In this article, we cover whether the CompTIA Network+ certification is worth it for new or aspiring IT professionals.
The CompTIA Network+ certification has been around for a long time. With its origins coming before the cybersecurity boom and its continual focus on networking concepts, many new professionals ask if the N+ certification is worth the effort.
The short answer is, yes.
You can check out my post: How I started my $100k career in Information Technology
What is CompTIA Network+ Certification?
CompTIA Network+ is a computer network certification that focuses on theoretical and practical aspects of computer networking.
Network+ covers both wired and wireless networks, with a particular emphasis on fundamental end-point device connections.
The Network+ N10-008 exam covers concepts related to networking fundamentals, network implementations, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting
Network+ certification is an entry-level certification for network engineers and network administrators. It is becoming increasingly popular. Network engineers and network administrators are expected to be among the most in-demand jobs in 2022 according to Robert Half’s 2022 IT salary report.
The CompTIA Network+ credential is recognized by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and meets ISO 17024 Standard.
Is the Network+ Certification for You?
Network+ is one of the most popular networking certifications in the world because it gives you a very strong grasp of networking concepts and creates a foundation to help you understand more advanced concepts.
The certification is relatively cheap and could be passed by studying just for one month with focus.
With Network+, you can pursue advanced certifications and get high-end jobs with salaries of over $65,000.
What Jobs can you get with a Network+ Certification?
Jobs in the area of computer networking are expected to rise significantly through 2028 and beyond, according to the US department of labor.
These jobs include:
- Network Administrator
- Computer Technician
- Network Field Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior System Engineer
- System Engineer
- IS Consultant
- Network Support Specialist
- Network Field Engineer
- Network Analyst
However, you should not expect to get these jobs just by having the Network+ certification alone. Many companies are looking for advanced certifications like CCNA. You should also have some practical experience of working in the industry if you are looking for intermediate or advanced level jobs.
This certification is a DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certification and meets DoD 8140/8570 training requirements.
The Network+ is recognized by the US Department of Defense as an approved 8570 IAT Level 1 baseline certification. IT and cybersecurity professionals will find that most, but not quite all, CompTIA certifications are recognized by the Department of Defense.
*The A+ or Network+ certification qualifies only for Technical Level I and cannot be used for Technical Level II positions.
Exam Details
How to Prepare for the CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam
There are several alternatives for preparing for the CompTIA Network+ credential.
Download the CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) Exam Objectives for a more complete curriculum.
Self-Study Resources
The first alternative is self-study materials, which include books, study guides, and videos. They are built around the Network+ exam’s course aims and will assist you in covering the entire curriculum.
Let’s examine all of these resources to see what they have to offer.
Books
If you want to learn from written text and diagrams, print books are a fantastic choice. They also look good on your shelf.
Mike Myers’ CompTIA N+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide is one of the greatest publications.
CompTIA Network+ Study Guide: Exam N10-007 (CompTIA Network + Study Guide Authorized Courseware)
Books aren’t the greatest solution if you don’t have a lot of time, video is a great alternative.
Video Training
YouTube! Yes YT is a great source for finding information whole classes are on the platform. Are you not quite understanding Subnet Mask?
There can be some downside to YouTube, not having everything laid out in a nice synced way can hinder your studying.
Professor Messer – He can be a bit dry but the knowledge is free.
Pluralsight
The entire library of core and expanded courses, exams, projects, and interactive courses.
Core library – Cost $299 yr
Their core library features 2,500+ of their most popular courses on in-demand topics like cloud, data, security, software development, infrastructure, and more.
Expanded library – Cost $449 yr
Their expanded library gives you access to their full 7,000+ course library. It includes more advanced topics if you need to build deep expertise and niche topics for those tackling special projects.
Instructor-Led Training (Boot Camps)
If you’re like me and the self-study approach isn’t enough, you may take instructor-led training. The greatest benefit of this technique is that you can speak directly with an expert, get hands-on instruction, and rapidly clear up any confusion as you go through the study materials.
However, instructor-led training programs can be quite expensive. I have two thoughts on this. One, if you pass the exam you are mostly looking for a better-paying position. This will be a $500 – $4000 investment in you. How much more are you going to make?
Global Knowledge
This full-service test preparation course includes:
N+ study guide
N+ pre-and post-assessment test questions
Comprehension exercises and study digest
Voucher for each N+ exam
N+ Practice Exams
Cost $2795 or $360 for the GK Polaris Accelerate Subscription
Western Governors University
This is on the same level as self-study and instructor-led. You can get your degree by passing the certification test. Once you pass the assessment test online through the school they will give you a voucher to take the certification. Once you pass you turn in your passing grade and you pass the course.
This is by far one of the best ways to get into the IT Field.
Practice Tests
It’s tough to answer 90 questions in 90 minutes. Even if you’re well-prepared, you should do mock tests for the Network+ certification before taking the actual test.
Understanding how to answer complex network questions in a short period of time will help you pass practice tests.
CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) Practice Exam – $15.99
Practice Labs
Computer networking is a highly practical domain in which ideas must be applied to actual-world problems.
Practice labs are required if you wish to achieve a passing score on the exam. Lab simulations allow you to apply networking ideas in a real-world scenario. Using live practice labs will help you cement your learning and ensure that you’re prepared for any scenario-based questions.
One of the most significant benefits of concentrating on practice labs is that you will learn how to approach a key question from several angles.
The Truth About Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification is an entry-level credential that isn’t tied to a specific vendor. This means that having this certificate will give you a basic but effective understanding of networking concepts.
The CompTIA Network+ certification is a great place to begin your IT career, but if you want to go even further in the world of IT networking, it’s advised that you get intermediate and expert level credentials like as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional).
Having a vendor-specific certification, such as Network+, will improve your chances of obtaining excellent employment in the sector because businesses want experts that are qualified and can configure, deploy, monitor, and understand networks utilized in their business.
So, is the CompTIA Network+ certification worth it?
If you’re new to IT and need a networking certification to get your first job or advance up the IT ladder, the Network+ is well worth the time, effort, and money.
Next Steps
You can round out your core certification base with the CompTIA Security+ Exam. If you are diving deeper into infrastructure & networking then the CCNA and Juniper exams are a great choice.
