CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ is a widely recognized certification whose main purpose is to confirm that the holder of the corresponding certificate has sufficient expertise in network administration, including troubleshooting and configuration. This designation can be gained only though passing one exam - N10-007.

CompTIA Network+ Certification Overview

You may have heard that this is an entry-level certification for basic IT networking practitioners. Still, the vendor recommends that candidates have an active CompTIA A+ certificate or 9-12 months of working experience with IT networks. CompTIA considers this to be sufficient for test-takers to be able to cope with tasks concerning the management of basic network devices, network connectivity, as well as network documentation, standards, and protocols.

Associated Exam Details

As mentioned before, the N10-007 exam is the only way to get the CompTIA Network+ certificate. Therefore, you should definitely know that it is a 90-minute exam that consists of no more than 90 questions. But be prepared that the tasks will be presented in different formats such as multiple-choice, drag and drops, and performance-based. Either way, you will have to score a minimum of 720 points out of 900 to pass.

Regarding registration, you should know that CompTIA is working with Pearson VUE as a testing provider. You will need to visit their website, pay a registration fee of $338, and choose a convenient date and test format. This means that you can take the N10-007 exam either online or at one of their authorized testing centers that is closer to you.

N10-007 Exam Objectives

When you see the number of questions, you will probably wonder what topics they will be devoted to. Agree that it is important to know the details of the upcoming exam. To do this, you can download the current outline from the official exam page, which contains all the knowledge areas that you will encounter on the final evaluation.

• Key Network Concepts

  As a specialist wishing to form a career related to networks, you must be familiar with basic concepts. In other words, you should know what the various protocols and ports are used for, and what their types exist. Additionally, the knowledge of devices, software, protocols, and services at the relevant OSI layers will also be covered in this domain. You will also encounter questions about the key characteristics of routing and switching, network services, along with network topologies, types, and technologies. Regarding practical skills, you should be able to configure appropriate IP addressing elements as well as implement wireless technologies.

• General Infrastructure

  According to this exam area, you should be aware of the use of advanced networking devices, as well as understand the purpose of network storage technologies and virtualization. But that's not all, as your expertise should also include skills in deploying suitable cabling solutions, placing the various networking devices in the organization's overall network, as well as their installation and quality set-up. It is also worth reminding that you should possess skills to master the basic characteristics and types of WAN technologies.

• Basic Network Operations

  The next area is more about practice, more specifically skills regarding the general scanning, monitoring, and patching processes and their expected results will be checked. You must also be able to use remote access methods such as VPN, SSH, VNC, Telnet, and others. In parallel, it is necessary to use the relevant documentation, and apply diagrams for network management.

• Network Security

  Nowadays, network security is one of the main aspects of an organization's productivity. Therefore, as a skilled specialist, you need to understand physical security devices as well as access methods and authentication processes. As you see, you must be able to secure basic wireless networks and understand core network attacks. In addition, skills in hardening network devices as well as applying mitigation techniques will not be superfluous in this exam.

• Network Tools and Troubleshooting

  Finally, you must be knowledgeable in troubleshooting methodology to identify problems, determine a possible cause, identify a solution to fix it, implement that solution, and document the situation. This process involves the use of suitable tools, both software, and hardware. In addition, you need to be adept at troubleshooting common wired and wireless connectivity issues as well as basic network service issues.

It is important to note that networking technology makes progress. Therefore, CompTIA monitors the development of the networks field and updates the content of their test accordingly. As a result, the next such update is announced for September 2021. Thus, follow the changes on the official exam page and don't miss information about corrections made to the test topics.

Career Opportunities

Given the initial level of certification, a candidate who has passed this CompTIA exam has sufficient expertise and experience to qualify for in-demand and well-paid job roles. For example, a holder of the Network+ certificate may qualify for the following job roles, as Computer Technician, Help Desk Technician, Junior System Engineer, Network Field Technician, or Junior Network Administrator. Moreover, according to CompTIA, this qualification is highly valued by many IT giants including Apple, Ricoh, Intel, HP, Canon, and Dell.

And if you need a financial target in order to register for this exam, you can refer to PayScale.com data. For example, a Help Desk Technician can earn from $41k per year, a Network Field Technician can qualify for $55k, while the average salary of a Junior System Engineer is $57k. Agree, a good start for an interested specialist.

Further Certification Path

Remember, it is important not to rest on your laurels, especially when there are so many opportunities to grow thanks to CompTIA. The Network+ is considered as a Core Skills designation. After obtaining it, you can develop your skills in security and earn the Security+ certification by passing the SY0-501 or SY0-601 exam.