CompTIA Network+ certification is an industry-standard certification that validates the skills and knowledge required for network technicians and IT professionals. It is designed to test the individual’s proficiency in configuring, managing, troubleshooting, and maintaining wired and wireless networks.
This certification is highly respected in the IT field and known all around the world. It’s like a standard for experts who want to show they know a lot about networks. Employers like hiring certified people because they seem more skilled and capable. CompTIA Network+ certification has been updated a few times, with N10-006 and N10-007 being recent versions. N10-006 started in 2015, while N10-007 began in 2018. These two exams have their own goals, technologies, and test styles. It’s important to know these differences before deciding which one to do.
What exactly is Comptia Network+?
CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification that is designed to test the skills and knowledge required to configure, manage, troubleshoot, and maintain wired and wireless networks. It covers a range of networking concepts, such as networking protocols, network infrastructure, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting.
The certification is ideal for entry-level network technicians, network engineers, and IT professionals who want to validate their skills and knowledge in the networking domain. It is also suitable for individuals who want to pursue a career in network administration or network support.
The CompTIA Network+ certification is known all around the world and has a good reputation in IT. It’s not tied to any particular technology or company, which is called “vendor-neutral.” This makes it great for people who deal with many different vendors and technologies.
Difference between N10 006 and N10 007
In this section, we’re going to point out all the difference between the n10 006 and n10 007. So, let’s begin. First of all, there won’t be any big changes. Only the exam goals are discussed. So, we’ve written down all the exam changes in the table below.
Since the N10-007 exam was launched in March of 2018. So, it’s not possible for you to take the previous exam i.e. N10 006. Also, we highly recommend always pursuing newer, updated exams. The reason being, it will provide you with up-to-date and important knowledge. Moreover, CompTIA frequently updates courses to keep them relevant and high in quality. So, that’s the best part if you ask us. You’re always in touch and updated with new information. That being said, now let’s move on and get a brief about the updated new N10 007 exam.
CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) Exam
CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) certification exam is a job role-based certification. This particular certification is updated and restructured to approach the prevailing networking technologies. Along with this, it covers various several domains by updating:
- To start, essential security ideas to assist network experts collaborate with security professionals.
- Next, important cloud computing tips and common service styles.
- Then, information about newer hardware and ways to use virtualization.
- Finally, concepts to give people a mix of skills for maintaining a strong network.
Basic Details
Not to mention, this certification verifies that the candidate has skills in maintaining, installing, troubleshooting and configuring basic network infrastructures. Moreover, the aspirants having knowledge of networking topics can go for the N10-007 certification exam.
The CompTIA Network+ N10-007 exam takes 90 minutes. It has a maximum of 90 questions. To pass, you need at least 720 out of 900. The exam is offered in 4 languages: English, German, Japanese, and coming soon, Spanish and Portuguese.
The CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) exam questions can be of type:
- Multiple Choice Questions
- single and multiple responses
- drag and drops
- Performance-based
Talking about the exam cost, it’s $338 in USD. However, the price might be different in various parts of the world. So, do check before you apply. Also, keep in mind that the certification needs to be renewed every 3 years.
Course Outline
The course outline will help you structure your preparation accordingly. Not to mention, it becomes all the way easier for you to study for the same when topics are divided into various subsections. So, let’s not delay and begin this.
Networking Fundamentals 24%
- Compare and contrast the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model layers and encapsulation concepts.
- Explain the characteristics of network topologies and network types.
- Summarize the types of cables and connectors and explain which is the appropriate type for a solution.
- Given a scenario, configure a subnet and use appropriate IP addressing schemes.
- Explain common ports and protocols, their application, and encrypted alternatives.
- Next, explain the use and purpose of network services.
- Explain basic corporate and datacenter network architecture.
- Summarize cloud concepts and connectivity options.
Network Implementations 19%
- Compare and contrast various devices, their features, and their appropriate placement on the network.
- Compare and contrast routing technologies and bandwidth management concepts.
- Given a scenario, configure and deploy common Ethernet switching features.
- Given a scenario, install and configure the appropriate wireless standards and technologies.
Network Operations 16%
- Given a scenario, use the appropriate statistics and sensors to ensure network availability
- Explain the purpose of organizational documents and policies.
- Explain high availability and disaster recovery concepts and summarize which is the best solution.
Network Security 19%
- Explain common security concepts
- Compare and contrast common types of attacks
- Given a scenario, apply network hardening techniques.
- Compare and contrast remote access methods and security implications
- Explain the importance of physical security
Network Troubleshooting 22%
- Explain the network troubleshooting methodology
- Secondly, given a scenario, troubleshoot common cable connectivity issues and select the appropriate tools.
- Given a scenario, use the appropriate network software tools and commands.
- Next, given a scenario, troubleshoot common wireless connectivity issues
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot general networking issues.
Now, let’s prepare you for the CompTIA Network+ certification. So, here’s a preparation guide for you so that you can qualify and land on a great career platform.
CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) Exam Guide
To succeed in any exam, it’s crucial to take things one step at a time. That’s why in this section, we’re giving you all the tools you need to ace the N10-007 certification exam. So, let’s learn the classic way and take each step using these learning resources.
Step1: Official Website
Your initial guide in getting ready should be a visit to the official CompTIA website. This will guide you in the correct direction. Remember, the official website is the most trustworthy source. You can find CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) study materials there to begin your exam prep. All the information on the website, like needed skills and exam details, is entirely accurate due to this trustworthiness. So, you can have complete confidence in the official site and depend on it.
Prepare for the exam using the CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) Study Guide!
Step2: Review Exam Objectives
The next step in getting ready for the exam is to get to know the exam goals. These goals are split into six different areas, and you should really understand each area well.
- Firstly, Networking Concepts 23%
- Infrastructure 18%
- Network Operations 17%
- Also, Network Security 20%
- Finally, Network Troubleshooting and Tools 22%
However, make sure you double-check all the particulars before preparation. In other words, we highly recommend this step.
Step3: eLearning
CompTIA provides authorized study resources like books, practice tests, and guides. These resources are made to aid your exam prep and give you a complete understanding of the test subjects. You can receive training anytime, anywhere through eLearning. This method uses study materials combined with videos, flashcards, and questions to cover all exam goals. A practice test is also included.
Step4: Virtual Labs
You may speed up your certification training using virtual labs by using interactive, browser-based lab environments. Together with this, the applicant will be able to carry out simple to complex tasks and immediately comprehend the effects of system modifications.
Also, CompTIA CertMaster Labs for Network+ provides students with the crucial environment to develop crucial practical abilities and a deeper comprehension of the material in order to get ready for the CompTIA Network+ Certification. Moreover, by giving the applicant access to actual hardware and software environments, CertMaster Labs enables the candidate to approach the practical aspects of Network+ test objectives and balance past instruction.
Step5: Study Guides
CompTIA also provides this learning resource for their certification candidates. Study Guides are available as books or eBooks and are filled with helpful and interesting content linked to exam goals.
Step6: Video Training
Following this, applicants may simply study through Video Training, another learning resource offered on the CompTIA website. In collaboration with their partner ITProTV, CompTIA offers videos hosted by Network+ experts that describe the test objectives for the A+ in an approachable talk show style.
Step7: Instructor-led Training
Furthermore, we have Instructor-led Training. This can be really helpful for candidates who want in-person or live online training. CompTIA offers excellent training led by instructors, whether you’re on your own or part of a group. Additionally, you can discover training through CompTIA’s extensive network of Approved Training Partners.
Step8: Join Groups
Becoming part of online communities like forums or study groups lets you link up with other people getting ready for the same exam. You can trade study materials, ask questions, and get advice from fellow members.
Step9: Self Evaluation
We’re finally at the last step for getting ready for the CompTIA Network+ N10-007 exam. But before you start practicing, make sure you’ve finished the whole course. This way, practicing will give you a clearer idea if you’re truly skilled.
Most importantly, self-evaluation will help you understand the areas where you lack. Therefore, we highly suggest practising as much as you can. SO START PRACTICING NOW.
Now that you’ve gathered all the details about passing the CompTIA exam, let’s proceed to the next part and learn about the various job roles you might have the opportunity to take on after successfully completing this specific test.
Career Prospects
CompTIA Network+ covers the specific skill that prepares IT, professionals, to enjoy the following job roles-
- Firstly, Network Support Specialist
- Secondly, Network Administrator
- After this, Network Engineer
- Also, Help Desk Technician
- Not to mention, Systems Engineer
Top Recruiters
Following is the list of top companies that hire CompTIA Network+ qualified applicants-
- Apple
- Canon
- Intel
- Dell
- Hp
Summarizing
Key differences between N10-006 and N10-007 include the number of objectives covered, the technologies covered, changes in exam format and duration, and differences in difficulty level.
- N10-006 covers 5 domains with a total of 33 objectives, while N10-007 covers 6 domains with a total of 40 objectives.
- N10-007 includes more updated technologies such as cloud computing, virtualization, and mobile devices.
- The exam format for N10-006 includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions, while N10-007 includes multiple-choice, performance-based, and drag-and-drop questions.
- N10-007 has a longer duration of 90 minutes compared to N10-006’s 90 minutes.
- N10-007 is considered more difficult than N10-006 due to the updated technologies and additional domain.
When choosing between the two exams, it’s important to consider your level of knowledge and experience in networking. If you have a good understanding of networking concepts and are familiar with updated technologies, you may want to consider taking the more challenging N10-007 exam. On the other hand, if you are new to networking or have limited experience, N10-006 may be a better option.
