CompTIA Network+ (N10-008)

Each module of the Network+ training course addresses a particular area of expertise necessary to succeed as a network technician or administrator.

Kelly Handerhan kicks off the course to discuss prerequisites, target audiences, and how the updated CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) exam compares with the previous N10-007 exam. Module 1, “Networking Concepts,” defines key terms technicians are expected to know and understand, as well as examining common protocols and their use. In Module 2, IP Addressing is covered by exploring IPv4, IPv6, and an in-depth discussion on subnetting. Module 3’s “Network Infrastructure” explores media and network connectivity devices, primarily focusing on switches, routers, VLANs and firewalls, while examining both placement and function.

Module 4, “Virtualization, Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT)” Introduces technologies that are rapidly evolving and creating new solutions every day. Module 5 looks at “Network Operations” and the day-to-day operations necessary to maintain a successful networking environment. Topics include policies and procedures, network monitoring, fault tolerance and business continuity. Module 6 introduces Network Security topics, examining physical security and network authentication. Kerberos, SAML, and other single sign-on topics will be introduced. Module 7 details the troubleshooting process for most areas of operation. Module 8 wraps up the course with Risk Management and Emerging Technologies content that is exclusive to the N10-008 exam, including risk management, cloud security, virtualization, and cellular technology topics. Both hardware and software tools will be examined.

CompTIA Network+ certification provides you with the education to begin a career in network administration. This online course teaches the skills needed to create, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wireless and wired networks.

In addition to building your networking skill set, this course is also designed to prepare you for the Network+ certification exam, a distinction that can open a myriad of job opportunities from major companies.

Welcome to the CompTIA Network+ online course

The number one benefit of information technology is that it empowers people to do what they want to do... It lets people learn things they didn't think they could learn before, and so in a sense, it is all about potential. -Steve Ballmer

Like the A+, the Network+ training provides entry-level skills that provide the foundation to a career in network administration. The Network+ is recognized by employers globally as a statement that an individual has a core set of skills required for most entry-level IT jobs everywhere. Everyone deserves a chance to begin or advance in their IT career.

About the CompTIA Network+ Certification Training

This Network+ course is recommended for individuals who work in, or are looking to get into networking, cabling and systems administration, prior experience is not required. In addition to building one's networking skill set, this course is also designed to prepare an individual for the CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) exam, a distinction that can open a myriad of job opportunities from major companies.

The IT industry is a stable and rapidly growing field and the demand for network professionals is continuing to grow. This certification is a valuable credential to help start or enhance your future networking career.

If you enjoy this course, be sure to check out the Cisco CCNA training class next!

About the CompTIA Network+ Exam

In order to earn the official certification for CompTIA Network+, you must take one required exam. Test-takers must score a 720/900 on the 90-minute, 100-question exam. The exam may be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center globally.

Certifications are valid for three years. Reestablishing your certification status requires certain guidelines to be met. For more information on maintaining the CompTIA Network+ certification, visit CompTIA's website.

What is Involved in the CompTIA Network+ Course?

The curriculum for this online training covers a wide range of network skills and knowledge. You will learn technologies for wired and wireless networks, media and network topologies, installation and configuration, management and security best practices. Additionally, the course covers internet utilities, ports and protocols, connection devices, network models, TCP/IP, DNS and URLs, and network troubleshooting. Upon completing Cybrary's Network+ training, you will have the knowledge and tools to identify different types of networks, distinguish the features of VPN and VLAN, differentiate and implement wiring standards, and identify basic network attack types. This course will prepare you to successfully complete your Network+ certification. CompTIA Network+ has 31 hrs., 52 mins. of total clock time.

Who Should Take the CompTIA Network+ Online Course?

The CompTIA Network+ training is designed for individuals who are looking to enter the IT industry in the networking, cabling and systems administration industry. The course is ideal for people who are already working in the field, but who are not yet certified. However, it is also a good fit for individuals who have no prior experience but want to get started in networking.

Why Should I Get Network+ Certified?

Passing the CompTIA Network+ exam and earning a certification shows prospective employers that you have the ability and knowledge to oversee important and proprietary networks in light of current best practices. Network+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential that is recognized and preferred worldwide, and it will provide you with access to career opportunities that you won't have without it. Certification demonstrates dedication, industry-recognized proof of achievement, and provides added opportunities for career advancement.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Network Plus Certification?

A CompTIA certification is well-known and globally recognized in 120 countries. When you have a Network+ certification from CompTIA, your credentials will be among the most sought-after all around the world. It's a certification that greatly enhances career opportunities for anyone who holds it. That's why it's important that you thoroughly prepare for the certification exam. Studying hard and taking a Network+ training course will ensure that you have the knowledge and know the concepts needed to pass the exam with flying colors. How long exam prep takes varies depending on each individual. Some of the factors that affect the timing are:

• how long you have been working with networks
• how much network experience you have
• how much time you have to study daily or weekly
• how long your network training course is

For most Network+ exam takers, the length of time spent taking an online training course, studying, and completing practice exams, averaged at about 12 weeks. However, that timeframe can vary widely. For example, someone who has been working with networking concepts and technologies for an extended amount of time but hasn't yet taken the certification exam may only need a month or so to brush up and study the latest technologies. For someone who has worked in the industry for less than a year, it may take significantly longer.

While much of the Network+ exam is multiple-choice questions, there are also performance-based questions that require you to perform a specific task or solve a specific problem in a simulated environment. You can see why someone with more work experience may not need to study for as long as someone with less. The important thing to make sure of before you sit the exam is that you are able to complete practice exams within the allotted time period of 90 minutes, and that you score 90% or higher. Then, when you actually take the Network+ exam, you won't have any difficulty earning a passing score (720 out of 100-900).

What is Involved in the CompTIA Network+ Exam?

Testing for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam (N10-008) covers configuring, managing, and troubleshooting wired and wireless network devices. Additionally, new technologies like unified communications, cloud, mobile, virtual, and wireless technologies are covered.

The CompTIA Network+ exam is made up of 90 questions and includes multiple-choice, drag and drop, and performance-based problems. You will have up to 90 minutes to complete the exam. To successfully pass the certification exam, you have to score 720 out of 900.

It is recommended that you have completed CompTIA A+ certification and that you have at least nine months of networking experience before taking the CompTIA Network+ exam, but it is not required.

Your certification will be valid for three years, at which time you will have to renew. Contact CompTIA for more information on this and other certifications.

What Types of Jobs Will CompTIA Network+ Certification Prepare Me For?

Network+ certification can open the doors for a wide range of in-demand IT business opportunities. Becoming Network+ certified is a step in the right direction for a career in either networking or telecommunications. Many reputable corporations require that job candidates are Network+ certified professionals, including Apple, Cisco, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Novell, and Microsoft includes Network+ certification in their Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification program, which offers an advantage in the current job market.

Certification in Network+ will prepare you for positions such as network field technician, network field engineer, network administrator, help desk technician, network support specialist, network security specialist, network analyst, network designer, and many more jobs in network operations.

Additionally, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) IT positions are open to Network+ certified applicants, as the certification meets the DoD directive requirements.

What Jobs Can I Get with a Network Plus Certification?

Once you have successfully completed your CompTIA Network Plus certification, received your certificate and card with your CompTIA certification number on it, you're ready to strike out and find a job that will utilize your new credentials. What's great about the Network+ certification is that it's not vendor-specific, so it allows you to search for jobs that use most any type of network – increasing your options greatly. As a certified Network+ professional, there are many positions that are open to you, and many career paths you can take. Don't let the idea that this certification is entry level dissuade you from looking for various types of IT positions. Consider some of the following jobs as you begin your search:

• Technician – As a technician, your role will generally be troubleshooting network problems, much like the problems on the certification exam. You will also likely be responsible for installing network equipment. The technician position is the most obvious and it leaves a lot of room and opportunity for advancement.
• Administrator – Although some further training may be needed to become an Administrator, there are organizations that will look at other previous work experience you have, and using that along with Network+ certification, consider you for the position. As an Administrator, your role would be managing network issues day-to-day, troubleshooting problems, reducing any network downtime, and other network operations.
• Security Specialist – In the IT industry, cybersecurity is the field that is growing the fastest. Networking is the most crucial aspect of IT security positions, so it is typically required that candidates seeking employment in this area have a Network+ certification.
• Teaching and Training – Of course, anytime you receive a certification, it almost always means that you are qualified to teach others in the field or on your team. You now have the knowledge and skills to seek a position as a teacher or trainer for the Network+ students of the future.
• Other Paths – Besides the above, which are the most common, there are other tracks that utilize Network+ certified professionals. Some of those positions include network forensics specialist, network systems development specialist, systems analyst, networking equipment purchasing or sales specialist, and network analyst.

The important thing to remember is that while the Network+ certification may be among the first certifications you sought to complete because it provides you with the fundamentals in networking concepts, it is an extremely valuable one that will help you as you start or continue your IT career.