11/24/2004 -- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) announced today that the beta exam for its upcoming Network+ revision will debut Nov. 29.

The beta (N11-003) will be available at Pearson Vue and Prometric testing centers worldwide for $75 (U.S.), although the first 1,000 "qualified candidates" who respond to a survey on CompTIA's Web site here will receive a voucher to take the beta for free. The organization does not specify what makes someone a qualified candidate.

The beta is scheduled to close on Dec. 31, although that date may change based on participation levels. Those who pass the beta will become Network+ certified.

CompTIA announced the Network+ revision in July, characterizing it as neither a major nor minor upgrade. A detailed objective comparison between the current exam (2001 version) and the upcoming revision (2005 version) can be downloaded from CompTIA's Web site in PDF format here.

A live date for the new Network+ has not been released. The update will not affect those already certified as CompTIA certifications do not need to be renewed.

Aside from the free voucher, CompTIA has announced several promotions to spur participation in the beta.

The organization is offering several prizes to be given to all beta takers via a random drawing, including Microsoft Press books and a one-year subscription to MSN Direct.

All participants will also be eligible to receive a voucher for a half-price Apple Mac OS X certification exam. The discount applies to any exam used to earn Apple's Apple Certified Help Desk Specialist (ACHDS), Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) or Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA) credentials. More information about this discount can be found here.

To find out more about the Network+ beta and the free voucher offer, go here. -Becky Nagel