Differences between CompTIA Network+ N10-008 and N10-009 Exams
The CompTIA Network+ certification is a well-recognized credential in the IT industry, aimed at validating the essential knowledge and skills required for a career in networking. This certification is highly regarded because it ensures that successful candidates are proficient in critical areas such as network management, troubleshooting, and security. With the recent introduction of the N10-009 exam, it’s more important than ever for candidates to understand the differences between the N10-008 and N10-009 exams. This understanding is crucial for effective preparation, as each exam covers various topics and updates that reflect the latest technological advancements and industry standards. By familiarizing themselves with these changes, candidates can ensure they are well-equipped to handle the challenges and expectations of modern networking environments.
Overview of CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam
The N10-008 exam verifies that the candidate has the knowledge and skills required to:
- Establish network connectivity by deploying wired and wireless devices.
- Understand and maintain network documentation.
- Understand the purpose of network services.
- Grasp basic data center, cloud, and virtual networking concepts.
- Monitor network activity, identifying performance and availability issues.
- Implement network hardening techniques.
- Manage, configure, and troubleshoot network infrastructure.
This exam is designed for candidates with approximately 9–12 months of hands-on experience working in a junior network administrator or network support technician role. Key details of the N10-008 exam include:
Number of questions: Maximum of 90
Types of questions: Multiple-choice and performance-based
Length of test: 90 minutes
Passing score: 720 (on a scale of 100-900)
Recommended experience: CompTIA A+ certification or equivalent, plus 9–12 months of relevant experience.
The N10-008 exam is divided into five domains:
- Networking Fundamentals (24%)
- Network Implementations (19%)
- Network Operations (16%)
- Network Security (19%)
- Network Troubleshooting (22%)
Overview of CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Exam
The N10-009 exam, which is set to replace the N10-008 exam after December 20, 2024, continues to cover the essential knowledge areas but with updated content to reflect the latest trends and technologies in networking. The N10-009 exam certifies that the candidate has the skills required to:
- Establish network connectivity by deploying wired and wireless devices.
- Explain the purpose of documentation and maintain network documentation.
- Configure common network services.
- Explain basic data-center, cloud, and virtual-networking concepts.
- Monitor network activity and troubleshoot performance and availability issues.
- Implement network security hardening techniques.
- Manage, configure, and troubleshoot network infrastructure.
Key details of the N10-009 exam include:
Number of questions: Maximum of 90
Types of questions: Multiple-choice and performance-based
Length of test: 90 minutes
Passing score: To be determined by CompTIA.
Recommended experience: A minimum of 9-12 months of experience in the IT networking field.
The N10-009 exam domains are slightly adjusted to reflect the current industry needs:
- Networking Concepts (23%)
- Network Implementation (20%)
- Network Operations (19%)
- Network Security (14%)
- Network Troubleshooting (24%)
Key Differences Between N10-008 and N10-009 Exams
Exam Content and Focus
- N10-008: Emphasizes understanding and maintaining network documentation and basic data center, cloud, and virtual networking concepts.
- N10-009: Includes configuring common network services and provides a slightly different breakdown of exam domains, reflecting updated industry trends.
Domain Weighting
- N10-008: Has a significant focus on Networking Fundamentals (24%) and Network Security (19%).
- N10-009: Slightly shifts focus with increased emphasis on Network Troubleshooting (24%) and Network Operations (19%).
Exam Availability
- The N10-008 exam is set to retire on December 20, 2024, making the N10-009 the standard for Network+ certification moving forward.
Content Updates
- The N10-009 exam reflects the latest advancements in networking technologies, including updated network security hardening techniques and modern network infrastructure management.
Both the N10-008 and N10-009 exams aim to validate the skills and knowledge necessary for network professionals. However, the N10-009 exam introduces updated content and adjusts the emphasis on certain topics to align with the latest industry developments. Candidates preparing for the Network+ certification should focus on the N10-009 exam to ensure they are learning the most current and relevant information. Understanding these differences will help candidates prepare more effectively and achieve their certification goals.
