• Occupation Overview
• Future Growth Opportunities
• Job Description

II. Job Requirements/Prerequisites:

• Skill Requirements
• Experience Prerequisites
• Education/Training Required

• Bay Area Education/Training Resources

IV. Getting A Job:

• Employers Who Are/Will Be Hiring
• Recommended Job Search Strategy

V. Back To Career Guide Home Page

Skill Requirements

Intellectual - Basic

• Mechanical aptitude.
  
• Logic, complex problem solving skills.
  

Intellectual - specialized

• Up-to-date knowledge of at least one network.
  
• Familiarity with basic software tools such as e-mail and word processors.
  
• Understanding of basic communication networking concepts.
  

Social

• Able to communicate with users (whose knowledge levels vary considerably) as well as LAN Managers.
  

Physical

• Able to work long hours when, for example, networks are "down" (not working) or new networks are being set up.
  
• Able to crawl under desks to reach the back sides of computers and peripherals.

Skill Maintenance requirement
High. Computer network hardware and software changes rapidly. It is necessary to keep up with the changes, and occasionally attend conferences or take classes.

Experience Prerequisites

Knowledge of basic operating systems is required prior to entering training courses focused on computer networking. Many of the places that offer network training also offer more basic computer training.

Education/Training Required

A high school diploma is required. Also required is either a Certificate from a vocational school or an AS Degree. Sometimes 3-4 years of hands-on experience with networks and computers can be substituted for the educational requirement.

Cisco and Microsoft offer certification tests for their networks. Passing these tests indicates to potential employers that one has the technical skills necessary to be a Network Technician. Most of the training programs described in the next section prepare individuals to pass one or more of these certification exams. The certifications that are relevant for Network Administrators are listed below.

• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
  
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
  
• Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA)
  
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

The next section in this career guide ("Bay Area Education/Training Resources") provides detailed information on some of the training programs available.