In this document: - Keeping the World Connected with CompTIA Network+ - Measuring CompTIA Network+ Difficulty - Why Hybrid Testing Approaches Work Best - Mapping the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework

1. • Network Architecture: Includes key requirements
for building local (LAN) and wide area networks
(WAN), including connectivity and virtualization.
• Network Operations: Covers the tasks
and tools required to operate, analyze and
maintain a functioning enterprise network.
• Network Security: Covers the foundations of
network security, such as risks, vulnerabilities and
threats, and security practices, such as network-
hardening techniques and physical security.
• Troubleshooting: The troubleshooting domain
covers problems that affect the entire network,
such as incorrect gateway configurations,
power failures and duplicate IP addresses.
• Industry Standards, Practices and Network
Theory: Covers network theory, including
Open System Interconnection (OSI)
reference model, encapsulation, media
access control and wireless standards.
Data networks are more crucial than ever before. They are the lifeline to the critical
financial, health care and information services that we all rely on in our day-to-day
personal and professional lives. CompTIA Network+ validates the key skills needed to
troubleshoot, configure and manage the connections that keep organizations viable.
We consult with hundreds of experts to develop the objectives for CompTIA Network+,
resulting in a vendor-neutral networking certification that is trusted around the world.
Last updated in February 2015, the latest version of Network+ reflects the increasing
sophistication of core, networking-related technologies and the need for network
administrators to master those technologies. This increase in the responsibilities of a network
administrator is mirrored in the increased difficulty level of the newest exam.
The CompTIA Network+ certification is an internationally recognized validation of the technical
knowledge required of IT network practitioners. Successful candidates must be skilled in:
Keeping the World Connected
with CompTIA Network+
In this
document:
• Keeping the World
Connected with
CompTIA Network+
• Measuring CompTIA
Network+ Difficulty
• Why Hybrid Testing
Approaches Work
Best
• Mapping the NICE
Cybersecurity Work-
force Framework
of the exam
objectives
require
application or
analysis of
domain
knowledge
71%
Measuring Network+ Difficulty
Using Bloom’s Taxonomy as an organizing principle to discuss the difficulty level of the Network+ exam
illustrates the emphasis on the application of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs), rather than the simple
recall of information. The majority of the exam (71 percent) requires candidates to demonstrate their
knowledge at Bloom’s Level 4 (analyze) and above.
The table on the following page summarizes the percentage of certification exam objectives that fall
into each of Bloom’s level.
As a result of the high level of competence individuals need to demonstrate, the exam has a high
number of scenario-based/performance based items. These require individuals to weigh several
facts and issues and then make an appropriate choice based on the information given.
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2. Bloom’s Level and Description
Total
Network+
Objectives
Network
Architecture
Network
Operations
Network
Security
Troubleshooting
Industry
Standards,
Practices and
Network Theory
Level 1: Remembering/Recalling Information
The candidate is able to recall, restate
and remember learned information.
2% 8% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Level 2: Understanding/Explaining
Ideas or Concepts
The learner grasps the meaning of information by
interpreting and translating what has been learned.
20% 25% 14% 29% 0% 30%
Level 3: Applying Knowledge and Skills
The learner makes use of information in a new
situation from the one in which it was learned.
7% 25% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Level 4: Analyzing
The learner breaks learned information into
parts to best understand that information in an
attempt to identify evidence for a conclusion.
14% 8% 0% 43% 0% 20%
Level 5: Evaluating
The learner makes decisions based on
in depth reflection, criticism and assessment.
57% 33% 86% 29% 100% 50%
Level 6: Creating
The learner creates new ideas and information
using what has been previously learned.
0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Network+ Executive Summary
Why Hybrid Testing Approaches Work Best
Over the past several years, cybersecurity practitioners and educators have debated as to which of the following is more
important to validate:
1. An individual’s conceptual knowledge, as validated by “linear” multiple choice items, or
2. Performance associated with a particular job or responsibility, as validated by performance-based items.
Advocates for each of these two aspects of validation often hold one of the approaches as superior over the other, with most
individuals favoring only performance-based items.
CompTIA regards this rift in opinion as a false dilemma. Both domain knowledge expertise and practical skills are absolutely vital
and should be a part of any serious competency training and validation process. Both knowledge- and performance-based
aspects are necessary for training, and nothing can substitute for hands-on learning. The same principle applies to assessment.
This is why CompTIA adopted performance-based items into its certification exams starting in 2011.
The following CompTIA exams contain roughly 10 percent performance-based items:
On average, it takes a test taker roughly one-third of the examination time to complete these performance-
based items. Performance-based items include simulations of technology solutions and story-based
items that require advanced cognitive thinking on the part of the successful test taker.
A+ | Network+ | Security+ | Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+) | CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP)
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3. Network Operations Specialist (OM-NET-001) CompTIA Network+ N10-006
Description Plans, implements, and operates network
services/systems, to include hardware
and virtual environments.
This exam will certify that the successful
candidate has the knowledge and skills required
to troubleshoot, configure, and manage common
network wireless and wired devices, establish
basic network design and connectivity, understand
and maintain network documentation, identify
network limitations and weaknesses, and implement
network security, standards, and protocols.
Sample KSA
Comparisons
Task: T0035
Configure and optimize network hubs, routers, and
switches (e.g., higher-level protocols, tunneling).
Domain 2.0 Network operations
2.7 Install and configure wireless LAN infrastructure
and implement the appropriate technologies
in support of wireless capable devices.
Domain 4.0 Troubleshooting
4.8 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and
resolve common WAN issues.
Domain 5.0 Industry standards,
practices, and network theory
5.10. Given a scenario, configure and apply
the appropriate ports and protocols.
Sample KSA
Comparisons
Knowledge: K0001
Knowledge of computer networking concepts and
protocols, and network security methodologies.
Domain 1.0 Network architecture
1.9 Explain the basics of routing concepts and protocols
Domain 3.0 Network security
3.1 Compare and contrast risk related concepts
3.7 Summarize basic forensic concepts
Domain 5.0 Industry standards,
practices, and network theory
5.2 Explain the basics of network theory and concepts
Mapping the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework
CompTIA Network+ certification aligns with requirements for the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity
Workforce Framework (NCWF), draft NIST special publication 800-181, network operations specialist (OM-NET-001). The following
comparison of the work role and certification descriptions along with a sample of the KSAs needed to perform the work role reflects
the alignment. This mapping is a sample of how CompTIA’s certification standards map to key elements of the NICE framework.
Network+ Executive Summary
3

4. Network Operations Specialist (OM-NET-001) CompTIA Network+ N10-006
Sample KSA
Comparisons
Skills: S0084
Skill in configuring and utilizing network
protection components (e.g., Firewalls, VPNs,
network intrusion detection systems).
Domain 1.0 Network architecture
1.1 Explain the functions and applications
of various network devices
1.2 Compare and contrast the use of
networking services and applications
Domain 3.0 Network security
3.5 Given a scenario, install and
configure a basic firewall
Domain 4.0 Troubleshooting
4.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and
resolve common security issues
Sample KSA
Comparisons
Ability: A0052
Ability to operate network equipment including
hubs, routers, switches, bridges, servers,
transmission media, and related hardware.
Domain 1.0 Network architecture
1.1 Explain the functions and applications
of various network devices
1.2 Compare and contrast the use of
networking services and applications
1.5 Install and properly terminate various cable
types and connectors using appropriate tools
Domain 2.0 Network operations
2.6 Given a scenario, configure a
switch using proper features
2.7 Install and configure wireless LAN infrastructure
and implement the appropriate technologies
in support of wireless capable devices
Domain 4.0 Troubleshooting
4.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and
resolve common network issues
Domain 5.0 Industry standards,
practices, and network theory
5.7 Given a scenario, install and configure equipment
in the appropriate location using best practices
Network+ Executive Summary
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For corporate inquiries contact: Jennifer Herroon at jherroon@CompTIA.org
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consent of CompTIA Properties, LLC. Printed in the U.S. 03724-Apr2017 4