CompTIA Network+

Who can take it

CompTIA logo

CompTIA Network+ Eligibility

N10-009

Whether you can sit the CompTIA Network+ certification exam: prerequisites, who the exam is for, and the skills it assesses.

2 prerequisites
professional level
6 skills

Prerequisites and requirements

Published requirements for this certification.

  • CompTIA A+ or equivalent knowledge
  • 9+ months of networking experience (recommended)

Who this exam is for

The Network+ certification is designed for entry-level IT professionals with about 9 to 12 months of networking experience, although individuals with foundational knowledge of computers and networks can also benefit. It is particularly suited for help desk technicians, support specialists, and aspiring network administrators who want to validate their understanding of networking fundamentals and best practices. It also serves as a stepping stone toward more specialized certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Security+.

Skills assessed

What the exam actually tests, beyond the domain names.

Network architecture and topologies
Ports, protocols, and services
Routing and switching basics
Network security concepts and techniques
Network monitoring and documentation
Troubleshooting common network issues

The domains you will be assessed on

Eligibility is not only about paperwork. These are the areas you have to actually know.

DomainWeightTopic count
Network Security14%5
Network Operations19%6
Networking Concepts23%6
Network Implementation20%6
Network Troubleshooting24%6

How demanding this exam is

Cognitive load
The exam balances theoretical knowledge with practical scenarios, requiring candidates to recall facts, apply concepts in context, and analyze troubleshooting situations. The cognitive load is moderate, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and decision-making under time pressure.

Our focus for this certification: Our training emphasizes real-world troubleshooting scenarios, network security principles, and the practical application of routing, switching, and wireless technologies. We include lab exercises, exam tips, and practice questions designed to mirror the actual Network+ exam difficulty.

More about the CompTIA Network+ exam

Explore the rest of this page series: format, cost, difficulty, requirements and how to prepare.

Related certifications

Explore other certifications in the same category and see how they stack up.

Guides and articles

More context about this certification, straight from our blog.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the CompTIA Network+ exam.