CompTIA Network+ Certification Guide

CompTIA Network+ validates the skills needed to configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. It's the preferred networking credential for IT professionals worldwide and meets the DoD 8140 requirement.

Exam Overview

| Detail | Value | | ------------- | --------------------------- | | Exam Code | N10-009 | | Questions | 90 max | | Length | 90 minutes | | Passing Score | 720 (on a scale of 100–900) | | Validity | 3 years | | Price | ~$358 USD |

Domain Breakdown

| Domain | Weight | Key Topics | | --------------------------- | ------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Networking Concepts | 23% | OSI model, TCP/IP, IP addressing, port numbers, protocols, network topologies | | Network Implementation | 18% | Routing, switching, VLANs, wireless standards, DHCP, DNS, NTP | | Network Operations | 17% | Monitoring, documentation, disaster recovery, business continuity, high availability | | Network Security | 14% | Firewalls, VPNs, ACLs, authentication, segmentation, IoT security | | Network Troubleshooting | 28% | Methodology, cable testing, connectivity tools, wireless troubleshooting, common issues |

Key Concepts to Master

OSI Model (7 Layers)

7. Application — HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, DNS, DHCP
8. Presentation — Encryption, compression, formatting
9. Session — Session management, netBIOS, RPC
10. Transport — TCP (reliable), UDP (fast), port numbers
11. Network — IP addressing, routing, ARP, ICMP
12. Data Link — MAC addresses, switches, ARP, VLANs
13. Physical — Cables, hubs, repeaters, signal transmission

Common Port Numbers

| Port | Protocol | Service | | ----- | -------- | ------- | | 20/21 | TCP | FTP | | 22 | TCP | SSH | | 23 | TCP | Telnet | | 25 | TCP | SMTP | | 53 | UDP/TCP | DNS | | 67/68 | UDP | DHCP | | 80 | TCP | HTTP | | 110 | TCP | POP3 | | 143 | TCP | IMAP | | 443 | TCP | HTTPS | | 3389 | TCP | RDP |

Network Tools

• ping — Test connectivity and round-trip time
• tracert/traceroute — Map the path packets take to a destination
• nslookup/dig — Query DNS records
• netstat — Display network connections and listening ports
• ipconfig/ifconfig — Show IP configuration
• nmap — Port scanning and network discovery
• Wireshark — Packet capture and analysis
• Wi-Fi Analyzer — Wireless signal strength and channel analysis

Study Strategy

1. Start with the OSI Model — Every networking concept ties back to OSI layers
2. Learn Subnetting — Master binary-to-decimal conversion, CIDR notation, and subnet calculations
3. Practice with Network Tools — Use ping, tracert, nslookup, and netstat daily
4. Build a Home Lab — Use Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 for hands-on routing and switching practice
5. Take Practice Exams — Our platform offers 65+ Network+ questions with detailed explanations

Start Network+ Practice →

Career Path

Network+ prepares you for roles like:

• Network Administrator
• Network Technician
• Help Desk / Support Specialist
• NOC Technician
• ISP Support
• Field Service Technician

Combined with A+, Network+ opens doors to mid-level networking roles with average salaries of $55,000–$75,000 (US, 2026).