[Posted 29 Mar 2013 by Kathy Yale]
When you are someone who is invested in getting a job in the Information Technology field, you will find that certifications allow you to get your foot in the door. When you are considering what certifications will do you the most good, the CompTIA Network + certification, also commonly known as the Network+, is a great place to get started. What do you need to know about the Network+ and the Network+ Practice Test?
What Does the Test Cover?
Unlike the A+ certification that is administered by the same company, the Network+ presupposes a fair amount of prior knowledge about computers. Before you even start studying for the test, you are expected to have a fairly thorough grasp about basic computer hardware, basic computer safety and basic software needs. A Network+ Practice Test takes that basic knowledge and tests on you on networking in specific. You will be asked to explain what networks are and how they work. You will be tested on things like installation and configuration, and on top of that, you will also be tested on network management and security.
Who Requires the Network+?
There are many companies that find the Network+ desirable for their employees. Not only do they need to make sure that the prospective employee has a fair amount of experience in the field, the certification also shows them that you are capable of learning and being trained. Some companies that preferentially look for a Network+ certification include Dell, Sharp and Xerox.
Where Can I Go With Network+?
If you are looking at improving your job prospects in the technology field, the Network+ is definitely one important thing for you to investigate. It will help you get a foot in the door, and will show you know what you are talking about. Some positions which commonly hold Network+ certifications include: network administrators, help desk technicians, IT officers, cable installers and network maintenance technicians.
Network+ Itself
When you are thinking about taking the Network+ certification test, there are a few factors that you should be aware of. First, there are always 100 questions. The questions are divided up between simple multiple choice questions and performance-based questions. The performance-based questions require that the person being tested perform a specific task in a simulated environment. This is the practical end of the test, which tells the certification board that the person in question knowledgeable about networking. Every person is given 90 minutes for entire test, and a passing grade is to receive at least 720 out of 900 possible points.
Pre-Requisites
If you are thinking about getting Network+ certification, CompTIA does have a few recommendations for making sure that you pass. First, the A+ exam, also offered by CompTIA, gives you a solid background for a great deal of the information. Second, the company also recommends nine months in the networking field before you proceed. While these are only recommendations before you take the test, following them will insure you have a leg up come test time. If need be, there are also prep classes and practice tests.
If you are someone who is invested in making sure that you have the right certifications that will allow you to move forward, in the technical field, see what Network+ can offer you.
