Top 12 Network Security Certifications for IT and Security Professionals

If you’re looking for the right network security certification to move ahead in your career, you’re not alone. Most IT professionals reach a point where the next step isn’t very clear. You want to grow, maybe switch roles, and look for options,  but the internet throws a hundred network security certifications at you. 

Security+, CEH, NSE, CyberOps, JNCIA-SEC, the list goes on, and everyone has a different opinion on which one matters most. It’s normal to feel unsure about where to begin or which certification actually fits your background and goals. Almost every engineer stepping into security hits the same confusion.

That’s exactly why this guide exists. Here, you’ll find the top 12 network security courses. We have covered what each one entails, who it is best suited, how to prepare for it, and the natural next step after completing it. So, you can choose the certification that actually pushes your career forward.

If you’ve been looking for one clear, practical answer to the question, “Which Network security certification should I take?”, you’re in the right place.

1. CompTIA Security+ 

CompTIA Security+ is one of the most recognised entry-level security certifications worldwide. It helps you build the essential skills to secure networks, respond to threats, and understand core security concepts used across modern IT environments.

The latest version (V7) covers everything from general security concepts and cryptography to threat analysis, vulnerability management, identity and access, incident response, risk management, and security governance.

Source – CompTIA

The vendor-neutral certification is globally recognised, and often a minimum requirement for entry-level security roles in enterprises and government organisations. If you’re starting your cybersecurity journey and want a strong base before moving into OEM tools like Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet, or cloud security, Security+ is one of the safest and most reliable first steps.

Best for: IT support, network admins, career switchers entering cybersecurity.

Exam details: The exam contains up to 90 questions, is 90 minutes long, and requires passing score of 750 / 900. 

Next step after this:  You can move into vendor paths like Cisco CyberOps, Palo Alto, or start preparing for mid-level certifications, such as CND or CCSP later.

How to Prepare for CompTIA Security + Certification 

• You can start by understanding how the exam is weighted. Security operations and threat mitigation carry the highest percentage, so learners who allocate more revision time to these areas generally feel more confident on test day.
• The exam rewards familiarity with everyday security tasks. Even simple hands-on exposure to identity and access concepts, basic firewall behaviour, or running a vulnerability scan can make the theory much easier to retain.
• Most candidates find it helpful to combine structured learning with light practice. A clear exploration of the core concepts followed by scenario-based questions creates stronger recall than theory alone.
• A preparation window of three to six weeks works well for most working professionals. It gives enough time to understand the five domains without feeling overwhelmed.
• Before scheduling the exam, reviewing weak areas through a couple of timed practice tests provides a realistic sense of readiness and helps fill any remaining knowledge gaps.

Typical Pricing

CompTIA sets regional pricing, but a standard Security+ exam voucher is ~$425 USD. However, it can slightly vary by country and retailer.

For more exam details and other information, kindly visit CompTIA or their partner’s website.

2. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

Cisco CyberOps Associate is a strong entry point for anyone who wants to specialise in security operations. The certification focuses on the day-to-day skills SOC teams rely on, like monitoring alerts, analysing logs, identifying threats, and understanding how attacks unfold across networks and endpoints. 

It’s designed for beginners and early-career professionals who want to move from general IT into cybersecurity, especially roles that involve live threat detection and response.

Source – Cisco

The curriculum covers core security concepts, security monitoring, host-based analysis, and network intrusion analysis. Because it’s Cisco-backed, the learning is aligned with real SOC environments and the technologies widely used across enterprises. 

If you’re aiming for a practical, operations-focused start in cybersecurity, CyberOps Associate is one of the most reliable certifications to build that foundation.

Best for: Aspiring SOC analysts, IT support professionals moving toward cybersecurity, and network engineers entering security operations.

Exam and prep: The core exam covers topics such as security concepts, monitoring, host analysis, and intrusion analysis. It is 90 minutes long. To prepare, review Cisco’s exam topics, practice log analysis, and use scenario-based questions.

Next step after this: You can move to vendor paths like Cisco Cybersecurity Professional, Fortinet NSE 4, or specialise further in threat hunting and SOC tools.

Source – Cisco

How to Prepare for Cisco CyberOps Associate

• Since the exam is heavily operations-focused, candidates benefit from spending more time on security monitoring and intrusion analysis, the areas that most closely reflect real SOC ticket workflows.
• Reviewing example logs, alerts, and simple packet captures helps connect the theory to practical scenarios. Even lightweight exposure to SIEM-style data makes exam questions easier to interpret.
• Many learners find it useful to blend official Cisco material with practice labs or simulated incidents. Understanding how to trace an alert from detection to root cause improves recall across all four domains.
• Preparation usually takes three to six weeks for working professionals. This provides enough time to revise concepts like malware behaviour, event impacts, host-based evidence, and common attack paths.
• Before booking the exam, taking a couple of timed practice tests helps identify any weak areas, especially in interpreting logs and traffic patterns under time pressure.

Typical Pricing

Cisco sets regional pricing, but exam vouchers typically fall in the $300–$350 USD range depending on location. 

For accurate pricing and registration, contact Cisco or their authorised training partners.

3. Palo Alto Networks – Network Security Professional 

The Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional certification is designed for learners who want to build practical, hands-on skills across the Palo Alto Networks Network Security platform. 

It validates your ability to use, maintain, and configure core network security products at an entry-to-intermediate level. The certification module covers firewalls, cloud-delivered security services, security policies, traffic controls, and basic deployments.

Source – Palo Alto

As the certification reflects how real Palo Alto deployments work in enterprises, it’s a strong fit for IT professionals who want to grow into firewall administration, security operations, or platform management roles. 

The focus is on understanding the entire product suite at a functional level like what each product does, when it’s used, and how to keep environments secure and operational.

Best for: Junior network engineers, early-career security analysts, firewall administrators, and IT professionals working in environments that use Palo Alto firewalls or cloud security services.

Exam and prep: The exam is 90 minutes, multiple-choice, and tests your understanding of Palo Alto NGFW, cloud-delivered security services, SASE components, SD-WAN, and basic deployment workflows. 

You can prepare with official product documentation, reviewing core networking concepts, and practising simple configuration or traffic-flow tasks gives the strongest foundation for the exam.

Recommended Read: SD-WAN Training: Compare the 9 Best Courses & Certifications for Your Cybersecurity Career

Next step after this: You can move into Palo Alto’s Specialist-level certifications such as Next-Generation Firewall Engineer, Network Security Analyst, or SD-WAN Engineer, or progress toward the Network Security Architect certification as you gain experience. For more details on certifications, this Palo Alto certification guide will come handy.

How to Prepare for Palo Alto Network Security Professional

• Start by reviewing Palo Alto’s official exam guide so you know which product areas are tested most like NGFW basics, cloud-delivered security services, policy fundamentals, Panorama awareness, and deployment concepts.
• Spend time in a hands-on or simulated environment to understand real workflows like creating policies, checking logs, interpreting traffic flows, and validating basic configurations. Even lightweight lab exposure makes exam scenarios easier.
• Use Palo Alto’s documentation and tech docs to build conceptual clarity around how each product fits into the larger security platform. This can help with use-case and architecture-oriented questions.
• Most learners take around three to six weeks to prepare alongside a full-time job. A mix of official guides, practice questions, and small lab sessions tends to give the best results.
• Before scheduling the exam, take at least one practice test or mock quiz to confirm readiness and identify weak spots.

Typical Pricing 

Exam vouchers are generally priced around $200 USD, with slight variations based on region and testing provider. You can contact our team for more details on pricing here.

4. SonicWall Network Security Administrator

The SonicWall Network Security Administrator (SNSA) certification is designed for professionals who already understand core networking and security fundamentals and want to go deeper into deploying and managing SonicWall next-generation firewalls.

This certification focuses heavily on hands-on skills like configuring firewalls, enabling security services, setting up VPNs, implementing DPI-SSL, and managing threat prevention in real environments. 

Because the curriculum is based on the latest SonicOS 7 firmware, learners get practical knowledge aligned with today’s SonicWall deployments.

Source – SonicWall

The SNSA program blends foundational firewall concepts with real-world security use cases, making it a solid upskilling path for network administrators, SOC teams, and security engineers who manage SonicWall infrastructure. 

If you’re working with SonicWall or planning to, this certification is one of the most effective ways to build confidence in managing modern NGFW features.

Best for: Network security administrators, firewall engineers, SonicWall partners, and IT professionals who want to strengthen hands-on skills in SonicWall NGFW deployment and security operations.

Exam & Prep: The SNSA exam becomes available through SonicWall University once you complete the required instructor-led sessions and online prerequisite modules. The assessment checks your competency in implementing SonicOS 7 features, configuring firewalls, and applying core security services. 

Candidates must enroll through an Authorized Training Partner like Datacipher to receive exam access.

How to Prepare for SonicWall SNSA

• Complete the four-hour SonicWall University prerequisite modules covering firewall essentials and SonicOS fundamentals.
• Spend extra time practicing hands-on firewall configuration, VPN setup, NAT rules, and DPI-SSL to match real exam scenarios.
• Review the latest SonicOS 7 interface, as many exam questions reflect updated workflows and security services.
• Use ATP-provided labs and exercises, the exam is highly practical, and lab familiarity helps tremendously.
• Explore SonicWall documentation and tech libraries to strengthen understanding of threat management, content filtering, and application control.

For more details, you can refer our guide on the SNSA certification or view the video below. 

Typical Pricing

SNSA training and exam pricing varies by region and Authorized Training Partner. Learners can check exact pricing through SonicWall University or ATPs such as Datacipher.

5. Check Point Certified Security Administrator

CCSA is Check Point’s entry-level, globally recognized certification for firewall and network security professionals. If you’re aiming for a job where you’ll configure firewalls, manage access rules, work with VPNs, or handle day-to-day security operations, this is the certification most employers expect from a Check Point-based environment.

Source – Checkpoint

The training focuses on real operational skills like creating security policies, managing traffic, enabling VPNs, preventing threats, and handling basic troubleshooting inside Check Point’s environment. 

It’s hands-on and practical, making it a suitable step for anyone moving deeper into network security or transitioning from roles like IT support or system administration.

Best for: Network engineers, security analysts, firewall administrators entering Check Point environments.

Exam and Prep: The CCSA exam focuses on deploying security gateways, managing rulebases, configuring VPNs, handling logs, and understanding Check Point’s core security architecture. 

There are no formal prerequisites, and the exam is delivered through Pearson VUE. Preparation generally involves reviewing Check Point’s official courseware, practicing SmartConsole workflows, and understanding the exam topics outlined in the official CCSA Exam Prep Guide.

Next step after this: Most learners progress to CCSE (Check Point Certified Security Expert) for advanced troubleshooting and multi-layer policy management, or diversify into other firewall ecosystems such as Palo Alto or Fortinet.

Source – CCSA

How to Prepare for CCSA

• Most working professionals require three to five weeks of preparation to cover the full breadth of platform features and revise core topics thoroughly.
• Reviewing traffic logs and understanding rule-matching logic helps connect theoretical concepts to real operational outcomes.
• A small virtual practice lab complements the official training material well. This can help candidates reinforce deployment and troubleshooting workflows.
• Timed practice questions and lab exercises are helpful before scheduling the exam, especially for NAT questions and VPN configuration scenarios.

Typical Pricing

According to the official CCSA Exam Prep Guide, the exam fee is $300 USD, though the exact amount may vary by region or testing center. For current pricing, availability, and registration, candidates should refer to Check Point’s authorised training partners in their region or can view details here.

6. Juniper Networks JNCIA-SEC

JNCIA-SEC is Juniper’s entry-level security certification focused on the Junos OS security features used on SRX Series firewalls. 

It’s designed for learners who want to understand firewall basics, security policies, NAT behaviour, threat prevention concepts, and how traffic actually moves through an SRX device. 

If you want a vendor certification that builds strong fundamentals across real-world firewall operations, this is one of the most approachable starting points.

Source – Juniper Networks

The certification covers SRX architecture, interfaces, security zones, policies, NAT, content security, and troubleshooting. Since Junos security is widely used in enterprises and service provider environments, the skills you learn translate directly into day-to-day firewall administration and security operations work.

Best for: Junior network engineers, NOC/SOC beginners, IT professionals learning firewalls, and anyone starting in security operations with Juniper environments.

Exam and Prep: The exam is 90 minutes with 65 multiple-choice questions, testing your understanding of SRX concepts, zones, policies, NAT workflows, content security, and monitoring. 

Reviewing the official exam objectives, using Juniper TechLibrary articles, and practising basic SRX configuration or packet-flow troubleshooting gives a strong foundation for the exam.

Source – Juniper Networks

Next step after this: After this, you can move into Juniper’s higher-level tracks such as JNCIS-SEC, JNCIP-SEC, or JNCIE-SEC, or explore multi-vendor paths like Palo Alto PCNSA or Fortinet NSE-4 for broader security operations exposure.

How to Prepare for JNCIA-SEC

• Start with Juniper’s official exam objectives and understand the SRX architecture, security zones, policies, NAT types, and content security features.
• Use the Juniper TechLibrary to walk through basic configurations, traffic flow behaviour, and packet-level troubleshooting.
• Practise simple SRX tasks such as creating security policies, validating NAT rules, reviewing logs, and checking packet flow.
• Preparation typically takes three to six weeks for working professionals and is strongest when combining official documentation with light hands-on practice.

Typical Pricing

Juniper does not publicly list fixed pricing for the JNCIA-SEC exam. The cost is shown only during registration on the Pearson VUE portal and generally falls within the standard range for associate-level networking exams. 

For the exact price, refer to the Pearson VUE exam registration page for your region.

7. HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate – Network Security 

The HPE Network Security Associate certification validates your understanding of core security fundamentals used in modern enterprise networks. It covers device hardening, identifying common vulnerabilities, implementing AAA at the edge, creating basic roles and firewall policies, dynamic segmentation, and classifying endpoints. If you’re starting out in network security and want a strong, vendor-backed foundation, this certification fits well.

Source – HPE Aruba Networking

The exam also tests your awareness of basic threat-detection capabilities like collecting logs and alarms. Because the certification aligns closely with Aruba’s practical network-edge security model, it’s especially useful for professionals working with Aruba switches, gateways, and access networks.

Best for: Junior network engineers, entry-level IT security professionals, Aruba-focused network admins, and anyone building foundational skills in network security.

Exam and Prep: The exam is 90 minutes long and includes 60 questions, testing your knowledge of threats, vulnerabilities, AAA, device hardening, firewall roles, dynamic segmentation, and log/alert handling. 

Preparing with the official HPE Aruba Networking Certified Network Security Associate Study Guide and practising basic AAA and policy workflows offers the strongest foundation.

Next step after this: If you want, you can advance into the HPE Aruba Networking Certified Professional, Network Security, or expand into multi-vendor paths such as Juniper JNCIA-SEC, Palo Alto PCNSA, or Fortinet NSE-4 for broader network-security exposure.

How to Prepare for HPE Network Security Associate

• Start with the official study guide and exam objectives, focusing on AAA, device-hardening basics, segmentation, and role-based security.
• Practise simple tasks such as creating policies, assigning roles, configuring AAA, and reviewing alarms/logs using Aruba or simulated lab environments.
• Most professionals prepare in about 4 to six weeks by combining the study guide with hands-on exposure.

Typical Pricing

HPE does not publish the exam cost publicly. The exact price is shown only at checkout during Pearson VUE exam registration for your region.

8. Certified Ethical Hacker 

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is one of the most recognised credentials for learning offensive security and penetration testing fundamentals. 

It teaches you how attackers think, like scanning, enumeration, system hacking, vulnerability discovery, social engineering, malware techniques, DoS, session hijacking, and more. 

Along with attackers thinking, it helps you understand how to defend against them. CEH is ideal for professionals who want structured, real-world exposure to ethical hacking techniques.

Source – Coursera

The CEH curriculum covers all five phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering tracks. 

Whether you’re aiming for penetration testing, red teaming, or security operations, CEH builds the foundation needed to identify, exploit, and remediate security weaknesses across networks, applications, cloud environments, and endpoints.

Best for: SOC analysts, junior pentesters, security engineers, IT admins learning offensive security, and professionals preparing for penetration testing roles.

Exam and Prep: The CEH exam includes 125 multiple-choice questions with a duration of 4 hours, testing your skills across 20 modules of ethical hacking topics. Reviewing the official CEH courseware, practising reconnaissance and exploitation techniques, and completing hands-on labs aligned to the exam objectives provides the strongest preparation.

Next step after this: Try to move into CEH Practical, CPENT, ECSA, or shift into red-team pathways such as OSCP, or Zero-Point Security’s red teaming tracks for deeper hands-on skill building.

How to Prepare for CEH

• Start with EC-Council’s official CEH course material, focusing on reconnaissance, scanning, system hacking, web attacks, and malware tactics.
• Use hands-on labs or simulated attack environments to practise techniques like enumeration, exploitation, privilege escalation, and post-exploitation.
• Preparation typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on your background, especially when combining official content with practical exercises.

Typical Pricing

CEH pricing varies by region and delivery method. The exact exam cost is shown during EC-Council registration or when purchasing the official CEH exam voucher.

9. Certified Network Defender 

The Certified Network Defender (CND) certification focuses on developing practical, job-ready skills for protecting, monitoring, and defending enterprise networks. It’s built for professionals who want to understand real-world network security operations, from identifying vulnerabilities and analysing logs to configuring network defense tools and responding to threats. 

If you’re looking for a security certification that leans heavily toward hands-on defensive skills, CND is one of the strongest mid-level options.

Source – EC-Council

The curriculum covers network security controls, secure network architecture, endpoint and application defense, firewall and VPN configurations, incident response, threat intelligence, and log analysis.

CND is mapped closely to work done in modern SOC and NOC environments, making it highly relevant for operational security roles.

Best for: SOC/NOC analysts, network admins stepping into security, blue-team beginners, and professionals who want practical network defense experience rather than pure theory.

Exam and Prep: The exam is 4 hours long with 100 multiple-choice questions, testing your knowledge of network security architecture, protocols, monitoring techniques, defensive controls, and incident handling. 

Reviewing EC-Council’s official courseware, practising network defense tools, and working through log-analysis and incident-based scenarios provides a strong preparation path.

Next step after this: You have many options like move into Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), EC-Council’s SOC Analyst, CompTIA CySA+, or more advanced defensive certifications such as Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) depending on your career direction.

How to Prepare for CND

• Begin with the official CND modules, focusing on secure network design, firewall/VPN configurations, threat analysis, and monitoring techniques.
• Practise in a lab environment using real or simulated tools for packet analysis, log review, incident detection, and device hardening.
• Most learners prepare in four to eight weeks by combining structured study material with hands-on defensive exercises.

Source – EC-Council

Typical Pricing

EC-Council does not publish a universal fixed price. Exam voucher cost appears during regional registration and varies by country and training route.

10. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

Google’s Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is one of the most accessible pathways into cybersecurity, built for beginners who want practical skills that translate directly into entry-level SOC and security analyst roles. 

The program blends foundational security concepts with hands-on labs covering Linux, Python, SIEM tools, SQL, network defense, and incident response. The program makes it ideal for learners who want both theory and real-world practice without needing prior experience.

Source – Coursera

Across eight structured courses, the curriculum covers security risks, threats and vulnerabilities, network security, detection and response workflows, automation with Python, and core analyst tools like SIEMs and IDS. 

Google also aligns the content to CompTIA Security+ domains, so learners build a dual advantage: job readiness plus preparation for an industry-recognised certification.

Best for: Beginners entering cybersecurity, aspiring SOC analysts, IT professionals transitioning into security, and learners who prefer guided, project-based training.

Exam and Prep: There is no exam in this program. Instead, learners complete 170 hours of instruction, hands-on labs, and portfolio-ready projects. Completing all eight courses earns the Google Cybersecurity Certificate and prepares candidates for the CompTIA Security+ exam, which Google officially recommends as the next step.

Next step after this: There are several options that you can opt for like CompTIA Security+, entry-level SOC roles, Google Cybersecurity Apprenticeship pathways, or specialised training in threat detection, cloud security, or incident response.

How to Prepare for This Certificate

• Follow the eight-course structure, completing hands-on labs covering SIEM tools, IDS, Python automation, and threat investigation.
• Build your portfolio through the projects embedded in each module, focusing on log analysis, risk assessment, and incident workflows.
• Most learners complete the program in four to six months at a steady pace of seven to ten hours per week.

Typical Pricing

Pricing depends on Coursera’s subscription model, with charges applied monthly until completion; rates vary by region.

11. CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional

CISSP is an advanced-level cybersecurity certification for professionals who want to validate their ability to design, implement, and manage enterprise-wide security programs. It’s built for experienced security practitioners who deal with real-world architectures, governance, risk, and incident management. 

The certification is widely recognised as the benchmark for senior security roles, especially for those responsible for protecting large organisations.

Source – CISSP

The CISSP curriculum covers eight domains of information security, and is designed to test both conceptual depth and practical decision-making. For professionals moving toward leadership roles in cybersecurity, CISSP is one of the most respected and career-defining certifications.

Best for: Mid to senior-level security professionals, cybersecurity managers, SOC leaders, IT architects, and anyone aiming for roles like Information Security Manager or Security Consultant.

Exam and Prep: The CISSP exam is a 4-hour adaptive test with 125–175 questions covering all eight domains of the ISC2 CBK. Candidates are expected to apply deep conceptual knowledge and practical judgment across governance, architecture, and operational security scenarios. 

Next Step After This: After CISSP, security leaders typically move toward specialised paths such as cloud security (CCSP), governance and risk (CRISC), offensive security (OSCP), or architecture-focused certifications.

How to Prepare for CISSP

• Focus on domain weightage: security architecture, IAM, network security, and risk management carry high scoring impact.
• Use a mix of ISC2 official material, practice tests, and long-form scenario questions.
• Develop a habit of breaking down business-impact-driven questions; CISSP heavily tests decision-making, not memorisation.
• Keep revising key frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, risk assessment models, and cryptography fundamentals.
• Aim for consistent study over 8–12 weeks with one full mock exam per week.

Typical Pricing

The official CISSP exam fee is $749 USD, as set by ISC2 for all global testing locations.

12. CISM – Certified Information Security Manager

CISM is one of the most globally respected certifications for cybersecurity professionals who want to move beyond technical execution and step into security leadership roles. 

Instead of focusing on tools, CISM builds your capability to design, govern, and manage enterprise-wide security programs. These are the same responsibilities handled by senior security managers, IT leaders, and CISOs.

Source – CISM

The certification validates your knowledge across four domains: security governance, risk management, security program development, and incident management. If your next step involves leading teams, shaping security strategy, or taking on high-impact responsibilities, CISM is one of the most career-accelerating credentials you can pursue.

Best for: Security managers, security consultants, IT managers, aspiring CISOs, and professionals stepping into governance and leadership roles.

Exam & prep: The CISM exam is a 4-hour assessment with 150 multiple-choice questions covering governance, risk, program management, and incident management. Preparing effectively means reviewing ISACA’s exam content outline, practising scenario-based questions, and understanding how security decisions impact organisational risk and governance.

Next Step After This: After earning your CISM, professionals typically move into broader leadership paths like CISO-track roles or deepen their expertise with certifications such as CISSP, CRISC, or ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Lead Auditor, depending on whether they prefer governance, risk, or enterprise security program management.

How to Prepare for CISM

• Start by reviewing ISACA’s official exam outline and domain weightage, focusing more time on governance and risk management since they form the exam’s backbone.
• Go through ISACA’s CISM Review Manual or official question database to understand the management-oriented style of questions, the exam tests decision-making, not technical configuration.
• Practice scenario-based questions regularly to build clarity on how a security manager should respond to risk, governance gaps, or program issues in real-world environments.
• Most working professionals take 6–10 weeks to prepare comfortably, allocating consistent time to each domain while strengthening weaker areas.
• Before scheduling the exam, attempt timed practice tests to check whether you can maintain accuracy and decision-making across the full 4-hour duration.

Typical pricing 

The exam fee ranges depending on your ISACA membership status, with members paying a lower rate and non-members paying the standard registration fee.

Comparison Table: Choosing the Right Network security Certification for Your Career

With so many network security certifications available today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about where to start or which path to follow next. 

Each certification in this list serves a different purpose i.e. some help you build foundational security skills, others prepare you for SOC roles, while the advanced ones shape you into a security leader or architect.

To make your decision easier, here’s a side-by-side comparison of all 12 certifications. This table highlights their difficulty level, ideal audience, exam structure, and vendor details so you can quickly understand how each certification fits into your learning path and long-term career goals.

Certification	Level	Best For	Exam Duration	No. of Questions	Vendor
CompTIA Security+	Entry-level	IT support, network admins, beginners entering cybersecurity	90 minutes	Up to 90	CompTIA
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate	Entry-level	Aspiring SOC analysts, IT support moving to security	90 minutes	Not officially disclosed (typically ~90)	Cisco
Palo Alto Network Security Professional	Associate-level	Firewall admins, junior security analysts	90 minutes	Multiple-choice, number not disclosed	Palo Alto Networks
SonicWall SNSA	Associate-level	Network/security admins working with SonicWall NGFW	Not publicly disclosed	Not publicly disclosed	SonicWall
Check Point CCSA	Entry-level	Firewall admins, network engineers entering Check Point environments	Usually ~90–120 minutes	Not officially disclosed	Check Point
Juniper JNCIA-SEC	Entry-level	NOC/SOC beginners, firewall learners using Junos OS	90 minutes	65 MCQs	Juniper Networks
HPE Aruba Network Security Associate	Entry-level	Junior network/security professionals using Aruba networks	90 minutes	60 MCQs	HPE Aruba Networking
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)	Intermediate	SOC analysts, junior pentesters, red team beginners	4 hours	125 MCQs	EC-Council
Certified Network Defender (CND)	Intermediate	Blue-team beginners, NOC/SOC defenders	4 hours	100 MCQs	EC-Council
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate	Beginner	Complete beginners, aspiring SOC analysts	No exam; 170-hour program	No exam	Google
CISSP	Advanced	Senior engineers, security managers, architects	4 hours	125–175 (adaptive)	ISC2
CISM	Advanced	Security managers, consultants, governance leaders	4 hours	150 MCQs	ISACA

Final Thoughts: Build the Right Network Security Path With the Right Training Partner

Network security isn’t a one-certification journey. Some credentials give you the fundamentals, while others sharpen your technical depth, and prepare you for leadership roles. 

Each certification in this guide plays a different part, whether you’re just entering the field, aiming for a SOC role, strengthening your firewall expertise, or moving toward security governance.

And that’s exactly where choosing the right training partner matters.

At Datacipher Education, we focus on helping professionals build skills that translate directly into real-world security roles. Instead of generic training, we specialise in vendor-aligned, hands-on certification programs that employers trust. Our instructors come from real operational backgrounds, and our labs are built around the exact platforms used in enterprises.

Here’s how DataCipher fits into your certification roadmap:

• For firewall & network security paths: We provide authorised, hands-on training for Palo Alto Networks, Juniper Networks, SonicWall, Check Point and HPE Aruba Networking, combined with lab-intensive learning that mirrors production environments.
• For vendor-specific upskilling: Our cybersecurity programs help learners gain the skills needed to pass certifications like SNSA, JNCIA-SEC, and Aruba Network Security Associate, while strengthening their day-to-day operational capability.
• For professionals planning their long-term career: Whether you aim to start with foundational learning or move into advanced tracks, Datacipher helps you choose the right certification sequence based on your current role, experience level, and the technologies you work with.

No matter where you are in your network security journey i.e. beginner, intermediate, or aspiring security leader, with Datacipher, you can get the right guidance and earn the skills right for your career path. 

You can contact our team to help you get started with the right network security certification for your career.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is network security?

Network security protects networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or attacks. It uses firewalls, policies, monitoring tools, and access controls to keep systems safe and ensure business continuity.

2. How long does it take to prepare for network security certifications?

Most foundational and intermediate certifications require 3–8 weeks of consistent study. Advanced certifications may take longer depending on experience.

3. What job roles can I get after a network security certification?

Common roles include network security administrator, firewall engineer, SOC analyst, network support specialist, and security operations technician.

4. Do I need a technical background to learn network security?

Not always. Basic networking knowledge helps, but many certifications like Security+ or Google’s certificate, build fundamentals from scratch.

5. Should I choose vendor-neutral or vendor-specific certifications?

Vendor-neutral (Security+, CND) builds broad skills. Vendor-specific (Palo Alto, SonicWall, Juniper, Aruba) is ideal if your job uses specific platforms.