Network Specialist Certification Guide

Certification Overview

The Network Specialist (ネットワークスペシャリスト) is a national certification in Japan that evaluates advanced expertise in network design, construction, operation, and maintenance. It is an advanced certification that confirms knowledge required for building and operating large-scale network systems.

This certification covers network specialization techniques. It evaluates advanced knowledge across networks including network architecture design, routing protocols, network security, network performance optimization, and network failure response. The goal is to develop experts capable of stably operating large-scale networks.

Job Application Guide

The Network Specialist certification is beneficial for specialized network-related positions.

Network Engineer: Suitable for roles building and operating large-scale network systems. Network design and operation abilities are required.

Network Architect: Advantageous for roles designing network architectures. Large-scale network design abilities are important.

Network Security Specialist: Helpful for roles responsible for network security. Network security technologies and threat response abilities are necessary.

System Engineer: Serves as a foundation for roles building systems including networks. Network integration abilities are required.

Network Consultant: Suitable for consulting roles improving client networks. Network optimization and improvement proposal abilities are necessary.

Required Knowledge

Network Basics

• OSI reference model and TCP/IP
• Network protocols
• Roles of network equipment

Network Design

• Network architecture design
• Subnet design
• VLAN design
• Network topology

Routing

• Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, etc.)
• Routing table management
• Routing optimization

Network Security

• Firewall configuration
• VPN construction
• Intrusion detection systems
• Network access control

Network Performance

• Bandwidth management
• QoS configuration
• Traffic analysis
• Network monitoring

Network Operation

• Network failure response
• Network backup and recovery
• Network change management
• Network documentation

Preparation Methods

Step 1: Basic Learning (2-3 months)

Learn basic concepts of networks. Study OSI reference model, TCP/IP, and network protocols using textbooks.

Step 2: Learn Practical Knowledge (3-4 months)

Learn practical knowledge of network design and operation. Building and operating actual networks is helpful.

Step 3: Learn Routing (2-3 months)

Learn routing protocols and routing optimization techniques. Learn major routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP through practice.

Step 4: Past Exam Practice (3-4 months)

Solve past exam questions from the last 5 years. The afternoon questions are essay-type, so practice explaining problem-solving processes logically.

Step 5: Mock Exams (1-2 months)

Take multiple mock exams during the 1-2 months before the test. Practice time management and focus on improving weak areas.

Pass Rates for the Past 5 Years

The average pass rate is approximately 15.6%, which is at the advanced level. Having practical network experience makes learning easier.

Practical Tips

Utilize Work Experience: If you have experience building and operating networks, you can learn more easily by understanding based on that experience.

Practice-Centered Learning: As theory alone is difficult to understand, practice working with actual network equipment is important.

Routing Protocol Practice: Routing protocols require actual configuration to understand quickly. Configure routers and check routing tables.

Strengthen Network Security: As network security-related questions are frequently tested, focus on learning firewall and VPN configuration.

Stay Updated on Technology Trends: As network technologies continue to evolve, staying informed about the latest network technology trends is also important.