Ultimate Guide to the CompTIA Network+ Certification in 2023
By Alex • Updated Jan 7, 2023
Overview | Exam Guide | Courses | Practice Exams
About: What is the CompTIA Network+ certification?
The CompTIA Network+ certification is an IT infrastructure certification offered by CompTIA that “validates the technical skills needed to securely establish, maintain and troubleshoot the essential networks that businesses rely on” (source).
Jobs: Which jobs can you get with a CompTIA Network+ certification?
According to Credly, there are 1,535 job openings related to the CompTIA Network+ certification in the US alone. The 5 job titles with the most openings are:
- Service Engineer: 54 job postings
- Technical Account Engineer: 52 job postings
- Select Customer Care Engineer: 52 job postings
- Network Engineer: 42 job postings
- IT Support Engineer: 40 job postings
Salary: Which salary can you expect with a CompTIA Network+ certification?
In 2022, the average salary for a CompTIA Network+ holder in the United States is $72,919 per year (source: ZipRecruiter).
The majority of salaries currently range between $51,000 (25th percentile) to $89,500 (75th percentile).
Requirements: What are the requirements for the CompTIA Network+ certification?
There are no prerequisites to take the CompTIA Network+ exam.
However, CompTIA recommends that professionals have obtained the CompTIA A+ certification and/or a minimum of 9 months of networking experience.
Cost: How much does the CompTIA Network+ certification cost?
The certification exam costs 338 USD. This does not include potential costs for study materials such as online courses and practice exams.
Recertification: How long is the certification valid & how can it be renewed?
The CompTIA Network+ certification is good for three years from the day of your exam. CompTIA offers a Continuing Education (CE) program that allows you to extend your certification in three-year intervals.
CompTIA offers many different paths to renew your certification. If you want to renew your certification as fast as possible you can complete any of the following:
- Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE
- Earn Additional CompTIA Certifications
- Earn Non-CompTIA IT Industry Certifications
- Pass Latest Release of Your CompTIA Exam
Additionally, CompTIA offers the option to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by completing a variety of different activities, such as publishing blog posts, participating in workshops, or teaching a course (the full list of activities can be found here).
You can complete any combination of these activities to earn the total number of 30 CEUs required.
FAQs
Who is the CompTIA Network+ certification for?
The CompTIA Network+ certification is for IT professionals who work with network technologies and want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in network design, management, and troubleshooting.
It is intended for individuals who have at least 9-12 months of networking experience and want to take their career to the next level.
Is the CompTIA Network+ certification worth it?
Yes, the CompTIA Network+ certification is worth it. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates your understanding of network technologies and your ability to work with them.
It can open up new job opportunities, increase your earning potential, and provide a foundation for more advanced networking certifications.
How can you get the CompTIA Network+ certification?
To obtain the CompTIA Network+ certification, you must pass the CompTIA Network+ exam. The exam tests your knowledge of network technologies, including network design, management, and troubleshooting.
You can prepare for the exam by studying the CompTIA Network+ exam objectives, taking a training course, and practicing with network technologies.
What are the benefits of obtaining the CompTIA Network+ certification?
The benefits of obtaining the CompTIA Network+ certification include:
- Demonstrating your knowledge and skills in network technologies
- Opening up new job opportunities and increasing your earning potential
- Providing a foundation for more advanced networking certifications
- Being recognized as a certified professional in the IT industry
- Improving your employability and competitiveness in the job market
How difficult is it to obtain the CompTIA Network+ certification?
The difficulty of obtaining the CompTIA Network+ certification will vary depending on your level of experience and preparation.
It is recommended to have 9-12 months of networking experience before taking the exam.
How long does it take to get the CompTIA Network+ certification?
The time it takes to get the CompTIA Network+ certification will vary depending on your level of experience and preparation.
On average, it can take several months to prepare for the exam, but this can vary depending on how much time you dedicate to studying and practicing.
It is also important to note that the CompTIA Network+ certification is valid for three years, after which you will need to recertify.
What are the best CompTIA Network+ certification alternatives?
Some popular alternatives to the CompTIA Network+ certification include:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) in Network Fundamentals
- Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA)
- Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
- Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC)
Ultimately, the best alternative for you will depend on your career goals and the type of networking technologies you work with.
It is recommended to research and compare the different certifications to determine which one aligns best with your career aspirations.
Conclusion
The CompTIA Network+ certification is a highly valued IT infrastructure certification that validates technical skills for network establishment, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
It offers a competitive salary, job opportunities, and is reasonably priced at $338. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through CompTIA's Continuing Education program.
Obtaining this certification is a valuable investment for those seeking a career in IT infrastructure and networking.