What is CompTIA Network+?
Network+ (N10-009) is CompTIA's vendor-neutral networking certification. It validates the skills of a junior network administrator, network support technician or NOC technician: networking concepts, implementation, operations, security and troubleshooting.
Is Network+ one exam or two?
One exam: N10-009.
Who should take Network+?
People moving into networking roles such as network support technician, NOC technician or junior network administrator. CompTIA recommends A+ and 9 to 12 months of experience in a junior network role, but neither is required.
Do I need A+ before Network+?
No. There are no enforced prerequisites, so anyone can book the exam. A+ is recommended.
How many questions are on the N10-009 exam?
A maximum of 90. CompTIA does not publish how many questions come from each domain or how many are unscored.
How long is the Network+ exam?
90 minutes, in one sitting with no scheduled breaks.
What score do I need to pass Network+?
720 on a scale of 100 to 900.
Is 720 a percentage?
No. The score is scaled, and CompTIA does not publish how raw answers convert to it, so 720 cannot be turned into a percentage of questions you must get right.
What types of questions are on Network+?
CompTIA describes the exam as a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
What are performance-based questions (PBQs) on Network+?
Simulations of a networking task. CompTIA's demo shows a clickable network diagram, command prompts where you run commands such as ipconfig and ping, and a router access control list to edit. You can skip a simulation and return to it, your work is saved, and the Reset button clears only that question. More than one way of solving it can be accepted.
Do PBQs give partial credit?
They may. CompTIA says partial credit may be given, but how PBQs are scored is confidential.
Which domain is the biggest on Network+?
Network Troubleshooting, at 24%. It is followed by Networking Concepts (23%), Network Implementation (20%), Network Operations (19%) and Network Security (14%).
Is there subnetting on Network+?
Yes. Objective 1.7 covers IPv4 addressing, including subnetting, CIDR and VLSM, public and private ranges, and address classes.
Can I use a calculator on Network+?
CompTIA makes no statement either way, physical calculators are not allowed, and online you only get a digital whiteboard. Plan to subnet by hand.
Is the troubleshooting methodology tested on Network+?
Yes. Objective 5.1 covers its seven steps, from identifying the problem to documenting findings, actions and outcomes. Questions can ask which step comes first or next.
Which ports do I need to know for Network+?
The ones listed in objective 1.4: FTP 20/21, SFTP 22, SSH 22, Telnet 23, SMTP 25, DNS 53, DHCP 67/68, TFTP 69, HTTP 80, NTP 123, SNMP 161/162, LDAP 389, HTTPS 443, SMB 445, Syslog 514, SMTPS 587, LDAPS 636, SQL Server 1433, RDP 3389 and SIP 5060/5061.
Do I need to know Cisco commands?
Network+ is vendor-neutral, but objective 5.5 includes basic device commands such as show mac-address-table, show route, show interface, show config, show arp, show vlan and show power, along with tools such as ping, traceroute, nslookup, dig, tcpdump, netstat, arp and Nmap.
What changed from N10-008 to N10-009?
Networking Fundamentals was renamed Networking Concepts, and the domain weights were rebalanced, with troubleshooting now the largest domain at 24%.
Can I take Network+ online?
Yes. You can sit it at a Pearson VUE test center or online through OnVUE. Online you get one display and a built-in digital whiteboard, and physical notes are not allowed.
What languages is Network+ offered in?
English, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.
How much does the Network+ exam cost?
The price varies by country and changes over time, so check the current price with CompTIA before you book. Every attempt is charged at the full price.
What happens if I fail Network+?
You can book a second attempt straight away. Before your third and every later attempt you must wait at least 14 days. Each attempt costs the full exam price.
Does CompTIA publish the Network+ pass rate?
No. CompTIA does not publish pass rates, and figures quoted on blogs are estimates.
When does N10-009 retire?
It launched on 20 June 2024. CompTIA says exams usually retire about three years after launch, so retirement is estimated for 2027. No date has been announced.
Is a new Network+ version coming?
A draft of the Network+ V10 objectives has been posted, but it has no exam code or launch date yet. N10-009 is the current exam.
Will my N10-009 voucher work for the next version?
No. Vouchers are exam-specific, so an N10-009 voucher can only be used for N10-009.
How long is Network+ valid?
Three years. You renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education program, and a renewal fee applies.
Where can I find the official exam objectives?
On the Network+ page of CompTIA's website, where the N10-009 exam objectives can be downloaded for free. CompTIA also publishes a free set of Network+ practice questions there.
Can I use exam dumps?
No. Using braindumps or other unauthorised materials breaks CompTIA's policies, and CompTIA can revoke your certification.
