CompTIA Network+ is the most widely recognized entry-to-mid-level networking certification in the IT industry. It validates the skills required to design, manage, configure, and troubleshoot network infrastructure. Network+ is vendor-neutral, meaning it applies across hardware manufacturers and environments, and it sits directly between CompTIA A+ and Security+ in CompTIA’s core certification pathway. If you’re building an IT career with networking or cybersecurity as the destination, Network+ is a critical step in that path.
The current exam is N10-009, released in June 2024. If you’re studying for Network+ now, this is the version you’re preparing for. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is CompTIA Network+?
CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification issued by CompTIA. It validates core networking knowledge applicable across any manufacturer’s equipment.
Network+ is positioned as the second rung of CompTIA’s core certification ladder: CompTIA A+ (hardware, software, and IT support fundamentals), CompTIA Network+ (networking concepts, implementation, and troubleshooting), and CompTIA Security+ (cybersecurity baseline).
The N10-009 Exam: What Changed and What It Covers
The current Network+ exam (N10-009) was released in June 2024. The previous version (N10-008) retired in December 2024. The N10-009 reflects the evolution of networking environments: more emphasis on cloud networking, wireless security, network automation, and zero-trust architecture than older versions.
Exam Domains and Weightings
| Domain | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Networking Concepts | 23% |
| Network Implementation | 20% |
| Network Operations | 19% |
| Network Security | 14% |
| Network Troubleshooting | 24% |
Exam Format
- Questions: Up to 90
- Time: 90 minutes
- Passing score: 720 out of 900
- Question types: Multiple-choice (single and multiple response), performance-based questions (PBQs), and drag-and-drop
- Validity: 3 years from certification date
- Cost: Approximately $369 per attempt (2026)
What Skills Does Network+ Validate?
Networking Concepts: OSI model layers and functions, TCP/IP protocol suite, IP addressing and subnetting (IPv4 and IPv6), network topologies, wireless standards (Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6), DNS, DHCP.
Network Implementation: Configuring switches and routers, VLANs, routing protocols, wireless network setup, virtualization, cloud networking concepts, cabling standards.
Network Operations: Monitoring tools, network documentation, change management, high availability and disaster recovery concepts.
Network Security: Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPNs, authentication protocols (AAA), network hardening, zero-trust architecture basics, common network attack types.
Network Troubleshooting: Systematic troubleshooting methodology, hardware troubleshooting for cables, switches, routers, and wireless access points, resolving common connectivity, performance, and security issues.
What Jobs Does CompTIA Network+ Qualify You For?
Entry-level: Network Technician, Help Desk Technician (networking focus), Field Service Technician, Desktop Support Specialist, Junior Network Administrator.
Mid-level (combined with 1 to 3 years of experience): Network Administrator, Network Analyst, Systems Administrator, IT Infrastructure Specialist, Network Support Specialist, Junior Network Engineer.
What Does CompTIA Network+ Pay?
| Role | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Help Desk / IT Support (Network Focus) | $45,000 – $62,000 |
| Network Technician | $50,000 – $68,000 |
| Network Administrator | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| Systems Administrator | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| Network Analyst | $72,000 – $105,000 |
| Network Engineer | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| Network Architect | $100,000 – $145,000+ |
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), network and computer systems administrators earn a median annual wage of $96,800 as of May 2024. Computer network architects earn a median of $130,390, with 12% projected growth from 2024 to 2034. Individual results vary based on role, experience, location, and employer.
Is Network+ Hard to Earn?
Network+ is more challenging than A+, but it’s designed to be passable for candidates who prepare correctly.
Most common reasons candidates fail: Underestimating subnetting (IP subnetting appears throughout the exam; practice until it’s automatic); ignoring PBQs; studying from outdated materials (N10-008 and N10-009 have different domain weightings); skipping the wireless and cloud domains.
How to Prepare for CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
Start with the exam objectives: CompTIA publishes the full N10-009 exam objectives as a free PDF. Every domain, every subtopic, every skill statement is listed.
Build a lab environment: Cisco Packet Tracer (free, Cisco’s own network simulation software); a home router and old switch for real hardware practice; virtual machines (VirtualBox or VMware).
Subnetting: Give it dedicated time. Practice until you can subnet quickly without a calculator.
Practice exams: Take them early and often. Aim for consistent scores of 80%+ before scheduling the real exam.
How long does it take? Most candidates spend 60 to 100 hours preparing. With foundational knowledge and 2 to 3 hours of daily study: Beginner to IT: 3 to 4 months; A+ certified or equivalent foundational knowledge: 6 to 10 weeks; Current IT professional with networking exposure: 4 to 6 weeks.
How Much Does the Network+ Exam Cost?
Approximately $369 per attempt as of 2026. Retake policies: between the first and second attempt, no mandatory waiting period; between the second and third attempt (and any subsequent), a 14-day waiting period is required.
How Network+ Fits Into a Certification Path
Before Network+: CompTIA A+ or equivalent foundational IT knowledge (recommended, not required); CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) for absolute beginners.
After Network+: CompTIA Security+ (most direct next step for cybersecurity tracks); Cisco CCNA (vendor-specific networking for Cisco-heavy environments); CompTIA Cloud+; CompTIA CySA+; EC-Council CEH (MyCC is an EC-Council Center of Excellence).
The combination of A+, Network+, and Security+ is the most recognized foundational stack in IT and cybersecurity.
How to Renew CompTIA Network+
Network+ is valid for three years. Renewal options: earn 30 CEUs through CompTIA’s CertMaster CE platform; pass a higher-level CompTIA certification (Security+, Cloud+, Server+, Linux+, CySA+); pass a qualifying third-party certification (Cisco CCNA, Microsoft Azure Administrator, etc.); retake the current exam.
FAQ: CompTIA Network+
What is the passing score for CompTIA Network+?
720 out of 900. The exam contains up to 90 questions and must be completed in 90 minutes. Question types include multiple-choice, performance-based questions (PBQs), and drag-and-drop.
Does Network+ require any prerequisites?
No. CompTIA recommends having CompTIA A+ or equivalent foundational IT knowledge and at least 9 to 12 months of hands-on networking experience. However, these are recommendations, not requirements.
Which version of the Network+ exam is current?
N10-009, released June 2024. The previous version (N10-008) retired in December 2024.
How much does the CompTIA Network+ exam cost?
Approximately $369 per attempt as of 2026.
Is Network+ worth it if I already have A+?
Yes, particularly if your career target is cybersecurity, networking, or systems administration. Network+ validates a meaningfully higher level of expertise than A+ and qualifies you for roles with reported median pay $15,000 to $30,000 more annually than IT support positions (individual results vary based on experience, location, and employer). It’s also the bridge to Security+.
What’s the difference between Network+ and Cisco CCNA?
Network+ is vendor-neutral, covering networking concepts that apply across any equipment manufacturer. CCNA is vendor-specific, going deep into Cisco’s products and configuration. Many networking professionals earn Network+ first, then pursue CCNA if they’re working in Cisco-heavy environments.
Bottom Line
CompTIA Network+ is the most recognized vendor-neutral networking certification in the industry and a critical step in any IT or cybersecurity career path. The current N10-009 exam covers cloud networking, wireless security, zero-trust concepts, and comprehensive troubleshooting.
Network administrators earn a BLS-reported median of $96,800, and network architects $130,390. The combination of Network+ with subsequent credentials, particularly Security+ and CEH, opens cybersecurity roles where median salaries exceed $120,000.
If you want to see how Network+ fits into your specific path, MyCC’s free evaluation maps it out.