CompTIA Network+ certification is a widely recognized credential for networking technicians. The vendor-neutral qualification helps IT workers demonstrate a basic understanding of networking technology and break into entry-level roles in network installation and maintenance.
Network+ certification: An overview
Network+ certification validates knowledge of fundamental computer networking features and functions. Certified Network+ technicians have the skills to design networks according to wiring standards, manage and troubleshoot network infrastructure and implement best practices for network security. Topics covered in the Network+ certification exam include:
Network technologies such as ports, LAN and WAN protocols, routing and wireless
Media and topologies including cables, connectors, wiring standards and distribution
Networking devices including switches
Network management skills including OSI model layers, performance optimization rationale and troubleshooting
Networking tools such as command-line interfaces, network scanners and hardware
Network security features such as firewalls, network layers, filtering, tunneling, encryption and authentication
Although there are no prerequisites for the exam, most candidates have at least nine months of experience in network administration, either on the job or through a formal training program. CompTIA also recommends pursuing its A+ certification before seeking the more advanced Network+ qualification.
The Network+ certification exam is 90 minutes long, and consists of 100 questions. The passing score is 720 on a scale of 900.
Network+ training programs are available through CompTIA Authorized Partners, including community colleges, vocational schools and private vocational training centers. The classroom training program generally takes five days to complete, or 35 hours of instruction. Courses are also available online, either through an Authorized Partner or through CompTIA's own eLearning Center.
A CompTIA Network certification leads to opportunities for further education and IT career advancement.
Network+ certified professionals have the option to continue on to more advanced or specialized networking certifications, such as Cisco's popular CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) credential. In combination with A+ certification, Network+ fulfills the elective exam requirement for Microsoft's MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) certification.
Network+ certification also opens doors to a range of networking careers. Sample job titles accessible to Network+ technicians include:
Network administrator
Network technician
Network installer
Help desk technician
IT cable installer
Network and data communications analyst
CompTIA Network+ demonstrates basic competency in network administration. The credential may serve as a prerequisite for advanced training or a direct link to a job in networking.
CompTIA’s Network+ certification is intended to certify networking technicians with 18 to 24 months of experience. Attaining Network+ certification indicates that you know how to configure and install the TCP/IP client. This exam is vendor and product-neutral, covering a range of networking technologies. Network+ is an entry-level, vendor-neutral certification that you can achieve on your way to more advanced certifications, such as the Microsoft MCSE certification.
The demand for skilled networking support professionals continues to grow, and CompTIA Network+ is a valuable credential to help launch or enhance a networking career. In fact, many IT certifications integrate CompTIA Network+ into their curriculums. Microsoft added CompTIA Network+ benefits into their Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) program, and other corporations such as Novell, Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks.
Network+ certification is a vendor neutral certification, which validates skills on networking and related technologies.
Professionals holding the Network+ certification are preferred by the employers and they also get preference in promotions.
Network+ certification is helpful for professionals who have knowledge of networking and related technologies to upgrade their credentials and get recognition from the industry.
Network+ certified professionals can find appropriate job easily and get paid more.
The job roles for Network+ Certified Professionals typically include: Network Administrator, System Administrator or Network Technician.
Network+ requirements
There is no specific requirement for CompTIA’s Network+ exam. Although it is targeted towards IT professionals with 18 to 24 months of experience, anyone who wishes to take the Network+ exam may do so. This IT certification is the logical next step for those who have already attained CompTIA’s A+ certification. Although there is no prerequisite for this certification, CompTIA recommends that you possess the A+ certification.
CompTIA’s Network+ certification is intended to certify networking technicians with 18 to 24 months of experience. Attaining Network+ certification indicates that you know how to configure and install the TCP/IP client. This network+ exam is vendor and product-neutral, covering a range of networking technologies. Network+ exam is an entry-level, vendor-neutral certification that you can achieve on your way to more advanced certifications, such as the Microsoft MCSE certification. By doing this network plus certification an individual will be beneficial for professionals who have knowledge of networking and related technologies to upgrade their credentials and get recognition from the industry. To pass this network+ exam, uCertify launches the free network+ study guide,network+ practice test and network+ sample questions in their demo version.
I get the impression that some people think that CompTIA network certifications are a waste of time and offer no “employment” value. I disagree; especially when it comes to the Network+. Network+ Training covers “core” networking concepts that all IT Pros should know; especially if you plan on working in any sort of networking position.
We recently added an employee (welcome Gosia!) to our product development team and I was surprised by two things during the overall interview process; the lack of basic professionalism (which I will save for another post) and the lack of basic networking skills.
This position called for Windows Networking skills, Active Directory knowledge and a strong understanding of TCPIP fundamentals. During the technical interview process I couldn’t believe how many people struggled with questions pertaining to the default gateway setting, DNS and basic IP addressing.
Take into consideration, this is not an entry-level position and I had already eliminated over 70% of the candidates after screening resumes. Come on people, you have got to know this stuff! This is what I consider to be fundamental information; not knowing basic Network+ benefits fundamentals will keep you from passing technical interviews and it will make learning other technologies that much more difficult.
August 2nd,2011 
Posted in CompTIA Network+ | 
Comments (0)
