Network and computer systems administrator: degree, certifications, network architect
Administrators typically need a bachelor's degree in a computer or information science field; some employers accept a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree. Employers may require certification in the products they use.
For: People who like keeping systems running, can juggle several tasks, and do not mind evening or weekend work when networks need it.
Route 1: Bachelor's degree in computer and information technology Typical
Programs usually include computer programming, networking and systems design.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's degree
Computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering.
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
Product or vendor-neutral certification
Employers may require certification in the products they use.
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Network and computer systems administrator
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Certificate or associate's degree Some employers
Some employers require a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree instead.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Program
Postsecondary certificate or associate's degree
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA recommends A+ and 9 to 12 months in a junior network administrator or network support technician role first.
CompTIA
CompTIA Network+ (V9): exam detailsCompTIA- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Network and computer systems administrator
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 3: Administrator → network architect or IT manager Moving up
Administrators keep taking courses and attending IT conferences to keep up with new technology.
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Start here
Network administrator
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Experience
Larger networks and systems
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Computer network architect or computer and information systems manager
Many information security analysts also started as network and computer systems administrators.
Security analyst roadmapBLS
Information Security Analysts — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- CompTIA Network+
CompTIA · Voluntary - One exam (N10-009): up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, passing score 720 on a 100–900 scale.
CompTIA
CompTIA Network+ (V9): exam detailsCompTIA- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Product certifications
Vendors or vendor-neutral providers · Employer may require - Employers may require administrators to be certified in the products they use.
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.