[Posted 12 September 2013 by Kathy Yale]
Successfully passing the Network+ certification exam can open doors to new careers and give job candidates an edge in today’s competitive market. The Network+ certification allows those who are seeking jobs in the computer field to show potential employers that they have the skills needed to succeed in a variety of jobs.
What Is Network+ Certification?
The Network+ certification exam was developed to showcase proficiency in basic networking skills. The certification exam covers a variety of knowledge and techniques, including understanding of network technologies; knowledge of installation methods and network configurations; understanding media and topologies; and a foundational grasp of management and security.
Does Network+ Certification Help Candidates Get Jobs?
Network+ certification is not always required for entry-level jobs in the computer industry but it is certainly helpful in separating candidates with proven skills from those without. Many employers who do not require Network+ certification still give preference to job applicants who have it over those who do not.
Network+ certification is not designed to indicate expert status in networking or computer applications. Rather, it is intended to show basic proficiency in certain areas of training. Upon successfully passing the Network+ certification exam, candidates may be able to secure the following positions.
Network Technicians
Most job candidates with Network+ certification will find work in entry-level jobs as network technicians. Technicians are usually training for a higher-level job such as a network administrator and gain valuable experience by working with staff with more knowledge and skills. Network+ certification may be required for some entry-level network technician positions with large companies.
Help Desk Technician
For those interested in working in the help section of a large retailer or computer company, Network+ certification can be very useful. Help desk technicians benefit from having a global understanding of exactly how the computer systems they deal with actually work and Network+ certification can give them that edge. Network+ certification is especially helpful for candidates who plan to move into management positions at a call center.
IT Cable Installer
Cable installers benefit greatly from the knowledge assessed in this exam. By understanding exactly how networks operate, cable installers get a much more comprehensive picture of how their work affects the total network operation. Cable installers with Network+ certification may not only find it easier to get a job but may also find that they are eligible for promotion as a result of their more extensive knowledge of the network.
Network Administrator
Network administrators in large companies often have graduate degrees and much higher certifications than Network+. However, for small companies, a graduate with Network+ certification may be appropriate as a network administrator. Network administrators have the job of overseeing all aspects of a network’s operation, so for a small company the knowledge tested by the Network+ certification exam may be sufficient.
Network+ certification is a good way to start on the journey to higher-paying jobs in the IT industry. By obtaining a Network+ certification, candidates show employers that they are professionals who are serious about their careers and proud of the knowledge they have obtained through their studies.
