CompTIA Network+ credential artwork

CompTIA Network+ Exam Guide

Validates knowledge of networking concepts, implementation, operations, security and troubleshooting for managing and supporting modern networks.

Learn how networks connect, practise addressing and services, then troubleshoot common faults. Use a course for the concepts, a small lab for practical work and timed tests to rehearse the exam.

Understand the exam

Syllabus

1.0Networking concepts23%
  1. 1.1Explain concepts related to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model.
  2. 1.2Compare and contrast networking appliances, applications, and functions.
  3. 1.3Summarize cloud concepts and connectivity options.
  4. 1.4Explain common networking ports, protocols, services, and traffic types.
  5. 1.5Compare and contrast transmission media and transceivers.
  6. 1.6Compare and contrast network topologies, architectures, and types.
  7. 1.7Use appropriate IPv4 network addressing.Scenario
  8. 1.8Summarize evolving use cases for modern network environments.

Example scenario: Two devices are in different IPv4 subnets. What must happen for them to communicate?

2.0Network implementation20%
  1. 2.1Explain characteristics of routing technologies.
  2. 2.2Configure switching technologies and features.Scenario
  3. 2.3Select and configure wireless devices and technologies.Scenario
  4. 2.4Explain important factors of physical installations.

Example scenario: A new wireless network overlaps a neighboring network. How would you choose the channel and placement?

3.0Network operations19%
  1. 3.1Explain the purpose of organizational processes and procedures.
  2. 3.2Use network monitoring technologies.Scenario
  3. 3.3Explain disaster recovery (DR) concepts.
  4. 3.4Implement IPv4 and IPv6 network services.Scenario
  5. 3.5Compare and contrast network access and management methods.

Example scenario: Users can reach a server by IP address but not by name. Which service would you check first?

4.0Network security14%
  1. 4.1Explain the importance of basic network security concepts.
  2. 4.2Summarize various types of attacks and their impact to the network.
  3. 4.3Apply network security features, defense techniques, and solutions.Scenario

Example scenario: Guest devices should reach the internet without reaching internal systems. How would you separate their access?

5.0Network troubleshooting24%
  1. 5.1Explain the troubleshooting methodology.
  2. 5.2Troubleshoot common cabling and physical interface issues.Scenario
  3. 5.3Troubleshoot common issues with network services.Scenario
  4. 5.4Troubleshoot common performance issues.Scenario
  5. 5.5Use the appropriate tool or protocol to solve networking issues.Scenario

Example scenario: One workstation has a self-assigned address while others work normally. What would you inspect before replacing hardware?

Official N10-009 exam objectives

Format

Questions
Up to 90
Duration
90 min
Passing score
720 / 900
Delivery
Test centre or online
Languages
English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish

Question types

Choose the best answer from four options, or the stated number of answers when a question asks for more than one.

CertUp example

A technician needs to manage a remote switch from the command line without sending the password in clear text. Which protocol should they use?

  1. Telnet
  2. SSH
  3. TFTP
  4. SNMPv1
Show answer

B. SSH encrypts the whole session, including the login. Telnet sends everything in clear text.

Make a study plan

Work through the objectives in order, then practise the tasks you find difficult. Keep subnetting and troubleshooting in your study routine throughout.

Plan for 50–90 hours. Plan for the low end if you hold A+ or work in network support; plan for the high end if subnetting and troubleshooting are new to you.

7 weeksto be ready
  1. 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.3 h
  2. 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.39 h
  3. 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.20 h
  4. 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.3 h

Learn the core concepts

Choose one main course, then apply the topics in a small lab. Messer is a good free starting point; Dion and Total Seminars offer longer paid courses.

Best free optionFree Network+ Training (N10-009)Professor Messer · FreeBest overallCompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Full Course & Practice ExamJason Dion · $120 · lifetime accessBest demo-based courseTOTAL: CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) + Practice ExamTotal Seminars · Mike Meyers, Joe Ramm & Lyndon Williams · $125 · lifetime access
See all 4 courses →

Build a small lab. Connect devices, inspect addresses and routes, run DNS lookups and capture traffic as you study the matching topic.

Practice with mock exams

Combine questions with practical tasks. Take fresh timed tests, review mistakes and return to the matching objective or lab.

OfficialCompTIA Network+ Practice Test (V9)CompTIA · Free · no sign-upFreeExamCompass Network+ Practice Tests (N10-009)ExamCompass · Free · no registrationBest valueCompTIA Network+ (N10-009) 6 Practice Exams, Set 1Jason Dion · About $15–$20 on Udemy sale · lifetime access
See all 7 practice tests →

Are you ready?

  • You can work out subnets and explain the address choices.
  • You can choose a useful tool and next step for a network fault.
  • You can finish a timed test without rushing the final tasks.

Prepare for exam day

Buy a voucher and book through Pearson VUE.

At a test centre

  • Bring the accepted ID listed in your appointment confirmation.
  • Arrive at the stated check-in time and store personal belongings as instructed.
  • Use the exam tutorial before starting the timed questions.
CompTIA testing information

Advice from exam takers