CompTIA Network+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT infrastructure covering troubleshooting, configuring and managing networks. Jobs like network field technician and junior network administrator use the skills validated by CompTIA Network+ certification. Companies like Apple, Best Buy, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ricoh, the United States Department of Defense and Verizon all look for the CompTIA Network+ certification in hiring.
Certification makes a great first impression. According to an IDC report, 96 percent of HR managers use IT certifications as screening or hiring criteria during recruitment*. Learn more about all the places you career can gowith CompTIA certifications.
Below are just a few of the jobs that you could get if you had CompTIA Network+.
What Is a Network Engineer?**
Network engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring and managing the local and wide area networks of an organization to ensure maximum uptime for users. The role can include the following tasks:
- Designing system configurations
- Documenting and managing the installation of a new network
Maintaining and upgrading existing systems as necessary
Network Engineer Duties and Responsibilities of the Job
Network engineers will work in house or be assigned to project management teams working with outside clients. As part of an organization's IT team, network engineers work closely with business analysts, network architects and IT managers. A network engineer job description may include the following duties and responsibilities:
- Designing and implementing new network solutions and/or improving the efficiency of current networks
- Installing, configuring and supporting network equipment including routers, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, DNS and DHCP
- Procuring network equipment and managing subcontractors involved with network installation
- Configuring firewalls, routing and switching to maximize network efficiency and security
- Maximizing network performance through ongoing monitoring and troubleshooting
- Arranging scheduled upgrades
- Investigating faults in the network
- Updating network equipment to the latest firmware releases
- Reporting network status to key stakeholders
There are also a number of qualities that candidates should be expected to display, including the following:
- An analytical mind
- An ability to learn new technologies quickly
- Good time management skills
- An ability to follow processes
- Strong documentation skills
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Commercial and business awareness
What Is on the CompTIA Network+ Exam?
CompTIA’s Network+ certification validates the knowledge and skills needed to troubleshoot, configure and manage both wired and wireless networks found in companies around the world. CompTIA Network+ certifies a professional-level understanding of emerging technologies including cloud and virtualization technologies.
CompTIA Network+ ensures an IT professional has the following knowledge and skills:
- Design and implement functional networks
- Configure, manage, and maintain essential network devices
- Use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create resilient networks
- Identify benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations
- Implement network security, standards and protocols
- Troubleshoot network problems
- Support the creation of virtualized networks
The CompTIA Network+ exam includes the following domains and topics:
- Networking Concepts: Explain the purpose of a variety of networking concepts and implement them appropriately.
- Infrastructure: Determine and explain the appropriate cabling, device and storage technologies.
- Network Operations: Use best practices to manage the network, determine policies and ensure business continuity.
- Network Security: Summarize physical security and common attacks while securing the wired and wireless network.
- Network Troubleshooting and Tools: Explain the network troubleshooting methodology and appropriate tools to support connectivity and performance.
Click here to review the detailed exam objectives.
What Is a Network Administrator?
A network administrator supports the company's internal servers in the following ways:
- Installs and maintains the network and hardware systems
- Diagnoses and repairs connectivity issues
- Ensures people can only access the files they have permission to
- Monitors the network to maintain speed and availability
- Manages backup systems for the network
- Repairing hardware and configuring software to maintain operating systems
Depending on the size of the company, network administrators might be responsible for supporting the desktop computers as well as other networked devices. Network administrators must have a thorough understanding of switches, routers and networked communications.
Read more about the daily life of a network administrator here.
Other Top CompTIA Network+ Job Titles
- IT consultant
- Computer technician
- Help desk technician
- System engineer
- Network support specialist
- Network analyst
Other Employers That Recommend or Require CompTIA Network+ Certification
- Canon
- Cisco
- Dell
- HP
- Intel
- Konica Minolta
- Motorola
- Sharp
- Time Warner
- Xerox
Ready for a Career in Networking?
We’ve made it easy to get started planning your path in networking.
- Begin by reading up on the four important steps toward your certification.
- Then, learn everything you need to know about CompTIA Network+certification
- And finally, download the exam objectivesand practice test questionsto start learning right away.
CompTIA now offers a number of exam training optionsfor CompTIA Network+ to fit your particular learning style and schedule, many of which may be used in combination with each other as you prepare for your exam.
There’s a wealth of information to take you from deciding if CompTIA Network+is right for you, all the way to taking your exam. We’re with you every step of the way!
