Network+ Study Guide

Why Become Network+ Certified?

The Network+ certification is a relatively new certification, but it is the next certification in a line of CompTIA certifications starting with the A+ certification. Because CompTIA is a well-respected developer of vendor neutral industry certifications, getting Network+ certified indicates that you are competent in the specific areas tested by Network+.

Three major benefits are associated with becoming Network+ certified:

• Proof of professional achievement

• Opportunity for advancement

• Fulfillment of training requirements

Proof of Professional Achievement

Networking professionals are competing these days to see who can get the most certifications. And because the Network+ certification is broad and it covers the entire field of networking, technicians want this certification rather than only Microsoft or only Novell, for example. Thus, it can be a challenge to prepare for the Network+ exam. Passing the exam, however, certifies that you have achieved a certain level of knowledge about vendor- independent networking-related subjects.

Opportunity for Advancement

We all like to get ahead in our careers. With advancement comes more responsibility, to be sure, but usually it means more money and greater opportunities. In the information technology area, this usually can be accomplished by obtaining multiple technology certifications, including Network+.

Network+, because of its wide-reaching industry support, is recognized as a baseline of networking information. Some companies specify that Network+ certification will result in a pay raise at review time. And some companies specify that Network+ certification, in conjunction with A+ certification, is required either before an employee’s next review or as a condition of employment.

Fulfillment of Training Requirements

A training requirement can be mandated by your employer, as just mentioned, or it can be required as part of another certification. There has been talk of using the Network+ certification as a prerequisite to, or as part of, other vendors’ certifications. And I think it’s a natural fit. For example, training for both the Novell and the Microsoft certification programs (CNE and MCSE) includes a course in the essential networking technologies. Because the Network+ exam covers network fundamentals and is vendor neutral, it may be a good replacement for the Microsoft or the Novell exam.