Everything you need to know about CompTIA Network+ Certification
Many IT Professionals, who already have basic knowledge regarding IT, prefer to skip the CompTIA A+ certification, and rather go for the CompTIA Network+ Certification training. This certification is geared towards professionals, having at least nine months of experience in the field, especially in that of networking. In order to be eligible for this course, a candidate must have prior knowledge of media, networking technologies, security, topologies, configuration, and installation. Many of the renowned organizations, such as Intel, HP, Dell, highly recommend having this certification and it is even considered to be the entry point for Apple Consultants Network.
Upon completion of this certification, an IT Professional will obtain the knowledge and skills for:
- Developing and deploying functional networks
- Configuring, managing, as well as maintaining essential network devices
- Segmenting network traffic and developing resilient networks by utilizing devices like routers and switches.
- Identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the existing network configurations
- Deploying network standard, security and associated protocols
- Troubleshooting network issues
- Supporting the development of virtualized networks
This certification is considered to be a mid-level certification, and is targeted at network technicians. It tests the competencies of a middle level network technician in his or ability to configure or support TCP/IP clients. It tests the capability of an individual in network designing, hardware setup, installation, cabling, configuring, troubleshooting, and support.
Sponsored by CompTIA, this certification is can be obtained by undergoing and clearing one single exam N10-007. The exam consists of traditional, situational, as well questions that provide situations to be identified. CompTIA Network+ examination can be undertaken by anybody, although it is recommended, that professionals having at least one and a half years of experience as a network technician along with being a holder of CompTIA certification should opt for it.
The exam for this certification is designed to test the skills level and ability of the student to install, deploy, maintain, support and troubleshoot any problems arising in the network. The candidate should also possess knowledge that allows him or her to understand the different areas of network technologies, such as OSI model, ad TCP/IP. Additionally, the CompTIA Network+ certification training exam also tests the knowledge of an individual regarding network components, and their functionalities in association with network cabling, OSI model, network troubleshooting, and network security. Those individuals who obtained this certification prior to 31st December 2010 may retain it for life, whereas, all those opting for it after 1st January 2011, must renew the certification every three years.
What is CompTIA’s Network+ Certification?
Just like with A+, Network+ is also a foundational certification, which allows a candidate to earn an entry-level position at various organizations. Additionally, this certification, couple with Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) training, or Juniper’s Network Certified Associate – Junos (JNCA-Junos) training, ensures that the candidate will have a successful career. The exam consists of 90 MCQs, which need to be answered within 90 minutes, along with performance-based simulations. It is also accredited by ANSI (American National Standards Institute, and complies with ISO 17024. This is a plus point for all those individuals, interested in working for governmental organizations such as the US Department of Defense. Since it has ANSI and ISO certification, therefore, it is mandatory for the certificate holder to maintain CEUs (Continuing Education Units). After being certified with CompTIA Network+, the individual will have to maintain a minimum of 30 CEUs over the three-year period before renewing the certification.
CompTIA Network+ Domains
There are multiple domains that are covered via this certification. Domains are the various categories in which the various information provided by the certification is broken down into. Each domain is further broken down into sub-domains, which helps in clearing the exam. The information a student obtains through these domains will help in improving his or her skills set, while preparing for the upcoming exams.
CompTIA Network+ Certification, includes the following Domains:
- Domain 1: Network Architecture, which will cover about 22% of the questions that will appear in the exam
- Domain 2: Network Operations, which again includes 20% of the questions that will appear in the exam
- Domain 3: Network Security which forms 18% of the exam paper
- Domain 4: Troubleshooting, which makes up 24% of the exam paper, and
- Domain 5: Industry Standards, Practices, and Network Theory, which makes up 16% of the exam.
Each domain, covers a wide range of topics on the respective subject matter, and the candidate must be well versed in all of it, in order to obtain the CompTIA Network+ Certification. Employers look for core networking concepts’ knowledge and understanding in a candidate, and this certification offers just that!
Why select the Network+ Certification?
So the question arises, what does the certification offers you? It opens the door for you in different organizations, since it is one of the requirements for entry-level jobs. Companies don’t always spell this out, but having CompTIA’s Network+ certification is an added advantage which increases your chances of being considered for an interview and thus, of landing the job.
To sum it all up, CompTIA Network+ Certification is that mid-tier qualification which will take you places. Many organizations, such as Dell, Intel, HP, Microsoft, Cisco, etc. prefer hiring candidates having A+ and Network+ certifications, as it ensures that the candidate's basics are strong. At the same time, it attracts those opportunities, which you previously thought were out of your reach. There are numerous benefits of having this certification, and it will help you in honing your skills for future certifications devised to allow professionals to progress through their careers.