CompTIA Network+ Certification Overview
This article covers the structure, pricing, passing score, and validity term of the CompTIA Network+ exam. The guide also includes test preparation suggestions and outlines the essential networking concepts and technologies covered on the exam.
If you want to develop your career in networking, acquiring a CompTIA certification might be a wonderful method to do it. The CompTIA Network+ certification is one of the most popular and highly recognized. We’ll go over everything you need to know about the CompTIA Network+ exam in this article, including what it is, why it is essential, and how to prepare for it.
What Is the CompTIA Network+ Certification?
The CompTIA Network+ certification is an IT certification test that certifies you have the necessary networking knowledge and abilities to further your career in IT infrastructure.
CompTIA Network+, unlike other vendor-specific networking certifications, trains you to maintain the network regardless of platform. It lays the groundwork for you to specialize in a vendor solution. The CompTIA Network+ certification is the only one in the industry that covers both wired and wireless networks.
CompTIA’s Network+ certification certifies the knowledge and abilities required to troubleshoot, configure, and administer wired and wireless networks in businesses worldwide. CompTIA Network+ validates a professional-level mastery of new technologies such as cloud and virtualization.
Why Is The CompTIA Network+ Certification Important?
CompTIA Network+ is the industry standard for launching a career in IT infrastructure, encompassing troubleshooting, network configuration, and network management. CompTIA Network+ certification validates abilities used in jobs such as network field technician and junior network administrator. CompTIA Network+ certification is sought after by companies such as Apple, Best Buy, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ricoh, the United States Department of Defense, and Verizon.
There are various reasons why someone may wish to obtain Network+ certification. This certification
Improving your resume
Job seekers having the Network+ certification may be given preference by employers and hiring managers.
Professionals with a Network+ certification have demonstrated their understanding of IT networks and their ability to solve network-related problems. They must also have strong technical experience. A Network+ certification demonstrates to your colleagues that you are dedicated to achieving greatness in your area.
Increasing your professional options
Some employment in the IT networks industry is exclusively available to Network+ certified candidates. Being certified may enable you to work for firms that have high standards and criteria for certain job titles.
Increasing your salary
The information technology industry is one of the few with an extremely low unemployment rate. Furthermore, you will be well rewarded as an IT specialist. On a national basis, the IT business pays its employees much more than other employment categories. IT specialists are in high demand in the United States. According to statistics and data from the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, job possibilities in the IT area would increase by 17% by 2022.
Providing possibilities for you to increase your education
You may use CompTIA’s continuing education program to renew and maintain your Network+ certification. CompTIA provides a number of courses to help you meet the criteria. By staying up to date on IT changes, you will continue to make yourself a more valued employee and team member.
Should You Take The CompTIA Network+ Exam?
The CompTIA Network+ exam is an excellent certification for anyone wishing to begin a career in networking. It is also an excellent alternative for individuals wishing to expand their present networking job.
Before opting to seek this certification, you should consider if it would be beneficial to you. Before committing to seeking the Network+ certification, consider the following:
Your career path
The Network+ certification is designed for IT professionals who specialize in building and maintaining computer networks. If you would rather pursue a career in general information technology or IT security, a different CompTIA certification might be a better choice for you.
Your job title
Network+ certifications are designed to allow IT professionals to pursue better job positions by guaranteeing their IT expertise and knowledge. The Network+ certification is most valuable to a professional who is hoping to increase their job options or salary. If you are satisfied with your current job title, you may want to wait a few years before applying for certification.
Your experience level
Before you can take the Network+ certification exam, you need several months of practical experience. If you recently chose to specialize in networks or if you are new to the IT field in general, you may need to acquire more technical networking experience before considering the Network+ certification.
If you are committed to a career as a network engineer, are looking to improve your job position in the field, and have enough practical experience, the Network+ certification could be beneficial to you.
CompTIA Network+ Exam Overview and Tips to Pass
The current edition of the CompTIA Network+ exam is designated as N10-008. The N10-008 test will be available on September 15, 2021. This exam’s projected retirement date is three years after its publication date. The prior exam (coded N10-007) was discontinued on June 30, 2022, and is no longer accessible for testing.
The actual CompTIA Network+ exam consists of a single computer-based examination with 90 questions. The N10-008 exam features Performance-Based Questions (PBQs), which require test takers to solve issues in a simulated IT environment, in addition to the standard multiple choice questions (single and multiple response) and drag and drop type of questions.
The N10-008 exam has a time restriction of 90 minutes and a passing score of 720 on a scale of 100-900. Exam results are accessible immediately following the completion of the test. CompTIA A+ Certification and at least 9 to 12 months of networking experience are recommended requirements for the CompTIA Network+ exam. A further general guideline for all CompTIA exams is that the candidate be at least 13 years old.
CompTIA exams are only offered through Pearson VUE testing facilities as of July 9, 2012. Exams can be scheduled online using the Pearson VUE website, over the phone, or in person at the testing facility. In-person testing at one of the testing locations is a possibility, as is online testing.
What Topics Are Covered In The CompTIA Network+ Exam?
Exam objectives, which are pdf papers detailing the scope of the real CompTIA certification test, provide a basic summary of certification test subjects. CompTIA has made the following materials publically available:
- Networking Fundamentals (24%)
- Network Implementations (19%)
- Network Operations (16%)
- Network Security (19%)
- Network Troubleshooting (22%)
CompTIA is continually examining the content of its certification examinations and upgrading test questions to guarantee that certification exams remain current while also protecting the security of the questions.
While a particular exam is still current, certification test domains may be updated, which may include the revision of existing domains as well as the addition of new subjects and ideas.
Exam Retake Policy
There is no waiting period between the first unsuccessful effort and the second try, but if the second attempt fails, there is an obligatory 14-day wait period between each subsequent attempt following the second failed attempt. Each exam must be paid for separately.
Network+ Certificate Renewal Policy
Due to changes in CompTIA’s certificate renewal regulations, A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications have received the +CE (Continuing Education) suffix since 2011. In contrast to the original (lifetime) certificates accessible until the end of 2010, new certifications (with the +CE suffix) must be renewed every three years. Expired credentials can be renewed by retaking the latest version of the same exam, renewing a higher-level CompTIA certification, or completing units from CompTIA’s Continuing Education program.
Study Resources For CompTIA Network+ Exam
- CompTIA Network+ Study Guide: The CompTIA Network+ Study Guide is a comprehensive resource that covers all the exam objectives. It includes practice questions, review sections, and online resources.
- Online Courses: Many online courses are available that cover the exam objectives. Some popular options include Udemy, Pluralsight, and LinkedIn Learning.
- CompTIA Net+ Practice Tests: Practice tests are a great way to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need more study. CompTIA offers official practice tests for the Network+ exam, or you can find third-party practice tests online. On this IT Exams website, we provide thousands of free CompTIA Net+ practice questions to help you familiarize yourself with the test format. Give it a try!
- Study Groups: Joining a study group can help you stay motivated and get feedback from others. You can find study groups online or through local IT organizations.
- Networking Equipment: To gain hands-on experience, you can set up a lab environment with networking equipment such as routers, switches, and firewalls. This can help you understand the practical applications of the exam objectives.
- Books: There are many books available that cover the exam objectives, including the CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide and the CompTIA Network+ Deluxe Study Guide.
- Videos: Many YouTube channels and other online resources offer videos that cover the exam objectives. These can be useful supplements to your other study materials.
5 Tips For Passing The CompTIA Network+ Exam
1. Understand the Domains in the CompTIA Network+ Exam
To prepare properly, you must first understand what you are studying for, thus the first thing you will want to do is learn about the CompTIA Network+ exam. You can assess if it is the proper exam for you by learning what certification examinations are. Reviewing the topics covered can also help you recognize what you know well, what areas need more study, and how much time you may need to prepare. You can see the five domains mentioned in the previous part.
2. Determine Your Strengths & Weaknesses with Practice Tests
Throughout the preparation phase, practice exams might be beneficial. By precisely assessing your readiness, you can analyze where you are at the start of your review and track your progress as you go. When you compare your knowledge to the list of subjects in the CompTIA Network+ exam objectives, you can determine what areas you know and which areas need extra review.
Another advantage of taking a practice exam is that it will acquaint you with the format of the actual test. Earning a Network+ certification needs more than just theory and facts. The exam contains performance-based questions (PBQs), which will assess your ability to apply these abilities in a simulated scenario, in addition to multiple-choice and drag-and-drop questions. Though these questions might be difficult to answer, answering them effectively indicates that you can utilize your talents to support a real working network system.
Even while taking practice examinations, treat them as though they were the genuine thing. Get a good night’s sleep, eat healthily, and schedule it at the same time as your official exam. Create an exam regimen. There is nothing new on the exam day.
3. Get Help to Strengthen Your Weak Spots
You will now be able to determine the sections that you know well and those that you do not after completing a practice exam. You must now fill this knowledge gap. A structured training course is one of the finest methods to do this.
When selecting a Network+ course, check sure it is offered by a CompTIA-approved training provider.
This guarantees that you are:
- Working with a training firm that has been verified and is being audited on a regular basis by CompTIA.
- Learning from a qualified educator with industry expertise. They are an excellent resource for understanding the exam’s multiple-choice questions as well as the more difficult performance-based questions.
- Getting the most up-to-date knowledge, exam objectives, best practices, and authorized courseware and labs.
4. Prepare for the Exam
After you have finished the course, go over the materials again. Pay special attention to parts that were unfamiliar to you. Because you cannot bring any reference materials into the test, you should study until you are satisfied that you understand the topic.
Create a study plan. Consider the following questions:
- How much time will I need to review the areas that I do not know as well?
- Which of the materials that I have will help me the most and how can I most efficiently reexamine them?
Practice the principles you have studied until you are comfortable with them. Review the essential terminology and go over all of the labs that came with the course you took. This will assist you in being as prepared as possible for multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions.
Pay close attention to the acronyms in the Network+ test objectives. These may come on the exam without being spelled out or explained. It will be difficult to grasp what is being asked or what the potential replies signify if you are unfamiliar with the acronyms.
Take the time to create or set up a network if you have the opportunity. This will help you improve the abilities you will need for the PBQs.
It is time to arrange the exam once you feel prepared. Pearson VUE administers the CompTIA Network+ exam, which can be taken in person or online. On the Pearson VUE website, you may register for the exam and reschedule it if you have a conflict.
Get lots of rest the night before the exam. You will need to remain vigilant in order to do well.
5. Sit for the Exam
Take a deep breath and tell yourself to read each question attentively as you begin the exam. Some of the questions are framed in a perplexing manner, and you don’t want to answer a question poorly because of a reading error.
Take great note of capitalized words or phrases. These are important details, and focusing on them can help you correctly grasp the question. Furthermore, you will most likely be asked to choose the best response to multiple questions. In some circumstances, many responses may be accurate. You should read them all to ensure that you are not just selecting a correct answer, but also the optimal one.
The CompTIA Network+ exam has a time limit. You will have 90 minutes to finish it, but you can skip and return to any questions you choose. Some test takers like to go through the questions in chronological sequence, while others prefer to start with a few questions and then return to the remainder. You may start with the easiest questions and work your way up to the more difficult ones, or you can start with the most difficult ones and work your way down. Alternatively, answer the questions in the order listed. You have an option.
You can also edit your answers, so if you have time left at the end, go over them to make sure they are accurate. Another advantage of looking through the exam again is that some questions may provide suggestions for the answers to other questions. Reviewing your choices helps you to use any hints discovered to ensure that you have correctly answered all of the questions.
When your timer runs out or you are certain you are finished, it is time to submit your replies and obtain your results. Your replies will be tallied right away. To pass, you must have a score of 720 or better (on a scale of 100-900). After your test is scored and you pass, you will receive a confirmation of your achievement, the opportunity to acquire a physical copy of your certification, and the right to display your certification on LinkedIn and in your list of credentials gained.
FAQs
How much does the CompTIA Network+ exam cost?
You must purchase an exam voucher in order to take the certification exam. A voucher is a one-of-a-kind ticket that you may purchase from the CompTIA Store and use to take your exam at a Pearson VUE testing location.
If you only require a voucher, the cost per exam is $338. More information on the test may be found on the CompTIA Network+ product website. On our testing pages, you may learn how to purchase a voucher. Go to the store if you’re ready to buy.
If you do not pass the exam, you must purchase another voucher to retake it. That is why we urge that you go into the exam well-prepared to reduce your chances of failing the test and having to purchase an additional voucher.
How long is the CompTIA Network+ certification valid?
Your CompTIA Network+ certification is valid for three years after passing the exam. The CE program allows you to renew your certification in three-year increments by participating in activities and training related to the topic of your certification. CompTIA Network+ CE, like Network+, carries globally recognized ISO/ANSI accreditation.
Is CCNA Better Than CompTIA Network+?
Some technicians consider CCNA to be more difficult than CompTIA Network+; however, this does not imply that CCNA is a superior qualification. Because CCNA is a vendor-specific certification, technicians may only work with Cisco Systems.
CompTIA Network+, on the other hand, is vendor-neutral and assists candidates in working across a number of platforms. As a result, CompTIA Network+ is a far more adaptable certification. It is up to you if it is preferable to have knowledge of one type of system or many distinct systems.
Is CompTIA Network+ Exam Hard? Is It Harder Than CompTIA Security+?
Most candidates find CompTIA Network+ to be cognitively demanding. But that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach for the average person. Anyone interested in information technology who is willing to study for the test may learn the exam’s networking topics.
CompTIA Security+ focuses on cybersecurity principles and involves extensive study. Some IT professionals may find it tougher than CompTIA Network+, while others may find the CompTIA Network+ exam more difficult. Everything is determined by an IT professional’s capabilities, shortcomings, and experience.
The test objectives for the two certificates overlap quite a bit, so getting both might be advantageous. This will broaden your skill set and raise your earning potential.
Final Words
In conclusion, the CompTIA Network+ certification is an important certificate for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of networking principles and technology. Passing the test and receiving the certification validates your abilities and expertise in network installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and security, which can help you develop your career in the IT business.
It is critical to properly study and practice for the test, using a range of materials such as textbooks, online courses, and practice examinations. Gaining real-world experience with networking technology may also be quite beneficial in enhancing your academic understanding.
By understanding the format, cost, passing score, and validity period of the CompTIA Network+ exam, you can better prepare for this important certification and maximize your chances of success. With dedication, hard work, and a solid understanding of networking concepts and technologies, you can achieve your goal of earning the CompTIA Network+ certification and advancing your career in the IT industry.
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