Technology

How to become a Network Engineer

From network administrator: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–5 years

Typical pay

$92k–$125k

Starting from

Network administrator

The steps

1. 1

   Start as a network administrator

   Engineers design what administrators run. You need the running first.

   2–3 years

2. 2

   Hold your CCNA

   The floor for the role, not the ceiling.

   Cisco CCNA

   Course that covers thisCISCO CCNA 200-301 Practice Exams (6) + ExplanationsUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   Go deeper with CCNP

   Enterprise routing and switching at scale — this is what separates the pay bands.

   6–12 monthsCisco CCNP

   Course that covers this300-410 ~ CCNP Enterprise ENARSI Practice ExamUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   Learn automation

   Network engineering is increasingly Python and APIs, not the CLI.

   Course that covers this380+ Exercises - Python Programming Mega Pack - Built-inUdemy · around $19.99 →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.