What’s the CloudNetX? CompTIA Releases New Cloud Cert
CompTIA is back with a new certification: CloudNetX (CNX-001). If your next career move involves designing, securing, and optimizing hybrid cloud networks, CloudNetX helps you get there. CompTIA certifications tend to track industry trends, and CloudNetX is no exception. As businesses rely more on multi-cloud environments, networking teams need to know how to securely connect on-prem infrastructure with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud—and that’s exactly what CloudNetX is built to validate.
How does CloudNetX compare to other cloud networking certifications? And is it worth adding to your resume? Here’s what you need to know.
When Does the New CloudNetX Become Available?
CompTIA has announced that the CloudNetX certification will launch in Q1 2025—which, to be fair, is happening right now. This means the cert could drop anytime between now and the end of March. CompTIA sometimes announces broad timelines before locking in specifics, so if you’re planning to take the CNX-001 exam, keep an eye on CompTIA’s official updates.
What Does the CloudNetX CNX-001 Exam Test?
The CompTIA CloudNetX exam validates advanced skills, ensuring IT pros can design, secure, and optimize cloud-integrated infrastructure at an enterprise level. By earning CloudNetX, you'll demonstrate expertise in:
Network Architecture: Analyzing business needs to design secure, scalable networks for on-prem and cloud environments.
Security Design: Applying concepts like Zero Trust, identity & access management (IAM), and network availability.
Network Monitoring: Configuring tools for monitoring network performance, automation, and scripting.
Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving connectivity, performance, access, and security issues.
Maintenance: Performing ongoing network operations and maintenance.
The CNX-001 exam consists of up to 90 questions and lasts 165 minutes. It will be available through Pearson VUE testing centers and online testing. Unlike some other certs, CloudNetX does not use a scaled score—you either pass or fail.
How Does CloudNetX Compare to Other Cloud Certifications?
CloudNetX sits in a unique spot among cloud and networking certifications. It is currently the only certification on the market that proves the technical and hands-on skills needed to manage hybrid networks across multiple platforms.
It’s more advanced than Cloud+, less specialized than vendor-specific networking certifications, and heavily focused on hybrid network architecture. Here’s how it stacks up to other certs:
CloudNetX vs. Cloud+
Cloud+ is an entry-level cert that covers general cloud infrastructure, virtualization, and storage. It’s a great introduction to cloud environments but doesn’t go deep into hybrid cloud networking or security.
CloudNetX, however, takes things a step further by validating multi-cloud integration, network security, and troubleshooting skills. If Cloud+ is about understanding the cloud, CloudNetX is about making it all work together.
CloudNetX vs. AWS Solutions Architect – Professional
AWS Solutions Architect – Professional is built for cloud architects designing AWS environments. It covers topics like scalability, cost optimization, and workload migration, all within AWS. If your role is centered on building and optimizing AWS infrastructure, this cert is a strong fit.
CloudNetX, on the other hand, is all about hybrid networking. Instead of focusing on a single cloud provider, it validates the ability to design, secure, and troubleshoot networks across multiple platforms. If your job requires multi-cloud expertise and managing hybrid environments that connect AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and on-prem infrastructure, CloudNetX is the better choice.
CloudNetX vs. Google Professional Cloud Architect
Google’s Professional Cloud Architect cert is all about designing cloud solutions inside Google Cloud. It covers infrastructure, security, and compliance, making it ideal for those building full-stack cloud environments. Networking is part of the exam, but it’s not the main focus.
CloudNetX is a better fit if you’re working across multiple cloud providers and need expertise in hybrid cloud networking, security, and multi-cloud connectivity. If you’re primarily designing Google Cloud-based architectures, Google’s cert makes sense. But if your job involves keeping networks running smoothly across cloud and on-prem environments, CloudNetX is the better option.
CloudNetX vs. CCIE and CCDE
Cisco’s CCIE and CCDE are some of the toughest networking certs in the industry, requiring deep expertise in routing, switching, and network design—all within Cisco environments. They involve written exams and intensive hands-on lab testing, making them far more challenging than CloudNetX.
CloudNetX, on the other hand, is more accessible and vendor-neutral. While it still validates advanced networking skills, it focuses on hybrid cloud design rather than Cisco-specific configurations. If you want expert-level Cisco knowledge, CCIE/CCDE is the way to go. But if you need multi-cloud and hybrid networking expertise without a lab-heavy exam, CloudNetX is the better fit.
Who Should Earn the CompTIA CloudNetX?
The CloudNetX is best suited for seasoned IT professionals who have experience in hybrid networking, cloud integration, and enterprise network security. There are no mandatory prerequisite exams for CloudNetX. However, CompTIA recommends that candidates have:
10+ years of IT experience
5+ years in a network architect role
Experience with hybrid cloud environments
If you're already deep in networking, security, or cloud infrastructure and want to break into high-level architecture roles, CloudNetX is a solid move. Think of it as the cert that proves you can handle complex hybrid environments– whether you're a network engineer ready to step up to network architect, a security engineer looking to become a security architect, or a cloud engineer aiming to master hybrid networking.
CloudNetX and DoD Cyber Workforce Roles
For those in government or defense IT, CloudNetX also aligns with DoD Cyber Workforce roles under DoDM 8140.03. If you’re working toward Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE) framework roles, CloudNetX can help meet the evolving DoD cybersecurity workforce qualification standards.
CloudNetX maps to three NICE/DCWF job roles: Network Operations Specialist, Enterprise Architect, and Security Architect.
CloudNetX Certification Renewal
CloudNetX is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed. To maintain the certification, you’ll need to earn 75 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program.
For IT pros who hold other CompTIA certifications, CloudNetX can also serve as a higher-level renewal option for Network+, Security+, and Cloud+.
Key Takeaways
CloudNetX is CompTIA’s newest certification for hybrid cloud network architecture.
It validates skills in network design, security, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
Unlike AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure certs, CloudNetX is vendor-neutral, applying to multi-cloud environments.
The CNX-001 exam launches in Q1 2025. CompTIA hasn’t confirmed an exact date yet.
This certification is ideal for network architects, security architects, and enterprise architects managing hybrid cloud networks.
Final Thoughts
The new CloudNetX cert is built for IT pros who want to bridge the gap between on-prem and cloud, proving they have the hands-on expertise to architect scalable, secure solutions. If you’re looking to level up and move into advanced roles in network architecture or security, this cert is your next step.
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