Sam Aannerud and Jon Herreid, members of the Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) network operations center team, recently earned industry certifications. Both are based in Bismarck and serve customers throughout the state.
Aannerud earned MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional (CECP) certification following a week of intensive training and a successful exam. CECP is a vendor neutral certification recognizing carrier Ethernet expertise in professional roles. It is valid for three years and recognized industrywide as the highest standard for carrier Ethernet professionals.
A Minot native, Aannerud joined DCN in July 2024 as an Ethernet/IP technician I following an internship with the company. He is a graduate of Minot State University with a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and a certificate in cyber defense. While at Minot State, he also earned PC Pro and Network Pro certifications from TestOut Corporation.
Herreid completed Optical Communications Associate (OC-A) certification through Ciena. This credential equips professionals with essential skills in optical network design and optimization, with a focus on increasing network capacity and efficiency. The 15-module program is technology-focused rather than equipment-focused, and certification is valid for three years.
Herreid joined DCN in February 2025 as transport technician. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in cybersecurity and computer networks from Bismarck State College following a career in welding.
