What is the CompTIA Network+ certification?
Network+ (Network Plus) is a mid-level certification for network technicians. This certification is designed to test the competency of a mid-level network technician in supporting and configuring TCP/IP clients in terms of network design, cabling, hardware setup, configuration, installation, support, and troubleshooting.
The Network+ certification is sponsored by CompTIA, which is the Computing Technology Industry Association (formerly ABCD: The Microcomputer Industry Association).
The Network+ exam contains situational, traditional, and identification types of questions. All of the questions are multiple choice, and there is only one answer for each question. The Network+ exam is open to anybody, although it is designed to be taken by those with at least 18 months of on-the-job experience as a network technician, as well as the A+ certification or equivalent knowledge.
The exam has 60 to 70 questions with a 90-minute time limit. A passing score is 68%. The Network+ exam tests the ability of a networking technician to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and support a network, and understand various aspects of networking technologies, including TCP/IP and the OSI model. It also tests knowledge of network components and where they function in association with the OSI model, network cabling, network security, and network troubleshooting. For individuals that receive Network+ certification prior to December 31, 2010, recertification is not required when the test is revised. Those receiving certification January 1, 2011, or later, will need to reobtain certification after three years.
CompTIA also sponsors certification for document imaging (Certified Document Imaging Architech [CDIA]) and a hardware certification exam (A+). The CompTIA certifications are usually more basic and less product-specific than other certifications, such as Microsoft's MCSE or a Novell CNE.
You can take the Network+ certification exam, as well as many other certifications, at a number of testing centers around the world. You can register online for an exam via Thomson Prometric.
Last modified on November 11, 2011.
