A+, Network+, Security+ Exams in a Nutshell

Chapter 7. Overview of the Network+ Exam

CompTIA’s Network+ certification is for those individuals who intend to prove their expertise in computer networking. You will need to pass only one exam (Exam N10-003) to get this certification. This exam tests your foundation-level knowledge of network media and topologies; protocols and standards; and network implementation and support. A Network+ certified individual is considered to have proven skills in general networking concepts, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of basic networking hardware. CompTIA’s Network+ certification is vendor-neutral and is recognized worldwide.

One good thing about CompTIA’s certifications is that they do not expire. In other words, CompTIA’s certifications are good for life. You do not have to recertify if the exam objectives change. I still recommend that you check CompTIA’s Network+ exam web site from time to time at http://certification.comptia.org/network for news and updates on exam objectives.

The approximate percentage of coverage for each domain in the Network+ exam is given in Table 7-1.

Table 7-1. Network+ exam domains and percentage of coverage

Domain	Percentage of coverage
Media and Topologies	20 percent
Protocols and Standards	20 percent
Network Implementation	25 percent
Network Support	35 percent

CompTIA recommends that in order to pass the Network+ exam, a candidate should have at least nine months of hands-on experience working in a networked computer environment. It is also recommended ...