CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Study Guide
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009, launched 20 June 2024) is the vendor-neutral networking certification. It is up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based questions, with 720 on a 100–900 scale to pass. It covers networking concepts, implementation, operations, security and troubleshooting — addressing, routing and switching basics, wireless, cloud connectivity, and the systematic troubleshooting method the exam keeps returning to.
Overview
Level
Associate
Vendor
CompTIA
Audience
Help desk and support technicians moving toward infrastructure work, career changers who want networking fundamentals that are not tied to one manufacturer, and anyone whose employer or contract asks for a vendor-neutral credential. CompTIA suggests around nine to twelve months of networking experience; in practice plenty of people pass it as a second certification after A+, with lab time standing in for the job.
Why get Network+
Network+ is the most recognized vendor-neutral networking certification available. Unlike CCNA, which is Cisco-specific, Network+ knowledge applies across vendors—Cisco, Juniper, HP, Palo Alto, and cloud networking alike. It covers a broad foundation: network topologies, TCP/IP, routing and switching concepts, wireless, security, and troubleshooting methodology. For IT support professionals, it demonstrates competence beyond basic helpdesk skills. For career changers, it provides structured knowledge that accelerates understanding of any IT environment. It is also a natural prerequisite for CompTIA Security+ and other security certifications, as many of the concepts tested in security exams assume solid networking knowledge.
Salary expectations
Typical salary range
$55,000 – $80,000
Network+ holders in junior network technician and IT support roles typically earn $55K–$70K. With experience and additional certs (CCNA, Security+), salaries commonly reach $75K–$95K. The cert is frequently a stepping stone rather than a destination—the salary jump comes when it is paired with experience or higher certs.
When to get Network+
Network+ is worth taking when you want the vocabulary and the troubleshooting discipline before specialising, or when a job posting names it. It sits naturally between A+ and Security+, and it is the cheaper, broader option. The honest comparison is with CCNA: Network+ is easier and applies anywhere, while CCNA goes considerably deeper and appears in far more networking job postings — if networking is the destination rather than a stepping stone, many people skip straight to CCNA. N10-009 is expected to retire around 2027.
Exam details
Exam Quick Reference
- Exam Code
- N10-009
- Vendor
- CompTIA
- Level
- Associate
- Duration
- 90 minutes
- Format
- Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. Maximum 90 questions.
- Questions
- Up to 90 questions (CompTIA does not publish exact count)
Renewal: Network+ is valid for 3 years. Renew by earning 30 CEUs through CompTIA's Continuing Education program, or by passing a higher-level CompTIA exam before expiration.
Facts on this page last verified September 24, 2026 against official CompTIA sources.
Skills covered
Networking Concepts
- OSI and TCP/IP models in depth
- IP addressing and subnetting (IPv4 and IPv6)
- Common ports and protocols (DNS, DHCP, HTTP/S, FTP, SSH)
- Network topologies (star, mesh, bus, ring)
- Routing concepts and protocols (static routes, RIP, OSPF concepts)
Network Infrastructure
- Switching and VLANs
- Wireless standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
- WAN technologies and connectivity (MPLS, fiber, broadband)
- Network hardware: routers, switches, firewalls, access points
- Virtual networking and cloud network concepts
Network Operations
- Network monitoring tools and methodologies
- Log management and network documentation
- Change management and configuration management basics
- Backup, recovery, and high availability concepts
- Remote access technologies (VPN, RDP, SSH)
Network Security
- Common network attacks (DDoS, man-in-the-middle, spoofing)
- Firewalls, IDS/IPS, and DMZ configurations
- Network access control and port security
- Wireless security protocols (WPA2/WPA3)
- Physical security and network hardening
Network Troubleshooting
- Structured troubleshooting methodology
- Cabling and physical layer issues
- Wireless connectivity troubleshooting
- Network diagnostic tools (ping, traceroute, nslookup, netstat)
- Common routing and switching problems
Step-by-step study path
This sequence reflects what consistently works. Follow it in order—don't skip ahead.
- 1
Review the official exam objectives
Download the N10-009 exam objectives from CompTIA's website. The current version was updated to reflect modern networking realities including cloud and automation concepts. Map your existing knowledge against the objectives to identify where you need the most work.
- 2
Study networking fundamentals first
If IP addressing and the OSI model are not already solid, start there. Subnetting in particular needs to be reliable under exam pressure. Use free subnet calculators to check your work, but learn to do it manually—the exam includes questions where understanding the process matters.
- 3
Work through a full course
Professor Messer's free Network+ course covers every objective and is the go-to resource for most candidates. Jason Dion's Udemy course is a strong paid alternative with scenario practice and performance-based question prep. Complete your chosen course before taking practice exams.
- 4
Build hands-on skills with a home lab or simulator
Network+ includes performance-based questions that require practical knowledge. Cisco Packet Tracer (free) or GNS3 let you practice configuring switches, setting up VLANs, and tracing connectivity issues. Even 30 minutes of hands-on time per study session significantly improves retention.
- 5
Take full-length practice exams
Jason Dion's and Total Seminars' Udemy practice tests are widely regarded as the most accurate available. Take your first practice exam after completing your course, identify weak domains, review those topics, then take additional exams until you are scoring 80%+ consistently.
- 6
Schedule and sit the exam
Book through Pearson VUE. Performance-based questions appear first—budget extra time for them and do not get stuck. If a PBQ is unclear, flag it and return after completing the multiple choice section. The exam is 90 minutes; time management matters.
Ready for a structured course?
A top-rated course covers every Network+ exam domain in order. See the paid resources section below for options and pricing.
View course options →Free resources
The most widely used free Network+ resource. Clear, objective-aligned, and updated for N10-009. A reliable study backbone for most candidates.
Download the official objectives PDF. This is the authoritative guide to what is and is not on the exam.
Free network simulation tool from Cisco. Requires a free Networking Academy account. Excellent for practicing subnetting, VLANs, and routing concepts.
A free network simulator that runs in your browser, made by the team behind CertBlueprint (in beta, no account). Not Network+-specific, and the device CLI is Cisco-style, but it drills the configure-and-troubleshoot side of the exam: VLANs, routing, DHCP, DNS, NAT and ACLs, plus Windows, macOS and Linux client tools.
Read recent exam pass posts for insight into what current candidates faced on test day.
Paid resources
The resources below are the most commonly recommended for the N10-009 exam. Prices reflect typical pricing—discounts run frequently.
| Provider | Type | Price | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Udemy – Jason Dion Network+ (N10-009) Full Course | Video Course | ~$15–$20 (on sale) | Most candidates – full N10-009 video coverage with scenario practice and PBQ prep | |
| Total Seminars – CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Practice Exams | Practice Exams | ~$15–$20 (on sale) | Final exam preparation with full-length N10-009 practice tests from a different question bank than your course | |
| Mike Meyers – CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide (McGraw-Hill) | Book | ~$40–$55 | Candidates who prefer reading, or want a comprehensive written reference alongside video content | |
| Klein Tools RJ45 Cable Tester + Crimper Kit (Amazon) | Lab Hardware | ~$60 | Hands-on practice terminating, crimping, and testing real Ethernet cable — the physical-layer skills Network+ actually tests |
Udemy – Jason Dion Network+ (N10-009) Full Course
Video Course · ~$15–$20 (on sale)
Most candidates – full N10-009 video coverage with scenario practice and PBQ prep
Jason Dion's N10-009 course is one of the most enrolled Network+ courses on Udemy, with a downloadable study guide and practice exam included. Frequently on sale.
Total Seminars – CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Practice Exams
Practice Exams · ~$15–$20 (on sale)
Final exam preparation with full-length N10-009 practice tests from a different question bank than your course
The TOTAL: CompTIA Network+ practice exams (Mike Meyers' Total Seminars team). A second question bank to confirm readiness before booking.
Mike Meyers – CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide (McGraw-Hill)
Book · ~$40–$55
Candidates who prefer reading, or want a comprehensive written reference alongside video content
The All-in-One series is the most complete single-volume Network+ reference available. Detailed without being inaccessible.
Klein Tools RJ45 Cable Tester + Crimper Kit (Amazon)
Lab Hardware · ~$60
Hands-on practice terminating, crimping, and testing real Ethernet cable — the physical-layer skills Network+ actually tests
Optional but valuable. Network+ covers cabling standards and termination; practicing on real RJ45 connectors makes those topics stick.
Affiliate links (buttons) may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Plain text links are unaffiliated references and earn us nothing. Affiliate disclosure →
Vouchers & exam cost
Verify current pricing on CompTIA's official store. Bundle options with retake insurance are worth considering for first-time test-takers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Network+ harder than A+?
Yes, generally. Network+ goes deeper into networking concepts, requires more subnetting knowledge, and includes performance-based questions that require practical skill. A+ is broader across IT support topics but less depth per topic. Most candidates find Network+ the step up in rigor.
Should I get Network+ or CCNA?
Depends on your goal. If you want to work specifically in enterprise networking with Cisco equipment, CCNA is the stronger credential and goes deeper. If you want vendor-neutral knowledge or a stepping stone to security certifications, Network+ is the right choice. Many professionals hold both.
How long does it take to study for Network+?
Most candidates spend 6 to 10 weeks studying part-time. Candidates with existing networking or IT experience may be ready in 4 to 6 weeks. Those new to IT should plan for 8 to 12 weeks and invest time in hands-on practice, not just video watching.
What jobs does Network+ qualify me for?
Network Technician, IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Analyst (with networking focus), Junior Network Administrator, and NOC Technician roles frequently list Network+ as a requirement or strong preference. It also satisfies a baseline for many government IT roles.
Is Network+ enough to get a job in networking?
It helps significantly, but pairing it with hands-on experience—even a home lab—improves your odds considerably. The cert gets you through resume filters; the interview requires demonstrated competence. Network+ plus Cisco Packet Tracer lab work is a strong entry-level combination.
What is the passing score for Network+?
The passing score for N10-009 is 720 on a scale of 100 to 900. CompTIA uses scaled scoring.
Jobs where Network+ shows up
11 roles in our Career Navigator list Network+ as worth having. Each page covers what the job involves day to day, its honest downside, and the typical pay.
- Field / Infrastructure EngineerEntry-level · Level upWhat lets you move from installing to engineering.
- Help Desk TechnicianEntry-level · Level upWhat moves you out of level 1 fastest.
- Network AdministratorEntry-level · Start hereThe entry signal employers recognise for network roles.
- NOC TechnicianEntry-level · Start hereThe entry credential for network operations.
- SOC AnalystEntry-level · FoundationHalf of every investigation is a networking question.
- Data Center EngineerSecond step · FoundationFundamentals first.
- Network EngineerSecond step · FoundationVendor-neutral proof you understand how networks actually work.
- Network Security EngineerSecond step · FoundationYou cannot secure a network you do not understand.
Not sure which of these fits you? Take the free Navigator assessment →
Deciding between this and another cert?
More CompTIA certifications
Ready to study?
Start with the free resources above, then add a top-rated course and practice exams when you're ready to test yourself.