Exam Details
CompTIA · N10-009
Master foundational networking concepts, infrastructure, and troubleshooting to launch your career as a CompTIA Network+ professional.
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Who is this for?
Level: Beginner to Intermediate. This globally recognized certification is the perfect gateway into network administration and infrastructure. While there are absolutely no formal prerequisites to sit for the exam, CompTIA officially recommends having your CompTIA A+ certification and at least 9 to 12 months of hands-on networking experience. You should possess a solid understanding of basic IT fundamentals, operating systems, and network protocols. Are you ready? You are fully prepared to pass if you can confidently configure secure enterprise networks, understand complex IP subnetting, and actively troubleshoot connectivity issues in a real-world environment. Jumpstart your IT infrastructure career by taking a fast-paced, 30-minute practice sprint right now!
Overview
Build an unshakable foundation in IT infrastructure and secure your place in the fast-paced tech industry. The CompTIA Network+ certification is the premier vendor-neutral credential that validates your essential knowledge of building, securing, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. In today’s hyper-connected, cloud-driven IT environment, robust network infrastructure is the absolute backbone of every global enterprise. If the network goes down, the business stops. This critical certification is meticulously designed for junior network administrators, IT support technicians, and systems engineers who want to prove their hands-on ability to keep operations running smoothly. The rigorous exam thoroughly tests your practical proficiency across modern networking concepts, including IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, network security, routing and switching, wireless architectures, and cloud networking integration. You will also be evaluated on your ability to deploy enterprise-grade hardware and execute complex network troubleshooting protocols. By earning the CompTIA Network+ credential, you demonstrate to top-tier employers that you possess the comprehensive, vendor-neutral skills required to support networks on any platform. Certified networking professionals are in massive demand worldwide, enjoying excellent job stability, highly competitive starting salaries, and a clear, accelerated career trajectory toward advanced cybersecurity or cloud architecture roles. Prove you have what it takes to be the critical link in modern enterprise IT.
FAQ
The N10-009 exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions and you are given 90 minutes to complete it. The format is a mix of standard multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop items, and Performance-Based Questions (PBQs). PBQs are highly technical simulations where you might be asked to configure a switch, map out a network diagram, or troubleshoot a connectivity issue using a virtual terminal.
The passing score is 720 on a scale of 100–900. This equates to roughly 77–80% correct, though the exact percentage varies because questions are weighted differently based on difficulty. ExamOS offers scenario-based practice quizzes that specifically target the "Logic of Networking," helping you master the decision-making required to clear this threshold.
The exam is divided into five core functional areas:
Yes. While you won't see 50 subnetting questions, you will encounter several items (including possible PBQs) that require you to identify valid IP ranges, broadcast addresses, or the correct CIDR notation for a given requirement. Coach's Tip: You must be able to perform binary-to-decimal conversions and subnet calculations quickly on your provided scratchpad to avoid running out of time.
A combination of hands-on simulation and theoretical study is necessary:
ipconfig, ifconfig, ping, tracert/traceroute, nslookup, and netstat.The retail price for a single exam voucher is currently $369 USD. Prices can vary by country. It is highly recommended to look for "Bundle" deals on the CompTIA store that include a "Retake" voucher, as the Network+ is significantly more difficult than the A+ and often requires a second attempt for many candidates.
CompTIA has a very specific policy:
The Network+ certification is valid for three years. To keep it active, you must:
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends holding the A+ certification and having 9–12 months of networking experience. The exam is designed for:
The Network+ is a "Foundational" but highly respected credential. It validates that you understand the infrastructure that powers the modern world. Common roles include Network Field Technician, Junior Network Engineer, and Help Desk Tier 2. It is often a mandatory requirement for IT professionals working in government-regulated environments (DoD 8570/8140 compliance).
Once you have mastered networking, you have two primary paths: