CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral IT certification that validates the essential skills needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks.
What Is This Certification?
Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting across all vendor platforms. It is the standard entry credential for IT roles that touch networking and a prerequisite for many higher IT and security certs.
Eligibility & Requirements
No formal prerequisite, but CompTIA recommends A+ and 9+ months of networking experience.
Exam Format & Structure
Single exam (N10-009), up to 90 questions, multiple choice and performance-based. 90 minutes. Pearson VUE.
Cost & Fees
$369 USD per attempt.
Validity & Renewal
Valid 3 years. Renew via a higher cert, continuing education, or the CertMaster renewal.
Salary & Career Outlook
Network+ holders commonly earn $50,000–$80,000 in support and admin roles; it pairs well with CCNA and Security+ for career growth.
Compare CompTIA Network+
See how this certification stacks up against others:
Top Training Providers & Resources
- CompTIA CertMaster
- Professor Messer (free)
- CBT Nuggets
- Udemy (Jason Dion)
Is CompTIA Network+ Worth It?
Network+ is worth it if you want a vendor-neutral, broadly recognized entry into networking — it is the safest first step before committing to a vendor track like CCNA. It is less worth it if you already hold CCNA or have years of networking experience, since it covers similar fundamentals at a shallower depth. The value: employers across help desk, NOC, and junior admin roles list it, and it stacks toward the CompTIA infrastructure pathway. For career changers it is one of the most efficient, low-risk networking certs to earn.
How to Prepare
Prep in 6–10 weeks. 1) Watch Professor Messer's free Network+ videos or a Dion/Meyers course. 2) Use the official exam objectives as your checklist. 3) Build small home labs (subnetting, VLANs, Wi-Fi, basic routing) to make concepts concrete. 4) Drill performance-based questions and subnetting daily. 5) Take 2–3 full practice exams; target ~80%. Schedule once you can explain the OSI model, TCP/IP, and troubleshooting methodology from memory.
How to Get CompTIA Network+ Certified
- Confirm you meet the requirements: No formal prerequisite, but CompTIA recommends A+ and 9+ months of networking experience.
- Download the official exam blueprint / handbook from CompTIA and map it to a study plan.
- Choose prep that fits you — official materials, a video course, and/or a bootcamp — and set a weekly schedule.
- Study the core topics and, where hands-on, practice until the skills are automatic.
- Take full-length practice exams and target a steady pass-rate before booking. Exam format: Single exam (N10-009), up to 90 questions, multiple choice and performance-based. 90 minutes. Pearson VUE.
- Book the exam ($369 USD per attempt.) at a test center or online proctor, then sit and pass it.
- Receive your credential from CompTIA and add it to your resume, LinkedIn, and this profile.
- Track renewal: Valid 3 years. Renew via a higher cert, continuing education, or the CertMaster renewal. — log continuing education early.
Career Paths & Job Titles
- CompTIA Network+ Specialist
- Help Desk / Support Technician
- Systems or Network Administrator
- Cloud / DevOps Associate
- IT Project Coordinator
Skills You'll Gain
- Reading the exam blueprint / objectives
- Hands-on with the core platform or toolset
- Troubleshooting and best-practice configuration
- Security and compliance fundamentals
- Documenting and explaining technical decisions
Who Should Get This Certification?
career changers, students, and working IT pros who want a recognized, resume-ready credential
Good fit if…
- You want a credentialed, resume-ready proof of skill in this field.
- The CompTIA Network+ is required or preferred for the roles you're targeting.
- You learn well from structured study + practice and can commit the prep time.
- You're starting out and want the gentlest recognized on-ramp.
Maybe skip if…
- You need deep, multi-year expertise — this is a foundational/entry-to-mid credential, not a replacement for experience.
- The topic isn't relevant to your actual career goal.
- You can't meet the eligibility or renewal requirements — check those with the provider first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Network+ worth it without experience?
Yes for career starters — it proves baseline networking skill and helps land help-desk and junior admin roles even before hands-on depth.
Network+ or CCNA first?
Network+ is broader and vendor-neutral; CCNA is deeper and Cisco-specific. Many do Network+ first, then CCNA.
What is the CompTIA Network+ and who is it for?
CompTIA Network+ is offered by CompTIA. Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting across all vendor platforms. It is the standard entry credential for IT roles that touch networking and a prerequisite for many higher IT and security certs. It is aimed at No formal prerequisite, but CompTIA recommends A+ and 9+ months of networking experience.
How much does the CompTIA Network+ exam cost?
The exam costs $369 USD per attempt. Budget for potential retakes and any exam-prep materials you choose separately.
How long is the CompTIA Network+ valid, and how do I renew it?
Valid 3 years. Renew via a higher cert, continuing education, or the CertMaster renewal. Renewal requirements vary, so confirm the current policy with CompTIA before your renewal date.
What does the CompTIA Network+ exam format look like?
The exam is structured as follows: Single exam (N10-009), up to 90 questions, multiple choice and performance-based. 90 minutes. Pearson VUE. Knowing the format in advance lets you pace yourself and practice the question types you will face.
Am I eligible for the CompTIA Network+?
Eligibility: No formal prerequisite, but CompTIA recommends A+ and 9+ months of networking experience. Review the official CompTIA handbook because eligibility rules and documentation can change.
How long should I study for the CompTIA Network+?
Most candidates prepare over a focused window that depends on background and the exam's depth. Use the official exam blueprint from CompTIA, pair it with a reputable prep course, and take full-length practice exams until consistently above the pass threshold.
What is the salary outlook after earning the CompTIA Network+?
Network+ holders commonly earn $50,000–$80,000 in support and admin roles; it pairs well with CCNA and Security+ for career growth. Salaries also depend on region, experience, and related credentials, so treat this as a directional range rather than a guarantee.
Is the CompTIA Network+ worth it for my career?
That depends on your goals. Network+ is worth it if you want a vendor-neutral, broadly recognized entry into networking — it is the safest first step before committing to a vendor track like CCNA. It is less worth it if you already hold CCNA or have years of networking experience, since it covers similar fundamentals at a shallower depth. The value: employers across help desk, NOC, and junior admin roles list it, and it stacks toward the CompTIA infrastructure pathway. For career changers it is one of the most efficient, low-risk networking certs to earn.
Do I need hands-on experience before taking the CompTIA Network+?
Hands-on practice strongly improves pass rates even when not strictly required. Follow the exam objectives from CompTIA and build muscle memory before test day.
Which comes after the CompTIA Network+?
After this credential, candidates typically pursue the next-level track from CompTIA, or a complementary cloud/security/agile cert. Check CompTIA's certification path.
Can I take the CompTIA Network+ exam online?
Most IT certs from CompTIA offer both testing-center and online-proctored options with strict environment rules.