How To Become a Network Administrator

There’s no single path to becoming a network administrator, and employer requirements vary. Common preparation includes learning how networks operate, developing technical skills and pursuing relevant certifications.

Below, we'll walk through that process, including one route into the field through an associate's degree program built around these fundamentals.

Four Steps To Become a Network Administrator

Step 1: Understand what the work involves. Before pursuing this path, it helps to understand what the work actually is. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area networks, wide area networks, data communication networks, operating systems, and servers. Network administrators specifically tend to focus on setting up and maintaining the infrastructure that connects an organization's computers, such as routers, switches, and cables.¹

Step 2: Understand entry requirements. Some network and computer systems administrators positions may require a postsecondary certificate, associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering.² It is always important to check with possible employers regarding the educational requirements needed to work as a Network Administrator.

Step 3: Build relevant technical skills. The work tends to call for a mix of technical know-how and the ability to work well with others. The BLS highlights analytical skills, for evaluating whether networks and systems are performing reliably, along with communication, problem-solving, and technical skills for resolving issues as they arise.² The online Network Systems Administration Associate's degree at Rasmussen University part of American Public University System ("Rasmussen University"), for example, is built around skill areas including installing network hardware and software and making upgrades and repairs; interpreting and troubleshooting issues flagged by users or automated monitoring systems; identifying network security risks; and training users on proper hardware and software use.³

Step 4: Explore relevant certifications. Certification examinations, whether offered by technology vendors or vendor-neutral organizations, are designed to validate the knowledge and best practices expected in this field, and some employers require specific certifications tied to the products they use.² The online Network Systems Administration Associate's degree at Rasmussen University is designed to help prepare students to sit for certification exams including Cisco^® CCNA, CompTIA A+^® (Parts 1 and 2), CompTIA^® Linux+, CompTIA^® Network+, and CompTIA^® Security+.³

What Does a Network Administrator Do?

Day to day, the role centers on keeping an organization's networks running and addressing problems as they arise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical responsibilities may include:¹

• Determining an organization's network and system needs, then installing the hardware and software to meet them
• Weighing in on hardware or software purchasing decisions
• Making upgrades and repairs to keep networks running correctly
• Maintaining network and computer system security
• Evaluating and fine-tuning network and system performance
• Adding new users to a network and setting their security permissions
• Training users on how to use the organization's network and systems
• Diagnosing and resolving problems flagged by a user or an automated monitoring system

Skills a Network Administrator Needs

There are several qualities that tend to matter for this kind of work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:²

• Analytical skills, for evaluating whether networks and systems are performing reliably and anticipating what an organization might need next
• Communication skills, for explaining technical concepts and processes to people outside the IT department
• Creative skills, for finding workable solutions when integrating new products with existing hardware or software
• Multitasking skills, for juggling setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting work at the same time
• Problem-solving skills, for resolving issues that come up with networks and systems
• Technical skills, for programming and working across a range of computer hardware and software

The online Network Systems Administration Associate’s degree program at Rasmussen University is built to develop a similar mix of abilities, including working with industry hardware and software and developing an understanding of networking and network maintenance.³

Typical Career Paths

A background in network administration may be relevant to a range of technology roles. Career paths associated with the Network Systems Administration Associate's degree at Rasmussen University include:

• Network administrator
• Systems/network analyst
• Information security specialist
• Network technician
• Network and operations support specialist

These roles may require additional education, certifications, or experience depending on the employer and specific position.³

Exploring a Network Systems Administration Associate's Degree at Rasmussen University

If you're interested in building skills relevant to network administration work, learn more about the online Network Systems Administration Associate's degree at Rasmussen University.³

Earning a certificate or degree does not guarantee employment or specific job outcomes. Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Cisco^® is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc., 170 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, California 95134.
CompTIA A+^® is a registered trademark of CompTIA, Inc., 3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515.
CompTIA^® Linux+ is a registered trademark of CompTIA, Inc., 3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515.
CompTIA^® Network+ is a registered trademark of CompTIA, Inc., 3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515.
CompTIA^® Security+ is a registered trademark of CompTIA, Inc., 3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515.

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm#tab-2 (accessed Sept. 29, 2026). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
²Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm#tab-4 (accessed Sept. 29, 2026). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
³Rasmussen University, Network Systems Administration Associate's Degree, at https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/network-systems-administration/ (accessed Sept. 29, 2026).