Explore KSACs by Pathway

In late 2025, the Partnership pulled together members of industry from across tech to share how the in-demand skillsets for entry-level roles in their fields have changed in the last two years. The Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Credentials (KSACs) below reflect their feedback on entry-level expectations, especially in a tech workplace increasingly shaped by AI.

3. Networking Fundamentals

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Label KSAC Description Bloom's Taxonomy Level
a Explain DNS traffic. knowledge 2
b Understand OSI model and how it applies to an example. knowledge 1
c Describe at a high level how network traffic moves through an operating system from the network interface to an application knowledge 2
d Identify the layers of the OSI Model. knowledge 1
e Summarize the responsibilities of each layer of the OSI Model. knowledge 2
f Explain how the OSI Model is applied to Networking. knowledge 3
g Identify basic networking math concepts, including binary, hexadecimal, and simple subnetting calculations knowledge 1
h Configure IPv4 and IPv6 classful subnets. skill 1
i Compare public IP addresses and Private IP addresses. knowledge 2
j Identify IPv4 and IPv6 address network ID (Class A, Class B, Class C). knowledge 2
k Interpret classless network ID (CIDR block notation). skill 2
l Explain domain naming conventions (UNC path, FQDN, host name). knowledge 3
m Compare Network Address Translation and Port Address Translation (NAT vs PAT). knowledge 2
n Identify and represent basic network components and connections using standard network diagrams (e.g., switches, routers, endpoints) skill 1
o Design and document network topologies (e.g., star, mesh, hybrid) based on technical requirements and constraints skill 3
p Analyze the output from networking utilities (e.g. Netstat, Tracert, Traceroute, Ping IPConfig, IFConfig, IAM, SSO). ability 3
q Differentiate between firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) knowledge 2
r Discuss network software integration (client software (e.g. Windows 10 or Ubuntu) and server software). knowledge 3
s Discuss network hardware integration (workstations, desktop, mobile devices). knowledge 2
t Communicate best practices for troubleshooting networking issues (layers 1-2 at HS level) (7-step model). knowledge 3
u Explain the purpose of network segmentation and the role of VLANs in separating traffic and supporting basic security principles knowledge 2
v Apply basic network segmentation using VLANs in a small or simulated network environment skill 3

Credentials

  1. CompTIA IT Fundamentals
  2. CompTIA A+
  3. Linux Essentials
  4. Network +
  5. LPIC-1
  6. CompTIA Cloud+
  7. Microsoft Operating System Fundamentals