CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the essential knowledge and skills for designing, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting wired and wireless networks. It covers a wide range of topics, including network technologies, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of networks, network security, and network management. The certification is intended for IT professionals with at least nine months of network administration experience.
N10-007 is the current version of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. It was released in 2018 and includes the latest technologies and network security practices. Whereas N10-008 is the latest version of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam, which was released in December 2021. The N10-008 exam has been updated to reflect the latest networking technologies and practices.
The CompTIA Network+ N10-007 and N10-008 exams are both entry-level certifications that validate the knowledge and skills required to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. However, there are some differences between the two exams:
- Exam Content: The N10-008 exam includes updated content and focuses on the latest trends and technologies in networking, such as cloud computing, virtualization, automation, and network security.
- Exam Format: The N10-008 exam has a maximum of 90 questions compared to the N10-007’s maximum of 90 questions. However, the time limit for the N10-008 exam is shorter, with a maximum of 90 minutes compared to 90 minutes for the N10-007.
- Exam Objectives: The N10-008 exam has a revised set of objectives that align with current networking technologies and trends, while the N10-007 exam objectives focus more on traditional networking concepts.
And, to understand what’s new in the new CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) exam, in this blog, we will learn about the difference between the previous N10-007 Network+ exam and the latest N10-008. So, let’s begin!
CompTIA Network+: N10-007 and N10-008 Exam Modifications
CompTIA updates certification examinations on a regular basis to ensure that they appropriately represent changes in technology and industry standards. And in particular, this is updated every three years. The CompTIA Network+ certification is the only one that addresses the specific abilities that network engineers require.
However, the new CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) certification verifies the skills needed to deploy enterprise-level wired and wireless network solutions, as well as diagnose and troubleshoot network performance issues and harden networks against attacks to reduce security risks.
Let’s understand the major modifications between these exams, starting with the Network+ N10-007 exam.
CompTIA Network+: N10-007 Exam
Launch Date: March 2018
Description:
CompTIA Network+ N10-007 address the current networking technologies and provides enhanced coverage of wide range of topics by including:
- Firstly, critical security concepts for helping networking professionals work with security practitioners
- Secondly, common service types and fundamental cloud computing best practices
- Thirdly, coverage of newer hardware and virtualization techniques
- Lastly, concepts to give individuals the combination of skills to keep the network resilient
Further, this exam will confirm that the successful applicant possesses the necessary knowledge and abilities for:
- Firstly, troubleshooting, configuring, and managing common network devices
- Secondly, establishing basic network connectivity
- Thirdly, understanding and maintaining network documentation
- Then, identifying network limitations and weaknesses
- Lastly, applying network security, standards, and protocols
Recommended Experience :
For this exam, it is suggested to have:
- Firstly, CompTIA A+ Certification
- Secondly, networking experience of at least 9 to 12 months.
Exam Format:
The CompTIA Network+ N10-007 exam will consist of 90 multiple-choice questions (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop questions, and performance-based questions. However, the time duration to complete the exam is 90 minutes. And, to pass the exam, you have to score a minimum of 720 (on a scale of 100-900). Lastly, the exam can be taken in English, German, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese language and will cost you $338 USD.
Retirement: June 2022
CompTIA Network+ N10-007 Glossary
Here are some important terms and definitions to know for the CompTIA Network+ N10-007 exam:
- OSI Model: A conceptual model that defines the communication functions of a networking system, consisting of seven layers: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application.
- TCP/IP Model: A networking model that consists of four layers: the network access layer, internet layer, transport layer, and application layer. It is used as the basis for the Internet and most local area networks (LANs).
- IP Address: A numerical identifier assigned to each device connected to a network that uses the Internet Protocol (IP) for communication.
- MAC Address: A unique identifier assigned to each network interface controller (NIC) for use as a network address in communications within a network segment.
- Switch: A networking device that connects devices together in a local area network (LAN) and forwards data between them based on MAC addresses.
- Router: A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks, typically used to connect devices on a LAN to the Internet.
- Firewall: A security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- DNS: The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
- DHCP: The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration settings to devices on a network.
- Subnetting: The process of dividing a network into smaller subnetworks, each with its own unique IP address range.
CompTIA Network+: N10-008 Exam (New)
Launch Date: September 15, 2021
Description:
The new CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) certification verifies the skills needed to deploy enterprise-level wired and wireless network solutions, as well as diagnose and troubleshoot network performance issues and harden networks against attacks to reduce security risks. However, CompTIA Network+ certifies the technical skills for configuring, controlling, and troubleshooting critical networks. This exam verifies that the successful applicant has the necessary knowledge and abilities for:
- Firstly, establishing network connectivity by deploying wired and wireless devices
- Secondly, understanding and maintaining network documentation
- Thirdly, understanding the purpose of network services
- Next, understanding basic datacenter, cloud, and virtual networking concepts
- Then, monitoring network activity, identifying performance and availability issues
- Next, applying network hardening techniques
- Lastly, managing, configuring, and troubleshooting network infrastructure
Recommended Experience :
For this exam, it is suggested to have:
- Firstly, CompTIA A+ Certification
- Secondly, networking experience of at least 9 to 12 months.
Exam Format:
The CompTIA Network+ N10-008 exam will consist of 90 multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions. However, the time duration to complete the exam is 90 minutes. And, to pass the exam, you have to score a minimum of 720 (on a scale of 100-900). Lastly, the exam can be taken in English, with Japanese scheduled and other TBD languages, and will cost you $338 USD.
Retirement: Usually three years after launch
CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Glossary
Here are some important terms and definitions to know for the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 exam:
- Networking: The practice of connecting computing devices together for the purpose of sharing resources and information.
- OSI Model: The Open Systems Interconnection model is a conceptual framework for communication between computers that is made up of seven layers: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application.
- TCP/IP Model: The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol model is a protocol suite used for communication on the internet and other networks. It consists of four layers: network access, internet, transport, and application.
- IP Address: A unique numerical identifier assigned to devices on a network that use the Internet Protocol (IP) for communication.
- Subnet Mask: A 32-bit number used to divide an IP address into network and host addresses.
- Routing: The process of determining the path for data to travel from one network to another.
- Switch: A networking device that connects devices together in a local area network (LAN) and forwards data between them based on MAC addresses.
- Router: A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks, typically used to connect devices on a LAN to the internet.
- Firewall: A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- DNS: The Domain Name System is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
CompTIA Network+ N10-007 vs N10-008: Domains Modifications
The test objectives below mirror the material of the new CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) certification, which focuses on core networking tools and technologies required to construct secure networks and ensure the availability of essential corporate information:
| CompTIA Network+ 007 Exam Objectives | CompTIA Network+ 008 Exam Objectives |
| Networking Concepts (23%) Infrastructure (18%) Network Operations (17%) Network Security (20%) Network Troubleshooting and Tools (22%) | Networking Fundamentals (24%) Network Implementations (19%) Network Operations (16%) Network Security (19%) Network Troubleshooting (22%) |
But, what’s new in this version?
The CompTIA Network+ certification is the only one that identifies the specific abilities that network engineers require. Other credentials are too broad to cover the practical skills and in-depth knowledge needed in today’s networking scenarios. However, the following are some of the exam domain additions in the latest version of CompTIA Network+ (N10-008):
- For the first time, network architecture, including software-defined networking, is included on the exam, ensuring that candidates are familiar with network integrations and cutting-edge technologies used in deployments.
- Secondly, emerging wireless standards and technologies are presented so that businesses may construct networks with optimum flexibility and security.
- Thirdly, network performance monitoring and high availability are addressed as distinct objectives since continual access to both internal networks and SaaS apps boost productivity.
- Lastly, network security has been simplified to focus on the most important parts of hardening networks against malicious attacks and executing network installations securely to prevent unintentional data leaks.
Updated Network+ N10-008 Exam Topics (in-detail)
1. Networking Fundamentals
This covers the sections such as:
- Firstly, comparing and contrasting the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model layers and encapsulation concepts.
- Secondly, describing the characteristics of network topologies and network types.
- Thirdly, summarize the types of cables and connectors and describe which is the suitable type for a solution.
- Then, set up a subnet and use suitable IP addressing schemes.
- The use of common ports and protocols, as well as encrypted alternatives.
- Next, describe the use and purpose of network services.
- Describe basic corporate and data center network architecture.
- Lastly, Summarize cloud concepts and connectivity options.
2. Network Implementations
This covers the sections such as:
- Firstly, compare and contrast various devices, their features, and their suitable placement on the network.
- Secondly, compare and contrast routing technologies and bandwidth management concepts.
- Thirdly, configure and deploy common Ethernet switching features.
- Lastly, install and configure the appropriate wireless standards and technologies.
3. Network Operations
This covers the sections such as:
- Firstly, use suitable statistics and sensors to ensure network availability.
- Secondly, explain the purpose of organizational documents and policies.
- Lastly, explain high availability and disaster recovery concepts and summarize which is the best solution.
4. Network Security
This covers the sections such as:
- Firstly, explain common security concepts
- Secondly, compare and contrast common types of attacks.
- Then, implement network hardening techniques.
- Compare and contrast the various ways of remote access and their security consequences.
- Lastly, explain the importance of physical security.
5. Network Troubleshooting
This covers the sections such as:
- Firstly, explain the network troubleshooting methodology
- Secondly, troubleshoot common cable connectivity issues and select the appropriate tools.
- Thirdly, use suitable network software tools and commands.
- Next, troubleshoot common wireless connectivity issues.
- Lastly, troubleshoot general networking issues.
We’ve gone over the key changes and additions to the CompTIA Network+ exam up to this point. We’ll go through the major job roles and salaries that you may earn with this qualification in the next section.
CompTIA Network+: Job Roles
Employers recognize that a CompTIA Network+ certified professional has a strong networking foundation, which is strongly related to other aspects of IT such as cloud computing, virtualization, software development, cybersecurity, and more.
The following are some of the most common career roles that use the abilities you’ll master on the upcoming CompTIA Network+ exam:
Network Administrator
- The average yearly salary is $83,510.
Systems Engineer
- The average yearly salary is $90,920.
Network Support Specialist
- Salary ranges from $38,990 to $106,420. However, the average yearly salary is $63,460.
Systems Administrator
- Salary ranges from $52,370 to $132,520. However, the average yearly salary is $83,510.
Further, the abilities you gain on the CompTIA Network+ exam may be useful in secondary jobs such as:
- NOC technician
- Telecommunications technician
- Cable technician
CompTIA Network+ Industry Evolvement
As technology evolves at a rapid pace, CompTIA certifications are updated on a regular basis. CompTIA Network+ is ANSI-accredited and satisfies the standards of DoD Directive 1570.01-M in the United States. This keeps the subject matter current and meets real-world demands, such as some of the most vital abilities IT professionals require in their professions. Some examples of such abilities are:
- Firstly, for ensuring connection and network availability, IP addressing and linking networks are used.
- Secondly, wireless standards and technology are always changing.
- Thirdly,, securing and hardening networks against malicious assaults and providing the first line of protection for business networks
- Lastly, end-user troubleshooting for a range of typical networking difficulties.
Furthermore, Network+ is supported by some of the largest and most prestigious organizations. The following organizations have contributed to the development of Network+:
- Apple
- Canon
- Dell
- hp
- Intel
- Ricoh
- US: Department of defense
- Verizon
Final Words
The significant changes and differences between the N10-008 and N10-007 exams have been discussed above. The CompTIA Network+ exam has already established itself in the networking industry by gaining the trust of leading companies. So, look over the material above and double-check the details to see if it matches your skills and experience. Then, to prepare for the updated CompTIA Network+ exam, do the following:
- Firstly, use eLearning with CertMaster Learn and interactive Labs with CompTIA Labs
- Secondly, explore the CompTIA Network+ Study Guide
- Thirdly, use Instructor-Led Training
- Lastly, search for best practice tests to improve your revision.
CompTIA Network+ certification is a highly respected and recognized credential that can help you advance your career in network administration and cybersecurity. Both the N10-007 and N10-008 exams cover essential networking concepts, technologies, and best practices. To prepare for the exam, it is recommended to use study materials such as study guides, online courses, and practice tests, and to join study groups. Remember to focus on your weaker areas, and practice using exam simulation tools to prepare for the exam format.
