CompTIA Network+ Certification FAQs
What is Network+?
CompTIA Network+ is the sign of a competent networking professional. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves an IT professional's competency in configuring, troubleshooting and managing networks.
To earn the certification, you need to pass the Network+ certification exam. The 90-minute exam includes a maximum of 90 multiple choice and performance-based questions. There are at-home (online) and in-person testing options available.
Why should I get Network+ certification?
Network+ certification is highly in demand and can give you an edge in hiring and help you advance in your career. It is also one of the baseline certifications for DoD 8570, which is required for employment in federal government or contractor IT roles.
Because CompTIA certifications must be renewed every three years, an up-to-date CompTIA credential shows employers that your knowledge and skills are relevant and up-to-date.
Are there any prerequisites for the Network+ exam?
There are no prerequisites to take the Network+ exam. However, CompTIA recommends that Network+ candidates have CompTIA A+ Certification and at least 9-12 months of networking experience.
How much does the Network+ exam cost?
As of November 2021, a Network+ exam voucher cost $338. If you are taking a Network+ exam prep course, be sure to check if a free test voucher is included with your course registration. Many training providers include a free exam voucher.
How do I take the Network+ exam?
You can choose to take the exam online (from home or other location) or in person. If you want to take the exam in person, there are Pearson VUE test centers nationwide (and even internationally).
Can I get more advanced certifications after Network+?
Network+ is one of CompTIA's "core" certifications. After Network+, many IT professionals choose to pursue Security+, which is the next "core" certification in CompTIA's certification pathway.
If you are interested in cybersecurity, CompTIA offers several more advanced certifications in their Cybersecurity pathway, including Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) and CASP+.
If you are interested in infrastructure, CompTIA offers Server+, Linux+ and Cloud+ certifications in their Infrastructure pathway.
How do I prepare for the Network+ exam?
Our intensive live Network+ Exam Prep courses are designed to get you ready to get your CompTIA Network+ certification in as little as one week.
Quick Links
More questions?
Contact Dr. John DeLalla at 520-626-6389 or jd@arizona.edu to learn more.
New Course: Communication Strategies for Collaborative Research
If you are a researcher, practitioner, leader, or educator interested in the intersection between science and environmental decision-making, the Transdisciplinary Environmental Science for Society (TESS) program will equip you to actively address the world’s most complex environmental challenges.
TESS is a noncredit professional development program designed by University of Arizona faculty to help close the gap between scientific research and the needs of society to address increasingly complex environmental problems. It is designed for working professionals and graduate students who want a solid grounding in approaches to bringing scientific insights to real world challenges.
The TESS program consists of three 4-week online courses. Communication Strategies for Collaborative Research, the third course in the TESS program, is now open for registration.
In this course, you will explore the context, information, and tools for communicating effectively in a collaborative research setting. This course is different from a science communication course in that it focuses on elements and practices of communication that foster successful collaborative research.
Communication Strategies for Collaborative Research starts October 11.
Are you ready for the FE Exam? Take a practice test and find out!
Passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step towards becoming a professional licensed engineer (PE).
Taking this step is not easy, even for those who recently completed their engineering degree. According to the most recent data available from NCEES, just 69% of FE-Civil candidates and 68% of FE-Other Disciplines candidates passed the exam the first time.
To help you check your FE readiness, our FE Exam Prep class instructors created free practice tests for the Civil and Other Disciplines exams.
The FE practice tests can help you
- Check your knowledge: the practice tests include 13 questions, similar to those you may see on the FE Exam. The practice questions cover a variety of FE Exam subjects, so you can get a sense of what the real exam may look like.
- Check your speed: On average, you will have about 3 minutes to answer each question on the real FE Exam. To help you check your speed, the practice tests include a timer and will show your average answer speed.
You can choose to take the FE-Civil or FE-Other Disciplines practice test.
If you want to review before taking the real FE Exam, University of Arizona Continuing and Professional Education offers a fully online FE Exam Prep course twice a year, in the spring and fall semesters.
The course includes full coverage of the topics on the FE-Civil and FE-Other Disciplines exams, plus practical test-taking strategies to help you maximize your chance at passing the FE exam the first time.
Which CompTIA Training Is Right For You?
The office of Continuing & Professional Education knows different people learn differently. You might thrive in a classroom environment, where you can interact with an instructor and other learners. Or you might prefer to learn online at your own pace.
That's why we offer a variety of learning formats, to meet different learners' needs. Whether you prefer instructor-led training or self-paced training, we have a CompTIA training program for you.
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What Is Included? |
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Teaches you the skills you need to pass the certification exam |
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Practice exam(s)
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Certification exam voucher(s) |
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One year of access to self-paced online training, so you can learn at your own pace 24/7 |
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40 hours of live instruction from an industry subject matter expert |
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Ask questions and get help from an expert instructor in class |
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Tutoring (via instructor office hours) |
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Books and materials |
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Can be customized to meet the needs of groups/organizations |
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Optional free 40-hour follow-up training |
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Certificate of Completion from University of Arizona Continuing & Professional Education, upon successful completion of course |
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Registration discounts for military, University of Arizona, government, educators, and groups |
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Questions?
If you are not sure which CompTIA program will work for you, we are happy to help. Contact Dr. John DeLalla at 520-626-6389 or jd@arizona.edu to learn more.
Quick Links
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam FAQs
If you have a 4-year engineering degree or 4 years of documented work experience in the engineering field, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step in the process of becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE).
The FE exam is prepared by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Upon passing the FE exam, you can become an Engineer in Training (EIT). After a few years as an EIT, you can apply to take the PE exam to become a licensed professional engineer.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the FE Exam and the FE Exam Prep course.
FE Exam FAQs
Do I need a 4-year degree in order to take the FE exam?
No. While the 4-year degree is one way to qualify for the FE Exam in Arizona, the Arizona Board of Technical Registration does not require a degree from an accredited program to take the FE exam.
You may also apply for approval to sit for the FE exam if you have 4 years of documented relevant engineering experience.
Do I need to apply to take the FE exam in Arizona?
Yes. In Arizona, all candidates must apply for Arizona Board of Technical Registrations authorization before taking the FE exam. The application is available on the Arizona Board of Technical Registrations Exam Authorization website.
NOTE: according to the Arizona Board of Technical Registrations, the review and approval process for applications "...may take eight to twelve weeks depending on the applicant’s qualifications and timely submission of required documents."
For the most up-to-date information about the exam registration process and licensing requirements in Arizona, please visit the Arizona Board of Technical Registrations website.
Does military experience count towards the FE exam authorization or Engineer in Training licensing requirements?
In Arizona, those that received "substantially equivalent education, training or experience as a member of the United States armed forces or any national guard or other reserve component" may meet the Arizona education and/or experience requirements for testing authorization and engineer licensing.
Active duty service members and veterans can contact the Arizona State Board of Technical Registrations to learn more.
Who can take the FE exam in other states?
The process and requirements vary by state. You can visit the NCEES website for information about the exam authorization and registration process in different states.
How much does the FE exam cost?
As of April 2024, the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam costs $225. The Arizona Board of Technical Registrations application fee is $100, as of April 2024.
When and where can I take the FE exam?
The FE exam is administered year-round. You can take the FE exam at any NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test center. Search for a nearby Pearson VUE test center.
Is the FE exam in English?
Yes, the exam will be given in the English language.
FE Exam Prep FAQs
What is the FE Exam Prep course?
The FE Exam Prep course gets you ready to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Civil or Other Disciplines Exam. It includes lectures, weekly assignments, study sessions and practice exams.
How often is the FE Exam Prep course offered?
FE Exam Prep is offered twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. See upcoming FE class dates.
Can I take this course while I am employed or in school?
Yes, anyone is welcome to take the course. There are no prerequisites for those who wish to take the FE course.
How much does the course cost?
As of April 2024, the fee for the course is $899.
Are there discounts available for the FE Exam Prep course?
Yes. Discounted pricing is available for:
- University of Arizona, Arizona State University (ASU), and Northern Arizona University (NAU) students are eligible for a 50% discount - the discount will be applied automatically based on questions you answer during registration
- University of Arizona, ASU and NAU alumni are eligible for a 10% discount - the discount will be applied automatically based on questions you answer during registration
- Military-connected learners are eligible for a 50% discount - the discount will be applied automatically based on questions you answer during registration
- FE learners referred by refugee-serving community organizations are eligible for a 50% discount - contact the FE course Program Coordinator to learn more
- Members of specific professional organizations may be eligible for a 10% discount - contact the FE course Program Coordinator to learn more
(Only one discount can be applied per registration).
Is there financial aid available for the FE Exam Prep course?
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding for this class may be available for unemployed or dislocated workers and other eligible applicants. Contact your local One-Stop Service Center to learn more about Arizona workforce development program eligibility.
Can I use military education program funding for the course?
The FE Exam Prep course is approved for Air Force COOL and Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) funding for eligible service members.
Human Resources Certification FAQs
What are the benefits of HR certification?
Having an HR certification verifies your HR expertise. Most certifications must be renewed periodically, so certification also demonstrates that your knowledge and skills are up-to-date.
Some employers require certification, so HR certification can even improve your chances of being hired in an HR role. It can also increase your salary: HR job postings that require HR certification pay 25% more on average than those that do not require certification.
Job and salary data source: Burning Glass Labor Insight, last 12 months of U.S. HR job postings
Is there demand for HR certification?
There is high demand for HR professionals across industries and locations. Even in 2020 (when many employers delayed hiring and even laid off staff), an average of over 42,000 new HR jobs were posted each month.
While HR certification is not usually required for employment, it is in demand among employers. This is particularly true for more senior HR roles. For example, 30% of HR Manager job postings ask for HR certification.
Job and salary data source: Burning Glass Labor Insight, last 12 months of U.S. HR job postings
What is SHRM certification?
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) credentials show that you are a recognized expert in the Human Resources field.
SHRM credentials are based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™), which describes the behavioral competencies and HR knowledge that HR professionals need for effective job performance.
SHRM offers two credentials: the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional). These credentials are awarded upon successfully passing a SHRM certification exam.
Who can take a SHRM certification exam?
SHRM streamlined their certification requirements in 2022. Previously, certification required a combination of education and experience.
As of August 2022, SHRM describes eligibility as follows:
- SHRM-CP "is intended for individuals that perform general HR/HR-related duties; or for currently enrolled students and individuals pursuing a career in Human Resource Management. Candidates for the SHRM-CP certification are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree or previous HR experience to apply; however, a basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from an Academically Aligned program is recommended."
- SHRM-SCP "is for individuals that have a work history of at least 3 years performing strategic level HR/HR-related duties; or for SHRM-CP credential holders who have held the credential for at least 3 years and are working in, or are in the process of transitioning to, a strategic level role. Candidates for the SHRM-SCP certification are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree to apply...Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year (Jan. – Dec.) to strategic level HR/HR-related work."
Certification requirements may change, so you should review the SHRM eligibility criteria for the most up-to-date requirements.
You must complete a SHRM application to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria. If you do meet the criteria, SHRM will send you an "Authorization to Test" (ATT) letter with instructions for scheduling your exam.
Online and in-person testing options are available.
Which SHRM exam should I take?
Check out SHRM's guide to "Selecting the Right HR Certification," which includes a quick quiz to help you choose the right exam.
When can I take a SHRM certification exam?
Exams are offered during certain time periods (SHRM calls them "exam windows"). So be sure to check the application and testing schedule.
How much does the exam cost?
As of August 2023, the SHRM exam cost $510. Exam fees will be lower if you are a SHRM member, register early to get the "Early-Bird" discount, or are eligible for a military or student discount.
Exam fees are subject to change, so be sure to check the SHRM Exam Fees for the latest information.
What is on the exam?
SHRM exams include "Knowledge" and "Situational" questions.
"Knowledge" questions assess your understanding of factual HR information.
"Situational Judgment" questions present you with work-related scenarios and ask you to identify the best solution. These questions test your judgment and decision-making skills and your ability to apply your HR knowledge.
Has the SHRM exam changed?
SHRM reviews and updates its standards approximately every 3-5 years. In 2022, SHRM revised its Body of Competency and Knowledge® (SHRM BoCK®), renaming it the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™).
Because SHRM certification exams are based on the BASK/BoCK, when the BASK/BoCK changes, so does the exam.
How can I prepare for a SHRM exam?
The SHRM exams are challenging. According to SHRM, in the past year just over 2/3 of test-takers (67%) passed their SHRM-CP exam, and the percentage that passed the SHRM-SCP exam is even lower.
But don't be discouraged! There are several options to help you prepare for these challenging exams, including:
- Self-paced study: SHRM offers a self-study option that includes access to the comprehensive online SHRM Learning System, a practice exam and more. This can be a good option for those that want to study completely at their own pace. The cost for SHRM self-study is $795 for SHRM members and $995 for non-members.
- Instructor-led study: These classes usually include scheduled assignments to keep you on track, plus instructor support to help you learn and understand the material. This is a good option for those who prefer to learn in a more structured environment, with scheduled assignments and deadlines.
What is University of Arizona SHRM Certification Exam Prep?
Our SHRM Certification Exam Prep course combines the convenience of SHRM self-study with the structure and support of an instructor-led class.
It includes 18 months of access to the SHRM Learning System (a $995 value), just like the SHRM self-study option. The class also includes weekly assignments such as reading, discussion questions and quizzes, to keep you on track to complete your study. You also have access to a SHRM-SCP instructor, who can answer questions and help you through the material.
The class is completely online, so you can prepare for your HR exam wherever you are located.
Who can take University of Arizona SHRM Certification Exam Prep?
There are no education or work experience prerequisites for the course.
However, some prior HR knowledge and experience is recommended. SHRM recommends (but does not require) that SHRM-CP candidates have a "basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from an Academically Aligned program."
Quick Links
- SHRM certification eligibility criteria
- SHRM Selecting the Right HR Certification overview and quiz
- SHRM exam fees
- SHRM testing options
- SHRM BASK frequently asked questions
- SHRM application and testing schedules
Top IT Certifications in the Phoenix Metro Area
IT certifications show potential employers you have the knowledge and skills to get the job done. Certifications can make you stand out in the hiring process, and they may be required for employment, particularly in government IT jobs.
We crunched the numbers to see which IT certifications were most in-demand in the Phoenix Metro* area.
What Phoenix employers are looking for
In the past year, these were the top ten IT certifications in Phoenix-area job postings
- IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified A+ Technician
- SANS/GIAC Certification
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Data Source: Burning Glass Labor Insight, last 12 months of Phoenix Metro area job postings, March 2021
* In addition to Phoenix, other cities including Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Gilbert are included in Phoenix Metro data.
Image: Jerry Ferguson / CC BY
Ready to earn an in-demand IT certification?
We offer training programs for many of these top certifications. Most programs are fully online, so you can learn from the University of Arizona wherever you are.
We can also schedule custom IT training for groups in the Phoenix Metro area.
News: UA continuing education keeps job seekers in tune with changing market
The Herald/Review recently featured our Dr. John DeLalla, discussing the changing job market and how the office of Continuing & Professional Education pivoted to meet the community's professional development needs during the pandemic.
From "UA continuing education keeps job seekers in tune with changing market" by Bill Hayes:
"Changes, changes, changes.
Pick an industry, just about any industry, and the workforce expectations are nothing like they were 20 years ago. In some cases, even five or 10 years ago.
What you had, or what you could do, doesn’t get you quite as far these days. Throw in rapid technological advances and a pandemic, and the change cavalcade only looks to be ramping up for the future.
To keep pace, many will require additional training, a return to school and books. Dr. John DeLalla wants you to know he’s here to help...
New Legal Studies Certificate Programs Now Available
Paralegal is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country, with job openings in every state and across a wide variety of industries.
That's why we're excited to launch two new noncredit Paralegal certificate programs: Paralegal Specialization in Real Property Law and the Advanced Paralegal Certificate.
Paralegal Certificate Speciliazation in Real Property Law
This noncredit professional development program includes the same Paralegal courses as our popular Paralegal Certificate program, plus specialized training in Real Property Law.
In addition to preparing to start a career as a Paralegal, you will learn about land transactions, conveyancing, mortgaging, landlord-tenant, and the documents which record the purchase, sale, and leasing of real estates.
To earn the Paralegal Certification Specialization in Real Property you will complete three seven-week online courses: Paralegal 1, Paralegal 2 and Advanced Paralegal: Real Property Law.
Advanced Paralegal Certificate
The Advanced Paralegal Certificate builds on the Paralegal Certificate program with courses in specialized facets of contemporary law.
To complete the Advanced Paralegal Certificate, you will take six Advanced Paralegal courses. Each course is offered in a seven-week online session, and you may take 1-3 topics per session, in any order.
Advanced Paralegal course topics include: Advanced Legal Research, Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation), Bankruptcy Law, Business Law, e-Discovery, Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Property Law, Victim Advocacy and more.
You can start the Paralegal Specialization or Advanced Paralegal programs in March, May, June, August or October.