CompTIA Network+ in a Nutshell Chapter 1

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

Introduction Networking Benefits of CompTIA Network+ certification A vast field of study Too large for any single certification Benefits of CompTIA Network+ certification Gives you an overview of networking Serves as a prerequisite for more advanced certifications Provides an opportunity to learn valuable information

Introduction (cont’d.) CompTIA Network+ certification covers: Local area networks (LANs) Wide area networks (WANs) The Internet (the world’s largest WAN) Security Cabling Applications

Who Needs CompTIA Network+?

I Just Want to Learn About Networks! This text looks at real-world networking as performed by real techs Goes well beyond the scope of a single certification If you’re going to have this knowledge, why not get the certification?

What Is CompTIA Network+ Certification?

CompTIA Network+ Certification An industry-wide, vendor-neutral certification Developed by the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Passing the test illustrates: Basic competency in the physical support of networking systems Knowledge of conceptual aspects of networking

CompTIA Network+ Certification (cont’d.) Widely recognized throughout the IT industry Considered the next step after CompTIA A+ certification (for PC technicians)

What Is CompTIA?

CompTIA A nonprofit, industry trade association Founded in 1982 Members worldwide include computer resellers, value-added resellers, distributors, manufacturers, and training companies Provides certifications for a variety of areas Network+ certification exam unveiled in 1999

The Current CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Release

Exam Releases Each release covers the latest technologies with updated certification objectives, domains, and exam questions N10-006 CompTIA Network+ exam released in 2015

How Do I Become CompTIA Network+ Certified?

Becoming Certified Pass one computer-based exam No prerequisites or networking experience No special training course or materials required Certification lasts three years Certification can be renewed by taking the current exam or completing approved continuing education activities Note (p. 2): The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has accredited the CompTIA Network+ certification as compliant with the ISO 17024 Standard. That makes it special.

CompTIA Recommendations Nine to twelve months networking experience CompTIA A+ knowledge

What Is the Exam Like?

The Exam Contains 100 questions 90-minute time limit Minimum pass score of 720 on a scale that ranges from 100-900 Check CompTIA website to determine the current scale Multiple-choice and performance-based questions

The Exam (cont’d.) Performance-based questions require you to do something Examples Arrange a wireless access point in an office for maximum coverage Properly align the colored wires on a network connector

This table lists the domains, and the percentage of the test each represents

The Exam (cont’d.) Extremely practical Includes real-world troubleshooting scenarios Asks about hardware and software failures Examples “What do you do next?” “What is the most likely problem?”

The Exam (cont’d.) Know how to install and configure a PC to connect to a network Install and test a network card Configure drivers Load all network software Know different topologies, standards, and cabling Know the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) seven-layer model Know the protocol suites – especially TCP/IP Note (p. 4): CompTIA occasionally makes changes to the content of the exam, as well as the score necessary to pass it. Always check the Web site of my company, Total Seminars (www.totalsem.com), before scheduling your exam

How Do I Take the Test? Go to an authorized testing center Locate and schedule an exam Pearson VUE: 877-551-7587 (www.vue.com) Note (p. 4): Although you can’t take the exam over the Internet, Pearson VUE provides easy online registration. Go to www. vue.com to register online.

How Much Does the Test Cost? Price set by CompTIA At publication time, US $246 for non-CompTIA members Save money by purchasing an exam voucher through CompTIA member companies Buy the voucher and use it to pay for the exam Visit www.totalsem.com or call 800-446-6004 to purchase vouchers

How Do I Register? When registering: Have your Social Security number (or international equivalent) Pay by credit card or voucher number Note that international prices vary

How to Pass the CompTIA Network+ Exam

Keep It Simple! Read the book Answer the questions at the end of each chapter Take the practice exams on the media accompanying the book Review any topics you missed

Study Tips Obligate yourself Set aside the right amount of study time Schedule the exam Determine necessary study time Call Pearson VUE and schedule the exam Set aside the right amount of study time See Table 1.1 for average study times Consider your study habits

Study Tips (cont’d.) Set a strategy for studying Fast track group Brainiacs Most chapters are broken down into two parts Historical/conceptual Test-specific

Fast Tracker Approach Skip everything but the test specific section in each chapter Jump to the chapter review questions Review historical/conceptual sections if any areas are problematic Take free practice exams Consider yourself ready for the test once you are scoring in the 80-85 percent range

Brainiac Approach Read the whole book in sequence Don’t skip around Have a network available while you read Need some gear to do hands-on exercises Read the book a second time One chapter per sitting Concentrate on the test-specific sections Answer the end-of-chapter questions

Brainiac Approach (cont’d.) Take the practice exams Review the results summary to identify areas you need to study further Study more, and continue retaking the exams until you consistently score in the 80-85 percent range Notes: For additional information about the CompTIA Network+ exam, contact CompTIA directly at its Web site: www.comptia.org. Exam Tip (p. 7): Be aware that you may need to return to previous chapters to get the Historical/Conceptual information you need for a later chapter If you have any problems or questions, or if you just want to argue about something, feel free to send an e-mail to me at michaelm@totalsem.com or to my editor, Scott Jernigan, at scottj@totalsem.com.