Network+ 2009 Certification
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The Network+ 2009 Certification from CompTIA is a vendor-neutral certification that is aimed at network technicians with roughly one to two years work experience. The certification is an entry-level certification that tests a candidate’s ability to understand the functions and features of networking components, as well as their ability to carry out essential network installation, maintenance and troubleshooting duties.
The Network+ certification is a good complement to its sister certification, the A+, and in itself offers a good platform to progress further onto more advanced networking certifications (such as those offered by Cisco or Microsoft). Reportedly over 180,000 individuals have gained the Network+ certification since its inception in 1999.
The latest incarnation of this credential is the Network+ 2009. To gain this certification you need to pass just one exam (designated N10-004) which consists of 100 predominantly multiple-choice questions and 90 minutes with which to complete them. The full list of exam objectives can be found at the official CompTIA website, here.
The exam actually has two exam codes - N10-004 and JK0-016 - the latter being only for candidates who are studying for the exam through CompTIA's E2C (Education to Careers) program.
During the exam you may be presented with ‘unscored questions’. These are questions that may or may not correspond to the official list of exam objectives and, regardless of whether you correctly answer them or not, they will not affect your score. CompTIA includes these questions as a way of testing future exam content and relevance. You will be advised prior to starting the exam as to whether you can expect such questions in the exam proper.
Once you finish your exam your score is calculated and you’ll be given a pass or fail mark immediately. To pass the Network+ N10-004 exam the candidate needs to score at least 720 on a scale of 100 - 900. If you fail your first attempt at the Network+ exam you can try again immediately (upon payment of the exam fee), but if you fail for a second time then you are required to wait at least 14 days before you are eligible to try again.
The Network+ certification is a lifetime award, meaning there is no specific requirement to upgrade the certification once you have obtained it. However CompTIA regularly updates the Network+ exam objectives to accurately reflect current technologies and best practices so candidates can, if they choose, update to the latest version (again, there is no requirement to do so however). Updates to the Network+ certification have occurred in 2002, 2005 and 2009.
For those who have gained the Network+ 2005 certification and wish to become Network+ 2009 qualifed, CompTIA offer two alternatives. Either complete the new 2009 exam (N10-004), or pass a bridge exam (BR0-002) that covers the new objectives.
The BR0-002 is a 60-minute, 50-question exam and the candidate needs to score at least 500 on a scale of 100 - 900 to pass. Holders of older versions of the Network+ credential are required to pass the full 2009 exam (N10-004) if they wish to update their certification (this not mandatory to remain qualified however)
The exams can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Thompson Prometric testing center. Keep in mind that there are discount vouchers available for the exam that not only reduce the cost of the exam but also include free training material (read more about Network+ exam vouchers). Discount vouchers can be bought directly from CompTIA, or from a third-party supplier.
Remember that the Network+ certification exam is an entry-level networking exam. While the subject matter might be broad in scope, it’s generally not very deep. This means that anyone with a good understanding the basics of networking principals (i.e. the various acronyms, subnetting basics, protocols, topologies etc.) shouldn’t have too much to fear with this exam. Candidates with a bit more networking experience than 'entry-level' however might be better served with Cisco's CCENT certification.
Free Network+ study guides
Free Network+ practice exams and questions
