CompTIA Convergence+ Certification
As Voice over IP(VoIP) systems have become increasingly popular and as new multi-media technology solutions such as teleconferencing and messaging have evolved, the need for certification in the area of convergent network technologies has become very important and valuable. CompTIA provides a vendor-neutral certification that covers voice and related networking technologies called Convergence+. It is recognized by companies such as Avaya, Intel, Siemens and Catalyst Telecom.
Networking professionals who want to work in this interesting and evolving field can get a head-start by obtaining the CompTIA Convergence+ certification. This certification is perceived by some to be an ideal prerequisite to obtaining vendor-specific certifications in voice and convergence technologies. Increasingly, employers are looking for this certification when recruiting professionals to work in these areas.
What is CompTIA Convergence+ Certification?
This certification validates the skills needed for analysis, implementation, and management of data, voice and multimedia convergence applications. As a vendor-neutral exam, the knowledge is applicable regardless of the vendor products one is working with. Some companies, such as Avaya, require this certification be obtained before their own proprietary exams are taken.
Preparing for CompTIA Exams
There are a variety of career schools, online schools, community colleges and training centers that offer courses that prepare students to take the Convergence+ exam. Course formats offered include traditional classrooms, online classrooms, boot-camps and self-study videos.
Exam Content
This is a comprehensive exam, covering topics from network basics to video-conferencing and wireless technology. Below is a list of the topics covered on the exam:
- Networking infrastructure and design
- Network protocols
- Infrastructure hardware
- Client devices
- Telephony fundamentals
- Telephony hardware
- Wireless networks
- Multi-media and video
- Quality of Service
- Converged network management
- Troubleshooting converged networks
- Security vulnerabilities and solutions
Taking Exams
The CompTIA Convergence+ exam is a 90 minute exam given at Prometric and Pearson Vue testing centers which are located worldwide. Exams can be scheduled through their websites. The cost of taking the exam has been about $240 but is less for CompTIA members. Exam prices are subject to change.
Who Should Get CompTIA Certification?
Networking professionals working with VoIP technologies or those who want to work with these technologies and already have substantial networking experience are good candidates for this certification. Those who are thinking about pursuing vendor-specific VoIP certifications may also choose, and are sometimes required, to obtain this certification first.
All candidates should have at least a few years of networking experience. It is recommended that the candidate already have the CompTIA Network+ certification. Since the exam covers a number of topics, even those with VoIP experience should prepare thoroughly since their day-to-day jobs probably do not require expertise on every subject.
Evaluating Training Options
Taking the time to choose the right source of training is important for this difficult exam. The following factors should be considered:
- Quality of Training – To pass this comprehensive and challenging exam, high-quality training that covers all the topics completely should be a goal when making a training choice.
- Training Method – Choosing the best method of training for each individual, whether it be a traditional classroom, online class, boot-camp or self-study video, can make a difference as to whether the exam is passed or not.
- Exam Guarantee – Due to the difficulty of this exam, choosing training that provides free re-training if an exam is not passed, should be a consideration.
About CompTIA
CompTIA is a non-profit IT trade association that is the worldwide leader of vendor-neutral IT certifications. They also sponsor educational programs, market research, networking events and political advocacy.
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