IT & Cloud
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
CompTIA Network+
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CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) is a vendor-neutral networking certification covering network concepts, implementation, operations, security and troubleshooting. It is a common step between an entry IT certification and either CCNA or a security path such as Security+.
Because it is vendor-neutral, the concepts transfer across equipment from any manufacturer, which makes it a flexible foundation. It includes performance-based questions that ask you to complete tasks.
✓ Who it is for
- People building a networking foundation without committing to one vendor
- IT support staff moving toward network or security roles
- Candidates who want a stepping stone before CCNA
✕ Who it is not for
- Those set on a Cisco career - CCNA may carry more weight.
- Experienced network engineers (it is foundational).
- People wanting a security focus (Security+ instead).
Exam structure
| Networking Concepts | Models, protocols, addressing |
|---|---|
| Network Implementation | Routing, switching, wireless |
| Network Operations | Monitoring, documentation, availability |
| Network Security | Hardening, threats and mitigation |
| Network Troubleshooting | A structured methodology |
How the exam is weighted
- Networking Concepts 23%
- Network Implementation 20%
- Network Operations 19%
- Network Security 14%
- Network Troubleshooting 24%
What each domain covers
- Networking Concepts
- OSI & TCP/IP models · Ports, protocols & services · Cloud & network types
- Network Implementation
- Routing & switching · Wireless standards · IP addressing schemes
- Network Operations
- Monitoring & documentation · High availability & disaster recovery · Organisational processes
- Network Security
- Security concepts & hardening · Common attacks · Remote access & defences
- Network Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting methodology · Cabling & connectivity issues · Tools & commands
Realistic study time
- Some IT background 50-80 hours over 6-8 weeks
- New to networking 100-140 hours
Bars show relative effort, not a guarantee. Your time depends on background and study method.
Turn this into a week-by-week schedule with the Study Plan Generator.
What it really costs
Fees change and vary by region. Confirm the current amount on the official site before you register.
Want your full out-of-pocket figure? Try the Cost Calculator.
Salary & career value
Indicative ranges for orientation only - not surveyed data, and not financial or career advice. Sources and date below.
US entry-level IT and networking staff who hold Network+ commonly report indicative pay around ~$50k-75k, with experienced network roles higher. It is a foundational credential that helps land first IT and networking jobs.
Pass rate: Not published. CompTIA does not release official pass rates for Network+. The exam is scored on a 100-900 scale with a published passing score of 720; the result is the score and a pass or fail, not a cohort pass rate.
Indicative annual pay (USD), each role's typical band on a shared scale.
Other markets (indicative)
| United Kingdom | ~£25k-45k |
|---|---|
| Canada | ~CA$55k-80k |
Jobs that often ask for it:
- Network Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Administrator
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Engineer
Is it worth it?
Network+ earns its place when you are early in IT and want vendor-neutral fundamentals that transfer across any equipment, or when an employer or a US government role specifically lists it. Because the concepts are not tied to one manufacturer, it is a flexible base before you specialise, and it doubles as a renewal path for Security+. The catch is that it sits in an awkward middle: if you already know you want a Cisco-centric networking career, many people skip straight to CCNA, which carries more weight with networking employers; and if you are aiming at security, Security+ may be the better single investment. Worth it as groundwork, less so as a destination.
Not sure this is the right exam for you? Compare your options with the Exam Finder.
Compare N10-009 with other exams
Independent, like-for-like comparisons to help you choose the right one.
Career paths featuring N10-009
What to do next
Network+ is vendor-neutral groundwork; follow with Security+ or CCNA. Compare CCNA vs Network+ to choose.
On exam day
Pearson VUE centre or OnVUE online; up to 90 questions (including performance-based) in 90 minutes.
Keeping your certification
Valid 3 years. Renew with 30 CEUs, a higher CompTIA cert, or CertMaster CE, plus the CE fee. Security+ also renews it.
FAQ
- Network+ or CCNA?
- Network+ is vendor-neutral and slightly easier; CCNA is Cisco-specific, deeper, and more directly recognised for networking roles. A common path is Network+ first, then CCNA.
- Do I need A+ before Network+?
- No. There are no formal prerequisites, though CompTIA suggests some networking experience or the A+ certification first.
- How long does it stay valid?
- Three years, renewable through CompTIA's continuing education programme.
- Is Network+ worth it?
- Yes if you want vendor-neutral networking fundamentals or are new to IT. If you are set on a Cisco career, CCNA may carry more weight; many people do Network+ then Security+.
- Can I self-study for Network+?
- Yes. Free training (e.g. Professor Messer) plus the official objectives and practice questions are enough for most candidates.
- What jobs can Network+ help me get?
- Network administrator, junior network engineer, help-desk and systems roles. It is a foundation that pairs well with Security+ or CCNA.
- How much does Network+ cost in total?
- The voucher is around US$369, plus modest materials (much is free) and a retake fee only if needed.
Related exams
- Cisco CCNA (200-301) - Cisco
- CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) - CompTIA