All You Want to Know About N10-004

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Preparing for the exam N10-004
Madhup Sharma
Network+, MCTS, MCSE+I

Congratulations on making the decision to attain a CompTIA Network+ (2009) certification. Network+ is the global, vendor-neutral certification and are trusted industry-wide as an accurate predictor of employee success. By earning this certification, you not only prove that you have the right skills and knowledge, but also the dedication and commitment to your IT career to continue learning.

About CompTIA Certifications:
CompTIA certification programs are vendor neutral, entry-level certification intended for entering into the information technology industry. Many companies preferably hire people with certification and CompTIA certifications are the best route to get recognition for the skills and knowledge of novice IT professionals. Best known for the A+ certification, CompTIA offers many certification in key technology areas such as Network+ for network technology, I-net+ for Internet and Web technology, and Server+ for server technology. Many of the CompTIA certification are electives or prerequisites towards advanced certifications, such as Microsoft’s MCSA and Novell’s CNE.

Network+:
The CompTIA Network+ certification is the sign of a competent networking professional. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure. CompTIA’s Network+ certification is intended to certify networking technicians with 18 to 24 months of experience. Attaining Network+ certification indicates that you know how to configure and install the TCP/IP client. This exam is vendor and product-neutral, covering a range of networking technologies. Network+ is an entry-level, vendor-neutral certification that you can achieve on your way to more advanced certifications, such as the Microsoft MCSE certification.

The exam N10-004 Network+ tests the knowledge and skills of networking professionals. It recognizes a technician's ability to describe the features and functions of the networking components. It also recognizes a candidate's ability to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols and services.

The table below lists the domains measured by this examination and the extent to which they are represented. CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) exams are based on these objectives.

Domain ---------------------- % of Examination
Network Technologies ----------- 20%
Network Media and Topologies --- 20%
Network Devices ---------------- 17%
Network Management ------------- 20%
Network Tools ------------------ 12%
Network Security --------------- 11%
--------------------------------------------------
Total ------------------ 100%

Skills required for CompTIA test N10-004 Network+ 2009:
CompTIA has specified more than twenty-five objectives for the N10-004 test. These objectives are grouped under four topics. Following are the important areas in which an individual should possess good knowledge before taking the N10-004 test:

* Identifying commonly used TCP and UDP default ports
* Identifying the IPv6, IPv4, and MAC addressing formats
* Identifying common IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols
* Identifying common connector types
* Identifying common physical network topologies
* Explaining common logical network topologies and their characteristics
* Installing components of wiring distribution
* Installing, configuring, and differentiating between common network devices
* Implementing a basic wireless network
* Identifying types of configuration management documentation
* Evaluating the network based on configuration management documentation
* Network monitoring to identify performance and connectivity issues
* Implementing different network troubleshooting methodologies


* What are the prerequisites for the Network+ (2009) N10-004 exam?
No prerequisites for writing the exam. Although, it is recommended that CompTIA Network+ candidates have at least nine months of experience in network support or administration or academic training, along with a CompTIA A+ certification.

*What are the benefits to becoming a Network+?
The CompTIA Network+ certification is the sign of a competent networking professional. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure.
Microsoft includes CompTIA Network+ in their Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) program, and other corporations such as Novell, Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks.

*What certificate does it provide?
Passing exam N10-004 provides Network+ certification.

*How many questions are asked in the test?
This test consists of multiple-choice questions. There are no case study type questions and the test is not adaptive. You will be required to attempt one hundred (100) questions.

*What is the duration of the test?
Users are required to attempt all questions in 90 minutes.

*Which type of the test is it? (Adaptive/Linear)
The exam N10-004 is in linear format.

*What is the passing score?
You need a score of 720 on a 100-900 scale to pass the exam.

*What is the test retake policy?
There is no wait time fixed between the first and second attempt. However, third or any subsequent attempt needs to be at least 30 calendar days apart from the previous test.

*Where to take the exam?
CompTIA exams may be taken at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing facilities.

*What is the exam fee?
US$ 238.00

*How uCertify can help you prepare the exam?
uCertify is proud to offer the most sophisticated and realistic, yet simple test preparation software platform available in the market. It's core is a feature packed, PrepEngine that just about anyone can use to learn, teach or administer a given subject. Our smarter learning platform is an effective, cost efficient way to engage students and really learn, not simply pass a given test. Packed with power features like real life test simulation, interactive assessments, customizable tests and numerous study aids, our methodology is a guaranteed recipe for success.
Our PrepKits are backed by money back guarantee. So, if you don’t get certified in the first attempt, we will return your money. No question asked.


Preparing for the exam
The certification exams check your knowledge and experience on their subject. So the best way to get through is to learn and master each and every aspect of the technology and get hands-on experience on it. Of course, you have to study hard, as there is no short cut to success, but if you prepare systematically, you can pass all these exams easily.

Take the following steps to ensure success in the exams:

*Identify the exam objectives by visiting the product vendors site because these objectives keep on changing from time to time.

*Study the suggested reading material and make sure you understand everything and also perform the tasks they suggest.

*If you feel the need, you can also go for instructor-led or online training courses.

*Nothing beats a test better than taking it beforehand. Buy good test simulation software and test your skills on it.

*Register for the test at least two weeks before. This helps in building the tempo.

Before the test

*Be confident and relaxed.

*Sleep well the night before the exam.

*Arrive early at the test center with at least two forms of identification.

*If you need a quick drink of water or a visit to the restroom, take time before the exam, because once started, the exam will not be paused for these needs.

At the Testing center

*You will be asked to present your ID and sign the log when you arrive at the testing center.

*The center in-charge will explain the rules that you have to follow during the exam and will ask you to sign a paper stating that you understand the rules of the exams and will follow them.

*You are not allowed to take in any sort of written or printed material with you to the exam. You will be provided with scratch paper, pencils and anything you need for the exam.

*Before the test, you will have an opportunity to take a practice exam that is not related with the subject but will give you an orientation of the exam process.

*If you have any problem regarding the testing process, you can ask the test administrator.

Test Taking Approach

*As you start the test, be calm and read the question and ALL its options carefully even if you think you know the answer.

*If you are taking an adaptive test, REMEMBER you will not get a chance to change your answer once you move on, so be sure before you mark the answer. In a linear test, you will have a chance to change the answer.

*If you know the answer, answer the question and move on. If you are not sure, still mark your best guess and move on. If it is a linear test, you should also bookmark the question so that you can return to it afterwards.

*Sometimes related questions also provide answer for the questions you were unsure of. So, it is always a good idea to bookmark the question. If you are unsure of the correct answer, read all options and eliminate those that are obviously wrong. Then choose from the remaining options.

*Once you have finished answering all the questions, check the time left. If you have time, review the bookmarked questions.

*Never leave a question unanswered. All certification tests that we know are timed and count unanswered questions as wrong. If you don't have the time, take a blind guess.

Most importantly, keep faith in yourself and you will see that nothing is impossible. You can always find what works for you and what does not and plan your preparations accordingly. This may not be an exhaustive list of what to do and what not to do, but we do hope that these tips will pave your way towards your ultimate goal, i.e., to be certified.

Cheers and All the Best!

About The Author-- Jennifer Ford, Senior Marketing Manager. Visit: uCertify

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