New CompTIA Network+ Exam Addresses Growth of Software Defined Networks, Heightened Security Preparedness

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Mar 04, 2015, 09:30 ET

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the leader in vendor-neutral skills certifications for the global information technology (IT) workforce, announced today it has updated its CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

"Heightened security considerations, a greater reliance on software defined networking, the explosion of mobile devices and BYOD and the business-critical need to prioritize network traffic are just some of the challenges IT professionals deal with each day," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO, CompTIA. "Each of these challenges and others are addressed in the new exam."

CompTIA Network+ is the leading vendor-neutral certification for networking professionals. Now in its 15^th year, the credential validates that an individual has the knowledge and skills required to troubleshoot, configure and manage today's networks.

More than 400,000 people worldwide are CompTIA Network+ certified. Network technicians, engineers, administrators, analysts, cable technicians and help desk technicians are just some of the IT positions that pursue the certification. But its applicability and relevance extend well beyond these IT roles.

"Consider all of the networking elements present on an auto manufacturing assembly line; or a municipal water filtration and distribution operation; or any other computer-based system that monitors and controls industrial, infrastructure or facility-based processes," noted James Stanger, senior director, product management, CompTIA.

"The days of setting up a network and walking away are long gone. Today's networks require constant oversight, adjustment and protection," he continued. "We've updated our exam to reflect this new reality."

The new exam (N10-006) covers five areas of networks: architecture, operations, security, troubleshooting and industry standards, practices and network theory. New and updated areas of networking covered in the exam include:

Cloud and virtualization
Network segmentation using physical and virtual solutions
Wireless and mobile support, mobile device management and device security
Digital forensics techniques for preserving and securing data

CompTIA Network+ is compliant with ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 Conformity Assessment, the international standard designed to ensure that certification bodies around the world operate in a consistent, comparable and reliable manner.

The certification is used worldwide by many governments. For example, it is included in U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570.01-M, which provides guidance and procedures for the training, certification and management of government employees and contractors who conduct information assurance functions in assigned duty positions.

Training Resources Available
A large selection of learning content to prepare for the new exam is – or soon will be – available. CompTIA CertMaster, the online, confidence-based learning solution that helps individuals learn and retain information more effectively, will introduce a new course on the latest CompTIA Network+ exam in mid-March.

Additional study materials include instructor-led training courseware from Logical Operations and Pearson Education; self-study e-learning options from IT University, Medallion Learning, Pluralsight, Robust IT and Skillsoft; books and e-books from gtslearning, McGraw Hill and Wiley Sybex; and practice tests from Kaplan Transcender.

Complete information on CompTIA Network+ is available at http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/network.aspx.

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SOURCE CompTIA