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