The cited path
Path to Network Administrator
A cited, evidence-ordered certification roadmap toward Network Administrator — each step’s RoleMath Difficulty Score, real exam cost, and the role’s BLS pay. Click any step for its cited page; mark steps done to track your progress (saved on this device).
Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking
Step 1 · StepCCST Networking is a Cisco entry networking credential and first step toward CCNA.
- Step 2 · Strong signal
Network+ supports networking fundamentals for administrator routes.
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Step 3 · Strong signalCCNA is a stronger networking-role signal for network administration than general IT credentials.
- Step 4 · Step
CCNA Automation can help network administrators move toward API and infrastructure automation work.
- Step 5 · Adjacent skill
Linux administration can overlap with infrastructure operations roles.
- Step 6 · Adjacent skill
Server administration overlaps with network and infrastructure operations.
- Step 7 · Step
CloudNetX extends networking into hybrid cloud architecture.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Destination · The roleBLS reports a $99,130 national median for Network and Computer Systems Administrators (SOC 15-1244, OEWS May 2025) — occupation-level pay set by role and location, not produced by the certificates, with entry-level below it.
How to read this
A cited sequence — not the only route, and not a guarantee
Sequence is evidence-based ordering from current RoleMath data, not a guaranteed hiring path, pass prediction, salary promise, ROI claim, or requirement that every credential be completed.
The Difficulty Scores and exam costs are cited and dated; the pay is the occupation’s median (entry-level below it), never a salary the certificates produce. Pick the order that fits your background.
The sources
Every number on this map is cited
Difficulty Scores: RoleMath cited Difficulty Score methodology. Exam fees: vendor published prices (retrieved June 2026). Sequence: RoleMath’s cited role–certification evidence mapping, ordered by relationship strength, difficulty, and cost. Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (national median for Network and Computer Systems Administrators, SOC 15-1244). The path is descriptive planning context, not a requirement, transition guarantee, or a salary you are promised.
Common questions
Becoming a Network Administrator, answered honestly
- What certifications help toward Network Administrator?
- By RoleMath's evidence-based ordering of cited certification data, a common sequence starts with Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking (Difficulty 20/100) and builds toward more advanced credentials. It is a sequence, not a requirement that you complete every one, and not a guaranteed hiring path — many people also enter through degrees, apprenticeships, and adjacent roles.
- How much does Network Administrator pay?
- BLS reports a $99,130 national median for Network and Computer Systems Administrators (SOC 15-1244, OEWS May 2025). That is occupation-level pay set by the role and location — half earn more, half less, entry-level sits below it, and it is not a salary the certificates produce.
- Do I have to do every certification in order?
- No. The order reflects how the credentials build on one another, but it is planning context, not a rule. Open each step for its cited detail, and pick the path that fits your background and target.
Build the plan for your situation
This is one mapped route, not the only one — and not a guaranteed hiring path. The planner tailors it to the skills you already have. No provider can pay to change what this page says.