How to become a network engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- network engineering
- computer science
- electronic engineering
- network security
- software engineering
Related subjects like physics, maths or electrical engineering can also be useful.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could do a college course to get a job as a network technician. You could then train more to qualify as an engineer.
Some of the courses you could take include:
- Level 4 Certificate in Networking and Architecture
- Level 4 Certificate in Network Services
- Level 4 Diploma in Network Security
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a:
- network cable installer advanced apprenticeship
- network engineer higher apprenticeship
- digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a network technician and train with a recognised industry, such as Cisco Certified or CompTIA Network+.
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Career tips
You may find it useful to get experience in related areas like IT support or computer repair.
Further information
You can get more advice about careers in networking from techskills and The Chartered Institute for IT.