Table of Contents
CompTIA Network+ Quick Facts
The CompTIA Network+ certification is an excellent way to build confidence and credibility in your networking skills while opening the door to exciting career opportunities. This overview gives you the clarity and direction you need to approach the exam with focus and success.
What makes the CompTIA Network+ Certification valuable for IT professionals?
The CompTIA Network+ Certification validates your ability to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks across a variety of environments. It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates your proficiency with fundamental networking concepts, network operations, security practices, and troubleshooting techniques. Ideal for those pursuing roles like network administrator, systems engineer, or IT support specialist, this certification ensures you possess practical, vendor-neutral skills that are applicable in any professional setting.
Who benefits most from earning the CompTIA Network+ certification?
The CompTIA Network+ certification is a powerful credential designed for IT professionals who want to build strong foundational networking skills. It is especially valuable for those working in roles like junior network administrators, technical support specialists, network field engineers, and system administrators.
This certification validates your abilities in managing both wired and wireless networks, configuring essential services, and keeping systems secure. Beginners who already have some IT experience (for example through CompTIA A+ or hands-on tech work) will find the Network+ exam an exciting next step. It’s also a great fit for career changers who want to transition into networking, cloud, or security paths in IT.
What type of job roles can CompTIA Network+ N10-009 open up for me?
Once certified with Network+, you will qualify for career paths that need networking and troubleshooting expertise. Common starting roles include:
- Junior Network Administrator – managing LANs, WANs, and VLAN configurations.
- Network Technician – supporting installation and upgrades of routers, switches, and access points.
- System Administrator – overseeing servers, virtualization, and networked services.
- NOC (Network Operations Center) Technician – monitoring, troubleshooting, and restoring connectivity.
- IT Support Specialist – helping users resolve hardware, software, and connectivity issues.
Beyond these entry to mid-level positions, CompTIA Network+ also serves as a stepping stone toward specialized certifications, preparing you for advancement into network engineer, cloud administrator, or cybersecurity analyst roles.
What is the exam code and latest version of CompTIA Network+?
The most current version of the exam is CompTIA Network+ N10-009. This release includes the freshest set of objectives around networking fundamentals, cloud technologies, network operations, security, and troubleshooting.
By preparing for this version, you ensure that your knowledge aligns with what employers are looking for today. Staying on the latest version of the exam proves you have up-to-date skills relevant to modern IT infrastructures, from on-premises networks to hybrid and cloud-based environments.
How much does the CompTIA Network+ exam cost?
The CompTIA Network+ exam costs $390 USD. Depending on your region, there may be slight price differences due to taxes or exchange rates.
Many learners choose exam bundles that include study guides, online training, and official vouchers, offering added value. If you’re sponsored by an employer or participating in workforce development programs, there may also be opportunities to have your exam fee covered—making this certification an investment that can pay itself back quickly once you advance in your career.
How many questions are on the CompTIA Network+ exam?
The CompTIA Network+ exam contains up to 90 questions. These questions come in multiple-choice, multiple-select, and performance-based formats. Performance-based questions are interactive and mirror real-world scenarios, where you’ll configure or troubleshoot a simulated environment.
The exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and applied problem-solving. You’ll find that many questions challenge you to think like a network technician or system administrator, ensuring you're job-ready when you pass.
How long do I have to complete the CompTIA N10-009 exam?
You’ll be given 90 minutes to complete the exam. Since there are a maximum of 90 questions, this averages out to about one minute per question, though performance-based items may take a bit more time.
Pacing is important. Many learners find it helpful to quickly answer shorter knowledge-based questions first, leaving extra time at the end for scenario-based questions. Effective time management ensures you can demonstrate your skills across all exam objectives.
What is the passing score for CompTIA Network+?
To pass the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, you need a passing score of 720 on a scale of 100 to 900. Scoring is not calculated as a simple percentage. Instead, CompTIA uses a scaled scoring model, meaning your performance across different domains contributes to your overall result.
You are not required to pass every domain individually. Instead, your combined score determines if you pass, giving you flexibility if one area feels slightly stronger than another. This model rewards steady, consistent knowledge across all networking areas.
Which languages is the CompTIA Network+ exam available in?
The CompTIA Network+ exam is offered in English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. This makes the certification accessible to a global audience of IT professionals and helps ensure worldwide recognition of your skills.
Choosing a language that you are most fluent in during the exam is a smart strategy to avoid misunderstandings of technical terms, giving you the confidence to perform at your best.
What domains are included in the CompTIA N10-009 exam content outline?
The exam is divided across five major domains, each testing crucial job-ready skills. The weightings and areas are:
- Networking Concepts (23%)
- OSI model
- Ports, protocols, IPv4 addressing, topologies, appliances
- Network Implementation (20%)
- Routing, switching, wireless, physical installations
- Network Operations (19%)
- Documentation, monitoring, disaster recovery, access and services
- Network Security (14%)
- Logical and physical security, types of attacks, segmentation
- Network Troubleshooting (24%)
- Methodology, tools, cabling issues, network service problems
This structure ensures you are tested on both knowledge and practical troubleshooting skills, with the largest emphasis placed on troubleshooting and networking fundamentals.
How long is the CompTIA Network+ certification valid?
The CompTIA Network+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass your exam.
You can renew your certification through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program, which allows you to earn CE units by taking training courses, completing higher-level certifications, or participating in industry activities. Renewal ensures that your certification stays current with ongoing changes in networking technology.
What kind of skills will I gain from passing Network+?
By earning the CompTIA Network+ certification, you’ll gain a well-rounded set of practical skills, including:
- Deploying wired and wireless networks
- Configuring essential services like DNS, DHCP, VPN, and NAT
- Identifying network devices and topologies
- Applying cloud and virtualization concepts
- Troubleshooting performance and service issues
- Strengthening security and mitigating threats
These skills are widely transferable and provide a strong foundation for both networking and cybersecurity career paths.
Are there any prerequisites to take the CompTIA Network+ exam?
There are no formal prerequisites, but CompTIA does recommend having the CompTIA A+ certification and 9 to 12 months of networking experience before attempting the exam.
That said, anyone with a passion for IT who has been working hands-on with networking concepts can succeed with proper preparation. Many career changers and motivated learners take Network+ as their first certification and thrive.
Is CompTIA Network+ considered difficult?
Network+ has a reputation for being one of the most practical, hands-on entry-level IT certifications. The exam includes performance-based questions that require real-world troubleshooting, making it very job-oriented.
With structured study, practice exams, and lab work, most learners find the certification highly achievable. Thousands of professionals have successfully earned this certification as their gateway into IT networking careers. To give yourself the best preparation, you can practice with high-quality CompTIA Network+ practice exams with detailed explanations, which replicate the look and feel of the real test environment.
How can I best prepare for Network+?
Effective preparation combines multiple approaches. You should:
- Study the exam objectives thoroughly
- Use official training resources and study guides
- Practice hands-on labs with networking equipment or simulations
- Take practice exams to identify strengths and focus study efforts
- Engage with communities and forums to exchange knowledge
Blending theory, practice, and test-taking strategies ensures success on the first attempt.
Can CompTIA Network+ help with cybersecurity careers?
Yes. Network+ is often considered the gateway certification into cybersecurity specializations. Since almost all security issues occur on networks, having a solid networking foundation is critical before advancing to security-focused certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CySA+.
Employers also value candidates who can understand attacks (like ARP spoofing or VLAN hopping) and defend against them at the network level, making Network+ a natural first step before cybersecurity.
Is the CompTIA Network+ exam performance based?
Yes. Alongside multiple-choice questions, the exam includes performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate real-world networking challenges. You may be asked to configure routers, analyze logs, identify misconfigurations, or troubleshoot network outages.
These interactive questions reflect the daily responsibilities of IT professionals. Performance-based testing ensures that you don’t just memorize terms—you show that you can apply knowledge effectively.
Does Network+ align with Department of Defense (DoD) requirements?
Yes. CompTIA Network+ is recognized by the DoD 8140/8570.01-m requirements and qualifies for work roles such as Technical Support Specialist, Network Operations Specialist, and System Administrator. If you are pursuing a government or defense IT career, this certification enhances your eligibility.
Where can I take the CompTIA N10-009 exam?
You have two testing options:
- Online – Take the exam with remote proctoring from the comfort of your home or office. You’ll need a webcam, reliable internet, and a quiet environment.
- In-person – Visit a Pearson VUE testing center near you for a traditional proctored experience.
Both options are equally valid and flexible. Choose the method that fits your style and comfort level.
How do I register for the Network+ certification?
Registering is simple. You start by creating an account on the official CompTIA Network+ certification page. From there, you can purchase exam vouchers, find training bundles, and schedule with Pearson VUE.
Pick your preferred test-taking method (online or in-person), choose the date and time that works best for you, and complete your checkout. Once scheduled, you’ll be ready to dive into preparation and earn your credential.
What comes after CompTIA Network+?
After Network+, you can continue advancing your career by pursuing specialized certifications such as:
- CompTIA Security+ for cybersecurity foundations
- CompTIA Server+ if you enjoy systems and server management
- Microsoft Azure, AWS, or other cloud certifications if cloud is your path
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) for deeper networking expertise
Network+ builds the base that makes higher-level certifications more engaging and easier to master. Completing it will set you up for long-term career success in IT infrastructure, networking, or security.
The CompTIA Network+ certification is a future-proof investment you can carry throughout your IT career. By validating your knowledge across networking, troubleshooting, cloud, and security fundamentals, it proves that you are ready for the real world of technical support and network operations. With proper study and preparation, you’ll be able to earn this respected credential and step confidently into your next role.
