1. CompTIA Network+ in a Nutshell
Chapter 1

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Who Needs CompTIA Network+?

6. 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?

7. What Is CompTIA Network+ Certification?

8. 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

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

10. What Is CompTIA?

11. 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

12. The Current CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Release

13. Exam Releases
Each release covers the latest technologies with updated certification objectives, domains, and exam questions
N CompTIA Network+ exam released in 2015

14. How Do I Become CompTIA Network+ Certified?

15. 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 Standard. That makes it special.

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

17. What Is the Exam Like?

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

19. 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

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

21. 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?”

22. 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 ( before scheduling your exam

23. How Do I Take the Test? Go to an authorized testing center
Locate and schedule an exam
Pearson VUE: (
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.

24. 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 or call to purchase vouchers

25. 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

26. How to Pass the CompTIA Network+ Exam

27. 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

28. 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

30. 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

31. 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 percent range

32. 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

33. 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 percent range
Notes: For additional information about the CompTIA Network+ exam, contact CompTIA directly at its Web site:
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 to me at or to my editor, Scott Jernigan, at