CompTIA Network+ in a Nutshell

Chapter One

Objectives
Describe the importance of CompTIA Network+ certification Illustrate the structure and contents of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam Plan a strategy to prepare for the exam

Who Needs CompTIA Network+?

I just want to Learn about Networks!

What is CompTIA Network+ Certification?

 An industry-wide, vendor-neutral certification

Developed by the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Passing shows a basic competency in the physical support of networking systems Passing shows a knowledge of conceptual aspects of networking

 Demonstrates knowledge equivalent to a network technician with nine months of networking experience Requires one computer-based, multiplechoice exam Widely recognized throughout the IT industry

What is CompTIA?

 A nonprofit industry trade association Members include computer resellers, value-added resellers, distributors, manufacturers, and training companies

 Founded in 1982 Offers certifications for a variety of computer industries A+, Network+, I-Net+, Security+, and more

CompTIA Network+ was revised in 2009

How do I become CompTIA Network+ certified?

 Pass one computer-based, multiple-choice exam

No prerequisites or networking experience No special training course or materials required

 CompTIA recommends:
Nine months network tech experience CompTIA A+ certification knowledge

What Is the Test Like?

 One Hundred multiple-choice questions Ninety-minute time limit Minimum pass score of 720 on a scale of 100-900 Objectives organized into CompTIA Network+ Domains

This table lists the domains, and the percentage of the test each represents.
CompTIA Network+ Domain 1.0 Network Technologies 2.0 Network Media and Topologies 3.0 Network Devices 4.0 Network Management Percentage 20% 20% 17% 20%

5.0 Network Tools

6.0 Network Security

12%
11%

 More About the Exam

Practical questions involving
Real-life troubleshooting scenarios Hardware and software failures What do you do next? What is the most likely problem?

 More About the Exam (cont.)

Know how to install and configure a PC to connect to a network using these skills and knowledge:
Install and test a network card Configure drivers Load all network software Know different topologies, standards, and cabling Know the OSI seven-layer model Know the protocol suites especially TCP/IP

How do I take the test?

 Go to an Authorized Testing Center

Prometric: 888-895-6116 (www.prometric.com) Pearson VUE: 877-551-7587 (www.vue.com) More info on centers at www.comptia.org

How much does the test cost?

 Price fixed by CompTIA At publication time, $239 (U.S.) for non-CompTIA members You can save money by purchasing an exam voucher through CompTIA member companies

 When registering:
Need Social Security number (or international equivalent) Pay by credit card or unique voucher number International prices vary

How to Pass the CompTIA Network+ Exam

 Keep it simple!
Read the book Practice the questions at the end of chapters Take practice tests on the CD in the back of the book Review any topics you missed

 Obligate yourself
Schedule the exam Determine necessary study time Call Prometric or Pearson VUE or register for the exam online

Set aside the right amount of study time

Table 1.1

Determining How Much Study Time You Need

None
4 2 3 5 4 3 2 8 3 2 3 2 2 4 3 3 2

Type of Experience
Installing a SOHO wireless network Installing an advanced wireless network (802.1X, RADIUS, etc.) Installing structured cabling Configuring a home router Configuring a Cisco router Configuring a software firewall Configuring a hardware firewall Configuring an IPv4 client Configuring an IPv6 client Working with SOHO WAN connection (DSL, cable) Working with an advanced WAN connection (Tx, OCx, ATM) Configuring a DNS server Configuring a DHCP server Configuring a Web application server (HTTP, FTP, SSH, etc.) Configuring a VLAN Configuring a VPN Configuring a dynamic routing protocol

Amount of Experience/Study Time (in hours) Once or Twice On Occasion Quite a Bit
2 2 2 3 2 2 2 4 3 2 3 2 1 4 3 3 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 1 1 1

 Study for the test

Historical/Conceptual: not on the test, but greatly aids understanding Test-specific: topics fit within the CompTIA Network+ certification domains