10/26/2004 -- It's revision time at the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA): With a Linux+ beta underway and a Server+ beta just finalized, CompTIA announced Monday that another beta will debut: Network+.

According to CompTIA, the Network+ beta (N11-003) will be available in "mid- to late-November" at Pearson Vue and Prometric testing centers worldwide for the discounted price of $75.

CompTIA announced that it would be upgrading Network+ in July. At that time, Program Manager Kris Madura said she wouldn't characterize the revision as either a major or minor upgrade. "[Candidates] will see some relevant and valuable changes, [but] they can take some comfort that it's not a complete switch from old to new."

Objectives for both the current exam and the upcoming revision can be found here. A live date for the new version has yet to be announced.

The upgrade will not affect those already Network+ certified, as the title does not need to be renewed.

Network+ debuted in 2002. It underwent a minor objectives revision in 2003. According to CompTIA, more than 135,000 IT professionals hold this vendor-neutral title.

For more information on this upcoming beta, go here. -Becky Nagel