CompTIA Network+ (Exam Code N10-008) is an industry-standard certification that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge required for careers in IT, particularly in technical support and IT operational roles. It focuses on troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks, making it a valuable credential for network professionals.
Key points about CompTIA Network+ include:
- Network Support on Any Platform: This certification prepares candidates to support networks on various platforms, differentiating it from vendor-specific certifications.
- Specific Networking Skills: CompTIA Network+ covers specific skills needed by network professionals, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for their roles.
- Infrastructure Design and Implementation: It helps individuals develop the knowledge and skills to design and implement functional networks effectively.
- Skills Validation: CompTIA Network+ proves that candidates have the skills to manage modern networks efficiently.
- Skills Learned: The certification covers networking fundamentals, network implementations, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting.
- Jobs Opportunities: Holding CompTIA Network+ can open doors to various roles, including Network Administrator, Cybersecurity Analyst, and IT Support Technician, among others.
- Endorsements: Recognized by organizations like Apple, Dell, Intel, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Exam Details: The N10-008 exam comprises 90 questions in multiple-choice and performance-based formats. It lasts 90 minutes, with a passing score of 720 (on a scale of 100-900). Recommended prerequisites include CompTIA A+ Certification and 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in junior network administrator/network support technician roles.
- Languages: Available in English, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- Retirement: Generally retires three years after launch.
- Testing Provider: Pearson VUE.
- Price: The exam costs $358 USD.
CompTIA Network+ helps individuals establish a strong foundation in networking and is marked as a valuable qualification for those seeking IT careers.
Difficulty: 2 out of 5.
Network+ is a great certification for learning the basics of networking. That's fairly obvious from the name but I guess it must be said. It will not make you an expert but that's about what you should expect. There's a decent amount of material but it doesn't go very deep. You'll learn the broad terminology used in networking. The only real competitor in this space is the CCNA. The CCNA will require you to learn a lot deeper in Cisco related topics (obvious, right?) but focuses on just their ecosystem rather than the vendor neutral method that CompTIA provides.
I think everyone that works as a technical cybersecurity specialist should have the N+ knowledge even if they don't get the certification.
