Introduction
The Network+ certification is a vendor neutral exam that verifies that the tester is knowledgeable in maintenance, troubleshooting and configuration of networks. It is a multiple-choice exam that consists of 90 questions that cover six domains:
- Network Technologies
- Network Media and Topologies
- Network Devices
- Network Management
- Network Tools
- Network Security
The Network+ certification is considered an entry level exam, but it is also the prerequisite for many other network related certifications. It is suitable for anyone working as a Network engineer, System Administrator, helpdesk technician, or any other network or infrastructure related position. The Network+ certification also fulfills the Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level 1 DoD 8570 requirements. So, candidates who support the Department of Defense might consider this certification as well. The Network+ certification stays active for three years after it is taken. In order to keep the certification active, one must earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during the three years it is active. CPEs ae part of the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) policy. The purpose of the CPE policy is to ensure certification holders stay current with trends and advancements in the field. The holder of a Network+ certification must earn 20 CEUs during the three-year time frame. If CEUs are successfully earned the certification is extended for an additional three years.
How do you earn CEUs
CEUs are meant to determine that the candidate is still maintaining their knowledge in the field. The information technology field changes often so it is important for those working in the field to understand current trends.
There are multiple ways to earn CEUs. Some include:
- Taking online technical courses
- Participating in technical webinars
- Taking college courses related to Information technology
- Teaching a class, or webinar
- Speaking at a technically related seminar
- Complete a CompTIA CertMaster CE or self-paced course
- Earn Additional CompTIA certifications
- Earn Industry Certifications
- Take latest Network+ Exam
- Attend a Conference
- Complete an American Council on Education (ACE) course
- Create training or instructional material
- Publish a technically related Blog Post
- Publish a technical Book
- Publish a technical white paper or article
- Work Experience
Taking online technical courses
This can include taking vendor specific courses
Participating in technical webinars
Taking college courses related to Information technology
Teaching a class, or webinar
Speaking at a technically related seminar
Complete a CompTIA CertMaster CE or self-paced course
Earn Additional CompTIA certifications
Earn Industry Certifications
Take latest Network+ Exam
Attend a Conference
Complete an American Council on Education (ACE) course
Create training or instructional material
Publish a technically related Blog Post
Publish a technical Book
Publish a technical white paper or article
Work Experience
What are the Network+ CEU guidelines
CompTIA separated certification renewal activities as either single or multiple. A Single activity means just doing the one item satisfies all of the CEU requirements. Single Activities include:
- Completing a CompTIA CertMaster CE
- Earn another CompTIA Certification
- Earn an industry certification
- Pass latest CompTIA Network+ certification
Multiple renewal activities include:
- Attending a Webinar or conference
- Work Experience
- Completing a College/ACE or training course
- Teaching
- Publishing a white paper or book
- Earning an industry certification
- Participation in a CompTIA development workshop
Any of the items used must be uploaded into the CompTIA website in order to receive credit for them. For items that cannot be uploaded, for instance a webinar attendance or work experience, an extensive explanation about the item must be proved.
How do you calculate CEU credits
For each of the categories above, CompTIA gives information related to the amount of CEUs earned for each item. For example, if you navigate to the site and select work experience, you will see that a Network+ holder can earn up to 9 CEUs for work experience. 3 for each year. Th CompTIA site also provides information on what type of information to upload, and how to upload the acceptable information into the site to receive credit.
Some free ways to earn CEUs
All of the single activities listed have a cost associated with them. All certifications require some amount of payment for the test taker. However, there are items on the multiple renewal activities list that could be free. They include:
- Attending a Webinar or conference
- Work Experience
- Teaching
- Publishing a white paper or book
- Participation in a CompTIA development workshop
There are online options for free courses that can satisfy the CEU requirements. Khan Academy offers some technical course that could be used to fulfill the requirement. Many IT companies offer free online webinars. For example, Tenable, the makers of the Nessus security scanning tool, offers webinars related to current cybersecurity related threats and vulnerabilities. These webinars are geared towards selling a product, but the information provided is worth up to 8 CEUs. There are also free conferences that may be available. This varies based on your location. Most free IT related conferences are small and localized, so you would want to stay on the lookout for resources in your area that host such events.
Any recent policy changes
The CompTIA Network+ exam previously did not require CEUs. Once you passed the exam you maintained the certification for life. CompTIA decided to enforce the need for CEUs to ensure certification holders were maintain their skillset. Since that change there have been many updates to the actual exam, but not the CEU requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CompTIA Network+ certification requires those who successfully pass the exam to maintain the certification by completing continuing education units. These CEUs are used to ensure the Network+ certified individual stays up to date with current trends in networking. This requirement is one way the Network+ certification maintains its respect within the community.
References
https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/network#renewal https://certification.comptia.org/continuing