Become a Network Administrator

Network Administrators are IT professionals who ensure that networks are operating to meet the needs of an organization. They are the first line of support for most things networking. They install, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot networks and keep them secure.

Become a Network Administrator

Network Administrators are IT professionals who ensure that networks are operating to meet the needs of an organization. They are the first line of support for most things networking. They install, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot networks and keep them secure.

Become a Network Administrator

Network Administrators are IT professionals who ensure that networks are operating to meet the needs of an organization. They are the first line of support for most things networking. They install, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot networks and keep them secure.

What does a Network Administrator do?

Design and build

Network administrators work closely with network engineers to design and implement new networks. They install and configure computer systems and network equipment for local and wide area networks.

Maintain

Network Administrators maintain and upgrade existing networks, including hardware like routers and switches. They set up user accounts and permissions. They also update and configure virus protection software and other programs to keep networks secure.

Monitor and troubleshoot

Network Administrators are always on hand, fixing problems as they arise, including configuration issues. They provide technical support to users. They also evaluate network performance for potential bottlenecks.

Top Network Administrator tasks

Network installation

Network configuration

Technical support

Network maintenance

Why become a Network Administrator?

Network Administrators play a vital role in keeping organizations running smoothly. They ensure that networks are properly configured and connected and that users have access to the resources they need. If you enjoy working with cutting-edge technologies and want to help shape the future of networks, this is the role for you.

It might be the role for you if...

You enjoy:

  • Researching emerging trends
  • Helping others one-on-one
  • Collaborative problem solving

You excel at:

  • Understanding network technologies
  • Network configuration
  • Setting up accounts and permissions

Why become a Network Administrator?

Network Administrators play a vital role in keeping organizations running smoothly. They ensure that networks are properly configured and connected and that users have access to the resources they need. If you enjoy working with cutting-edge technologies and want to help shape the future of networks, this is the role for you.

It might be the role for you if...

You enjoy:

  • Researching emerging trends
  • Helping others one-on-one
  • Collaborative problem solving

You excel at:

  • Understanding network technologies
  • Network configuration
  • Setting up accounts and permissions

How much does a Network Administrator make?

Meet a Cisco Certified tech professional

Learn how a real-life Cisco Certified tech professional met their career goals and how getting certified helped them on their path to success.

“The certifications definitely changed my life. They helped me get a job at a large technology company and helped form my career trajectory.”

Olivia Wolf, Systems Engineer
CCNA, DevNet Associate, CCNP Enterprise

Popular certifications for Network Administrators


CCNA Certification

The CCNA covers a broad range of fundamentals based on the latest networking technologies, software development skills and job roles. These skills and knowledge can springboard your career aspirations.

Explore CCNA

Get your free CCNA study plan


CCNP Enterprise Certification

The CCNP Enterprise certification can help you prove your skills in the ever-changing landscape of the enterprise network technologies. The certification covers core technologies and an enterprise focus area of your choice.

Explore CCNP Enterprise

Assess the CCNP Enterprise learning map

Talk to learners like you

If you’re interested in a tech career and want to know what it’s like to get certified, join a Cisco Community! Connect with thousands of other active learners and existing certificate holders to ask questions and share your learning journey.

Streamline certification prep

Cisco U. certification Learning Paths walk you through courses and labs to prepare for your next exam, with assessments to check your learning.

What other roles can I get with Cisco Certifications?