New CompTIA Network+ certification strengthens foundational skills, expands security scope of training for tech professionals
June 20 2024 - 9:01AM
CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the information technology
(IT) industry and workforce, today introduced an updated edition
of CompTIA Network+, the professional certification that
validates the core skills needed to securely establish and maintain
the essential computer networks that are the backbone of the global
economy.
CompTIA Network+ is a crucial steppingstone for early career
professionals seeking high-growth careers in networking and
cybersecurity, validating a wide range of practical skills needed
to harden networks, deploy wired and wireless solutions, and ensure
critical network availability.
“Network+ equips employees with the foundational network
security skills crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, managing
network access, and implementing network security controls,” said
Teresa Sears, vice president of product management at CompTIA.
“Professionals who earn this credential have demonstrated their
ability and confidence to provide critical network support to
organizations of all sizes.”
Employers listed 1.1 million job postings in the U.S. seeking
candidates with systems administration and other network-related
skills last year, according to research from CompTIA.
Junior network administrators, data center support technicians,
network engineers, system administrators, network operations center
technicians, telecommunications technicians and cable technicians
are some of the job roles that can benefit from becoming CompTIA
Network+ certified.
CompTIA’s new Network+ exam (N10-009) includes more extensive
coverage of modern network environments and extended discussions of
factors related to physical network installations. Essential
skills, including IP addressing, connecting networks, wireless
standards and technologies, network availability, and securing and
hardening networks continue as key parts of the program.
Cybersecurity remains a critical part of Network+, which now
integrates zero-trust architecture and other forms of network
fortification.
Network+ also covers Software Defined Networking (SDN) and
Software Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN). The program
introduces infrastructure as code (IaC), which is considered a
transformative approach that leverages code for improved
provisioning and support of computing infrastructure.
Other additions to Network+ include large-scale network
deployments and scalability via the use of VxLAN (virtual
extensible Local Area Network), Intermediate Distribution Frames
(IDF), and Main Distribution Frames (MDF).
CompTIA Network+ is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and
approved by the U.S. Department of Defense to meet directive
8140/8570.01-M requirements.
CertMaster Learning Products for
Network+
Alongside the release of the new exam is an updated suite of
CompTIA eLearning solutions. The CertMaster Network+ learning
products for the exam introduce an updated course structure and
learning design model designed to provide greater consistency in
the learning experience and improve information retention and
skills development.
CertMaster Learn Network+ delivers a comprehensive,
self-paced eLearning experience that includes instructional
content, videos, performance-based questions, skills assessments
and simulated labs. Instruction is centered around a learning
progression model to help students learn concepts and actively
build skills related to the course objectives. The course is broken
into modules and lessons, and different activities throughout the
course provide hands-on skills practice and personalized
instruction.
CertMaster Perform Network+ takes the learning
experience to the next level with the inclusion of live labs for
practical skills training for more advanced job tasks and
scenarios.
CertMaster Labs Network+ enables real-world skills
development through a remote, browser-based lab environment. This
includes labs that run simulations of hardware and operating
systems as well as live labs that run in an environment with a
fully functional range of virtual machines, networks, and cloud
accounts.
Also introduced with the enhanced learning products is access to
a new Network Modeler simulation tool. This graphical
simulation tool provides students with practical experience in
understanding, designing, testing, and resolving network issues. It
offers a safe environment for students to strategize and set up
network devices, simulating the network's behavior and performance
without the need for physical implementation.
CertMaster Practice Network+ is an adaptive knowledge
assessment tool that determines what a learner has already mastered
and what they still need to learn to improve confidence and
increase retention as they prepare for the Network+ certification
exam.
The Official Network+ Student Guide is designed to
help learners master the material for their certification exams.
The guide is clearly written, structured, and flexible so learners
can study at any pace.
For complete information on CompTIA Network+ and related CompTIA
Learning resources
visit https://www.comptia.org/certifications/network.
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About CompTIAThe Computing Technology Industry
Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5
trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the estimated
75 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement,
manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world’s
economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy,
philanthropy, and market research, CompTIA is the hub for unlocking
the potential of the tech industry and its workforce.
https://www.comptia.org/
Roger Hughlett
CompTIA
5712895282
sostrowski@comptia.org