This document provides information about the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. It describes the exam structure, contents, and requirements. The exam tests knowledge equivalent to nine months of networking experience and covers topics like networking technologies, media and topologies, devices, management tools, security, and more. It recommends studying networking concepts and taking practice tests to prepare. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and must be taken at an authorized testing center.

1. CompTIA Network+
in a Nutshell
Chapter One

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. Who Needs CompTIA
Network+?
I just want to Learn about Networks!

4. What is CompTIA
Network+ Certification?

5. • An industry-wide, vendor-neutral
certification
– Developed by the Computer Technology
Industry Association (CompTIA)
– Passing shows a basic competency in the
physical support of networking systems
– Passing shows a knowledge of conceptual
aspects of networking

6. • Demonstrates knowledge equivalent to a
network technician with nine months of
networking experience
• Requires one computer-based, multiple-
choice exam
• Widely recognized throughout the IT industry

7. What is CompTIA?

8. • A nonprofit industry trade association
• Members include computer resellers,
value-added resellers, distributors,
manufacturers, and training companies

9. • Founded in 1982
• Offers certifications for a variety of computer
industries
• A+, Network+, I-Net+, Security+, and more

10. CompTIA Network+
was revised in 2009

11. How do I become CompTIA
Network+ certified?

12. • Pass one computer-based, multiple-choice
exam
– No prerequisites or networking experience
– No special training course or materials
required

13. • CompTIA recommends:
– Nine months network tech experience
– CompTIA A+ certification knowledge

14. What Is the Test Like?

15. • One Hundred multiple-choice questions
• Ninety-minute time limit
• Minimum pass score of 720
on a scale of 100-900
• Objectives organized into
CompTIA Network+ Domains

16. This table lists the domains,
and the percentage of the test each represents.
CompTIA Network+ Domain Percentage
1.0 Network Technologies 20%
2.0 Network Media and Topologies 20%
3.0 Network Devices 17%
4.0 Network Management 20%
5.0 Network Tools 12%
6.0 Network Security 11%

17. • More About the Exam
– Practical questions involving
• Real-life troubleshooting scenarios
• Hardware and software failures
• “What do you do next?”
• “What is the most likely problem?”

18. • More About the Exam (cont.)
– Know how to install and configure a PC to
connect to a network using these skills and
knowledge:
• Install and test a network card
• Configure drivers
• Load all network software
• Know different topologies, standards, and cabling
• Know the OSI seven-layer model
• Know the protocol suites – especially TCP/IP

19. How do I take the test?

20. • Go to an Authorized Testing Center
– Prometric: 888-895-6116 (www.prometric.com)
– Pearson VUE: 877-551-7587 (www.vue.com)
– More info on centers at www.comptia.org

21. How much does
the test cost?

22. • Price fixed by CompTIA
• At publication time, $239 (U.S.) for
non-CompTIA members
• You can save money by purchasing an
exam voucher through CompTIA member
companies

23. • When registering:
– Need Social Security number (or international
equivalent)
– Pay by credit card or unique voucher number
– International prices vary

24. How to Pass the
CompTIA Network+ Exam

25. • Keep it simple!
– Read the book
– Practice the questions at the end
of chapters
– Take practice tests on the CD in the
back of the book
– Review any topics you missed

26. • Obligate yourself
– Schedule the exam
– Determine necessary study time
– Call Prometric or Pearson VUE or register
for the exam online
• Set aside the right amount of study time

27. Table 1.1 Determining How Much Study Time You Need
Amount of Experience/Study Time (in hours)
Type of Experience None Once or Twice On Occasion Quite a Bit
Installing a SOHO wireless network 4 2 1 1
Installing an advanced wireless network 2 2 1 1
(802.1X, RADIUS, etc.)
Installing structured cabling 3 2 1 1
Configuring a home router 5 3 2 1
Configuring a Cisco router 4 2 1 1
Configuring a software firewall 3 2 1 1
Configuring a hardware firewall 2 2 1 1
Configuring an IPv4 client 8 4 2 1
Configuring an IPv6 client 3 3 2 1
Working with SOHO WAN connection 2 2 1 0
(DSL, cable)
Working with an advanced WAN connection 3 3 2 2
(Tx, OCx, ATM)
Configuring a DNS server 2 2 2 1
Configuring a DHCP server 2 1 1 0
Configuring a Web application server 4 4 2 1
(HTTP, FTP, SSH, etc.)
Configuring a VLAN 3 3 2 1
Configuring a VPN 3 3 2 1
Configuring a dynamic routing protocol 2 2 1 1

28. • Study for the test
– Historical/Conceptual: not on the test,
but greatly aids understanding
– Test-specific: topics fit within the CompTIA
Network+ certification domains