CompTIA Network+® Certification

"I have been able to help the Network Administrator numerous times since receiving my CompTIA Network+ certification. My company is now requiring the rest of the Helpdesk staff to become certified"

David Glenn, Computer/Network Technician

CompTIA Network+® and Your Career

CompTIA Network+ is a valuable credential that will help you begin a successful networking career. From installation to troubleshooting, employers know CompTIA Network+ certified technicians have the knowledge and skills to successfully complete the job. Adding a CompTIA Network+ certification to your resume will prove to employers your abilities to keep their networks up and running.

Find out how CompTIA Network+ compares with other industry certifications.

CompTIA Network+® and the US Department of Defense
In 2004, the US Department of Defense (DoD) established Directive 8570.1: Information Assurance Training, Certification and Workforce Management. It requires that all DoD Information Assurance technicians and managers are trained and certified. CompTIA Network+ is an approved certification that meets DoD requirements.

Visit the US Government resources page for more information.

Key benefits for becoming CompTIA Network+ certified:

  • A solid credential that makes you more marketable, leading to better job opportunities.
    • CompTIA Network+ is one of the top ten most popular certifications among IT professionals, and 89 percent of certified technicians say the main benefit of IT credentials is to supply qualifications for either current or future positions.*
  • Credibility and respect in the workplace.
    • Nearly 71 percent of certified professionals say that credentials give them more prestige among their colleagues.*
  • Validation of achievement in an industry-valued skill.
    • Employers rank "networking" as one of the most in-demand IT department skills.*
  • Increased knowledge, leading to increased job satisfaction.
    • Ninety-three percent of CompTIA certified IT professionals feel their customers are in qualified hands, and 84 percent say they have the confidence and required skills to do a superior job.**
  • Viable career path, leading to higher level positions.
    • Seventy-four percent of IT managers say a CompTIA certification is an important factor in considering an employee for a promotion.**

*Salary Survey: Monitoring Your Net Worth, CertMag, 2005
**Measuring the Value of IT Certification, Kotler Marketing Group, 2003

CompTIA Network+ is a Stepping Stone to Other Vendor Certifications
The chart below illustrates the appropriate point at which a network/IT professional should earn CompTIA Network+ in relation to other technical certifications. Although not required, CompTIA A+ is considered a good entry-level certification for IT professionals to earn as it demonstrates a broad-based knowledge of PC hardware and software, and related technologies and on-the-job skills. The next step is CompTIA Network+, the vendor-neutral certification which lays the groundwork for entry-level, vendor-specific certifications, such as Cisco and Microsoft.