CompTIA Network+
Follow a topic roadmap built from the published exam blueprint, with lessons, practice exercises in a real terminal and practice exams.
Certifies foundational IT infrastructure skills required to troubleshoot, configure, and manage modern enterprise networks.
Lessons, quizzes and hands-on practice across every Network+ objective, added to your roadmap. Free account.
What you'll learn
Every objective Network+ publishes, and what it asks you to be able to do. The percentage is how much of the exam each one is worth.
- Networking concepts (23% of the exam)OSI model layers: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, application. Transmission media: wireless (802.11, cellular, satellite), wired (fiber, coaxial, DAC). Transceivers and connectors: SC, LC, ST, MPO, RJ11, RJ45, F-type, BNC. Network topologies: mesh, hybrid, star/hub and spoke, spine and leaf, point-to-point, three-tier, and collapsed core. Traffic types: unicast, multicast, anycast, broadcast. IPv4 addressing: public vs. private, APIPA, RFC1918, loopback, subnetting (VLSM, CIDR), and address classes (A, B, C, D, E). And 3 more, each a topic in the course below.
- Network implementation (20% of the exam)Switching technologies: VLANs, interface configuration, spanning tree, MTU, and jumbo frames. Routing technologies: static and dynamic routing (BGP, EIGRP, OSPF), route selection, NAT, PAT, FHRP, VIP, and subinterfaces. Wireless devices: channels, frequency options, SSID, network types, encryption, guest networks, authentication, antennas, and access points. Physical installations: installation implications, power considerations, and environmental factors.
- Network operations (19% of the exam)Network services: DHCP, SLAAC, DNS, NTP, PTP, and NTS. Access and management: VPNs, SSH, GUI, API, and console. Documentation: physical vs. logical diagrams, rack diagrams, cable maps, network diagrams, asset inventory, IPAM, SLA, and wireless surveys. Configuration management: production, backup, baseline configurations. Change management: request process tracking. Life-cycle management: EOL, EOS, software management, and decommissioning. And 2 more, each a topic in the course below.
- Network security (14% of the exam)Security terminology: risk, vulnerability, exploit, threat, and CIA triad. Logical security: encryption (data in transit/rest), PKI, IAM, MFA, SSO, RADIUS, LDAP, SAML, TACACS+, time-based authentication, authorization, least privilege, role-based access control, and geofencing. Physical security: cameras and locks. Network segmentation: IoT, IIoT, SCADA, ICS, OT, guest, and BYOD. Security features and defense: device hardening, NAC, key management, ACL, URL/content filtering, trusted vs. untrusted zones, and screened subnet. Types of attacks: DoS/DDoS, VLAN hopping, MAC flooding, ARP poisoning/spoofing, DNS poisoning/spoofing, rogue devices/services, evil twin, on-path attack, and social engineering (phishing, dumpster diving, shoulder surfing, tailgating). And 2 more, each a topic in the course below.
- Network troubleshooting (24% of the exam)Troubleshooting methodology: identifying the problem, establishing a theory, testing, planning, and implementing a solution, verifying functionality, and documenting findings. Tools and protocols: protocol analyzers, command line tools, cable testers, and Wi-Fi analyzers. Cabling and physical interface issues: cable issues (incorrect type, signal degradation, improper termination, TX/RX transposed), interface issues (increasing counters, port status), and hardware issues (PoE, transceiver mismatch, signal strength). Network services issues: switching issues (STP, VLAN assignment, ACLs), routing issues (routing table and default routes), address pool exhaustion, and incorrect gateway/IP/subnet mask. Performance issues: congestion, latency, packet loss, and wireless interference.
The exam at a glance
- Length
- 90 minutes
- Cost
- 399 USD
- Validity
- 3 years
- Style
- Hands-on
maximum of 90 questions a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions. Based on V9.
Sitting the exam
The part nobody publishes in a syllabus. For Network+ the logistics are study strategy: what you are allowed to read while the clock runs changes how you should practise, and what a second attempt costs changes when you should book.
What you are asked
- The exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions containing both multiple-choice and performance-based items.
- Candidates are given 90 minutes to complete the test.
How it is marked
- The passing score required to succeed is 720 on a scale ranging from 100 to 900.
If you do not pass
- Every exam voucher, together with any retakes, becomes invalid 12 months after purchase.
- You are required to schedule and complete your test and any required retake before the voucher's expiration date.
- The expiration dates for vouchers cannot be prolonged.
Booking it
- Vouchers and any included retakes expire 12 months after purchase, requiring registration and testing before that date without the possibility of extension.
- Vouchers can be redeemed and scheduled directly through CompTIA Central.
What comes with it
- The certification kit features a professionally printed 8.5 x 11" frameable certificate.
Read off the official exam page on 10 September 2026. Rules change without notice, so confirm anything you are about to spend money on.
What the exam covers
Straight from the published curriculum. The weights are how much of the exam each area is worth, so they are the honest guide to where your study time should go.
Networking concepts23%
Network implementation20%
Network operations19%
Network security14%
Network troubleshooting24%
Course content
36 topics
1. OSI Model Fundamentals
- OSI model layers: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, application.
2. Physical Transmission Media
- Transmission media: wireless (802.11, cellular, satellite), wired (fiber, coaxial, DAC).
- Transceivers and connectors: SC, LC, ST, MPO, RJ11, RJ45, F-type, BNC.
3. Network Topologies and Design
- Network topologies: mesh, hybrid, star/hub and spoke, spine and leaf, point-to-point, three-tier, and collapsed core.
4. Traffic Types and Flow
- Traffic types: unicast, multicast, anycast, broadcast.
5. IPv4 Addressing Fundamentals
- IPv4 addressing: public vs. private, APIPA, RFC1918, loopback, subnetting (VLSM, CIDR), and address classes (A, B, C, D, E).
6. IPv4 Subnetting
Subnetting techniques including VLSM and CIDR notation
7. Common Network Protocols and Ports
- Ports and protocols: FTP, SFTP, SSH, Telnet, SMTP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP, HTTPS, SNMP, LDAP, RDP, SIP.
8. Network Appliances and Devices
- Networking appliances: routers, switches, firewalls, IDS/IPS, load balancers, proxies, NAS, SAN, and wireless devices.
9. Switching Technologies
- Switching technologies: VLANs, interface configuration, spanning tree, MTU, and jumbo frames.
10. Routing Fundamentals
- Routing technologies: static and dynamic routing (BGP, EIGRP, OSPF), route selection, NAT, PAT, FHRP, VIP, and subinterfaces.
11. Network Address Translation
NAT and PAT for address translation
12. Wireless Network Implementation
- Wireless devices: channels, frequency options, SSID, network types, encryption, guest networks, authentication, antennas, and access points.
13. Physical Installation Considerations
- Physical installations: installation implications, power considerations, and environmental factors.
14. Core Network Services
- Network services: DHCP, SLAAC, DNS, NTP, PTP, and NTS.
15. Cloud Networking Concepts
- Cloud concepts: NFV, VPC, network security groups, cloud gateways, deployment models (public, private, hybrid), service models (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS).
16. Network Access and Management
- Access and management: VPNs, SSH, GUI, API, and console.
17. Security Fundamentals
- Security terminology: risk, vulnerability, exploit, threat, and CIA triad.
18. Encryption and PKI
- Logical security: encryption (data in transit/rest), PKI, IAM, MFA, SSO, RADIUS, LDAP, SAML, TACACS+, time-based authentication, authorization, least privilege, role-based access control, and geofencing.
19. Authentication and Authorization
20. Physical Security Controls
- Physical security: cameras and locks.
21. Network Segmentation
- Network segmentation: IoT, IIoT, SCADA, ICS, OT, guest, and BYOD.
22. Security Features and Defense
- Security features and defense: device hardening, NAC, key management, ACL, URL/content filtering, trusted vs. untrusted zones, and screened subnet.
23. Network Attack Types
- Types of attacks: DoS/DDoS, VLAN hopping, MAC flooding, ARP poisoning/spoofing, DNS poisoning/spoofing, rogue devices/services, evil twin, on-path attack, and social engineering (phishing, dumpster diving, shoulder surfing, tailgating).
24. Deception Technologies
- Deception technologies: honeypot and honeynet.
25. Audits and Compliance
- Audits and compliance: data locality, PCI DSS, and GDPR.
26. Network Documentation
- Documentation: physical vs. logical diagrams, rack diagrams, cable maps, network diagrams, asset inventory, IPAM, SLA, and wireless surveys.
27. Configuration Management
- Configuration management: production, backup, baseline configurations.
28. Change Management
- Change management: request process tracking.
29. Life-cycle Management
- Life-cycle management: EOL, EOS, software management, and decommissioning.
30. Network Monitoring
- Network monitoring: SNMP, flow data, packet capture, baseline metrics, log aggregation, API integration, and port mirroring.
31. Disaster Recovery
- Disaster recovery: RPO, RTO, MTTR, MTBF, cold/warm/hot sites, active-active/passive, and testing.
32. Troubleshooting Methodology
- Troubleshooting methodology: identifying the problem, establishing a theory, testing, planning, and implementing a solution, verifying functionality, and documenting findings.
33. Troubleshooting Tools and Protocols
- Tools and protocols: protocol analyzers, command line tools, cable testers, and Wi-Fi analyzers.
34. Cabling and Physical Interface Issues
- Cabling and physical interface issues: cable issues (incorrect type, signal degradation, improper termination, TX/RX transposed), interface issues (increasing counters, port status), and hardware issues (PoE, transceiver mismatch, signal strength).
35. Network Services Issues
- Network services issues: switching issues (STP, VLAN assignment, ACLs), routing issues (routing table and default routes), address pool exhaustion, and incorrect gateway/IP/subnet mask.
36. Performance Issues
- Performance issues: congestion, latency, packet loss, and wireless interference.
What to know before you start
- Foundational IT networking concepts
- Basic knowledge of the OSI model
- Basic understanding of routing, switching, and security principles
Other CompTIA certifications
All CompTIA certificationsFrequently asked questions
How much does the Network+ exam cost?
399 USD. Confirm it on CompTIA's page before you book: exam fees change.
How long is the Network+ exam?
90 minutes. maximum of 90 questions a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
How many questions are on the Network+ exam?
The exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions containing both multiple-choice and performance-based items. Check the current count with CompTIA before you book.
How long is Network+ valid?
3 years. Check CompTIA's recertification route before it lapses.
Is the Network+ exam hands-on?
Yes. It is performance-based: you are given a live environment and a command line, and marked on what you actually do rather than what you can recognise. Reading alone does not prepare you for it.
What is on the Network+ exam?
5 domains. The heaviest is Network troubleshooting at 24% of the exam, so it is the one worth over-preparing.
What should I know before starting Network+?
Foundational IT networking concepts. Basic knowledge of the OSI model. Basic understanding of routing, switching, and security principles.
Network+ vs SecurityX: what is the difference?
Network+: 90 minutes, 399 USD, hands-on, foundational level. SecurityX: 165 minutes, 544 USD, hands-on, expert level. Both are CompTIA exams with their own guide on this site.
Exam details from CompTIA. Always confirm on their page before booking.
What learners say about Acelro
About Acelro rather than the Network+ exam: what learners made of the gap analysis, the roadmap and the projects.
“The roadmap makes me focus on a learning curve, no matter the length.”
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