CertiGuide to Network+  9  Introduction and “Guide to the Guide”

Network+ 2002 Exam Specifics 1 2 Chapter 0000:  Network Basics

What is NETWORK+?

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) developed the Network+ certification exam as a path for students to enter into networking. CompTIA is an organization that is made up of a variety of hardware and software companies that share the common goal of advancing computing.

Unlike vendor specific tests, such as you will find from Microsoft or Novell, CompTIA introduced the bold idea of testing for vendor independent knowledge at a level that is above that of entry level, and below that of an experienced systems engineer.

The first test CompTIA released was the A+ certification exam. While the original goal was to insure a base understanding for field technicians, the test proved to be valuable for proving that a person had a reasonable understanding of hardware.

As the popularity of the PC grew, so did the popularity of the NETWORK+ certification. Today, even though a person may have proven a level of software expertise such as a MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) or Novell CNE (Certified Netware Engineer), NETWORK+ proves hardware understanding.

Today, many human resource departments demand NETWORK+ certification prior to hiring employees, and often require it within 90 to 180 days after being hired.

CompTIA’s committee members were charged with creating a vendor neutral network certification. They created a focus group made up of technical managers, and asked them to determine what the knowledge base for a person with 18 to 24 months’ field experience would look like. The group wrote a long “wish list” of what they wanted to see in the ideal world.

This list was submitted to 5 people whom CompTIA contacted and asked to hide out in the mountains of Utah in December 1998 to develop the Network+ exam. The exam development group was comprised of several technical managers, instructors and authors who volunteered their time and effort to create the NETWORK+ exam.

When the NETWORK+ group wrote the exam, they focused on two official primary objectives for test questions. The two official objectives were: 1) is this a valid question for someone with 18 to 24 months full time field experience? And 2) Does this answer the objective fairly?

Network+ 2002 Exam Specifics 1 2 Chapter 0000:  Network Basics