Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification proving an IT professional’s ability to operate, advance, troubleshoot, install and configure primary computer networks. CompTIA Network+ (N10-017) certification is the entry point to a variety of highly-demand IT certifications.

Network+ certification ensures that the successful candidate has all the necessary skills to manage network infrastructure and maintain it efficiently. This includes knowledge of troubleshooting and configuring, configuring, and operating the infrastructure.
1) IS NETWORK+ PERMITTED FOR ORGANIZATIONS?
If the answer to this question is yes, then you should apply for the certification. The certification is not required in the private sector. However, certain employers may require it or give it to you within a specified time after you are hired.
Remember that hiring managers may be required to review resumes for experience, certification, and specific skills. You could be disqualified from the candidate pool if you don’t have Network+ certification. This is not intended to discredit those with valuable networking experience. A hiring manager should acknowledge this and allow you to skip the certification requirement. Each job is different.
The government mandated D0DD-8570 in the public sector asks for CompTIA Network+ (N10-017) and similar certifications to work at specific agencies.
Employers and hiring managers value experience more than certifications and skills. While you may be involved in the interview and hiring process, a professional’s true colors are on the job.
CompTIA Network+ certifications demonstrate that you have a good understanding of the exam objectives. Although a person can study enough to understand networking and pass the CompTIA Network+ review with a passing score, this does not guarantee that they will be able to be a successful network administrator or technician. Only time will tell.
2) WHO PAYS FOR TRAINING OR THE CERTIFICATION EXAM
Employers pay. There is no reason to say no. Skeptics might call the certification ineffective, however, having accreditation is better than having it not.
Let’s say you are looking for a job or are in a bind. You must pay for the certification. John Cesca explained how he studied for the CompTIA+ certification on his own and paid for it himself. Why did he spend the money on the exam, he asked? He believed that the effort of studying and taking initiative to get the certification was well worth it.
He saw the money as a worthwhile investment in his own future, especially considering the higher cost of college courses. John chose to take the difficult independent route to pass the A+ exams. Future posts will compare and discuss how different learning methods can lead to different levels of success.
3) DO YOUR SKILLS and EXPERIENCE MATCH THE REQUISITES OF NETWORK+?
Individuals may refer the Network+, CompTIA A+ and Security+ certifications to be entry-level credentials. These certifications are only for those who have little to no experience in information technology and lack essential networking information. You will notice that the job descriptions and human resource managers can vary on what “entry-level” means when searching for jobs.
Entry-level positions are for IT professionals with no to three years of work experience.
4) DOESNETWORK+ ALign WITH YOUR CAREER GOALS
CompTIA Network+ Security+, A+ is not a career path that you would want to follow for the next five to ten decades. Although you have an interest and passion for workstations I doubt that your knowledge extends beyond basic knowledge to reveal your true interests.
If you are planning on pursuing a career as a Network Administrator, you should consider skipping the A+ certification. As you’ll see in the next section however, Network+ and A+ are interconnected in more ways that you might realize.
5) WHAT NETWORK+ COVERS IN NETWORKING?
Networking doesn’t allow you to ignore hardware knowledge. Critics might decline to give the A+ certification, claiming it is useless for absolute beginners who don’t know anything. It is possible to deny a beginner-type certification or to recognize the opportunity for those newer in IT to get a complete, software/hardware, view of the fundamentals that affect the networking side.
Networking is about connecting physical devices together. More often than not, these devices are computers. Networking is possible only if the hardware (such as Network Interface Cards or NICs) is available in the computers. Understanding how the NICs work, how different networking protocols are configured, and the differences between serial and USB devices will help you build your network knowledge.
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