xxii CompTIA Network+ N10-005 Authorized Cert Guide CompTIA Network+ The CompTIA Network+ (2011 Edition) certification ensures that the successful candidate has the important knowledge and skills necessary to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, operate, and configure basic network infrastructure, describe networking technologies, basic design principles, and adhere to wiring standards and use testing tools. It Pays to Get Certified In a digital world , digital literacy is an essential survival skill-- Certification proves you have the knowledge and skill to solve business problems in virtually any business environment. Certifications are highly valued credentials that qualify you for jobs, increased compensation, and promotion. CompTIA Network+ certification held by many IT staff in organizations-- 21% of IT staff within a random sampling of U.S. organizations within a cross section of industry verticals hold Network+ certification. The CompTIA Network+ credential-- Proves knowledge of networking features and functions and is the leading vendor-neutral certification for networking professionals. Starting Salary-- The average starting salary of network engineers can be up to $70,000. Career Pathway-- CompTIA Network+ is the first step in starting a network- ing career and is recognized by Microsoft as part of their MS program. Other corporations, such as Novell, Cisco, and HP, also recognize CompTIA Net- work+ as part of their certification tracks. More than 260,000-- Individuals worldwide are CompTIA Network+ certified. Mandated/recommended by organizations worldwide-- Such as Cisco, HP, Ricoh, the U.S. State Department, and U.S. government contractors such as EDS, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman.