What Is the Network+ Certification?

comptia network+ jobs no experience

Introduction

The labor market for information technology professionals will remain robust for the next decade. Market intelligence company International Data Corp. estimates that the IT industry will globally add more than 4 million well-paying jobs through 2027. In the United States, the U.S. Labor and Employment Bureau estimates that the computer and information technology sector will grow faster than the average across all sectors, with a 13 percent growth in IT jobs between 2016 and 2026.

Despite such high demand for IT professionals, it’s not guaranteed that you will find a job. Even if you’re not competing against a large pool of applicants, it’s important to prove to a potential employer that you’re qualified for the role. Professional IT certifications are a good way to show that you have the technical skills, and hiring managers often see them as performance indicators. And certifications can help you not only prove your skills and knowledge to a potential employer, but also advance your career and stay competitive.

If you’re interested in the network infrastructure field, CompTIA’s Network+ certification is a good way to demonstrate that you have the foundation required for an entry- to mid-level job. As a core-level credential, the Network+ certification covers areas such as network management, troubleshooting and configuration, skills which are necessary for many network jobs.

A nonprofit trade association, CompTIA is recognized globally as a leading provider of vendor-neutral professional IT certifications. Although the Network+ certification is geared toward entry-level practitioners such as network support specialists, network administrators and help desk technicians, it also provides the expertise that can be valuable in other IT fields.

What Is the Network+ Certification?

Established in the ‘90s, CompTIA is a membership association that has certified more than two million professionals since its inception. Its comprehensive training and certification programs range from basic to advanced and specialized areas. In addition to certifications, the association focuses on educational programs, networking events, research, advocacy and other activities that help advance the IT profession.

The Network+ certification is among CompTIA’s core offerings designed to build foundational skills. CompTIA reviews all its exams regularly to ensure they reflect the most current industry practices. The most current Network+ exam, N10-007, was launched in March 2018 and will be effective for three years. This version was updated to add new topics such as security and network resiliency.

The certification covers five domains:

• Networking concepts
• Infrastructure
• Network operations
• Network security
• Networking troubleshooting and tools

Who Should Earn the Network+ Credential?

CompTIA considers the Network+ as the next step after its A+ certification, another in its series of four core certs. While A+ covers the basics of networking, Network+ takes a closer look at aspects such as:

• Designing and implementing networks
• Understanding wired and wireless network technologies and topologies
• Implementing network security standards, configurations and protocols
• Configuring, maintaining and managing network devices such as firewalls, routers and switches
• Troubleshooting network configurations and other issues
• Understanding and implementing best practices for network operations, including disaster recovery and business continuity

This certification demonstrates that you have a basic understanding of enterprise technologies, making it ideal for anyone who’s in the early stages of their network career. However, those who want to advance to more senior roles should also consider it. Some of the jobs that will benefit from Network+ the most include:

• Computer technician
• Help desk technician
• Network support specialist
• Network administrator
• Network analyst
• Systems engineer
• Systems administrator or analyst

The certification can serve not only as a stepping stone for career advancement but also  provide a solid understanding of networking for other IT roles. Some of the other paths that the Network+ certification could fit include:

• Security specialist
• Web and network systems developer
• Information systems consultant

A review of PayScale’s data for Network+ certifications shows that the average salary earned by IT professionals who have this credential is $62,000, with job titles that include network engineer, IT director and IT manager.

Requirements for Obtaining the Certification

To take the Network+ exam, you do not need any previous IT experience. However, CompTIA recommends at least nine to 12 months of experience in the networking field. The A+ certification is also recommended but not required.

If you have experience in networking, you will find it much easier to prepare for the multiple-question certification exam. A variety of training and exam-prep options are available for those who don’t have a good foundation in networking or just want to brush up on their knowledge of current practices.

Network Support Technician Job Description

network support technician salary

Network support technicians undertake tasks related to network development and maintenance. They also troubleshoot computer issues and provide technical support and guidance to employees. The purpose of this job is to create and maintain well-functioning network systems that help the business operate smoothly. Network support technicians usually work full-time hours. Because companies often require their computer systems to run constantly, evening and weekend work may also be required. This job is well suited to people who enjoy working with technology, have strong problem-solving skills, and take an analytical approach to their work.

Network Support Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Network support technicians carry out a variety of duties depending on the organization they work for. Based on job listings we analyzed, their duties typically include:

Design and Install Computer Networks

One of the network support technician’s primary tasks is designing and installing computer networks that run as effectively as possible to best serve the company’s business goals and daily operations. This involves checking connections and cabling and testing that devices are working as they should.

Troubleshoot System Failures

Network support technicians inspect system failures to identify the problem and highlight any bottlenecks that could slow down the network. They ensure the network and infrastructure are as efficient as possible and fix any problems or bugs that have been identified.

Test Software

A key part of this job is testing software to configure it correctly, in addition to maintaining or repairing hardware and devices when issues arise. Regular tests and data backups are performed regularly throughout the year to ensure the system works efficiently at all times and to protect the company’s data.

Organize Upgrade Schedules

Network support technicians regularly organize and plan system maintenance to check everything is running as it should. They schedule these checks in advance to avoid interrupting daily workflow. They also evaluate the network’s performance to see if it can be improved.

Provide Technical Guidance

Network support technicians help colleagues or clients with their computer and network usage problems, offering technical direction, instructions, and advice where they can to resolve the issues.

Is a CompTIA A+ worth it?

comptia a+ certification salary

The new CompTIA A+ certification proves you know IT fundamentals

A+ critics say the exam is only good as a basic IT competency check. But that seems like a good thing?  While it’s true A+ certification won’t land you a senior role or coveted technical position, it definitely has its place in your certification toolbox.

If you’re coming into IT without experience, studying for exams help you learn the basics. The A+ exam might only be 90 questions, but you obviously don’t know which questions. It’s like the trick where the teacher or instructor allows a cheat sheet for an exam. By the time you’ve created the cheat sheet, you don’t need it.

For tinkerers, the A+ will be a little easier — and it will help validate your knowledge. If you’ve already been building PCs and installing operating systems, then you’d easily pass the 700-series exams from years ago. But the latest A+ exams released this month covers IT security, cloud concepts, and scripting that a hobbyist might not have touched yet.

It’s easier to get a job with a certification. Passing the new CompTIA A+ confirms you know your stuff in an industry-approved way. Hobbyist experience is great. You’ll certainly thrive in a support role, but that experience won’t hold the same authority on a resume compared to A+ certification. Certifications are a basic competency assurance for an employer. And that’s exactly what a person needs if they have no experience in IT.

3. Resolve common issues faster with A+ certification

In this day and age of service-level agreements, why get your hands dirty? You can simply call the vendor and have them resolve the issues. But wouldn’t it be quicker if you could just do it yourself?

Yes, it is true that most companies will send out their own service technicians to repair most hardware on site. But some manufacturers will ask you to perform the first line troubleshooting with them over the phone. They can help you point and click, but it’s easier if you can narrow it down in the correct terms. The A+ can help with that — the new exams cover a bevy of operating systems and demonstrate that you can be trusted with a screwdriver. After all, not everyone should be opening a computer, printer, or server.

An added bonus, when you save the day by resolving that printer issue, you’ll be the office hero. That doesn’t happen very often for IT pros.

4. Develop certification study habits with the new A+ certification

If you’re brand new to the IT certification process, you should take a long hard look at the new CompTIA A+ exam. By now, you’ve learned that the certification provides a strong foundation for an IT career. But if you want to earn the certification, you need to develop good study habits.

Certifications are a big part of a career in IT, which means you’ll need to learn how to study for them. If the A+ is your first exam, then you’re learning the CompTIA way of testing. You’ll be learning how to use the course objectives to build a study plan. You’ll even be learning how the exam day logistics, like what ID to bring and what it feels like to sit for a 90-minute exam.

Even though CompTIA A+ is relatively straightforward, it should not be taken lightly. There are the obvious monetary implications for not passing — the exams cost $219 for each attempt. You’re also building study habits — good or bad — that will inevitably carry over to other CompTIA certifications.

5. CompTIA A+ costs less than a computer science degree

We’ve debated certifications versus degrees because it’s an important, personal decision. Even our trainers are split on the topic. Depending on who you ask, degrees are great. They’re transferable, useful, and they never expire. So if you want a degree, go for it. That said, going that route will cost more and take longer than earning the new A+ certification.

The CompTIA A+ certification exams alone will cost $438. A computer science degree is going to cost quite a bit more. For a two-year CS associate program, the average cost per year is $20,784 USD.  And let’s be honest, degrees aren’t for everyone.

The utility of either education lies in how you plan on using it. If you are pursuing a career in CPU design or complex mathematical computation, then a computer science degree is obviously going to be the better choice.

If you plan on working for a small IT firm that does break and fix repairs, then you land that job with a certification. You’ll be better served by earning A+ certification. The bottom line is thinking about where you plan on going with your career — and find the tools that will help you get there.

6. If you want to get hands-on, the CompTIA A+ is a good start

There’s a general notion that A+ is only good for a job repairing computers or working the help desk. (As though that were a bad thing.)

Not everyone aspires to the CCIE or an AWS Solutions Architect. And *gasp*, maybe you actually enjoy interacting with people. Let’s be honest, some IT jobs consist of long hours staring at screens and hanging out in server rooms. Not exactly the best fit if you’re a more social person.

Besides, you’ve got to start somewhere. The help desk is the first stop for many IT pros. And to land that first job, the A+ really helps. You can stay there, or specialize when you discover a passion.

Is the CompTIA A+ worth it?

Earning A+ certification can open a lot of doors for you. Whether it’s networking or IT security, the new A+ provides you with the foundational knowledge you need to be successful in all areas of IT. When you’re ready to narrow your focus and go-vendor specific, your A+ certification will certainly have been worth it.

There’s a lot of reasons to earn A+ certification, so don’t let naysayers deter you. Even if your aspirations are higher up the IT ladder, certifying in A+ isn’t going to hurt you. Earning certs shows a strong commitment to learning and keeping your skills current.

CompTIA A+ certification demonstrates competence as an entry-level IT Technician.

a+ certified salary

CompTIA A+ certification validates entry-level skills in today's essential IT domains, including computer repair, software & operating systems, network administration, information security, cloud computing, and troubleshooting of both desktops and mobile devices. A+ certified technicians also learn customer service & communication skills in order to effectively interact with technical and non-technical employees.

CompTIA A+ certification is an ideal starting point in the learning plan of a new IT professional because:

• The A+ certification exam demands no prerequisites.
• A+ certification introduces candidates to the essential IT domains.
• A+ certification is globally recognized as the mark of a skilled entry-level technician.
• A+ certification is a mandatory hiring requirement for a variety of entry-level IT jobs.
• A+ certification is a requirement or elective in the advanced certification paths of leading technology vendors, including Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, HP, and IBM.

There are numerous accredited degrees, professional certificates and self-paced online training programs featuring A+ certification exam prep and related coursework. Research and compare A+ training programs in the U.S. and online below.

Skills Measured by CompTIA A+ Certification

Here are the key skills and knowledge areas measured by the A+ certification exam. A+ certified professionals:

• understand the basics of computer and mobile device hardware, software, networking and security.
• can identify PC hardware, peripherals and network components in a business environment.
• can categorize and explain multiple types of data storage devices and backup media.
• can describe in detail the types and features of motherboard components.
• know how to follow proper computer safety procedures and best practices.
• have interpersonal communication skills to better interact with peers and customers.
• can setup and manage popular operating systems inc. Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux.
• can install and configure input devices, e.g., keyboards, mice, bio-metric scanners and touch screens.
• can implement a variety of troubleshooting techniques to fix system errors and connectivity issues.

Download the CompTIA A Plus Exam Objectives below for a more thorough curriculum.

What are some of the best certifications to have?

best entry level it certifications

Top 10 Certifications You Can Get In 2020

2020 is almost approaching. What is your resolution for 2020??

If you are a career-oriented person then upskill yourself with the best certification to stay relevant and grab new opportunities in the coming years. 

Below are the Top 10 certifications that you can have!

1. Agile and Scrum 

Agile and Scrum are very popular certifications as of today.

Agile methodology is more adaptable to changes as per requirements throughout the course of the project. 

Commonly considered as a framework in agile project management, Scrum outlines a set of meetings, tools, and roles that work in harmony to help team structure and conduct their work.

Through this certification, you will be able to learn the Agile and Scrum framework and gain an understanding of team roles, events, and artifacts, as well as how to guide agile teams through a project successfully.

According to Payscale, in 2019, the average annual pay for a Certified Scrum Master in the United States is $115,700 a year.

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect

It is one of the most popular cloud computing certifications. From storing and sharing files using google drive to watching movies on Netflix, everything is on the cloud. From the user base itself, it’s evident that cloud computing is a necessity today. If you are a person who wants to build a career in the cloud, then AWS certification is the best to start with. You can start with a basic level such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate and gradually move up the ladder with next step certifications.

That’s because AWS is more popular than its 10 other competitors like Azure, Google Cloud, etc.

The average salary of an AWS solutions architect is $123,700 per year according to  Indeed.Com

According to Enlyft, a marketing intelligence company, 47% of Amazon AWS customers are in the United States and that’s a lot of companies that can bring job opportunities for you. 

However, prior to taking an exam, you should have hands-on experience with AWS services and architecting large-scale distributed systems.

3. CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional

It is one of the globally recognized IT security professional's technical skills. Companies usually look for applicants who have completed the CISSP exam because applicants with the CISSP certifications are sufficiently educated about cybersecurity and have hands-on experience of at least 5 years. 

This experience can be earned in a minimum of two of the eight cybersecurity knowledge domains. 

As per Indeed, there has been a sudden increase in demand for cybersecurity skills by 7% in the US. That’s good news! Isn’t it?

According to Payscale, the salary of a CISSP certified individual ranges from $87,000 to $165,000 depending on the years of experience in the USA as of August 2019.

4. Cisco Certifications

Within Cisco Certifications, the two very popular and valuable certifications are CCNA (Cisco certified network associate) and CCNP (Cisco certified network professional)

CCNA primarily focuses on developing appropriate skills to meet the speedy deployment of technologies in today’s complex networking environment.

Once you are a CCNA certified you can choose different paths that interest you, such as: 

- CCNA Security - It deals in troubleshooting and monitoring network devices.

- CCNA Voice - It deals with VoIP, handset, voiceover mail, etc.

- CCNA Wireless - It deals with using Cisco equipment in configuring, implementing, and supporting wireless LANs

The majority of MNCs, as well as medium-sized companies, use Cisco products, which means they need people who can help with seamless operations while using those products.

In the US, the average salary of a CCNA certified professional ranges from $72,000 to $100,000 as of August 2019, according to Payscale.

CCNP - One of the most popular certifications in the field of networking. This certification is usually preferred by CCNA as this helps them to scale up one’s career. CCNP will help you to validate your proficiency in planning, implementing, managing and troubleshooting WANs and LANs in business environments. It also helps you make aware of how to work in collaboration with other experts to manage wireless, voice, video and security solutions.

CCNP certified professionals earn $92,000 on an average per year which can go high up to $122,000 depending upon the experience according to payscale in August 2019.

5. PMP - Project Management Professional

It is one of the most recognized certifications globally in today’s date. It is created and administered by PMI - Project Management Institute. According to recruiters, the certificate adds immense value to your leadership skills and in addition, the PMP® certification brings a 22–25% increase over non-certified peers. 

PMP helps you examine yourself in five criteria; initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. The results provide you a clear picture of your capability and also for recruiters to choose you over others.

However, there are prior requirements to become PMP certified. You should have a bachelor’s degree with at least 4500 hours of project management experience and if you don’t have a bachelor's degree then you would need to have 7500 hrs of project management experience. And lastly, you need to have a 35-hour contact certificate to take the exam and you are good to go.

According to a survey done by PMI in 2019, Project managers take-home salary is $112,000 annually in the States and earns 23 percent higher than one without PMP certification.

Project Management includes other certifications such as CAPM, PRINCE 2 Foundation, PRINCE 2 practitioner and PRINCE 2 combo. 

6. CompTIA A+

With this particular certification, you will have a complete fundamental knowledge of hardware and software. You’ll also learn about troubleshooting a wide range of devices, from computers to smartphones.

The examination is outlined to certify the capability of entry-level personal computer service professionals in installing, operating, customizing, and maintaining personal computers and other devices.

In the US, a CompTIA A+ certified professional earns about $59,000 on an average per year according to PayScale as of August 2019.

7. ITIL 

ITIL or Information Technology Infrastructure Library is a set of best practices for IT service management. ITIL concentrates on adjusting or arranging on the IT services according to the requirements of the companies.

It includes a list of relevant specializations such as IT operations, capacity management, incident management, and availability management, to name a few. Best practices intend to manage or lessen IT costs, improve IT services, and balance IT resources.

You can start with the ITIL Foundation course which will give a brief understanding of the IT service lifecycle.

According to Ziprecruiter.com the majority of ITIL Foundation salaries as of August 2019, range between $52,000 to $118,500 across the United States.

8. Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)

GIAC provides a set of vendor-neutral computer security certifications. It offers 30+ specific information security certifications. The objective of these certifications is to focus on job-based capabilities rather than providing a standard course to all. The certification process approves the specific abilities of security professionals and developers with standards established on the most important benchmarks in the industry.

An increase in the number of devices and networks calls for more threat. It leads to the demand for highly skilled people to manage the threats and eliminate them.

According to PayScale August 2019, a GIAC certified can earn an average of $90,000 per year in the US.

9. MCSE - Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert

The MCSE certification will help if you are an IT Professional to validate your technical expertise through accurate, industry-proven, and industry-recognized exams.

MCSE certifications show the skills to design and build advanced solutions that integrate multiple Microsoft technologies.

Prior to doing MCSE, you will have to complete MCSA certification which will validate your ability to build and design solutions using core Microsoft technologies.

MCSE has various other certifications under it such as MCSE: Business Application, MCSE: Core Infrastructure, MCSE: Data Management & Analytics, MCSE: Mobility, and MCSE: Productivity.

The demand for skilled cloud specialists has exponentially increased due to a multi-cloud strategy approach taken by most businesses.

According to Payscale the average salary in the US for Microsoft certified solution expert is $92,000 per year as of August 2019.

10. CEH - Certified Ethical Hacker

In today’s date hiring an ethical hacker is not a choice but a necessity. If you wish to become one, you will have the ability to understand and know how to look for vulnerabilities in target systems. 

You will also be able to use the same expertise and means as a hacker but strictly aligned with the law to evaluate the security posture of a target system.

Not only in the US but also in other countries malicious hacking is a strict offense. However, one should have the same technical skills that hackers possess to catch a criminal. 

A Certified Ethical Hacker certification indicates your knowledge in network security, particularly in preventing malicious hacking attacks through pre-emptive countermeasures.

In the US, a Certified Ethical Hacker earns on an average of $90,000 per year according to Payscale as of July 2019.

Conclusion

Up your game this 2020 with relevant certifications! You can either jump into the rapidly growing fields such as cybersecurity and cloud. You can upskill yourself staying in the current area to face new opportunities as well as challenges. Regardless, you can choose a certification that aligns with your career interest. However, these certifications would help you in gaining a position you are aspiring to and would be a differentiator among the others.

What Is A+ Certification? Your Ticket to an A+ Resume

comptia a+ resume

There's a truth that people applying for IT jobs need to keep in mind: most recruiters know next to nothing about IT. You'll get a blank stare when you ask them, "What is A+ certification?"

Finding an IT job is usually an exasperating experience, and perhaps the biggest frustration is simply getting your resume noticed. You know you’ve got what it takes, but employers are deluged with candidates. Getting them to acknowledge you can seem like hoping the star quarterback can hear you cheering from the upper deck in a stadium full of fans.

Let Your Resume Do The Talking

As you search for a job in IT and work with recruiters, you may discover that most of them know next to nothing about IT. If you ask, for example, whether or not you should get an A+ professional certification, they will either just say “yes” automatically—because they assume it must be a good idea—or you get a blank stare because they don’t know what A+ certification is!

However, hiring managers who are also IT professionals know that an A+ certification is one of the most widely-respected credentials for entry-level IT candidates. Their screeners won't necessarily know what the certification represents, but when they see it on your resume, they'll know you’re a legitimate IT pro.

When it comes to getting your resume recognized by non-IT and IT professionals, earning an A+ certification is the A+ move. Even if you already have an Associate’s or even a Bachelor’s degree, adding an A+ certification to your resume proves you really know the practical basics of IT.

In this blog, we will take you through some of the most common questions that entry-level IT pros have often asked about A+ certification. Knowing what lies ahead just might help you complete your journey successfully and perhaps even sooner than you think.

What is A+ certification?

Offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), A+ certification is one of the industry's most well-known credentials. CompTIA certifications recommends 9-12 months of hands-on experience in an IT lab or in the field before taking the tests.

for more: https://www.fieldengineer.com/skills/comptia-a-plus

A+ is recognized by international-standards bodies like ISO, big tech companies, and government agencies as a legitimate measure of an IT professional’s knowledge. The vendor-neutral certification doesn't cover technology on specific systems, but rather the concepts behind the IT processes that vendor systems carry out.

IT pros will generally learn about vendor technologies on the job or by earning vendor-specific certifications. But if you are just entering the IT industry or have little previous experience, earning an A+ certification can go a long way toward helping you land your first job that leads to a legitimate IT career.

Why is it beneficial to earn a vendor-neutral certification?

By passing the CompTIA exam, you demonstrate that you have a foundational knowledge of the basic concepts across all the major technologies that are essential to entry-level IT operations. You understand the devices in today's work environments, which include not only servers and desktops, but also mobile devices. You're also tuned in to networking, security, operating systems and common email functions. Essentially, the CompTIA A+ certification exam proves your worthiness as a support technician that understands preventative maintenance for business IT infrastructures.

The importance of possessing general knowledge will grow as corporate help desks play a key role in keeping end users productive. Companies want their support personnel to know at least a little about everything when it comes to networking and security, and they want their IT personnel to be able to fulfill a variety of needs. If you can pinch hit for someone else in an emergency, you just might turn into an all-star!

What Is the Network+ Certification?

comptia network+ jobs no experience

Introduction

The labor market for information technology professionals will remain robust for the next decade. Market intelligence company International Data Corp. estimates that the IT industry will globally add more than 4 million well-paying jobs through 2027. In the United States, the U.S. Labor and Employment Bureau estimates that the computer and information technology sector will grow faster than the average across all sectors, with a 13 percent growth in IT jobs between 2016 and 2026.

Despite such high demand for IT professionals, it’s not guaranteed that you will find a job. Even if you’re not competing against a large pool of applicants, it’s important to prove to a potential employer that you’re qualified for the role. Professional IT certifications are a good way to show that you have the technical skills, and hiring managers often see them as performance indicators. And certifications can help you not only prove your skills and knowledge to a potential employer, but also advance your career and stay competitive.

If you’re interested in the network infrastructure field, CompTIA’s Network+ certification is a good way to demonstrate that you have the foundation required for an entry- to mid-level job. As a core-level credential, the Network+ certification covers areas such as network management, troubleshooting and configuration, skills which are necessary for many network jobs.

A nonprofit trade association, CompTIA is recognized globally as a leading provider of vendor-neutral professional IT certifications. Although the Network+ certification is geared toward entry-level practitioners such as network support specialists, network administrators and help desk technicians, it also provides the expertise that can be valuable in other IT fields.

What Is the Network+ Certification?

Established in the ‘90s, CompTIA is a membership association that has certified more than two million professionals since its inception. Its comprehensive training and certification programs range from basic to advanced and specialized areas. In addition to certifications, the association focuses on educational programs, networking events, research, advocacy and other activities that help advance the IT profession.

The Network+ certification is among CompTIA’s core offerings designed to build foundational skills. CompTIA reviews all its exams regularly to ensure they reflect the most current industry practices. The most current Network+ exam, N10-007, was launched in March 2018 and will be effective for three years. This version was updated to add new topics such as security and network resiliency.

The certification covers five domains:

• Networking concepts
• Infrastructure
• Network operations
• Network security
• Networking troubleshooting and tools

Who Should Earn the Network+ Credential?

CompTIA considers the Network+ as the next step after its A+ certification, another in its series of four core certs. While A+ covers the basics of networking, Network+ takes a closer look at aspects such as:

• Designing and implementing networks
• Understanding wired and wireless network technologies and topologies
• Implementing network security standards, configurations and protocols
• Configuring, maintaining and managing network devices such as firewalls, routers and switches
• Troubleshooting network configurations and other issues
• Understanding and implementing best practices for network operations, including disaster recovery and business continuity

This certification demonstrates that you have a basic understanding of enterprise technologies, making it ideal for anyone who’s in the early stages of their network career. However, those who want to advance to more senior roles should also consider it. Some of the jobs that will benefit from Network+ the most include:

• Computer technician
• Help desk technician
• Network support specialist
• Network administrator
• Network analyst
• Systems engineer
• Systems administrator or analyst

The certification can serve not only as a stepping stone for career advancement but also  provide a solid understanding of networking for other IT roles. Some of the other paths that the Network+ certification could fit include:

• Security specialist
• Web and network systems developer
• Information systems consultant

A review of PayScale’s data for Network+ certifications shows that the average salary earned by IT professionals who have this credential is $62,000, with job titles that include network engineer, IT director and IT manager.

Requirements for Obtaining the Certification

To take the Network+ exam, you do not need any previous IT experience. However, CompTIA recommends at least nine to 12 months of experience in the networking field. The A+ certification is also recommended but not required.

If you have experience in networking, you will find it much easier to prepare for the multiple-question certification exam. A variety of training and exam-prep options are available for those who don’t have a good foundation in networking or just want to brush up on their knowledge of current practices.