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).