IT Skills Employers Look for in Network Engineers: Top Certifications and Career Paths
IT Skills Employers Look for Network Engineer | Top Certifications & Career Paths
If you are considering a career in IT networking or looking to advance beyond entry-level roles, understanding the IT skills employers look for network engineer candidates is crucial. This guide is for adults ready to pivot into IT, tech enthusiasts, veterans, and help desk professionals eager to step up to network engineering and cybersecurity roles. We will break down the core networking skills, must-have certifications, and practical training paths that put you on the fast track to job-ready expertise.
What Core IT Skills Do Employers Want in Network Engineers?
Employers seek network engineers who possess a strong foundation in networking concepts, hands-on troubleshooting experience, security knowledge, and the ability to adapt to new technologies. Certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and Juniper JNCIA-Junos validate these skills and demonstrate readiness for real-world challenges.
To become a competitive network engineer, you need a blend of technical proficiency, troubleshooting expertise, and practical security awareness. Employers value candidates who can configure and support wired and wireless networks, implement security protocols, and quickly diagnose network issues. Communication skills, documentation ability, and willingness to keep learning are also highly regarded.
Top Certifications for Network Engineers
Certifications remain a primary signal to employers that you have the verified skills to excel as a network engineer. Here are the most relevant certifications to focus on: If you're deciding between foundational paths, this CCNA vs Network+ comparison breaks down the differences so you can choose confidently.
CompTIA Network+: The Industry Foundation
Network+ is a vendor-neutral, entry-level certification that covers the basics every aspiring network engineer must know. The certification validates your understanding of networking concepts, infrastructure, operations, basic security, and troubleshooting. With its practical focus and accessibility, Network+ opens doors to support, help desk, and junior network roles—ideal for career changers and those without a traditional degree. The exam features up to 90 questions over 90 minutes, testing both theory and hands-on problem-solving.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): The Gold Standard
The CCNA is globally recognized and often required for roles in enterprise networking. Covering routing, switching, IP services, network security, and basic automation, it demonstrates your ability to work in Cisco environments and cross-platform scenarios. The CCNA exam (200-301) tests configuration, troubleshooting, and security implementation skills through simulations and multiple-choice questions. Holding a CCNA shows employers you are ready for network engineer, NOC technician, or infrastructure analyst positions.
Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA-Junos): Multi-Vendor Advantage
For those targeting roles with service providers, ISPs, or organizations using Juniper hardware, the JNCIA-Junos is invaluable. It covers Junos OS management, routing fundamentals, and basic troubleshooting with Juniper devices. This certification is especially useful if you want to build versatility in both Cisco and Juniper environments, which is highly sought after in larger or multi-vendor workplaces.
CompTIA Security+: Foundation for Cybersecurity
Security+ is an excellent next step after Network+. It validates your understanding of network security, threat management, and compliance—skills that every modern network engineer needs. Many employers, especially in regulated industries, require Security+ for roles that involve sensitive data or infrastructure. This certification demonstrates your ability to secure networks against threats and respond to incidents, making you more attractive for security-focused networking positions.
Other In-Demand Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP): Advanced certification for those with CCNA and real-world experience, covering enterprise-level design, troubleshooting, and security.
- Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP): Essential for engineers working with wireless networks. The CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator) focuses on RF theory, WLAN security, and wireless troubleshooting.
- Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE): Recognized for advanced firewall and network security skills, especially valuable in organizations using Palo Alto systems.
How to Choose the Right Certification Path
Selecting the right certification depends on your career goals and preferred technology stack. Many professionals start with CompTIA Network+ to build a strong, vendor-neutral foundation. From there, you can specialize with CCNA or JNCIA-Junos based on employer requirements or the hardware used by your target organizations. Adding Security+ or CWNA can significantly broaden your prospects, especially as more networks become wireless and security-focused.
| Certification | Level | Focus | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Network+ | Entry | Networking Basics, Troubleshooting | Support, Help Desk, Junior Admin |
| Cisco CCNA | Entry/Associate | Routing, Switching, Security | Network Engineer, NOC Technician |
| Juniper JNCIA-Junos | Entry | Juniper OS, Routing, CLI | Support Engineer, Network Admin |
| CompTIA Security+ | Entry/Mid | Network Security, Threats | Security Analyst, Network Engineer |
| CWNA | Associate | Wireless Networking | Wireless Network Engineer |
Key Technical Skills Every Network Engineer Should Master
Certifications are only part of the equation; employers want to see practical skills as well. Here are the key technical areas you should focus on:
- Network Design and Implementation: Ability to plan, configure, and deploy both wired and wireless networks. Understanding of network topologies, architecture, and device configuration.
- IP Addressing and Subnetting: Proficiency with IPv4/IPv6, subnetting, and routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP); review this guide to common network protocols every engineer should know.
- Switching and VLANs: Configuration of switches, VLAN segmentation, trunking, and spanning tree protocol.
- Network Security: Implementing firewalls, access control lists (ACLs), and security policies. Awareness of common threats and mitigation strategies.
- Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Use of tools like SNMP, packet analyzers, and CLI commands to monitor and resolve network issues quickly.
- Documentation and Change Management: Keeping accurate records of network diagrams, device configurations, and change logs.
- Wireless Technologies: Understanding WLAN design, security protocols, and RF fundamentals if you plan to work with wireless networks.
Why Practical Training and Labs Are Essential
Employers increasingly look for candidates who can prove their abilities through hands-on experience. While theory is important, the ability to configure routers, troubleshoot real-world issues, and secure networks is what sets you apart in interviews and on the job. At NGT Academy, our Network Engineer Program + Cybersecurity Accelerator is designed to give you practical lab experience, mentorship, and a direct pathway to employment. This approach mirrors what employers expect—skills you can apply from day one.
How Do Employers Evaluate Network Engineer Candidates?
When reviewing applicants, employers look for a combination of certifications, relevant experience (including labs and projects), and clear communication skills. Your ability to explain technical concepts, document solutions, and demonstrate continuous learning is just as important as your ability to configure a switch or troubleshoot a network outage. Building a portfolio of hands-on projects, participating in study communities, and maintaining up-to-date certification are all ways to stand out in the job market.
Steps to Launch or Advance Your Network Engineering Career
- Assess Your Current Skills: Identify your gaps in networking fundamentals, security, and troubleshooting.
- Choose the Right Certification Path: Start with foundational credentials (Network+, CCNA, JNCIA), then layer on security or wireless as needed.
- Engage in Practical Labs: Use simulators, real hardware, or guided labs to reinforce concepts and gain confidence.
- Document Your Learning: Keep a portfolio of lab work and troubleshooting scenarios to showcase your skills to employers.
- Seek Mentorship and Community: Join networking groups or online study forums for support, advice, and encouragement.
- Apply for Roles Strategically: Target positions that value your blend of certifications and hands-on ability. Look for employers that invest in ongoing training and growth.
Ready to Start Your Network Engineering Journey?
If you are ready to build in-demand IT skills and certifications that employers want, explore NGT Academy’s Network Engineer Program + Cybersecurity Accelerator. Designed for career changers, veterans, and tech enthusiasts, our program offers hands-on labs, live instruction, and career coaching to help you launch or advance your IT career with confidence.
FAQ
What core IT skills do employers look for in network engineers?
Employers want strong networking fundamentals, troubleshooting ability, practical security knowledge, and experience with both wired and wireless networks. Certifications like CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA validate these skills.
Which certifications help you get a network engineer job without a tech degree?
Certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and Juniper JNCIA-Junos are recognized by employers and can help career changers and non-degree holders qualify for network engineer roles.
How do hands-on labs improve your chances of getting hired?
Hands-on labs build real-world experience, allowing you to demonstrate practical skills during interviews and on the job. Employers value candidates who can troubleshoot and configure networks, not just pass exams.
Can you move from help desk to network engineer through certifications?
Yes. Starting with foundational certifications and building hands-on experience enables many professionals to progress from help desk to network engineering positions in as little as one year. For actionable steps, see this guide on how to get promoted from help desk to engineer.
Where can I learn more about NGT Academy’s network engineer and cybersecurity programs?
Visit our Network Engineer Program + Cybersecurity Accelerator page for full details, or check our FAQ for answers to common questions about programs, financing, and admissions.