CompTIA Network+ validates the core skills needed to design, configure, manage and troubleshoot networks. It sits between A+ and Security+ in CompTIA's core path, and it's valuable on its own for network support, junior network administrator and NOC roles.
Check the exam version. At the time of writing, the current exam is N10-009. Confirm the current version and download the official exam objectives on CompTIA's website before you start.
Exam format
- Up to 90 questions: multiple choice and performance-based.
- 90 minutes.
- Delivered at Pearson VUE test centers or online with remote proctoring.
- Recommended background: A+ or equivalent knowledge and some networking experience (recommended, not required).
- Valid for three years, renewable through continuing education.
Check CompTIA's site for the current passing score and price.
The five domains
N10-009 is organized into five domains:
- Networking Concepts: the OSI model, network appliances and functions, cloud concepts, ports and protocols, traffic types, transmission media, topologies and IPv4 addressing.
- Network Implementation: routing, switching (including VLANs), wireless configuration and physical installation.
- Network Operations: documentation, life-cycle management, monitoring, disaster recovery and high availability, and network services such as DHCP, DNS and NTP.
- Network Security: security concepts, attacks, and defense techniques for networks.
- Network Troubleshooting: troubleshooting methodology, cabling and physical issues, network services, performance, and command-line and hardware tools.
CompTIA's objectives list the weighting of each domain. Concepts and troubleshooting carry a large share of marks.
The topics that cause the most trouble
Subnetting
Subnetting is the topic candidates fear most, but it's very learnable with practice. Make sure you can:
- Convert between dotted decimal and binary.
- Read CIDR notation (for example /24, /26, /29).
- Work out the network address, broadcast address, number of usable hosts and valid host range for any subnet.
- Choose a subnet mask for a given number of hosts or subnets.
A quick reference: the number of usable hosts in a subnet is 2ⁿ − 2, where n is the number of host bits. A /26 has 6 host bits, so 2⁶ − 2 = 62 usable hosts.
Practice 10 subnetting problems a day for two weeks and it becomes routine.
The OSI model
Learn the seven layers in order, what happens at each, and which devices and protocols belong where:
| Layer | Name | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | HTTP, DNS, SMTP |
| 6 | Presentation | Encryption, encoding formats |
| 5 | Session | Session establishment and management |
| 4 | Transport | TCP, UDP, port numbers |
| 3 | Network | IP, routers |
| 2 | Data link | MAC addresses, switches |
| 1 | Physical | Cables, signals, hubs |
Troubleshooting questions often expect you to work up or down the layers.
Ports and protocols
Expect questions that give you a service and ask for the port, or the reverse. Memorize the list in the official objectives, including the secure versions (SSH, HTTPS, LDAPS, SFTP and so on).
Wireless
Know the 802.11 standards, frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz), channel planning, and wireless security protocols (WPA2, WPA3, enterprise authentication).
A 10-week Network+ study plan
Plan for about 8 hours per week.
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | OSI model, network topologies, transmission media and cabling |
| 2 | Ports and protocols, traffic types, network appliances |
| 3 | IPv4 addressing and subnetting (daily practice starts here) |
| 4 | IPv6 basics, routing concepts and protocols |
| 5 | Switching: VLANs, trunking, spanning tree |
| 6 | Wireless networking and physical installation |
| 7 | Network operations: monitoring, documentation, high availability, DR |
| 8 | Network security concepts and attacks |
| 9 | Troubleshooting methodology, tools and common scenarios |
| 10 | Full practice exams, PBQ practice and review |
Hands-on practice
- Use a network simulator (several are free) to build small networks with routers, switches and VLANs.
- Practice command-line tools:
ping,tracert/traceroute,ipconfig/ip,nslookup/dig,netstat,arp. - Look at your home router's settings: DHCP scope, DNS, NAT and wireless security.
- Capture traffic with a free packet analyzer and identify protocols.
Troubleshooting questions: how to approach them
Network+ uses CompTIA's troubleshooting methodology. In scenario questions:
- Identify the symptom precisely.
- Decide which layer is most likely involved.
- Choose the least disruptive diagnostic step first.
- Pick the answer that solves the root cause, not a workaround.
Exam-day tips
- PBQs can be time-consuming. Consider answering multiple-choice questions first.
- Use the whiteboard or scratch paper for subnetting.
- Look for qualifiers: "BEST", "FIRST", "MOST likely".
- Check your time at the halfway point.
Frequently asked questions
Is Network+ harder than A+?
Most candidates find Network+ more conceptually demanding than A+, mainly because of subnetting and troubleshooting scenarios. It's narrower but deeper.
Should I take Network+ before Security+?
It's recommended. Security+ assumes networking knowledge, and Network+ provides it.
How long should I study?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks part-time; less with networking experience.
Get help with Network+
We offer personal study plans, one-to-one tutoring (subnetting is our most-requested topic), practice preparation and exam-readiness reviews. You sit the exam yourself; we help you prepare.