CompTIA, the IT industry leader, recently launched the 2024 edition of its renowned CompTIA Network+ certification. This respected credential validates core skills needed to design, maintain, and secure the critical network infrastructure powering today's digital world.

Network+ serves as a springboard for early career professionals seeking rewarding opportunities in networking and cybersecurity. The updated program emphasizes practical skills in network hardening, wired/wireless deployments, and ensuring network uptime.

"Network+ equips professionals with the foundational security skills needed to safeguard networks, manage access, and implement robust controls," says Teresa Sears, CompTIA's product management vice president. "Earning this credential demonstrates your ability to provide essential network support to businesses of all sizes."

CompTIA research indicates a booming demand for network-related skills, with over 1.1 million job postings in the US seeking qualified candidates. Network+ certification benefits various IT roles, including network administrators, data center technicians, network engineers, and network operations center personnel.

The new Network+ Exam (N10-009) delves deeper into modern network environments and physical network installations. Core elements like IP addressing, network connectivity, wireless technologies, and network security remain central to the program. Cybersecurity continues to be a critical focus, now incorporating zero-trust architecture and advanced network security practices.

The updated Network+ curriculum also covers Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and its wide-area networking counterpart, SD-WAN. Additionally, it introduces infrastructure as code (IaC), a transformative approach leveraging code for efficient infrastructure provisioning and management.

Network+ further incorporates knowledge of large-scale network deployments and scalability through technologies like VxLAN, IDFs, and MDFs. By mastering these updated topics, IT professionals can gain a competitive edge and thrive in the evolving world of networking.