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.