Online Entry-Level Network Engineer Certification Courses: Prices, Discounts, and Career Benefits
1. Why Choose Network Engineering as a Career?
Network engineering is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields in the IT industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), network-related jobs are projected to grow by 8% to 12% by 2030, significantly higher than the average growth rate across other industries. Additionally, job seekers with industry certifications have a 30% higher employment success rate than non-certified candidates, making certification a valuable asset for career advancement.
In terms of salary, entry-level network engineers earn an average annual salary of $60,000 - $80,000, with ample opportunities for career growth. For those looking to enter the IT industry and secure high-paying jobs, obtaining a network certification is a smart choice.
2. The Most Popular Entry-Level Network Certifications in the U.S. and Their Costs
For beginners, the three most popular network engineering certifications are CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CompTIA Network+, and JNCIA-Junos. These certifications, provided by leading IT companies, cover essential topics such as network infrastructure, routing and switching, and network security.
(1) CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
• Provider: Cisco
• Best for: IT professionals looking to enter the Cisco ecosystem
• Key topics: Routing, switching, network security, infrastructure automation
• Official exam fee: $300
• Lowest course price: $19.99 (Udemy limited-time discount)
CCNA is one of the most widely recognized network engineering certifications globally. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass the Cisco CCNA 200-301 exam, which costs $300. While official Cisco training courses can be expensive ($1,000 - $3,500), affordable online courses are available. For example, Udemy offers CCNA training for just $19.99, including video tutorials, lab simulations, and practice exams.
(2) CompTIA Network+
• Provider: CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association)
• Best for: Those wanting a broad networking foundation beyond Cisco products
• Key topics: Network management, troubleshooting, infrastructure, network security
• Official exam fee: $358
• Lowest course price: $29.99/month (LinkedIn Learning subscription)
For those who want a vendor-neutral networking certification, CompTIA Network+ is an excellent choice. The official exam fee is $358, slightly more expensive than CCNA. However, this certification is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and is applicable to a variety of network engineering roles.
Regarding training, LinkedIn Learning offers a $29.99/month subscription, allowing unlimited access to Network+ courses, with a certificate of completion. Additionally, Pluralsight provides premium training at $35/month, ideal for those who want in-depth learning.
(3) JNCIA-Junos
• Provider: Juniper Networks
• Best for: Those looking to work within the Juniper ecosystem
• Key topics: Junos OS, networking fundamentals, routing and switching
• Official exam fee: $200
• Lowest course price: $50 (Udemy limited-time discount)
JNCIA-Junos, offered by Juniper Networks, is an entry-level certification ideal for those seeking careers with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or companies using Juniper equipment. The official exam fee is $200, making it more affordable than CCNA and Network+.
For training, Udemy offers a $50 JNCIA-Junos course, including practice exams, video lectures, and lab environments, making it an excellent option for beginners.
3. Discounts and Promotions for Network Engineering Courses
(1) Special Discounts & Promotions
Many online learning platforms offer frequent discounts, such as:
• Udemy regularly offers courses for as low as $19.99.
• LinkedIn Learning provides a one-month trial, then charges $29.99/month.
• Pluralsight offers 30% - 50% discounts during major sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
(2) Exam Vouchers
Some platforms provide exam vouchers to reduce certification costs. Examples include:
• CompTIA’s official website sometimes offers $50 - $100 discounts on Network+ exams.
• Cisco Learning Network offers discounts on CCNA exam fees for students and military personnel.
(3) Tuition Assistance
Several IT training providers offer installment payment plans or 0% interest loans, allowing students to pay $50 - $100/month instead of a lump sum, reducing financial pressure.
4. Salary Expectations and Career Growth After Certification
After earning a network engineering certification, you can pursue roles at corporations, data centers, ISPs (Internet Service Providers), and government agencies as a Network Administrator, IT Support Specialist, or Systems Engineer. Below are typical entry-level salaries based on certification type:
• CCNA-certified engineer: $65,000 - $80,000
• CompTIA Network+ certified engineer: $55,000 - $75,000
• JNCIA-Junos certified engineer: $60,000 - $78,000
Additionally, after obtaining CCNA, Network+, or JNCIA-Junos, you can pursue advanced certifications such as CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), CompTIA Security+ (Cybersecurity Certification), or AWS Certification (Cloud Computing). These advanced credentials can boost your salary to $90,000 - $120,000 per year.
5. Conclusion: How to Enter the Network Engineering Field with Minimal Costs?
• Choose discounted courses such as Udemy ($19.99+), LinkedIn Learning ($29.99/month).
• Apply for exam vouchers to lower certification costs.
• Take advantage of promotions (Black Friday, Cyber Monday) for the best deals.
• Use installment plans to spread out training costs.
If you want to start a network engineering career quickly, spend less than $500 on certification, and earn a $60,000+ salary, an entry-level network certification is your best option! 🚀