By Quick answer: Are networking certifications worth it in 2027?
- Worth it — for network engineer and IT roles that name them.
- Less worth it — for roles that don't touch infrastructure.
- Key — proof of work matters most.
- Before paying — take a free practice test.
Key takeaways
- Certifications help most when they match the role you want.
- Proctored exams carry more weight than completion badges.
- Pair any certification with proof of work.
Networking certifications can help, but not always. Here's an honest view of when they're worth it and which ones.
Networking certifications that are worth it
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cisco CCNACisco | Check the official page1 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 2 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store2 | 90 minutes | Free test |
| 3 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store3 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
| 4 | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateAmazon Web Services | $1504 | 130 minutes, 65 questions | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- Cisco CCNA Practice TestPractise for Cisco CCNA before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Network+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Network+ before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Security+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Security+ before you pay.Start free test →
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate Practice ExamPractise for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate before you pay.Start free test →
Each one, and who it's worth it for
- CiscoCisco CCNANetwork engineersCheck the official page
- CompTIACompTIA Network+IT generalistsVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- CompTIACompTIA Security+Network securityVoucher price on the CompTIA store
Cisco CCNA
- Cost
- Check the official page1
Cisco; ANAB-accredited. Cisco's associate credential covers network fundamentals, access, IP connectivity, services, security and automation. It's ANAB-accredited and widely recognised for network engineer roles; check Cisco's page for the fee.
Best fornetwork engineers
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store2
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
CompTIA; ANAB-accredited. CompTIA's Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations and troubleshooting in a 90-minute exam. It's vendor-neutral and ANAB-accredited; CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience.
Best forIT generalists
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store3
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
Security+. CompTIA's vendor-neutral security exam covers threats, architecture, operations and governance, and the new version adds AI-related risk. It's listed in ANAB's ISO/IEC 17024 directory; voucher prices vary by country.
Best fornetwork security
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- Cost
- $1504
- Format
- 130 minutes, 65 questions
$150. AWS's associate exam tests designing secure, resilient, high-performing and cost-aware systems on AWS. It's 130 minutes with 65 questions and costs $150, and it's the cloud credential most often named in job posts.
Best forcloud networking
Worth it, or not?
| Worth it when… | Not worth it when… |
|---|---|
| For network engineer and IT roles that name them | For roles that don't touch infrastructure |
| It's proctored or hands-on | It's a completion badge only |
| Job posts name it | Nobody in your market asks for it |
Table: When networking certifications are worth it
How we ranked these picks
We judged certifications by fit to roles, assessment rigour and employer recognition. Fees from official pages, checked 3 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is CCNA still worth it?
Yes for network roles.
Network+ or CCNA?
Network+ for broad IT; CCNA for network engineering.
Is networking still a good career?
Yes; it underpins cloud and security.
Should I add cloud?
Yes.
Is there a free test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free networking tests.
Sources
- Cisco — Cisco CCNA, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Amazon Web Services — AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
Where to go from here
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