Why vendor-neutral networking certifications make sense – and how to get one

As IT environments grow more complex, IT certifications -- particularly networking certifications -- have been viewed as a way for tech professionals to set themselves apart in the marketplace.

But do those certifications actually deliver in terms of title, salary or other professional advancements? Skeptics suggest it’s more important to learn on the job, and they hesitate to pursue a networking certification given the time and cost it takes to earn a cert that could soon become obsolete.

Certification, though, has been shown to boost an IT salary up to 13%, with networking certification providing the most ROI. "It would be best to start with a networking certification," Greg Stuart wrote in his "Do your certifications 'stack up'?" blog entry.

Certification cognoscenti often distinguish among types of certification credentials. One common differentiation is between vendor-neutral and vendor-specific networking credentials.

In this installment of our multi-part series on software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV), we examine a collection of networking certification courses to gain expertise in these technologies. These credentials take a general perspective on SDN and NFV skills and knowledge, rather than focusing only on vendor products or platforms. There's also an emphasis on open standards and related open source software.

Among vendor-neutral camps that offer SDN and NFV related certification credentials, these two bodies are quite active:

• Open Networking Foundation (ONF). In addition to defining standards for SDN and NFV, ONF provides "a complete open source platform that pulls together the foundation pieces for creating solutions" built on "an open, collaborative development process . . .  driven from the end-user perspective." The ONF offers SDN credentials at Associate and Engineer levels as part of an educational and proselytizing effort to promote its standards and platform.
• OpenStack.org. The OpenStack Foundation is a membership-oriented, sponsored nonprofit organization that seeks to spur growth and expand use of OpenStack. While OpenStack includes significant SDN and NFV components, its focus is primarily on cloud computing (SDN and NFV have lesser roles). OpenStack.org offers the Certified OpenStack Administrator (COA) certification, while Mirantis offers OpenStack credentials at Associate and Professional levels.

ONF Certifications

At present, ONF operates an ONF-Certified SDN Professional Program (OCSP), which validates that vendor-neutral SDN and NFV skills and knowledge for engineering professionals are timely and accurate. The ONF currently offers two credentials in this program:

• ONF Certified SDN Associate (OCSA)
• ONF Certified SDN Engineer (OCSE)

Web-proctored certification exams are available online through the ONF or from any of its approved SDN training and exam providers. OCSP exam testing comes from ITpreneurs, which administers tests through a hosted URL. Those who train through an ONF-approved training company get a URL for the exam at the end of training. Because training is not required, self-study candidates can contact ITPreneurs directly to make exam arrangements.

OpenStack Certifications

The OpenStack Foundation is a somewhat looser and less monolithic organization than the ONF, which has a broader charter. Numerous member organizations offer OpenStack training, but at present only OpenStack.org and Mirantis offer out-and-out OpenStack certification.

While OpenStack includes substantial coverage of SDN and NFV topics and software, its focus is squarely on cloud computing. Candidates for OpenStack certification should understand that SDN and NFV are only part of what's necessary to succeed in their quest for such credentials. The list of OpenStack certifications is:

• Openstack.org: Certified OpenStack Administrator (COA)
• Mirantis: OCM50 (Associate Level)
• Mirantis: OCM100 (Professional Level).

Mirantis OCM50

Mirantis identifies its OpenStack certifications using the exam codes. Thus, the OCM50 labels the exam candidates must take and the credential they earn upon passing. The OCM50 is positioned as an associate or entry-level OpenStack certification, and covers topics related to deploying, configuring and troubleshooting an OpenStack cloud environment. The exam, which costs $300 and lasts for 90 minutes, is open book and available online.

Mirantis OCM100

Like the OCM50, the Mirantis OCM100 exam and certification use the same name. The OCM100 is positioned as an intermediate-to-advanced-level certification, and covers hands-on topics related to deploying, configuring, operating and troubleshooting an OpenStack cloud environment. Domains covered include OpenStack architecture and best practices, provisioning workflow, component interaction, and runtime operations and optimizations.

The exam is proctored and performance-based. It puts candidates in a simulated OpenStack environment where they must perform specified tasks or solve problems. Candidates often take their exams at the end of a weeklong training class, although they can choose to take the exam independently at an approved testing center. The three-hour OCM100 exam costs $600.

For those interested in SDN and NFV, all of these credentials are worth investigating. For those with an intense focus on one or both of those subjects, the ONF credentials are probably the best fit.

Additional resources

Check out the entire series on networking certifications:

• SDN vs. NFV: What’s the difference?
• Vendor-neutral certifications in virtualized networking
• Vendor-specific certifications in virtualized networking