Who Is Network+ For?
✓ This certification is a good fit if you…
- Work in IT support and want to advance to network administration
- Plan to pursue cloud certifications (AWS, Azure)—networking knowledge is critical
- Are targeting Security+ and want a solid networking foundation first
- Need a vendor-neutral credential that applies across Cisco, Juniper, etc.
- Work in a role that requires understanding network infrastructure
- Are in the military or government contracting (DoD 8570 approved)
✗ You might consider alternatives if you…
- Already have CCNA—it's more advanced and vendor-specific; Network+ would be a step back
- Have zero IT experience—consider A+ first to build foundational skills
- Work exclusively in software development with no infrastructure responsibilities
- Need Cisco-specific skills—CCNA is more relevant for Cisco environments
Prerequisites (In Plain English)
Official requirement: None, but CompTIA recommends A+ certification or equivalent experience and 9–12 months of networking experience.
Realistic expectations:
- Basic IT knowledge: You should understand how computers work, operating systems, basic troubleshooting
- IP addressing basics: If you've never seen an IP address or don't know what a subnet is, spend time on fundamentals first
- Some hands-on exposure: Experience configuring a home router, setting up a network, or working with IT infrastructure helps enormously
Do you need A+ first? Not strictly required, but recommended if you're completely new to IT. Many people skip A+ if they have real-world IT experience or are self-taught.
What You'll Learn
Network+ N10-008 covers five domains:
- Networking Fundamentals (24%):
- OSI model and TCP/IP stack
- Network topologies and types
- IP addressing and subnetting
- Common ports and protocols
- Network Implementations (19%):
- Routing and switching concepts
- Wireless standards and configuration
- Network device placement and installation
- Network Operations (16%):
- Documentation and diagrams
- Monitoring and metrics
- Backup and recovery
- Network Security (19%):
- Security concepts and threats
- Firewalls, VPNs, access control
- Wireless security
- Network Troubleshooting (22%):
- Troubleshooting methodology
- Cable and connectivity issues
- Network performance problems
Key topics to master: Subnetting, common port numbers, OSI model, network troubleshooting commands (ping, traceroute, nslookup, netstat).
Exam Format & Scoring
Exam code: N10-008 (current version)
Question format: Up to 90 questions. Mix of multiple choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs simulate real scenarios like configuring a network or analyzing a diagram.
Time limit: 90 minutes.
Passing score: 720 out of 900.
Testing options: Pearson VUE testing centers or online proctored from home.
Results: Pass/fail shown immediately after completing the exam.
Cost: $358 USD.
Recommended Study Plan
Standard Track
2–3 monthsFor those with basic IT knowledge:
- Weeks 1–3: Study networking fundamentals—OSI model, TCP/IP, IP addressing. Master subnetting (this is heavily tested).
- Weeks 4–6: Network implementations and devices—routers, switches, wireless, cabling. Use diagrams and visualizations.
- Weeks 7–8: Security and operations concepts. Start practice questions.
- Weeks 9–10: Troubleshooting focus. Practice using network commands. Take full practice exams.
- Weeks 11–12: Review weak areas. Score 85%+ on practice exams before booking.
Accelerated Track
4–6 weeksFor IT pros with networking exposure:
- Week 1: Take diagnostic exam. Review exam objectives. Focus study on weak domains.
- Weeks 2–3: Work through content, spending more time on unfamiliar topics. Practice subnetting daily.
- Weeks 4–5: Heavy practice question phase. Understand PBQ format.
- Week 6: Final review, practice exams, schedule and take the test.
Subnetting tip: You MUST master subnetting. Practice until you can subnet in your sleep. Many candidates fail because they can't quickly calculate subnet masks, network addresses, and host ranges.
Prep Resources
Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Professor Messer's Network+ Course
Free video series covering all exam objectives. High quality, regularly updated. The gold standard for free Network+ prep.
Free
Watch FreeJason Dion's Network+ Course (Udemy)
Comprehensive video course with practice exams. Dion is a respected CompTIA instructor. Frequently on sale.
~$15–20 on sale
View on Udemy (affiliate)CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide (Mike Meyers)
Comprehensive book covering all objectives. Good reference alongside video courses. Includes practice questions.
~$40–50
View on Amazon (affiliate)Subnet Practice Tools
Free subnetting practice websites. Essential for mastering this critical skill. Practice daily until it's automatic.
Free
Practice SubnettingOfficial Information
Verify current exam details, pricing, and objectives with CompTIA:
Visit CompTIA Official Page →External link to comptia.org.
Alternative Certifications to Consider
Cisco CCNA
If you work in a Cisco environment. More advanced and vendor-specific than Network+.
CompTIA A+
If you need foundational IT skills first. Good stepping stone to Network+.
CompTIA Security+
Natural next step after Network+. Many security concepts build on networking knowledge.
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
If targeting cloud careers. Network+ knowledge helps significantly with cloud networking concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Network+ worth it in 2025?
Yes—networking knowledge is foundational to cloud, security, and most IT roles. Network+ is vendor-neutral and widely recognized. Even if you're going into cloud, you'll need to understand VPCs, subnets, routing, and load balancing—all networking concepts.
Network+ vs CCNA — which should I get?
Different purposes. Network+ is vendor-neutral and broader—good foundation for any networking path. CCNA is Cisco-specific and deeper—better if you work with Cisco gear. CCNA is harder but more valuable if you're definitely going into network engineering. Many people get Network+ first, then CCNA.
Do I need A+ before Network+?
Not required, but helpful if you're completely new to IT. If you have any real-world IT experience or are comfortable with basic computer concepts, you can skip A+ and start with Network+. If terms like "IP address" and "router" are foreign, consider A+ first.
How hard is Network+?
Moderately challenging. The main difficulties are subnetting (which requires practice) and the breadth of topics. It's easier than CCNA but harder than A+. Most people with proper study (2–3 months) pass on the first attempt.
What jobs can I get with Network+?
Network administrator, network technician, junior network engineer, IT support specialist, help desk (Tier 2), systems administrator. Entry-level network roles typically pay $50,000–$70,000, with experienced network admins earning $70,000–$90,000+.