The CompTIA Network+ certification is over a decade old and has seen several changes over the years. The last revision was 2005 (with minor updates in 2007), but CompTIA is currently preparing a major revision of the exam: the CompTIA Network+ 2008 certification. This revision will not only update the exam to include newer technologies and best practices, but will also reorganize the exam and create added focus on Security.
The CompTIA Network+ 2005 exam had four major domains:
- Media and Topologies (20%)
- Protocols and Standards (20%)
- Network Implementation (25%)
- Network Support (35%)
CompTIA is expanding these domains to a total of six domains with the 2008 release (final specs not yet released):
- Network Technologies
- Network Media and Topologies
- Network Devices
- Network Management
- Network Tools
- Network Security
One of the benefits we see for individuals pursuing the 2008 version of the Network+ is the enhanced focus on the hands-on aspect of network troubleshooting. By breaking out Network Tools and Network Security, CompTIA chose to increase focus and exposure on these two critical areas.
As with the 2005 version of the certification, the 2008 Network+ certification is for networking technicians with 9-12 months of experience who have achieved an A+ certification.
We’re currently working on the next edition of our free Network+ tutorial, covering the anticipated 2008 objectives over on Learnthat.com. We’ll post a new entry here when it’s finished.
UPDATED: We’ve started the free Network+ 2008 tutorial at Learnthat.com. It covers material for both the Network+ 2005 certification exam and the Network+ 2008 certification exam, so you can prepare for either exam in one tutorial.