Network engineer skills matrix template
A skills matrix template is a tool that organizations can use to effectively manage and assess the skills and certification statuses of individual employees or teams.
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Overview Copied
With our free networking template for Excel, you will receive a clear overview of the skills that are present in your organization, as well as those that are missing. Using this information, you can develop and implement a plan to ensure that your employees’ skills are up to date, comprehensive, compliant, and ready for the future.
For example, you can use this network engineering skills matrix to determine your teams’ expertise in emerging technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN), virtualization, and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
Networking Fundamentals
- TCP/IP Networking
- Routing and Switching
- Subnetting and IP Addressing
- Network Protocols (e.g., SNMP, DHCP, DNS)
- Cabling and Physical Infrastructure
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- CompTIA Network+
- Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA)
Network Infrastructure Management
- Network Security
- Wireless Networking
- Network Monitoring
- Load Balancing
- Quality of Service (QoS)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)
- Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
Emerging Technologies
- Network Virtualization
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
- Cloud Networking
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Technical and Analytical Skills
- Network Troubleshooting
- Scripting and Automation
- VoIP and Unified Communications
- Packet Analysis
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Benefits Copied
Using a skills matrix template can benefit your network engineering team or department in various ways. Among them:
- Tailored professional development. By identifying their personal strengths, you can better create personalized training plans for employees. For example, this could mean focusing on cybersecurity skills for team members involved in network security or cloud certifications for those managing cloud infrastructure.
- Build better teams. A skills matrix allows you to easily match employees’ technical proficiencies with project requirements. For instance, you could assign team members with expertise in virtualization and SDN to projects involving the deployment or optimization of software-defined networking solutions.
- Regulatory compliance. Ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations by tracking certifications pertinent to IT security and data management. This is especially important in sectors such as finance or healthcare.
Certifications for network engineers Copied
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- CompTIA Network+
- Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)
- Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Looking for alternatives to Excel for your skills matrix templates? Copied
AG5’s skills management software enables you to visualize and close skills gaps across your organization – no need for complicated Excel spreadsheets. You’ll use intuitive skills matrices that bring together skills data and job requirements – and are always up to date.
Customizing a network engineer skills matrix template Copied
The scope of a skills matrix can be as large or small as you choose. For example, it could cover your entire network engineering department – or only those individuals or teams focused on network infrastructure management.
To customize a skills matrix to your needs, you should:
- Define focus. Clarify if the skills matrix pertains to an entire department or specific roles within it.
- Identify key skills. List essential competencies for each role or area of operation.
- Establish proficiency levels. Define skill proficiency levels, aligning them with job requirements.
- Set evaluation criteria. Create a clear evaluation process, considering on-the-job performance and training qualifications.
- Regularly review and update. Ensure regular reviews to adapt to evolving roles, technologies, and organizational goals.
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