Network + Certification

Network+ Certification is a testing program sponsored by CompTIA. It measures the technical knowledge of entry-level networking professionals. Earning the Network+ certification means that you have the knowledge needed to configure and install the TCP/IP client.

Topics focused on in the Network+ exam preparation course and the actual certification exam include:

• Network topologies
• Layers of the OSI model
• Networking media
• Features and functions of network components
• Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network hardware peripherals and protocols

Why is Network+ Certification important?

CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) sponsors the Network+ Certification program. This group currently has over 8000 members in the computing and communications industries. Members include international technology corporations such as ATandT, IBM, Microsoft, and Lotus. These companies, through CompTIA, determine the technology standards. The standards are not product-specific, and include the skills and knowledge needed by technical employees. By earning the Network+ certification, you prove that you meet the requirements for an IT Network professional.

Network+ Certification provides an excellent opportunity for career and educational growth. First, the certification is recognized nationally. Some technology companies use the certification as hiring criteria.

Secondly, this certification provides basic knowledge and skills for networking professionals or those seeking a career in computer networking. This foundation can be used to help you learn more complex network technologies. The skills learned through the Network+ program can help you move forward towards more advanced degrees and certifications, such as the A+, Microsoft MCSE, Cisco CCNA, or Novell CNE.

Finally, Network+ certification can be used as a prerequisite for vendor-specific IT certifications.
It has been accepted by the leading networking vendors, and included in many of their training curricula.

• Novell accepts Network+ Certification in place of the Networking Technologies exam for all Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) candidates. For further information on Novell's acceptance of Network+, please visit education.novell.com/network+.
• Lotus accepts Network+ certification in lieu of the networking competency requirement for the CLP Domino Messaging Administrator R4 certification. For further information, please visit www.lotus.com/certification.
• 3Com Corporation and WestNet offer a Net Prep curriculum, which is mapped to Network+.
• Cisco Networking Academy curriculum prepares students for Network+ as well as the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certifications.

How Do I Become Network+ Certified?

Certification is achieved by passing the certification exam. The exam covers basic networking principles and skills such as:

• Network topologies
• Layers of the OSI model
• Networking media
• Features and functions of network components
• Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network hardware peripherals and protocols

Most Network+ candidates have already earned A+ Certification. However, it is not a requirement.

The Network+ Certification exam can be taken at Seminole Community College's Professional Testing and Certification Center.

What Network+ Certification Programs are Available at SCC?

SCC offers Network+ and A+ Certification courses. These classes are designed to help you prepare for the certification exams. It is recommended that you take the A+ certification courses before taking the Network+ class. However, this is not a requirement.

To prepare for the Network+ certification exam, SCC recommends that you take the following course:

CET 1485 - Network Plus

Network Plus is designed to introduce students to all aspects of the networking field. Topics covered include the basics of networking, the functionality of the OSI Model, Networking Media, and Network Topologies.
Prerequisite: The student is expected to understand the fundamental concepts of networking before beginning the course.

What Career Opportunities are Available with a Network+ Certification?

Network+ Certification helps prepare you for careers such as Network Engineer or Network Administrator. SCC can help you with your job search. Visit the Career Development Center for more information.

The courses SCC provides as part of its professional certification programs are designed to help students prepare for a certification exam. To earn a certification, the student must pass the exam. Passing the course(s) does not guarantee that the student will pass the exam.

Did you know?

There are scholarships available to IT students.