* Network+: Gone are questions about frame relay; included are questions about wireless
CompTIA earlier this month released an updated version of its Network+ foundation level certification exam, which now covers wireless networking and Gigabit Ethernet.
The certification, which was last updated in 2001, now includes questions about new technologies, protocols and cable standards and the removal of older and less common versions of the same.
For instance, certification candidates are expected to be able to know about wireless security protocols such as Wi-Fi Protected Access, wireless access points, remote access, VPNs, and media converters. Gone are questions about frame relay, ATM and SONET/SDH.
According to CompTIA officials, the revisions are the result of a 6-month-long review process involving subject matter experts from the vendor and user communities, telling CompTIA which networking technologies network pros should be proficient with. The skills and knowledge measured by this exam were also validated through a survey of 2,500 network professionals, CompTIA says.
If you already hold the Network+ certification, you’re not obligated to take the new exam, as your certification is valid for life, says CompTIA. But this new exam could be of interest to network professionals with between nine and 12 months experience who want to learn about new wireless and network security issues.
To find out more about what’s new in the Network+ exam, check out CompTIA’s FAQ on the subject at https://www.comptia.org/certification/network/faqs.aspx#224 . You can also download the revised examination objectives, which details what is new and what was removed from the exam (https://www.comptia.org/certification/Network/objectives.aspx – registration required). Even if you’re not thinking of taking the exam, it’s interesting to see which technologies and standards the subject matter experts believe are important (or no longer important) today.
In other CompTIA news, the trade association wants you if you are an expert in radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. It is calling for subject matter experts to help develop a new professional certification of RFID skills (see http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/edu/2005/0321ed1.html). Experts will meet at CompTIA headquarters in Oabrook Terrace, Ill., May 31 through June 2, to identify the knowledge and skills required to be proficient in RFID technology. For more info, go to: https://www.comptia.org/certification/rfid/sme/sme_info.aspx
