CompTIA Network and Server Certifications
CompTIA offers several vendor-neutral server and network certifications that validate the knowledge of IT professionals in roles such as Network and Systems Administrators and Network and Communications Analysts. The CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Server+ and CompTIA Linux+ certifications are highly respected in the industry. Many employers strongly prefer to hire only professionals with these certifications and expect their existing employees to become certified. Microsoft requires some CompTIA certifications (or equivalent experience) as prerequisites for some of their own courses.
CompTIA Certifications Available
Network+ - This certification validates a network professional’s competency in managing, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure.
Server+ - A certification for server support professionals who are working with Industry Standard Server Architecture (ISSA) technology.
Linux+ - For those working with Linux operating systems, the CompTIA Linux+ certification validates knowledge of the fundamental management of Linux systems.
Preparing for Exams
To prepare for these certification exams, candidates should take advantage of courses available from the many training centers, online schools, community colleges, technical colleges and training courseware providers. Courses are offered in various formats including traditional classrooms, boot-camps, online classrooms and video courses. Prices start as low as $200 for some video courses and go up as high as about $2000 for a five day boot-camp. As an additional preparation tool, CompTIA has practice exams available on their website.
Exam Content
- Network+ - This exam covers managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, operating and configuring basic network infrastructure. Topics include network hardware, connections, software, the OSI reference model and various protocols used in LANs and WANs. The exam has 100 questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. A score of 720 on a scale of 100-900 is needed to pass.
- Server+ - Server topics covered include RAID, SCSI, managing multiple CPUs and disaster recovery. The exam consists of 80 questions and lasts 90 minutes. A passing score is 615 out of 900.
- Linux+ - The fundamental management of Linux systems from the command line is covered, including user administration, file permissions, software configuration and linux-based client management . There are 98 questions and the exam lasts 90 minutes. A score of 675 on a scale of 100-900 is needed to pass.
Taking Exams
CompTIA exams can be taken at a Pearson Vue or Prometric testing centers which are located worldwide. Their websites have locator tools to make it easy to find the closest location and to determine available testing dates.
Maintaining Certifications
These certifications do not expire and do not have any maintenance requirements. To stay current with changes in technology, the exams are updated periodically and some employers require employees to take the newer exams as they become available. CompTIA typically provides bridge exams for those who were certified with an old exam. These bridge exams only cover the new objectives and are shorter in length than the standard exam.
Who Should Get CompTIA Certifications?
Network+ - This certification is suitable for any network professional who has nine months of experience in network support , network administration or academic training and who already has the CompTIA A+ certification.
Server+ - Those who have 18-24 months experience working with Industry Standard Server Architecture (ISSA) technology are good candidates for this certification. CompTIA also recommends that the CompTIA A+ certification be obtained prior to attempting this certification.
Linux+ - This server certification is for IT professionals who support Linux-based servers. Candidates for this certification should have a minimum of six to twelve months practical Linux experience. It is also recommended that they have the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications or equivalent experience.
Evaluating Training Options
In choosing the best training option for these certifications, IT professionals should consider the following factors:
- Method of Instruction – Each person should evaluate their own learning style and lifestyle needs to determine the best fit, whether it be classroom instruction, online instruction, boot-camp or video training.
- Cost – Since the price of training varies widely between types of training, for many, the cost of training may need to be balanced with other considerations.
- Quality – Before choosing a source of training, prospective students should look at free video samples, read reviews, research lab equipment or lab simulation software and understand availability of instructor support, to ensure the training will be of high quality.
About CompTIA
CompTIA is a non-profit trade association of Information Technology professionals. They offer numerous certifications in areas such as networks, servers, Linux, radio frequency identification and project management. They are now also offering some new exams for technology novices who want to increase their basic knowledge of technology.
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