Network+ Professionals in the Real World

The next section describes an ideal Network+ candidate, although we know full well that not all candidates will meet this ideal. In fact, the description of that ideal candidate might seem downright scary. But take heart: Increasing numbers of people are attaining CompTIA certifications, so the goal is within reach. You can get all the real-world motivation you need from knowing that many others have gone before you, so you will be able to follow in their footsteps. If you're willing to tackle the process seriously and do what it takes to obtain the necessary experience and knowledge, you can takeand passthe certification test involved in obtaining a Network+ certification. In fact, we've designed this Exam Cram to make it as easy on you as possible to prepare for the exam. But prepare you must!

The same, of course, is true for other CompTIA certifications, including

• A+ certification A testing program that certifies the competency of entry-level service technicians in the computer industry. It consists of a core exam and a DOS/Windows exam. It is targeted at computer technicians with six months of experience.

• Linux+ Certification Linux continues to develop and expand and today is a common sight in networks of all sizes. The Linux+ certification introduces students to this open source operating system and provides a solid background in Linux including installation, file systems, OS navigation, troubleshooting, managing services, and so on.

• Server+ The Server+ certification is designed to test a candidate's knowledge of server hardware, server best practices, and server maintenance. Some of the technologies covered include upgrading and repairing server hardware and software, troubleshooting hardware configurations, and best practices when working in the server room.

The Ideal Network+ Candidate

The following list describes some relevant statistics about the background and experience an ideal individual might have. Don't worry if you don't meet these qualifications or don't come that closethis is a far from ideal world, and where you fall short is simply where you'll have more work to do.

• Academic or professional training in network theory, concepts, and operations. This includes everything from networking media and transmission techniques to network operating systems, services, and applications.

• Between 9 and 24 months of networking experience, including experience with Ethernet, routers, and modems, with particular emphasis on the TCP/IP suite. This must include installation, configuration, upgrading, and troubleshooting experience.

• Two-plus years in an internetwork environment that includes hands-on experience with Web servers, email servers, database servers, and DHCP and DNS servers. A solid understanding of each system's architecture, installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting is also essential.

• Experience with the Internet, intranets , and extranets.

• Familiarity with client and network operating systems.

• Experience working with networking protocols, specifically TCP/IP.

If you were to review all the criteria that go into making an ideal Network+ candidate, you will find that it boils down to practical experience in a technical position involving installation, configuration, and maintenance of networks. We believe that well under half of all certification candidates meet these requirements, and that, in fact, most meet fewer than half of these requirementsat least, when they begin the certification process. But because others who already have been certified have survived this ordeal, you can survive it tooespecially if you heed what our self-assessment can tell you about what you already know and what you need to learn.