Category Archives: CompTIA Network+

[Posted 3 June 2013 by Kathy Yale]

If your goal is to be a network engineer, you’ll need to take a Network+ certification exam to become qualified in your field. Many individuals may experience issues when they are preparing to their exam whether it be due to time constraint or lack of materials. Fortunately, there are resources available for every test taker to utilize, regardless of experience that will allow them to successfully prepare for their exam.

Here are some practical tips for getting the best possible score on your network certification exam. These suggestions will also help you to retain much of the information on your test after you’ve passed it.

Books

There are a variety of books available in order to successfully study for the exam such as the Mike Meyers CompTIA Network+ Guide to Managing & Troubleshooting Networks. Read each chapter of the textbook you’re using for studying, and take notes. If there are questions at the end of each chapter or at the conclusion of the Network+ textbook, write the answers to the questions down in the book, so you can refer to them as often as you need to before the test.

Online Courses

Online courses offered by Total Seminars apply the material given in the books and give an in-depth tutorial regarding the information needed to pass the exam. These interactive courses are led by skilled instructors and nationally known authors. The classes are both convenient and affordable.

After the live lecture, it’s a good idea to take practice tests, which are offered by Total Seminars. Updated versions of the Certification Exam Guide are available on the website, so you’ll be completely prepared for the questions you’ll see on the actual test.

Seminars

One of the most effective methods to study for the exam is to attend a number of seminars. This is an effective way for you to have the questions that you were not able to ask during the online course answered. Total Seminars provides instructors who are knowledgeable in becoming Network+ certified. These instructors are an excellent resource to better understand the study material given in the online courses and the book material.

If you’re questions aren’t fully answered during the lecture, search Total Seminars website for the study materials. There are a number of videos on the website that provide information on troubleshooting and software management, as well as instructional videos that teach you how to operate and repair various computer systems effectively.

Studying

It’s also important to make sure that you’re studying for your exam in a comfortable environment. Be sure you are studying in a setting that is conducive to your learning habits, whether that is a coffee house or your living room. When you feel at ease, you can go over the important details of your test naturally, which will help you retain the information for the exam.

Once you feel ready, schedule your test as soon as possible. Remember the terminology, theories and program descriptions that you’ve studied, and take your time. Good luck!

[Posted 28 May 2013 by Kathy Yale]

Almost 15 years after it was initially launched, Network+ remains one of the most popular – and powerful – certifications for today’s tech professionals seeking to make themselves more attractive to their current or future employers. Why? Well, the primary reasons are its power and its versatility. The networking certification Is one of the flagship certifications supported by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), and for anyone interested in becoming an IT support person, having this certification is a must. It’s also a natural next-step for anyone who has already completed CompTIA’s A+ certification or who has some background working in an entry-level IT position.

To really understand just why this specific certification remains so popular among both networking professionals and the companies who rely on them, consider the advantages the certification offers:

• It’s accessible. There’s no need to have an extensive background in computers in order to gain Network+ certification. All you need is the time and dedication to study the review materials, watch the videos and take the practice tests – all of which can be done according to your own schedule and at your own pace.
• It’s versatile. Unlike certifications sponsored by specific hardware or software manufacturers, your certification will not tie you into one specific platform or application. As you work toward becoming certified, you’ll learn networking concepts that are applicable to a wide range of platforms, including how to configure, manage and troubleshoot network infrastructures – and that means you’ll be in demand by a larger pool of employers.
• It counts toward vendor-specific certifications. Because the exam covers networking concepts that are used in a variety of platforms, Microsoft, HP, Novell and Cisco all recognize Network+ certification and allow it to be counted toward their own certification pathways, including Microsoft’s Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification, which means you’ll actually save time – and money – if you decide to pursue one of these specific tracks later.
• It’s in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the field of network administration is expected to grow by 28% by 2020 as companies invest in more powerful networks. Because it’s internationally recognized, your certification comes with a built-in degree of confidence which means that with just one look at your resume, employers will know you have the knowledge and preparation required to handle a broad range of networking issues regardless of the platform the company uses.

All of the Network+ materials offered by Total Seminars will help you earn your certification; however, many experts advise using more than one source to prepare for the exam – for instance, two books by different authors or a book combined with a video series. To be completely prepared, industry experts also recommend taking as many practice tests as you can to get a real “feel” for how the actual exam is structured. With some time and determination – and the right study materials – you could be on your way to a networking career in less time than you imagine.

[Posted 23 May 2013 by Kathy Yale]

Computer networking professionals across the globe rely on CompTIA’s Network+ certification. Because the world of computer technology moves extremely quickly, many IT professionals turn to certificates to prove that their knowledge is up to date. Because it is relatively low-level and unspecialized, many people in the IT field can benefit from obtaining this certificate.

Certificates are commonly pursued to improve a person’s job prospects. Employers often like to hire people with certificates because they can be sure that the person already possesses the necessary skills to perform the job. Even professionals with degrees in the field can benefit from certification in some cases because certificates tend to be much more specific than degrees.

Some professionals go so far as to state an opinion that all IT professionals should have A+ and Network+ certification. In these scenarios, getting hired without certification would be next to impossible. Possession of a certificate will generally increase an IT professional’s job prospects.

Plenty of people who work in the IT field get along just fine without certificates. However, certification is typically relatively inexpensive, and it is a good way for job seekers to prove their knowledge in the field. People who already possess the necessary skills to pass the test should definitely consider taking it, if just to have outside verification of their abilities.

This particular certification is designed for IT professionals who work with networks. Common job titles include network administrator, network technician and network installer. Professionals such as IT cable installers and help deck technicians may also benefit from passing the test. Anyone interested in pursuing any of these careers will benefit from certification.

The Network+ certificate is not exactly entry-level, but it is not particularly advanced, either. CompTIA recommends having nine months of work experience in the IT field before taking the exam. Many people choose it as a second certificate after CompTIA’s A+ certificate or another similar entry-level exam.

People who entered the IT profession in entry-level positions will usually find certification a useful way to prove that they have learned enough to move up. IT professionals who got their start in less-than-ideal jobs and wish to obtain better employment can also put their knowledge to the test by taking this certification exam. For both new and experienced IT pros, it can also be a stepping stone to being considered for a promotion. Obtaining certification not only provides proof of skills but also demonstrates a willingness to work hard and stay up to date in the field.

Some companies recommend or require that their networking technicians to have passed this test. This means that job hopefuls applying to these positions will be well served to have obtained their certificate. Big names that have this requirement include Dell, HP, Sharp and Xerox.

CompTIA’s Network+ certificate is also a vendor-neutral option. This may make it a better choice for professionals who are just beginning their careers in networking. The certificate provides the flexibility to pursue a number of different vendor-specific certificates after having obtained experience in the field and decided on a direction. Those who are looking for a new job or soon will be may also appreciate the flexibility of a vendor-neutral certification.

[Posted 25 Apr 2013 by Kathy Yale]

You need IT certification – maybe you’re starting a new job, or you just switched positions within a business, or company policy just changed, or you want to give yourself an edge over your competitors and add something extra to your résumé. Whatever the reason is, CompTIA offers a variety of certification exams for your career needs. As one of the leading certification providers in the world, CompTIA provides high quality, vendor-neutral – or non-proprietary – certifications that set the standards in essential industry skills. Passing a CompTIA qualification exam requires a thorough understanding of the material you need to know to do your job well, and one of the best ways to prepare for an examination is with a Network+ practice test.

Certifications Available

CompTIA provides sixteen certifications on a variety of topics and two basic computer skills certifications, along with associated courses, textbooks, and practice exams that teach the material. These range from the Strata IT Fundamentals, which covers elementary PC functions and technology, to the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner, which teaches and tests risk management, analysis, and enterprise security. The Professional series of tests deals with the technical skills needed for various information technology, or IT, jobs; it includes networking, troubleshooting, installation, maintenance, sales, communication, security, printer technology, and disaster recovery. The Specialty series is intended for people in niche markets and includes certifications for cloud computing, environmentally friendly IT, and healthcare systems. All of the material on the Network+ practice test is useful for various careers in the IT industry whether or not your employer requires certification.

The Network+ Test

The Network+ test “covers managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, operating, and configuring basic network infrastructure”. It is intended for network technicians, installers, and administrators; help desk technicians; and cable installers. Some companies require Network+ qualifications (these include Dell, HP, and Xerox), while others merely recommend it (Apple). The test has a maximum of one hundred multiple choice and performance-based (in which a simulated task must be solved) questions that must be completed within ninety minutes. The test is graded on a scale of 100 to 900 points, with a score of 720 required to pass. You can learn the material and prepare for the exam in a variety of ways: CompTIA offers books and study guides; in-person training, if you feel more comfortable learning in a classroom setting; and an online “E-learning Center”.

Pricing

The costs of CompTIA’s study materials, classes, and exams can really add up. The required exam voucher for the Network+ certification costs $261 and study packs can range in price from $32 to $315. Your career’s important, but it can still be a pain to pay for all of that. Luckily, an alternative option exists: the Network+ practice test from Total Seminars.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

The Network+ Certification is awarded by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) to signify competency in troubleshooting personal computer hardware and operating systems. Being one of the most widely recognized certifications, many people try and earn their Network+ Certification while entering the job market. And while there’s no official prerequisite, the cost of the exam fee compels all who take the exam to succeed sooner rather than later. But how can you best prepare for the Network+ exam?

Preparation for Network+

The Network+ exam consists of 1/5th media and topologies questions, 1/5th protocols and standards, and 1/4th network implementation, while the remainder consists of network support. This means that you will have to become proficient in topologies, protocol suites, network hardware, standards for cabling, remote connectivity, troubleshooting, the OSI Seven-Layer model, and even the networking requirements of modern operating systems.

While many people turn to community college courses to help learn this curriculum, doing it on your own is a simple matter of identifying what you know, what you need to learn, and how long it will take you to learn it. For most people, self-preparation will require about two or three months of time, assuming that you prepare at least three hours per day. This amount may vary depending on your background in computer networking, but it’s wise to be cautious and realistic about the time it will require to achieve proficiency.

Professional Help

Abstaining from taking Network+ courses to prepare you for the exam doesn’t mean you have to abstain from practice exams and other professionally prepared materials. The internet is full of free practice exams, and you should plan on taking one every few weeks before the exam. By grading your own practice exam, you’ll get a better understanding of what you still need to learn as well as what you have mastered.

A Little Help from Your Friends

Keeping motivated to stay on task over the months it will take to prepare will be the key to your success or the reason for your failure. That is why it’s important to find a friend to keep you accountable for your studying with a buddy-system. Your friend doesn’t have to be preparing for the exam, but having a real social connection to keep you on-task, especially while preparing for the exam online, might be the reason you fail or pass in the coming months.

Network+ vs. Other CompTIA Exams

CompTIA offers a variety of other certifications, including Security+, CASP, Server+, A+, Linux+, Project+, CTP+, PDI+, and Storage+. These exams are graded by virtue of multiple choice tests with a score of 75% or higher being required to achieve certification. The Network+ exam can include up to 100 questions, which is drastically higher than the maximum of 65 contained on the CTP+ exam. However, like all CompTIA certification exams, the length of the Network+ exam is 90 minutes. This means that the extra questions present on the Network+ exam represent the wider scope of computer networking, not necessary an increased degree of difficulty.

Finally, it’s important to note that the 2009 version of the Network+ exam was recently retired for the 2012 version of the exam. This means that you should avoid using old preparation materials that may not reflect the emphasis on modern technology present in the latest version of the exam.