What is NAT (Network Address Translation)? Types and How It Works
NAT is a network address translation technology that is used to map private IP addresses to public IP…
Networking Certification Comparison Tool
Compare the most popular networking certifications side by side. Filter by your experience level, budget, or career goal to find the right certification for you.
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Which Networking Certification Should You Get First?
If you are completely new to networking, start with CompTIA Network+ for a vendor-neutral foundation, or jump straight to CCNA if you want hands-on Cisco skills and a higher salary ceiling. For cybersecurity, Security+ is the most popular entry-level security certification and is DoD-approved.
Certification Roadmap by Career Goal
| Career Goal | Start With | Then Get | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Engineer | CCNA | CCNP Enterprise | CCIE Enterprise |
| Security Engineer | Security+ | CEH or CISSP | OSCP |
| Cloud Engineer | AWS Cloud Practitioner | AWS Solutions Architect | AWS DevOps Pro |
| IT Support → Network | Network+ | CCNA | CCNP |
| Wireless Specialist | CCNA | CWNA | CCNP Wireless |
Read our full guide on best networking certifications and check our free OSI model quiz to test your knowledge before your exam.
