Exam Profile: CompTIA Network+ N10-004
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CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral, introductory networking certification that is targeted at individuals who want to gain more skills in the networking arena. It focuses on installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining basic networks.
Exam Details
- Number of Questions: 100
- Types of Questions: Multiple choice and exhibit
- Passing Score: 720/900
- Time Limit: 90 minutes
- How to Register: Registration for the exam is available through both Pearson VUE and Prometric.
Trouble Spots
When CompTIA developed the Network+ certification, it tried to cover a number of different areas that would be important to those people in entry-level networking positions. Certification candidates sometimes find this coverage to be the main problem with the Network+ exam, however.
Although the content of the Network+ exam is not overly deep in its expectation of understanding technologies, it is extremely wide in its expectations. This means that the candidate must understand a large number of topics at an introductory level. This wide range of knowledge makes the exam challenging to those candidates entering the field and is also what makes the certification itself relevant.
The vast majority of the test is multiple choice and requires the ability to choose a correct answer from a number of different distracter options. Make sure to read the question and understand it before answering the question. Unlike some other vendors tests, the Network+ exam allows you to go back and review your answer selections before finishing the test. However, because there are a total of 100 questions, it is a good idea to read through each question well the first time and review them if time allows at the end of the testing time.
Preparation Hints
Studying for the Network+ exam lends itself quite well to flash question studying. Because the content itself is not that deep, the style of questions can be represented rather well in short form on this type of media. When studying for the Network+ exam, an entry-level engineer would be well suited to study with a partner who is also working on the same certification. This way, the knowledge base of each individual can help the other candidate. For those without this possibility, a number of different exam preparation products are available, which will be covered in the next section.
The Network+ material is split into six sections and is weighted to those sections with additional focus. These six sections are
|
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% |
Because sections 1, 2, and 4 have additional focus, study these sections more than the others. Exam preparation is all about the efficiency of the studying behavior. While it is possible to study for this test over a year, it is also possible to study it efficiently and get the preparation done in a matter of months. Many other vendor tests do not give you this weighting information and thus require a more equal level of studying and research around the covered areas. Take advantage of this information when studying for the Network+ exam.
Recommended Study Resources
A number of different Network+ study resources are available and selecting which one to use greatly depends on personal preference. Pearson offers a number of different options depending on the specific learning style and specific level of existing knowledge.
For those who are just entering the field with little or no experience or who learn well through example, Pearson offers the CompTIA Network+ Video Mentor. This product offers the ability to see the various subjects covered with hands-on examples and experiences. The instructor covers specific objective areas and shows how they are used in practical terms.
For those individuals looking for a comprehensive study guide to read or review, Pearson has just come out with a new CompTIA Network+ (N10-004) Cert Guide. This product is targeted at the individuals looking to self study and offers comprehensive coverage of all objectives.
Two flash card products also are available: CompTIA Network+ N10-004 Cert Flash Cards Online and CompTIA Network+ N10-004 Cert Flash Cards, App (iPhone)