Education · 1 of 5

The path

A college diploma plus one recognized certification is the standard route. No degree needed.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Math, computer science and any technology courses. Set up a home network and learn what every setting does.

2. 2

   College diploma

   2 to 3 years

   Computer systems or networking technology at a public college: 2 years for a diploma, 3 for an advanced diploma. Co-op terms give you the work experience employers want.

3. 3

   Certify

   During or right after college

   The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is the certification most job ads name. CompTIA Network+ is a good first step. Many students pass one before they graduate.

4. 4

   First job

   1 to 2 years

   Help desk or junior network technician. Expect to do a year or two of tickets and cable runs before you touch the core routers.

5. 5

   Network administrator

   Year 3 onward

   Running the network on your own, planning upgrades, and mentoring the juniors.