Network+ Certification: Should You Consider This?

Network+ is a provider neutral certificate attesting to the competence of an IT professional in the operation, further development, troubleshooting, installation and configuration of major computer networks. The CompTIA Network+ (N10–007) certification is the entry of a number of coveted IT certificates.

Network+ certification ensures that successful candidates have the necessary skills to effectively manage and maintain the core network infrastructure, with information on troubleshooting, installing, configuring and operating the infrastructure.

If you’re looking for IT training and certification, it’s most likely because you want to work in a good, well-paying job and have a fulfilling career.

There are many career paths you can pursue with a Network+ certification, and there are many good reasons to pursue that certification.

· You can show employers that you have skills that are respected throughout the IT industry.

· Prepare for a career in networking and IT.

· Build a network and IT infrastructure skills and knowledge base covering troubleshooting, maintenance, and network administration.

· Unlike other manufacturer-specific certificates, the CompTIA Network+ certificate prepares you for a career in network support regardless of platform.

This certificate is characterized by the fact that it is the only one that covers both wired and wireless networks.

WHAT IS NETWORK+ CERTIFICATION?

The CompTIA Network+ certification is an IT certification exam that confirms that you have the knowledge and skills to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, and configure wired and wireless networks. CompTIA Network+ also demonstrates a professional understanding of newer network technologies such as cloud services and virtualization. To earn CompTIA Network+ certification, you must demonstrate the skills needed to become entry-level networking professional.

SKILLS MEASURED THROUGH NETWORK+ TESTING:

Some of the skills that CompTIA Network+ measures include:

· Design, manage and troubleshoot network infrastructure, including cabling, transceivers, and device configuration.

· Installation, operation and configuration of wired and wireless networks.

· Use routers, switches, segmentation, and subnets to keep network traffic going.

· Network protocols and ports and protocol types.

· Knowledge of models and layers for an open system network (OSI).

· Distinguish and recognize different network devices.

· Resolve connectivity issues and high traffic performance issues.

· Network test, including security concept.

· Hardware and software.

· Best practices in new technologies such as virtualization and cloud computing.

NETWORK+ REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

While there is no mandatory requirement for Network + Neutral Certification for providers, CompTIA strongly recommends that you have an A+ certificate and at least nine months of network infrastructure experience or equivalent education.

NETWORK+ COMPARED TO OTHER IT CERTIFICATIONS:

All CompTIA certificates, including Network+, are vendor-neutral. If the certificate from the provider is neutral, it means that the basic knowledge can be used for various information technology products and applications. Vendor-specific certifications convey IT knowledge of specific technologies such as Microsoft, Oracle, and Cisco.

Comparable vendor-specific IT certifications include Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) / Networking Fundamentals and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

NETWORK+ VS CCNA VS MTA

Both Network+ certification and CCNA test competency for network-related work assignments. However, CCNA is Cisco-specific, and the Network+ certification prepares you for network ownership regardless of vendor.

The MTA certificate is not based on a specific position but is an introduction to Microsoft networking solutions.

NETWORK + VS A + VS SECURITY +

CompTIA offers A+, Network+ and Security+ certificates.

The CompTIA A+ certification covers a broad range of IT knowledge, including mobile devices, networking, computer hardware and cloud computing, operating system maintenance and troubleshooting. The CompTIA A+ certification is a foundational certificate that is sought after by employers.

The CompTIA Network+ certification focuses on networking concepts and applications. To earn the CompTIA Network + Certificate, you need to know how to troubleshoot, configure and manage commonly wired and wireless network devices, set up basic network design and connectivity, maintain network documentation, understand virtual networks, and identify network limitations and vulnerabilities, and implement security networks, Standards and protocols. This certificate prepares you for IT networking.

CompTIA Security+ certification enhances your understanding of networking concepts such as ports and network tools. To obtain Security+ Certification, you must have knowledge of risk and threat detection, risk management, intrusion detection, implementation of security controls to maintain confidentiality and integrity, identification of appropriate technologies and products, troubleshooting of security events and incidents, attack vulnerabilities, have control access and cryptography while working with an awareness of applicable policies, laws and regulations.

WHICH WORKSHOPS CAN YOU GET WITH NETWORK+ CERTIFICATION?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT employment is expected to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029. This is much faster than the average position for the same time period.

Companies are becoming increasingly dependent on computer networking and data analysis. The demand for networks is increasing. With a Network+ certificate, you can qualify for a wide variety of IT jobs, including:

· Computer Technician

· Network Support Specialist

· Network System Engineer

· Network Analyzer

· Network Administrator

· Computer Expert

· System Technician

· Network Technician In The Field

· Help Desk Technician

· Junior Systems Engineer

· System Technician

Network+ certification can also be a step towards other positions, such as

· Security Specialist

· Network System Developer

· Information Systems Consultant

Some of the more advanced positions require certificates other than Network+. Sometimes you need a CCNA or MCSE as well as some hands-on experience to qualify for advanced work.

NETWORK+ PREPARATION CERTIFICATION OPTIONS

The Network+ Exam consists of 90 questions and lasts 90 minutes. The questions will be multiple-choice, drag and drop, and performance-based. The number of points passed is 720 points on a scale of 100 to 900. The current version is CompTIA Network+ (N10–007), which was introduced in March 2018. The CompTIA exam is usually withdrawn after three years, and a new version is introduced.

The next version of CompTIA Network+ is N10–008 and is expected to be available in Fall 2021. Vinsys is currently preparing an updated training course for the new Network+ as soon as it is introduced.

Here are some ways to study for the Network+ exam.

Instructor-led training

CompTIA works with several certification training organizations, in-class or online. This instructor-led program must contain course material that focuses on the latest objectives of the Network + Certification Exam.

Practical exam

Solving 90 questions in one hour and a half needs speed and accuracy. Live exams let you practice solving complex network problems quickly.

Prepare yourself

CompTIA provides online exam objectives with detailed descriptions of the five main domains that will appear on the exam. Self-study is a way to learn and retain knowledge in preparation for certification exams.

Here are the five exam domains you need to study:

1. Network concept. Ports and protocols, routing and switching concepts, cloud concepts.

2. Infrastructure. Advanced network equipment, WAN technology.

3. Network operations. Compare and contrast the concepts of business continuity and disaster recovery (e.g. backup, fault tolerance); Identify policies and best practices (e.g., data loss prevention, remote access).

4. Network security. Authentication and Access, Network Attack Prevention, Network Security Best Practices.

5. Network troubleshooting and tools. Based on a scenario that describes the troubleshooting methodology, diagnoses cable connection issues, service issues, and performance.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF NETWORK+ CERTIFICATION?

Suppose you are pursuing a career in information technology. In that case, the Network + Certificate is an entry-level certificate that, when paired with the CompTIA A+ Certificate, can make IT candidates stand out when looking for work.

The Network+ Certificate gives you an in-depth understanding of networking concepts, network troubleshooting, and disaster recovery. With this certificate, you can switch to another CompTIA certificate or a manufacturer-specific certificate such as CCNA.

WHAT OTHER REASONS TO ACCEPT NETWORK + CERTIFICATION?

The CompTIA certification builds on the former, and depending on which path you choose, and you can qualify for a variety of IT positions. Network certification is required for almost every certification path.

Microsoft added the CompTIA Network+ certification to the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification program.

Some hiring managers are specifically looking for the Network+ certification. Many companies, including corporate-level companies, are looking for Network + Certificates.

SOME ENTREPRENEURS NEED NETWORKS+

Companies such as Apple, Best Buy, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Canon, Dell, HP, Ricoh, US Department of Defense, and Verizon seek CompTIA Network+ certification when they are hired.

READY TO START YOUR CAREER?

If you have questions about Network+ Certification or any other CompTIA certification, we have the answers. You can contact us at training.us@vinsys.com.

Are you ready for your professional training? Fill out your online application now!

We look forward to helping you develop your IT career.

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