What Does CompTIA Network+ Cover?

Whether you’re looking to become a network engineer or are boosting your company’s IT toolbelt, CompTIA Network+ training can take your IT practices to the next level. While you can learn Network+ on your own, passing the CompTIA Network+ exam is easier when you’ve received formal training through an official course.

CompTIA is an acronym for Computing Technology Industry Association. CompTIA is a non-profit organization that creates vendor-neutral certification programs. Focus areas addressed in CompTIA trainings include:

• Cybersecurity
• Software and hardware operations
• Cloud computing
• Network management

In this article, we’ll dive into the Network+ certification offered by CompTIA, including specific topics covered, what jobs this certification can help you with, and more.

What Is the CompTIA Network+ Exam?

The CompTIA Network+ exam is an entry-level to mid-level certification exam. This exam has a maximum of ninety questions that are split into three question types: multiple-choice, performance-based, and drag-and-drop questions. Examinees have ninety minutes to answer these questions.

The exam covers several topics critical for professionals who want to work in the information technology (IT) industry. It zeros-in on networking concepts, including:

• Network security: Examinees should be able to summarize physical security and common cyberattacks, along with securing the wired and wireless network.
• Infrastructure: Examinees must demonstrate an understanding of proper cabling, device, and storage technologies.
• Network operations: Examinees must use best practices to determine policies, ensure business continuity, and manage the network.
• Network troubleshooting and tools: Examinees must explain the network troubleshooting procedures as well as proper tools to support connectivity and performance.
• Networking concepts: Examinees must explain the purpose of a variety of networking concepts, as well as how to implement them.

This exam certifies that the examinees have the necessary knowledge–and skills–to configure, manage, and troubleshoot wireless and wired networks in global companies. 

Unlike other certifications, CompTIA Network+ prepares candidates to support a network, regardless of its platform. Other certifications are generally vendor-specific, which can limit job opportunities or transferability of the certification.

Skills Covered In the Exam

Network+ gives you the building blocks for a successful career in the IT industry. If you are just introducing yourself to a career in this field, these skills are highly-marketable and competitive, and built through Network+ coursework and training. 

After completing Network+ coursework, you should be able to accomplish the following:

• Support the establishment of virtualized networks
• Create and maintain extensive networks
• Configure, manage, and maintain critical and noncritical network devices
• Design and implement functional networks
• Troubleshoot network problems
• Use network devices, such as switchers and routers, to segment network traffic
• Identify benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations

Prior work or hands-on experience aren’t necessary in order to attain a Network+ certification. However, if you are a beginner to the world of computer technology and IT, CompTIA recommends you take the CompTIA A+ course and exam. 

If you’re already familiar with the general concepts of computer networking, then a Network+ course through ONLC will be more than enough to prepare you.

Jobs Network+ Certification Prepares You For

While having a bachelor’s degree in computer science and computer technology can get your foot in the door, the reality is, this field is always evolving and even higher degrees start to lose their shine when applying for jobs. 

The majority of hiring managers understand this field is fast-paced and use IT certifications to help them sort through applications. The Network+ certification shows your knowledge and understanding is current and increase your chances of landing a job in the following positions:

Network Administrator

This role is responsible for a company’s network infrastructure. While broad in concept, this position maintains the entire IT system for a company or focuses on maintaining a specific part of the system. To be successful in this role, you must feel confident in all aspects of networking from the hardware to the software, including:

• Configuring settings on remote devices
• Monitoring network traffic
• Installing new equipment

Help Desk Technician

While this position is entry-level, there is a lot of room for upward mobility from here. Help desk technicians troubleshoot issues for customers, clients, or employees calling in. They can work with vendors to solve software issues, train new employees on how to use the technologies in the workplace, or maintain hardware.

Other Positions Network+ Prepares You For

From Help Desk Technician to Network and Administrator, there are several jobs in-between that you may qualify for with a Network+ certification, including:

• System engineer
• Network analyst
• IT consultant
• Computer technician
• Network Field Technician

If you’re ready to jumpstart your career, sign-up for the Network+ course and training from ONLC today!