuration on a Cisco switch
• IPv4, its addressing scheme, and subnetting
• basic IPv6 connectivity
• functions of routing
• Basic configuration on a Cisco router
• Implementing VLANs and Trunks
• Routing Between VLANs
• Introducing OSPF
• Building Redundant Switched Topologies
• Layer 3 Redundancy
• WAN Technologies
• Basics of ACL
• QoS-Quality of Service
• Wireless Fundamentals
• Architectures and Virtualization
• Evolution of Intelligent Networks
• Managing Cisco Devices
• Security Threat Landscape
• Threat Defense Technologies
• Implementing Device Hardening

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER CISCO CCNA CERTIFICATION:

• Network Engineer
• Sr. Network Engineer
• System Engineer (IT and Computer Networking)
• Software Engineer
• Technical Support Engineer
• Network Administrator
• Information Technology Manager

Cisco CCNP Enterprise-ENARSI

Cisco CCNP Enterprise – Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI) networking course/Certification provides you with the skills and knowledge to implement and troubleshooting for advanced routing technologies and services, including – Layer 3 VPN services, Infrastructure security, Infrastructure services, and infrastructure automation. This certification will provide you the knowledge and skills you need to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot an enterprise network. This networking course helps prepare you to take the exam, 300-410 Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI), which leads to the new CCNP® Enterprise and Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Advanced Infrastructure Implementation certifications.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

Before taking this course, you should have:

• General understanding of network fundamentals
• Basic knowledge of how to implement LANs
• General understanding of how to manage network devices
• General understanding of how to secure network devices
• Basic knowledge of network automation

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED:

• Implementing EIGRP
• Optimizing EIGRP
• Troubleshooting EIGRP
• Implementing OSPF
• Optimizing OSPF
• Troubleshooting OSPF
• Implementing Internal Border Gateway Protocol (IBGP)
• Optimizing BGP
• Implementing MP-BGP
• Troubleshooting BGP
• Configuring Redistribution
• Troubleshooting Redistribution
• Implementing Path Control
• Exploring MPLS
• Introducing MPLS L3 VPN Architecture
• Introducing MPLS L3 VPN Routing
• Configuring Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)-Lite
• Implementing DMVPN
• Implementing DHCP
• Troubleshooting DHCP
• Introducing IPv6 First Hop Security
• Securing Cisco Routers
• Troubleshooting Infrastructure Security and Services

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER CCNP ENTERPRISE-ENARSI CERTIFICATION:

• Network Technician
• Network Engineer
• Network Support Engineer
• Network Architect
• Network Administrator
• Routing and Switching Engineer
• Routing Architect
• Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (300-415 ENSDWI)

Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (300-415 ENSDWI)

Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (300-415 ENSDWI) is one of the most demanding SD-WAN Certifications in the IT Networking Industry. SD-WAN means “software-defined networking in a wide area network (WAN). SD-WAN solutions are more advanced alternatives for traditional WAN routers. The networking certification tests your knowledge of Cisco’s SD-WAN solution, including SD-WAN, architecture, Controller deployment, Edge router deployment, Policies, Security, Quality of Service, Multicast, SD-WAN Management, and operations. During Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (300-415 ENSDWI) training, you will master the most useful methods for configuring routing protocols in the data center and the branch, as well as how to implement advanced control, data, and application-aware policies.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

To enroll for Cisco SD-WAN Networking Training/Certification, you should have in-depth knowledge of the following:

• Enterprise-Wide Area Network Design
• Routing Protocol Functions and Operations
• Transport Layer Security
• TCP/IP Functions and Operations

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED:

• Cisco SD-WAN Overlay Network
• Examining Cisco SD-WAN Architecture
• Cisco SD-WAN Deployment Options
• Deploying Edge Devices with Zero-Touch Provisioning
• Using Device Configuration Templates
• Redundancy, High Availability, and Scalability
• Cisco SD-WAN Routing Options
• Using Dynamic Routing
• Providing Site Redundancy and High Availability
• Configuring Transport-Side Connectivity
• Cisco SD-WAN Policy Configuration
• Reviewing Cisco SD-WAN Policy
• Defining Advanced Control Policies
• Defining Advanced Data Policies
• Implementing Application-Aware Routing
• Implementing Internet Breakouts and Network Address Translation (NAT)
• Cisco SD-WAN Migration and Interoperability
• Examining Cisco SD-WAN Hybrid Scenarios
• Performing a Migration
• Cisco SD-WAN Management and Operations
• Performing Upgrades

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER CISCO SD-WAN CERTIFICATION

• System installers
• System integrators
• System administrators
• Network administrators
• Solutions designers
• Cisco SD-WAN Architect

CCNP SECURITY

Cisco CCNP Security is one of the most widespread networking courses & certifications among Network Security Engineers. Experienced Network Security Professionals opt for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Security) Certification. This certification proves your skills with security solutions.  To obtain CCNP Security, you pass two exams: a core exam and a security concentration exam of your preference.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

There are no prerequisites for CCNP Security Certifications, but you should have a good understanding of the exam topics before taking the exam. CCNP candidates usually also have three to five years of experience implementing security solutions. However, candidates should have a good understanding of Routing, Switching, Routing Protocols, TCP/IP Functions and operations.

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER CCNP SECURITY CERTIFICATION

• Security engineer
• Network engineer
• Network designer
• Network administrator
• Systems engineer
• Consulting systems engineer
• Technical solutions architect
• Network manager
• Security administrators
• Security consultants
• Network administrators
• Network security engineers
• ISE administrators
• Wireless network security engineers
• Operations engineers
• System designers
• Wireless design engineer

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• Cisco Firepower® Threat Defense
• Firepower virtual appliances
• Firepower Policy configurations
• Firepower Integrations
• Firepower Deployments
• Firepower Management and troubleshooting
• Cisco ISE Architecture and deployment
• Cisco ISE Policy enforcement
• Cisco ISE Web Auth and guest services
• Cisco ISE Profiler
• Cisco ISE BYOD
• Cisco ISE Endpoint compliance
• Cisco ISE Network access device administration
• ESA Administration
• ESA Spam control and antispam
• ESA Message filters
• ESA Data loss prevention
• ESA LDAP
• ESA Email authentication and encryption
• ESA System quarantines and delivery methods
• WSA Proxy services
• WSA Authentication
• WSA Decryption policies
• Differentiated traffic access policies and identification policies
• WSA Acceptable use control settings
• WSA Malware defense
• WSA Data security and data loss prevention
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) Architectures
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)Troubleshooting
• Programming concepts
• RESTful APIs
• Data models
• Protocols
• Firewalls
• Web
• DNS
• Cloud and email security
• ISE
• Network security
• Cloud security
• Content security
• Endpoint protection and detection
• Secure network access
• Visibility and enforcement

Certified Ethical Hacker

A Certified Ethical Hacker is an expert in Ethical Hacking Methodology used in Ethical Hacking Situation and Penetration Testing. CEH is one of the top-rated networking courses amongst the Top Networking Courses globally. EC-Council (International Council of E-Commerce Consultants) issues The Certified Ethical Hacking Certification. The certified understands the strengths, weaknesses, and sensitivities in a target system. A CEH Professional abides by the law and makes use of the same tools and knowledge to evaluate the security of the target system. This certification constitutes of in-depth conceptualization of detailed security devices and networks. CEH Certification also covers Network Security Discipline of Ethical Hacking. It is one of the top networking courses that the candidates should opt for to become an Ethical Hacker.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

• OPTION 1- Completion of Official EC-Council Training either at an Accredited Training Center OR at an approved institution.
• OPTION 2- Approval via Eligibility Application Process (https://cert.eccouncil.org/Exam-Eligibility-Form.html)

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER CEH CERTIFICATION

• System Administrators
• Network Administrators
• Web-Managers
• Auditors
• Security Professionals
• Ethical Hackers

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• Introduction to Ethical Hacking
• Footprinting and Reconnaissance
• Scanning Networks
• Enumeration
• Vulnerability Analysis
• System Hacking
• Malware Threats
• Sniffing
• Social Engineering
• Denial-of-Service
• Session Hijacking
• Evading IDS, Firewalls, and Honeypots
• Hacking Web Servers
• Hacking Web Applications
• SQL Injection
• Hacking Wireless Networks
• Hacking Mobile Platforms IoT Hacking
• Cloud Computing
• Cryptography

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an IT Certification that certifies candidates in configuring, managing and troubleshooting networks. Network+ helps to design, configure, manage and implement functional networks. This certification covers the usage of devices like switches and routers for network traffic and resilient networks. Network+ Certification teaches the candidate to implement security protocols and identify the benefits and drawbacks of network configurations. It also supports the creation of virtualized networks.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

There is no age eligibility or pre-requisite for the CompaTIA Network+ IT Certification.

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER COMPTIA NETWORK+ CERTIFICATION

• Junior Network Administrator
• Computer Technician
• Network Field Technician
• Help Desk Technician
• Junior System Engineer
• System Engineer
• IS Consultant
• Network Support Specialist
• Network Field Engineer
• Network Analyst

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• Networking Concepts
• Cabling, Storage and Device Infrastructure
• Network Operations
• Network Security
• Network Troubleshooting and Tools
• Industry Standards, Practices and Network Theory

Cisco DevNet Associate

Developing Applications and Automating Workflows using Cisco Platforms (DEVASC) is one of the new and popular certifications in the Network Automation Category. The networking course helps you plan for Cisco® DevNet Associate certification and associate-level network automation engineer roles. Using Cisco Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and modern development tools, you will learn how to implement automation workflows across the network, security, collaboration, and computing infrastructure.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

There are no formal prerequisites for Cisco DevNet Associate Certifications, but you should have a good understanding of networking and programming concepts. By passing this exam, you earn Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification. The networking course is appropriate for software developers, application developers, and network engineers.

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER CISCO DEVNET ASSOCIATE CERTIFICATION

• Network automation engineer
• Network Software developer
• System integration programmer
• Infrastructure architect
• Network designer

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• Practicing Modern Software Development
• Describing Software Development Process
• Designing Software
• Introducing Network-Based APIs
• Consuming REST-Based APIs
• Employing Programmability on Cisco Platforms
• Introducing Cisco Platforms
• Describing IP Networks (ELT only)
• Relating Network and Applications
• Employing Model-Driven Programmability with YANG
• Deploying Applications
• Testing and Securing Applications
• Automating Infrastructure

Cisco CCIE Security

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security) Certification is an industry accepted certification designed for network architects and engineers in security domain. It provides the candidates the skills and knowledge to implement, configure and troubleshoot the Cisco Network Security Solutions. The candidates not only cover the conceptual knowledge but also demonstrate his/her troubleshooting skills using a real-world scenario. CCIE Security certification is one of the most advanced network security certifications, and it qualifies you to manage and design the most detailed network security infrastructure.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

To earn CCIE Security, you pass two exams: a qualifying exam and a hands-on lab exam.

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER CCIE SECURITY CERTIFICATION

• Network Engineer
• Senior Network engineer
• Network Security Engineer
• Senior Network Security Engineer
• Network Administrator
• Network Security Administrator
• Network Security Specialist
• Security engineer
• Network security engineer
• Network security designer
• Network security administrator
• Systems engineer
• Consulting systems engineer
• Technical solutions architect
• Network manager

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• Complex enterprise Network security
• Cloud security
• Content security
• Endpoint protection and detection
• Secure network access
• Visibility and enforcement
• Perimeter Security and Intrusion Prevention
• Secure Connectivity and Segmentation
• Infrastructure Security
• Identity Management
• Information Exchange
• Access Control
• Advanced Threat Protection

Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure

As you know, CCIE-Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert is the latest and most prestigious certification in Networking Industry. At the same time, it is also the most challenging exam to clear. Only 3% of Cisco certified professionals obtain CCIE Certification.  The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Networking Course/Certification Recognize you as a leader in Enterprise Infrastructure technologies.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

To earn CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, you pass two exams: a qualifying exam and hands-on lab exam.

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER CCIE ENTERPRISE INFRASTRUCTURE CERTIFICATION

• Network Specialist
• Network engineer
• Network designer
• Network administrator
• Consulting systems engineer
• Technical solutions architect
• Enterprise network engineers
• System engineers
• System administrators
• System installers
• System integrators
• Solutions designers
• Network manager

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• Dual stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture
• Virtualization
• Network assurance
• Security
• Automation
• Network Infrastructure
• Software Defined Infrastructure
• Transport Technologies and Solutions
• Infrastructure Security and Services
• Infrastructure Automation and Programmability

Checkpoint CCSA

Check Point Certified Security Administrator Certification validates the candidates to install, configure and manage the Check Point Security Gateway and Management Software Blade System on GAiA operating system. This certification teaches how to Implement Check Point backup with defending Check-point against various networks. It helps us evaluate the existing security policies and manage user access to corporate LANs. Monitoring and analyzing skeptical attacks and troubleshooting network connections also constitute this certification.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

There are no formal prerequisites for Checkpoint CCSA Networking Course & Certifications. However, it is recommended to have-

• Basic working knowledge of UNIX, Network Technology and the Internet
• General knowledge about IP

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER CHECKPOINT CCSA CERTIFICATION

• Security Engineer
• Network Security Engineer
• Senior Network Engineer
• Network Analyst
• Network Engineer

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• Introduction to Check Point Architecture
• Security Policy Management
• Check Point Security Solutions
• Traffic Visibility
• Basic Concepts of VPN
• Managing User’s Access
• Working with Cluster XL
• Administrator Task Implementation
• SmartEvent Reports

Checkpoint CCSE

The Check Point Certified Security Expert Certification validates the candidate’s ability to build, modify, deploy and troubleshoot the Check Point Security Systems. It teaches the candidates to evaluate the Security policy and evaluate them. These certified professionals can manage user access to corporate LANs and implement Check Point Backup Techniques. 

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

• Check Point Security Administration OR
• CCSA – Check Point Certified Administrator

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER CHECKPOINT CCSE CERTIFICATION

• Security Engineer
• Network Security Engineer
• Senior Network Engineer
• Network Analyst
• Network Engineer

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• Check Point Technology Overview
• Network Address Translations
• User Management and Authentication
• Usage of SmartUpdate
• Deployment of Platforms and Security Policies
• Monitoring traffic and connections
• Configuring VPN Tunnels
• Implementing Identity Awareness
• Resolving Security Administration issues

Palo Alto Networks PCNSE

Palo Alto Networks PCNSE Certification validates that the candidate has in-depth skills and knowledge to design, install, configure, maintain and troubleshoot the Palo Alto Network. The Palo Alto Firewall PCNSE Candidates who have in-depth knowledge about Palo Alto networks and devices can opt for this certification.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

There are no formal prerequisites for Palo Alto Networks PCNSE Networking Course & Certifications. However, it is recommended to have good knowledge of networking concepts, routing protocols and TCP/IP Functions and Operations.

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER PCNSE CERTIFICATION

• Security Engineer
• Network Security Engineer
• Senior Network Engineer
• Network Analyst
• Network Engineer
• Network Operations Specialist
• Systems Security Analyst
• Cyber Defense Analyst

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• Palo Alto Networks Firewall Essentials
• Constructing the Palo Alto Network Infrastructure
• Deploying and Configuring the Palo Alto Network Infrastructure
• Operating the Palo Alto Network Infrastructure
• Configuring and Troubleshooting the Palo Alto Network Infrastructure

CPENT – Certified Penetration Testing Professional

Certified Penetration Testing Professional or CPENTis an intensive and advanced pen test cybersecurity and networking course. This certification course is intended to teach you how to perform an effective penetration test in an enterprise network environment. 

CPENT is a fully online, remotely proctored practical exam that tests candidates through an intense 24-hour performance-based, hands-on exam, categorized into two practical exams of 12-hours, which will test your determination focus by forcing you to outdo yourself with each new challenge. Candidates can choose either two 12-hour exams or one 24-hour exam depending on how straining they would want the exam.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

The CPENT program is the next step after the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification on the journey to the Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master. However, there are no predefined eligibility criteria for those interested in attempting the CPENT exam. To Enrol in the CPENT Training Course (Certified Penetration Testing Professional) it is recommended to undergo CEH Official Training.

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER PCNSE CERTIFICATION

• Penetration Testers
• Network Server Administrators
• Firewall Administrators
• Information security Consultant
• System Administrators
• Security Testers
• Security Engineers
• Ethical Hackers
• Risk Assessment Professionals
• System Administrators and Risk Assessment professionals
• Security Analysts

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• Introduction to Penetration Testing
• Penetration Testing Scoping and Engagement
• Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
• Social Engineering Penetration Testing
• Network Penetration Testing – External
• Network Penetration Testing – Internal
• Network Penetration Testing – Perimeter Devices
• Web Application Penetration Testing
• Wireless Penetration Testing
• IoT Penetration Testing
• OT/SCADA Penetration Testing
• Cloud Penetration Testing
• Binary Analysis and Exploitation
• Report Writing and Post Testing Actions

AWS Solutions Architect Associate

Cloud Computing is the future of Business, and AWS is the leader in cloud computing technologies. AWS offers many cloud-based certifications programs. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate examination is intended for individuals who want to work as a solutions architect and learn about designing cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on AWS.

CERTIFICATION/EXAM INFORMATION

PRE-REQUISITES

There are no formal prerequisites for AWS Solutions Architect Associate Cloud and Networking Course. Candidates are recommended to have basic networking, IP Addressing, and basics of security knowledge.

POPULAR JOB ROLES AFTER AWS SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT ASSOCIATE CERTIFICATION

• Network Architect
• Cloud Architect
• Cloud Engineer
• Cloud Security Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Data Engineer
• Full-Stack Engineer
• QA Engineer

KEY TOPICS INCLUDED

• IAM
• Compute Service
• Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)
• AWS Storage
• AWS Auto Scaling
• Elastic Load Balancer
• Route 53
• Databases & AWS
• AWS Monitoring
• Design Resilient Architectures on AWS
• Design High-Performing Architectures on AWS
• Design Secure Applications and Architectures on AWS
• Design Cost-Optimized Architectures on AWS