What’s new in the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam?

The pace of technological advancement is astonishing, and this is evident in the ever-changing landscape of certifications, including CompTIA Network+ Certification. In September 2021, CompTIA unveiled the latest version of the Network+ exam, the N10-008, which replaced the N10-007 in June 2022 when the N10-007 exam will be retired.

During the overlap period, candidates have the option to choose between the two exams versions. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Network+ exam in general, highlight the differences between the N10-007 and N10-008 exams, and help you determine which one aligns with your career objectives.

What is the CompTIA Network+ Exam?

The Network+ certification was first launched in 1999 to evaluate a candidate's understanding of network infrastructure and configuration. It consists of 90 questions, including a mix of performance-based and multiple-choice questions, and requires a passing score of 720 out of a possible 900.

One notable feature of the Network+ certification is that it is not vendor-specific, but rather covers a wide range of networking concepts and skills that are applicable across different vendors. This makes it an ideal starting point for IT professionals, as it validates foundational knowledge that can be applied to various areas of IT, including security and cloud computing.

Over the years, the Network+ exam has evolved through several iterations, from the N10-001 to the N10-007, and now the N10-008. Despite the different exam codes, the core focus remains the same: assessing candidates' abilities to troubleshoot, implement, operate, and secure network environments. Let's delve into the key differences between the N10-007 and N10-008 exams.

What's New in the N10-008 Exam?

The N10-008 exam, which replaced the N10-007 exam in September 2021, brings some notable changes to the Network+ certification. While the overall updates may not be significant, approximately one quarter of the exam content has been revised.

One of the main differences between the N10-008 and its predecessor is the focus on network architecture. The term "infrastructure" has been removed, and the exam now covers the characteristics and network topology of SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network). With the increasing prevalence of applications in the cloud, traditional WAN architecture is no longer sufficient, and SD-WAN expertise is now expected of Network+ certified professionals. This topic is not covered in the N10-007 exam, as it is a relatively new technology.

Another update in the N10-008 exam is the separate coverage of network performance monitoring and high availability as distinct issues. Cloud technology emphasizes the need for high availability, with most cloud providers boasting "11 9" availability, meaning their stack will be available almost all of the time. However, this assumes that the network infrastructure is properly configured by cloud engineers. To reflect this, CompTIA has separated high availability as a distinct focus in the N10-008 exam.

The network security section in the N10-008 exam has also been revamped to include securing network deployments in various environments, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. Emphasis is placed on hardening network infrastructure to ensure its security.

In addition to the above updates, the N10-008 exam also covers other important topics, including virtualization, the cloud, the internet of things (IoT), and Cellular 5G. Virtualization, in particular, is covered in greater depth in the N10-008 exam compared to the N10-007 exam. For example, candidates are tested on troubleshooting cloud virtual machines (VMs) that are not connecting to the internet, hardening VMs, and handling identity access and management in a virtual environment.

Lets see in Details 

• Cellular 5G:

With 5G technology becoming ubiquitous, it is now included in the Network+ exam. 5G is the fifth-generation standard for cellular connectivity and networking, capable of transferring data at speeds over 1GB per second, which is a game changer for SD-WAN.

The combination of SD-WAN and 5G will revolutionize network connectivity, and candidates taking the new N10-008 Network+ exam must understand the relationship between the two. Troubleshooting 5G connectivity is also a significant topic covered in the exam, as 5G has short-range bandwidth and only works within a thousand feet of the 5G tower. Candidates will need to verify if the user is within range of the tower when troubleshooting, among other related questions.

• Internet of Things:

The Internet of Things (IoT) is another crucial topic covered in the N10-008 exam, unlike the N10-007 exam where it was only briefly touched upon. In section 2.1 of the N10-008 Exam Objectives, IoT devices such as refrigerators, speakers, thermostats, and doorbells are referenced, and candidates need to know how to remotely access and manage IoT devices on a network.

Understanding how to access and analyze logs of IoT devices is also vital for passing the exam. For example, candidates may need to program a thermostat from a central location and adjust settings based on local weather conditions as a practical example. The N10-007 exam did not delve into technologies like Bluetooth and RFID in depth, but the N10-008 exam recognizes the increasing demand for professionals to troubleshoot interconnected IoT environments in homes and includes these topics in its objectives.

• Virtualization:

Virtualization is a prominent topic covered in both the N10-007 and N10-008 exams, but it is given greater emphasis in the N10-008 exam. With the growing number of individuals working from home, virtualization has gained even more significance, leading CompTIA to update their certification to reflect this trend.

While the N10-007 exam covers virtualization in section 2.4, it only requires a general understanding of how virtualization software operates. On the other hand, the N10-008 exam delves into virtualization in greater depth, testing candidates on troubleshooting a cloud virtual machine (VM) that is not connecting to the internet. Test takers need to comprehend how to harden a VM, including managing open and closed ports during startup, as well as handling identity access and management in a virtual environment.

• The Cloud:

The prominence of cloud computing in the digital world cannot be understated, and it plays a significantly larger role in the N10-008 exam compared to the N10-007 exam. In sections 3.0 and 1.0 of the N10-008 Exam Objectives, candidates are required to have a deeper understanding of cloud redundancy concepts such as Warm Site, Cold Site, and Hot Site, as well as load balancing traffic in cloud environments. Additionally, candidates need to be familiar with different types of cloud services, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Desktop as a Service (DaaS), which are denoted as SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, and DaaS respectively.

SaaS refers to cloud-based applications like Office 365, Azure AD, or the AWS management console that are accessed through a web browser and hosted in the cloud.

IaaS involves creating networking applications in the cloud, where routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking components are located.

PaaS deals with the deployment of applications via the cloud, including the intelligent provision of infrastructure and the deployment of code through continuous delivery.

Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) empowers administrators to create personalized desktop environments for users, complete with pre-configured Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications and storage resources.

While the N10-008 exam covers these cloud concepts in greater depth, it is important to note that this is a networking exam, not a cloud exam. Candidates are not required to have an in-depth understanding of all aspects of cloud computing, but they should have a solid understanding of what these concepts are, how to troubleshoot them, and their basic configurations. Cloud knowledge is a significant difference between the N10-007 and N10-008 exams.

Who Should Take the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam?

The Network+ N10-008 certification is ideal for those who are new to the field of networking and want to kickstart their career. It is particularly beneficial for the following roles:

• Network Administrator: If you work with networks on a daily basis, the CompTIA Network+ certification covers all the essentials, from networking fundamentals to network security. It also enhances your resume and demonstrates to potential employers that you possess up-to-date skills and knowledge.
• Junior Cloud Engineer: The N10-008 exam includes comprehensive coverage of cloud concepts, making it suitable for entry-level cloud positions. As cloud engineering continues to be a sought-after profession, earning the Network+ certification proves your ability to troubleshoot cloud and hybrid networks. For more specialized cloud expertise, you can also consider the CompTIA Cloud+ certification.
• Network Helpdesk: Network helpdesk associates are the frontline troubleshooters who resolve user issues in real-time. The Network+ certification can significantly boost their overall expertise, making them more competent in providing technical support.

Who Should Take the N10-007 Exam?

If you are already preparing for the N10-007 exam, there is no need to switch to the N10-008. It is advisable to obtain a certification as soon as possible, considering that the N10-007 exam was retired by June 2022. Except for the Junior Cloud Engineer role, all the positions mentioned earlier are well-suited for candidates with the Network+ certification.

CompTIA Network+ 007 vs. 008 Exam Domains

CompTIA Network+ 007 Exam Domains	CompTIA Network+ 008 Exam Domains
Networking Concepts (23%) Infrastructure (18%) Network Operations (17%) Network Security (20%) Network Troubleshooting and Tools (22%)	Networking Fundamentals (24%) Network Implementations (19%) Network Operations (16%) Network Security (19%) Network Troubleshooting (22%)

Also Check: CompTIA Certification Guide

Wrapping up:

If you have already studying for the N10-007 exam, you should continue with your preparation and take the exam before its retirement in June. However, if you are starting fresh, the N10-008 exam is an excellent opportunity to gain a solid foundation in computer networking and stay updated with the latest industry trends. Additionally, the Network+ certification enhances your marketability in the competitive IT job market, making it a valuable credential for your career advancement.

Get in touch with our experts now, if you are aiming to enroll for Network+ course online.