What is the CompTIA Network+ certification?

The CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) is an internationally recognized IT certification that validates the essential knowledge and skills needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks.

How long does it take to prepare for the Network+ exam?

Most candidates spend 25-40 hours studying over 4-8 weeks. The exact time depends on your existing networking knowledge and experience. Complete beginners may need 2-3 months of dedicated study.

What is the pass rate for the Network+ exam?

While CompTIA doesn't publish official pass rates, industry estimates suggest the Network+ pass rate is around 65-70%. The exam requires a score of 720 out of 900 points to pass.

Do I need the A+ certification before Network+?

No, the A+ certification is not a prerequisite for Network+. However, CompTIA recommends having A+ certification or equivalent knowledge, plus 9-12 months of networking experience.

What topics are covered on the Network+ exam?

The Network+ N10-009 exam covers five main domains: Networking Fundamentals (24%), Network Implementations (19%), Network Operations (16%), Network Security (23%), and Network Troubleshooting (18%).

How much does the Network+ exam cost?

The CompTIA Network+ exam costs $358 USD (as of 2025). CompTIA occasionally offers discounts and voucher promotions.

Does the Network+ certification expire?

Yes, the Network+ certification is valid for 3 years from the date you pass the exam. You can renew it through CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program by earning 30 CEUs, or by passing a higher-level CompTIA exam.

What jobs can I get with a Network+ certification?

Network+ opens doors to various IT networking roles, including Network Administrator, Network Technician, Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, Systems Administrator, and entry-level Network Engineer positions. Average salaries range from $50,000-$75,000 USD annually.

CompTIA Network+ Study Guide | N10-009 Exam Preparation

This comprehensive guide covers the key topics and domains tested in the CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) exam. Build foundational knowledge and practical skills to manage, secure, and troubleshoot networks effectively.

5 Core Domains

Interactive Content

Self-Paced Learning

🌐

PART I
Networking Fundamentals

Completion

🎯 Key Learning Objective

Master the foundational concepts that form the backbone of all networking technologies.

🌐

OSI Model & Encapsulation

Understand how data flows through network layers - the foundation of all networking concepts.

📚 Study Resource: Learn more from the Cloudflare OSI Model Guide
🔗

Network Topologies & Types

Explore star, mesh, ring, bus, and hybrid network layouts. Understanding how networks are physically and logically structured.
🔌

Network Media Types

Learn about different transmission media and their characteristics.

Copper Cabling

Fiber Optic

Wireless Media
🏷️

IP Addressing

Master IPv4, IPv6, subnetting, and address assignment techniques.

IP Addressing Concepts IANA Registry
Common Ports and Protocols: Study essential protocols like TCP/UDP , HTTP , DNS , and FTP . Refer to the official IANA port numbers list .
Network Services: Dive into DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) , NAT (Network Address Translation) , and DNS (Domain Name System) functionality.
Corporate & Datacenter Architectures: Understand enterprise network infrastructure and cloud integration. Explore best practices from the AWS Architecture Center .
Cloud Concepts: Learn about SaaS (Software as a Service) , PaaS (Platform as a Service) , IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) , and cloud deployment models.

🔌

PART II
Network Implementations

Completion

📚 Est. 5-7 hours

💡 Pro Tip

Focus on understanding how devices work together in enterprise environments.

Network Devices: Explore routers, switches, firewalls, and access points.
Routing & Bandwidth Management: Understand static vs dynamic routing, QoS (Quality of Service) , and traffic shaping.
Ethernet Switching: Learn about VLANs (Virtual LANs) , STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) , trunking, and switching concepts.
Wireless Standards: Study 802.11 protocols , encryption types, and wireless network design.

🛠️ Part III: Network Operations

📚 Est. 3-4 hours

Network Availability: Learn redundancy, fault tolerance, and high availability techniques.
Organizational Policies: Understand SLAs (Service Level Agreements) , change management, and documentation practices.
Disaster Recovery: Study backup strategies, recovery plans, and business continuity .

🔐 Part IV: Network+ Security

📚 Est. 6-8 hours

⚠️ Critical for Exam

Security represents a major portion of the Network+ exam. Master these concepts thoroughly.

Security Concepts: Understand the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability). Learn more from CISA.
Common Attacks: Learn about DoS (Denial of Service) , MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) , spoofing, social engineering, and malware. Visit the Kaspersky Threats Resource Center .
Network Hardening: Study secure device configuration, patching, and physical security. Refer to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework .
Remote Access: Explore VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) , RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) , and authentication methods.
Physical Security: Learn about badge readers, locks, cameras, and visitor policies. Visit the SANS Institute's Physical Security Guide .

🧰 Part V: Network Troubleshooting

📚 Est. 4-5 hours

Troubleshooting Methodology: Follow a step-by-step diagnosis approach.
Cabling Problems: Use tools and techniques to identify cabling issues. Learn about cable testing with copper testing tools .
Software Tools: Master command-line tools like ping , tracert , ipconfig , and netstat .
Wireless Issues: Troubleshoot signal interference and misconfigurations.
General Network Issues: Resolve IP conflicts , DNS errors, and routing problems.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📚 Additional Study Tips

📋
Official Objectives: Review the official CompTIA Network+ objectives (N10-009) regularly.
Practice with hands-on labs and network simulators if possible.
Take timed practice exams to test your understanding. Visit our Network+ Practice Exams page .
Familiarize yourself with the CompTIA Network+ Acronyms List .
🎯
Master PBQs: Practice with detailed Network+ PBQ examples and solutions covering subnetting, troubleshooting, and configuration scenarios.
Focus on one domain at a time to build a strong, systematic understanding. Consider earning related certifications like CompTIA Security+ for career advancement.

Take a Network+ Practice Quiz

Study Guide Progress

🌐 PART I Networking Fundamentals

OSI Model & Encapsulation

Network Topologies & Types

Network Media Types

IP Addressing

🔌 PART II Network Implementations