- Exam Details
- Trouble Spots
- Preparation Hints
- Recommended Study Resources
- Where to Go from Here
Where to Go from Here
Evaluate your readiness for the Network+ exam. Specifically, CompTIA recommends that an exam candidate have 9-12 months of experience with networking technologies. If you have such experience, picking up the concepts presented in study materials and classes will come much easier.
Although CompTIA does not require the A+ certification as a prerequisite for the Network+ certification, they do recommend at you have an equivalent level of knowledge. Therefore, if you are just entering the world of IT and have not yet worked with computers (for example, operating systems, PC hardware, and troubleshooting), you might wish to first pursue A+ certification and then go after your Network+ certification.
After attaining your Network+ certification, your next step could be to deepen your understanding of specific networking technology areas. Hopefully, your preparation for the Network+ exam will reveal what networking technology areas interest you the most, and you might focus your efforts there. For example, you might decide to work towards a vendor-proprietary certification, such as Cisco Systems’ CCNA or a more vendor neutral certification, such as CompTIA’s Security+ certification.
Wherever your future studies and career path lead, my final recommendations to you are to stay curious; celebrate the small victories of understanding new concepts; and share what you’ve learned with others.