Best Systems Administrator certifications

Systems administrator certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an systems administrator to employers. However, not all systems administrator certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a systems administrator are Network 5 Certification, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

Below is a list of the best systems administrator certifications. Obtaining an systems administrator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

Systems Administrator Jobs

20 best systems administrator certifications

1. Network 5 Certification

Technology today is 'networked' - even in the literal sense. Networks have become an integral part of mundane existence. It is inconceivable to think of communications exclusive of networks. Network 5 serves to expose the learner to basic networking concepts.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Organization
EC-Council

2. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Global Knowledge can get you on your way to your MCSE! Global Knowledge will help you create a development track suitable to your job responsibilities and career advancement goals. Our real-world training will provide you with the knowledge needed to obtain your MCSE certification.This certification includes the following tracks: Microsoft 2003 MCSE Boot Camp, Microsoft Windows 2003 MCSE Upgrade Boot Camp, MCSE: Messaging Specialization, and Windows 2003 MCSE.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Organization
Global Knowledge

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

CCNA certification is the first level of Cisco Career certification and indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying Organization
Global Knowledge

4. Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP)

The enterprise administrator is responsible for the overall Windows Server 2008 R2 environment and architecture. The enterprise administrator translates business goals into technology decisions and designs mid-range to long-term strategies.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Organization
Microsoft Corporation
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
MTA: Windows Server Administration Fundamentals: 98-365
udemy
4.4
(1,214)

5. Certified System Administrator (CSA)

The SCO Certified System Administrator (CSA) certification is the basic level of certification for SCO UNIX products, and is the first step in achieving your ACE or Master ACE advance certifications.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Organization
Xinuos
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
ServiceNow Certified System Administrator Practice Tests
udemy
4.2
(85)

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP)

CISSP-ISSAP requires a candidate to demonstrate 2 years of professional experience in the area of architecture and is an appropriate credential for Chief Security Architects and Analysts who may typically work as independent consultants or in similar capacities. The architect plays a key role within the information security department with responsibilities that functionally fit between the C-suite and upper managerial level and the implementation of the security program. The candidate would generally develop, design, or analyze the overall security plan. Although this role may typically be tied closely to technology, it may be fundamentally closer to the consultative and analytical process of information security.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)
udemy
4.5
(656)

7. CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP)

The Cisco Certified Network Professional in Service Provider Operations (CCNP SP Operations) validates knowledge and skills required (of a Tier II or Tier III support engineer) to troubleshoot and maintain service provider IP NGN core (PE-PE and PE-CE) network infrastructures. With a CCNP SP Operations certification, a network professional demonstrates knowledge and skills required to isolate network performance problems, implement proactive fault measures using operations management processes, frameworks, and network management systems.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying Organization
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
CCNP Service Provider SPCOR-350-501
udemy
4.3
(561)

8. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification program is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is for the individual who manages, designs, oversees and/or assesses an enterprise's information security (IS). The CISM certification promotes international practices and provides executive management with assurance that those earning the designation have the required experience and knowledge to provide effective security management and consulting services. Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, attaining a one-of-a-kind credential. The CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying Organization
Information Systems Audit and...
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)
udemy
4.5
(656)

9. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

An IT professional who has earned the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA®) is able to perform the core system administration skills required in Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments. The credential is earned after successfully passing the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) Exam (EX200).

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying Website
Red Hat Certified System...
Certifying Organization
Red Hat, Inc.
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Ermin Kreponic's Course for CentOS and Red Hat Linux - RHCSA
udemy
4.3
(3,105)

10. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Ready for a new challenge in your daily system and network administration? In only 8 days become part of the hottest multi-exam certification in the industry, the MCSA.Global Knowledge can get you on your way to your MCSA! Global Knowledge will help you create a development track suitable to your job responsibilities and career advancement goals. Our real-world training will provide you with the knowledge needed to obtain your MCSA certification.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Organization
Global Knowledge
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
ServiceNow Certified System Administrator Practice Tests
udemy
4.2
(85)

11. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP has clearly emerged as the key certification for security professionals. In fact, in an informal survey of information security jobs on a major employment web site, more than 70% of the positions required CISSP certification. Corporations are demanding experienced information security professionals with the certifications to prove it to protect their information and assets. Our course has been prepared with great care to provide the most exhaustive survey of the CISSP information, test taking techniques, and preparation materials available in the industry. While other CISSP course providers require extensive reading and practice test preparation between completing the class and taking the exam, our students have found that the high quality of our course and its in-class practice test result in a minimum of extra time spent preparing for the exam.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Organization
Global Knowledge
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)
udemy
4.5
(656)

12. Certified UNIX System Administrator (CUSA)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Organization
The SCO Group
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
ServiceNow Certified System Administrator Practice Tests
udemy
4.2
(85)

13. Information Systems Professional (ISP)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying Organization
Institute for the Certification...

14. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)

Boost your IT support career with unmatched validation as a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST). This credential proves your ability to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments that run on the Microsoft Windows operating system. It also shows you have the necessary soft skills to educate users and help them solve hardware and software operation and application problems on Windows.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Organization
Microsoft Corporation
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
70-685: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician for Windows 7
udemy
4.1
(107)

15. Microsoft Technology Associate: Database Administration Fundamentals (MTA)

Help demonstrate your knowledge of technology fundamentals by earning a Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam Practice Questions
udemy
3.9
(437)

16. VMware Certified Professional 6 - Cloud (VCP-Cloud)

The VMware Certified Professional - Cloud (VCP-Cloud) certification validates your ability to install, configure and administer a Cloud environment using vCloud Director and related components. Successful candidates demonstrate core vSphere skills in extending data virtualization throughout the cloud by creating and managing vApps, service catalogs, and organization/provider VDCs, as well as administering cloud enabled networking and storage. This competency is built on the skills and knowledge needed to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments along with a solid foundation in basic cloud infrastructure concepts including public/private/hybrid clouds, multi-tenancy, and cloud security.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Organization
VMWare
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Practice Exams
udemy
4.6
(27,108)

17. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

A Red Hat® Certified Engineer (RHCE®) is a Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) who possesses the additional skills, knowledge, and abilities required of a senior system administrator responsible for Red Hat Enterprise Linux® systems.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying Website
Red Hat Certified Engineer
Certifying Organization
Red Hat, Inc.
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Ermin Kreponic's Course for CentOS and Red Hat Linux - RHCSA
udemy
4.3
(3,105)

18. Certified Novell Administrator

Certified Novell Administrators (CNAs) provide companies direct support for software users in various work environments, including professional offices and small businesses, workgroups or departments, and corporate information services (IS).

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Organization
Micro Focus

19. Web Foundations Associate

Certified CIW Web Foundations Associates have validated their understanding of important technologies that affect virtually every business. This certification is ideal for all professionals who use the Internet on the job. Once certified, these individuals are ready to pursue specialties in Web design, e-commerce, JavaScript, databases and other fields.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Website
Web Foundations Associate

20. Computer Service Technician (CST)

The following can be expected to identify the major areas of training-study-knowledge and skills which the Computer Service Technician needs in order to perform the job of servicing the hardware and the systems software for personal computers: Computer Assembly-Disassembly; Motherboards; Buses; System Resources, Processor Characteristics; Memory Characteristics (Physical & Electronic); Secondary Storage Devices; Peripheral Devices; I/O Ports; Power Concepts and Power Supplies; Basic Networking Concepts; Portables; Digital Concepts; Troubleshooting/Preventive Maintenance; current Operating Systems; File Management; Safety Procedures/Handling; and Workplace Practices.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying Website
Computer Service Technician
Certifying Organization
ETA International

Systems Administrator Jobs

What is the best certification for a systems administrator?

The best systems administrator certification is Network 5 Certification. The Network 5 Certification is awarded by the EC-Council.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this systems administrator certification:

  • To become a certified Network 5 Certification, you need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for systems administrators?

The most in-demand systems administrator certification is Certified System Administrator based on all active job postings. Having this systems administrator certification will give you access to more systems administrator jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact a systems administrator career and salary?

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification will help you to secure a senior systems engineer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A senior systems engineer's average salary is $93,575 whereas systems administrators make an average salary of $77,156.

Best Certifications

The most common combination of systems administrator certifications include: Network 5 Certification, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

Online courses for systems administrators to earn certifications

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1. Linux System Administration with IBM Power Systems

coursera

This course introduces administrative tasks that a system administrator can perform with Linux hosted on IBM Power servers. This includes virtualization concepts such as logical partitioning, installation of Linux, command-line operations, and more interesting administration and device management tasks. This course includes hands-on exercises with systems from an IBM data center...

2. System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services

coursera

This course will transition you from working on a single computer to an entire fleet. Systems administration is the field of IT that’s responsible for maintaining reliable computers systems in a multi-user environment. In this course, you’ll learn about the infrastructure services that keep all organizations, big and small, up and running. We’ll deep dive on cloud so that you’ll understand everything from typical cloud infrastructure setups to how to manage cloud resources. You'll also learn...

3. Fundamentals of Unix and Linux System Administration

udemy
4.2
(1,085)

Master Linux/Unix System administration through a practical and hands on approach...

4. Essential Tools for Windows System Administrators

udemy
4.2
(325)

[Windows] [System Administration] Learn Windows Builtin Tools & Open Source Tools for Efficient System Administration...

5. Advanced Linux System Administration

udemy
4.2
(283)

This course will teach you everything you need to know to be an Advanced system administrator...

6. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting

udemy
4.2
(1,443)

Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...

7. AIX Administration for Absolute Beginners: Better than Linux

udemy
4.3
(1,425)

Learn IBM AIX System Administration, it's proven to be a far superior OS when compared to LINUX and other UNIX platforms...

8. Windows Server 2019 Administration

udemy
4.6
(7,325)

Learn Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, Storage, Backup, Azure integration and More...

9. Windows 10 System Administration & Basic Computer Skills

udemy
4.2
(441)

Learn the basics of system administration for the Windows 10 operating system, as well as some basic computer skills...

10. Complete Windows Server Administration Course

udemy
4.5
(3,749)

Installation and configuration of Domain Controller, Active Directory, DNS, Web Server (IIS), Group Policy, WSUS and more...

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