CompTIA Network+ Certification Guide
What Is CompTIA Network+?
Section titled “What Is CompTIA Network+?”CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral networking certification that validates foundational knowledge of network design, configuration, management, and troubleshooting. It is maintained by CompTIA, the same nonprofit trade association behind A+, Security+, and CySA+.
Network+ covers networking concepts that apply regardless of vendor — whether your employer uses Cisco, Juniper, or cloud-native infrastructure. The current exam code is N10-009, released by CompTIA as the latest version of the Network+ certification. If you see references to N10-008, that is the previous version.
Network+ is recognized under the U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570/8140 approved certifications list, satisfying requirements for certain government and defense contractor IT and security roles. It also appears frequently in job postings for network administrators, network technicians, and junior infrastructure roles.
For career changers building toward cybersecurity, Network+ fills a critical gap: you cannot defend a network you do not understand. The networking knowledge validated by this certification is directly applicable to SOC Analyst work, firewall management, incident response, and every other security discipline that touches network traffic.
Source: CompTIA official certification page at comptia.org and DoD 8570.01-M approved products list (verified March 2026)
Who Should Take Network+?
Section titled “Who Should Take Network+?”Network+ is not required for everyone, but it is strongly recommended for these groups:
1. Career changers who struggle with networking concepts. If TCP/IP, subnetting, DNS, and routing feel unclear after studying A+, Network+ gives you the focused networking depth that Security+ assumes you already have. Many career changers who skip Network+ find themselves struggling with the networking questions on Security+.
2. Anyone targeting network-adjacent security roles. SOC Analysts, network security engineers, and firewall administrators all need solid networking foundations. Network+ validates that you understand how traffic flows, how protocols work, and how to troubleshoot connectivity issues.
3. IT support professionals moving into networking or security. If you are in a help desk or desktop support role and want to move toward network administration or security, Network+ is the credential that signals readiness for that transition.
4. Professionals in roles where employers require or prefer it. Many government, defense contractor, and enterprise employers list Network+ as a requirement or strong preference for networking and infrastructure positions.
Should you skip Network+ and go straight to Security+? If you have solid networking knowledge from A+ study or work experience — you can confidently explain the OSI model, subnet a network, and troubleshoot DNS — you can likely go directly to Security+. Network+ is most valuable for career changers who need additional networking depth before tackling security concepts.
Exam Details
Section titled “Exam Details”| Detail | N10-009 |
|---|---|
| Exam code | N10-009 |
| Number of questions | Up to 90 |
| Question types | Multiple choice and performance-based questions (PBQs) |
| Time allowed | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 720 on a scale of 100-900 |
| Testing provider | Pearson VUE (in-person or online proctored) |
| Cost | ~$369 USD (as of March 2026, check CompTIA.org for current pricing) |
| Validity | 3 years (renewable via CE credits) |
Performance-based questions are hands-on simulations where you complete networking tasks in a virtual environment — configuring a switch, analyzing a network diagram, or troubleshooting a connectivity issue. They are more time-intensive than multiple choice and worth preparing for specifically.
Exam details source: comptia.org/certifications/network-plus (verified March 2026). CompTIA may update exam format at any time — always verify current details before scheduling.
Exam Domains and Objectives
Section titled “Exam Domains and Objectives”The N10-009 exam is organized into five domains. The percentage indicates how much of the exam each domain represents:
| Domain | Weight | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 Networking Concepts | 24% | OSI model, TCP/IP stack, ports and protocols, IP addressing, network types |
| 2.0 Network Implementation | 19% | Switches, routers, wireless standards, WAN technologies, network topologies |
| 3.0 Network Operations | 16% | Monitoring, documentation, backup and recovery, disaster recovery planning |
| 4.0 Network Security | 19% | Network hardening, authentication methods, threat mitigation, physical security |
| 5.0 Network Troubleshooting | 22% | Troubleshooting methodology, cable and connectivity issues, software tools |
Key observation for study planning: Networking Concepts (24%) and Network Troubleshooting (22%) together account for nearly half the exam. Master these two domains and you have a strong foundation for the rest.
Download the exam objectives PDF from comptia.org for free. Print it and use it as a checklist during your study. Every question on the exam maps to a specific objective in that document.
Network+ Exam Domains (N10-009)
5 domains — percentage weight shown for each
Domain weights source: CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Exam Objectives (verified March 2026)
Study Plan: 8-12 Week Timeline
Section titled “Study Plan: 8-12 Week Timeline”For someone with A+ knowledge or equivalent IT fundamentals, studying 10-15 hours per week:
| Period | Focus |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-3 | Networking Concepts: OSI model, TCP/IP stack, ports and protocols, IP addressing, subnetting |
| Weeks 4-5 | Network Implementation: switches, routers, wireless standards, WAN technologies, VLANs |
| Weeks 6-7 | Network Operations and Security: monitoring, documentation, hardening, authentication |
| Weeks 8-10 | Network Troubleshooting: methodology, cable issues, software tools, plus practice tests |
| Weeks 11-12 | Full practice exams, review weak areas, revisit PBQ practice, schedule and sit the exam |
Total: approximately 8-12 weeks at 10-15 hours per week. Career changers with strong A+ networking knowledge may finish closer to 8 weeks. Those who need more time on subnetting and protocol details may take the full 12 weeks. Both timelines are normal.
How to know you are ready: When you consistently score 80% or above on full-length practice exams from two different sources, you are ready to schedule the real exam. Do not rely on a single practice test provider.
Subnetting is the most commonly cited difficulty. If you are struggling, dedicate extra time to it in weeks 1-3. Practice subnetting by hand until it becomes automatic — the exam does not give you a subnet calculator.
Best Study Resources
Section titled “Best Study Resources”Free Resources
Section titled “Free Resources”- Professor Messer’s CompTIA Network+ course — professormesser.com — comprehensive free video series covering every N10-009 exam objective. Widely considered the best free Network+ resource available.
- CompTIA’s official exam objectives PDF — free download from comptia.org. Use this as your master checklist to ensure you have covered every objective.
- Sunny’s Network+ playlist (YouTube) — another free video series that explains networking concepts with clear visual diagrams.
- ExamCompass — free practice questions organized by Network+ exam objective.
Paid Resources Worth Considering
Section titled “Paid Resources Worth Considering”- Jason Dion’s CompTIA Network+ course on Udemy — frequently on sale for <$20. Includes practice exams and PBQ simulations. Good complement to Professor Messer.
- Mike Meyers’ CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide — comprehensive textbook covering all exam objectives. Available in print and digital formats.
- Professor Messer’s Network+ practice exams — approximately $35. Practice exams that closely mirror the real exam format.
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn + Labs — official study platform with integrated labs. Most expensive option but the most structured path.
You do not need all of these. Professor Messer’s free videos plus one set of paid practice exams is a complete preparation plan for most people.
Hands-On Lab Suggestions
Section titled “Hands-On Lab Suggestions”Networking is a hands-on discipline. Reading about protocols is not the same as watching packets move across a network. These tools help bridge the gap between theory and practice:
- Cisco Packet Tracer (free) — network simulation tool from Cisco. Build virtual networks with switches, routers, and endpoints. Excellent for practicing subnetting, VLANs, and routing configurations. Download from Cisco’s Networking Academy site.
- GNS3 (free, open source) — more advanced network simulator that can run real router and switch operating system images. Better for complex scenarios but has a steeper learning curve than Packet Tracer.
- Wireshark (free, open source) — packet analysis tool for capturing and inspecting network traffic. Use it to see TCP handshakes, DNS queries, and HTTP requests in real time. Directly applicable to both Network+ and future security work.
- Home network lab — configure your own router, set up VLANs if your hardware supports it, practice port forwarding, and analyze traffic with Wireshark. Even a basic setup teaches more than reading about it.
Many Network+ exam concepts connect directly to commands you can practice in a lab:
# Commands that connect to Network+ exam concepts
# IP addressing and connectivityipconfig /all # Show IP configuration (Windows)ip addr show # Show IP configuration (Linux)ping -c 4 8.8.8.8 # Test connectivitytraceroute 8.8.8.8 # Trace packet path (Linux)
# DNS troubleshootingnslookup example.com # Query DNSdig example.com # Detailed DNS query (Linux)
# Port and connection analysisnetstat -an # Show active connectionsss -tulnp # Modern alternative (Linux)Network+ vs Other Certifications
Section titled “Network+ vs Other Certifications”Network+ vs CCNA: Network+ is vendor-neutral and covers broad networking fundamentals. Cisco’s CCNA is vendor-specific and goes deeper into Cisco equipment and IOS commands. For career changers entering cybersecurity, Network+ is typically the better choice because it covers concepts applicable across any vendor environment. CCNA is more appropriate if you specifically want to work with Cisco infrastructure.
Should you skip Network+ and go straight to Security+? It depends on your networking confidence. Security+ assumes you understand TCP/IP, subnetting, ports, protocols, and basic network architecture. If those topics feel solid from your A+ study, you can skip Network+. If they feel shaky, Network+ fills that gap and makes Security+ significantly easier.
Network+ as a stepping stone to Security+: The Network Security domain on the Network+ exam (19%) directly overlaps with Security+ content. Concepts like network hardening, authentication protocols, and threat mitigation appear on both exams. Studying Network+ first means you enter Security+ with nearly a fifth of the material already understood.
Tips for Exam Day
Section titled “Tips for Exam Day”Performance-based questions (PBQs): PBQs appear at the beginning of the exam and are more time-intensive than multiple choice. Many experienced test-takers recommend flagging PBQs and moving to multiple choice first. This lets you build confidence and ensure you answer the higher-volume questions before returning to simulations. Review CompTIA’s current guidance on exam navigation, as rules can change.
Time management: 90 questions in 90 minutes means roughly one minute per question. PBQs take longer, so plan to spend <1 minute on straightforward multiple choice questions to bank time for simulations.
Elimination technique: On multiple choice questions, eliminate obviously wrong answers first. On Network+, wrong answers often reference the wrong OSI layer or confuse similar protocols. Narrowing to two options significantly improves your odds.
What to bring and expect: Bring two forms of government-issued ID to a testing center. You cannot bring notes, phones, or watches into the testing room. You will receive a whiteboard or scratch paper for calculations — use it for subnetting. For online proctored exams, ensure your workspace meets Pearson VUE’s environment requirements before exam day.
Schedule before you feel ready. Having a fixed date creates urgency and prevents indefinite studying. If you are not scoring 80%+ on practice exams one week before your date, reschedule. Pearson VUE allows rescheduling with notice.
Network+ is the bridge between A+ and Security+. This tracker shows you exactly where networking fits in the bigger picture and keeps your study on schedule across all three certs.
Career Roadmap & Study TrackerAvailable Now
Step-by-step roadmap with study tracker worksheets and certification decision framework.
Next Steps After Network+
Section titled “Next Steps After Network+”Once you pass Network+, the natural next step is CompTIA Security+. The networking knowledge from Network+ directly prepares you for Security+ content in network architecture, threat analysis, and security operations. Many career changers report that Security+ felt significantly more manageable after completing Network+.
Beyond Security+, the networking knowledge from Network+ remains relevant throughout a cybersecurity career. SOC Analysts read packet captures daily. Incident responders trace lateral movement across networks. Penetration testers exploit network misconfigurations. The foundation you build here pays dividends in every security discipline.
Exam objectives, pricing, and policies are subject to change. Always verify current information directly at comptia.org before purchasing exam vouchers or making study decisions.
Individual results vary based on location, experience, market conditions, and effort invested. This guide provides general guidance and does not guarantee employment outcomes.
Technical content verified in March 2026 against CompTIA Network+ N10-009 official exam objectives and CompTIA certification policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CompTIA Network+ hard?
Network+ is moderately challenging. Career changers with A+ knowledge who study 10-15 hours per week for 8-12 weeks typically pass on their first attempt. Subnetting is the most commonly cited difficulty — dedicate extra practice time to it.
Do I need A+ before Network+?
CompTIA has no formal prerequisites for Network+, so you can take it without A+. However, A+ covers hardware, operating system, and basic networking fundamentals that Network+ builds upon. If you have no IT experience, starting with A+ is recommended.
How long does it take to study for Network+?
With A+ knowledge or equivalent IT fundamentals and studying 10-15 hours per week, plan for 8-12 weeks. Career changers who are already comfortable with basic networking from A+ study may finish closer to 8 weeks.
Is Network+ worth it if I want to go into cybersecurity?
Yes, if your networking knowledge is not yet solid. Network+ builds the foundational understanding of how networks operate that Security+ and every cybersecurity role assumes you already have. If networking concepts already feel comfortable, you can skip to Security+ instead.
How much does the Network+ exam cost?
As of March 2026, the Network+ N10-009 exam voucher costs approximately $369 USD. Check CompTIA.org for current pricing. Look for academic discounts, employer reimbursement, or CompTIA bundle promotions to reduce costs.
What is the passing score for Network+?
The Network+ N10-009 exam requires a score of 720 on a scale of 100-900. The exam has up to 90 questions including multiple choice and performance-based questions, with a 90-minute time limit.
Should I get Network+ or CCNA?
For career changers entering cybersecurity, Network+ is typically the better choice because it is vendor-neutral and covers broad networking fundamentals. CCNA goes deeper into Cisco-specific equipment and commands, which is more appropriate if you specifically want to work with Cisco infrastructure.
What jobs can I get with Network+?
Network+ qualifies you for roles including network technician, network administrator, help desk technician (Tier 2), and junior systems administrator. It also strengthens your candidacy for SOC Analyst positions when combined with Security+. Individual results vary based on location and experience.
Does Network+ expire?
Yes, Network+ is valid for three years from the date you pass. You can renew by earning Continuing Education (CE) credits or by passing a higher-level CompTIA certification like Security+, which automatically renews Network+.
Can I skip Network+ and go straight to Security+?
Yes, if you have solid networking knowledge. Security+ assumes you understand TCP/IP, subnetting, ports, protocols, and basic network architecture. If those topics feel comfortable from A+ study or work experience, you can skip Network+. If they feel shaky, Network+ fills that gap.
More resources
Free PDF of N10-009 exam objectives — the definitive study checklist.
Professor Messer Network+Free Network+ training videos covering all exam objectives.
Cisco Packet TracerFree network simulation tool for hands-on practice with switches, routers, and network design.