The Network+ exam was last updated in 2001. The new exam, slated to go live in early 2005, marks a major update in the exam"s coverage of new technologies. All existing books on the market will be instantly obsolete. The Network+ exam is a vendor-neutral xam that measures a technician"s networking knowledge. Vendor-neutral exams represent the quickest growing certifications on the market today. In addition, Network+ certification is also accepted by Microsoft as an elective for its MCSA certification, makng it an even more popular choice for certification candidates who want to quickly move on to Microsoft certification.