Question 1

What is the CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) certification?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) is a vendor-neutral IT certification that validates the skills required to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless network infrastructure. It is issued by CompTIA and is recognised globally by employers across government, enterprise, and managed service provider sectors. The N10-009 version was launched in June 2024 and includes updated coverage of modern technologies such as cloud networking, SD-WAN, and VxLAN. It is often a prerequisite or stepping stone to more advanced certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Security+.

Question 2

How many questions are on the N10-009 exam?

Accepted Answer

The Network+ N10-009 exam has a maximum of 90 questions, including a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions. Performance-based questions require candidates to complete tasks in a simulated environment, such as configuring network devices or analysing packet captures. The 90-minute time limit applies to the full exam including all question types. CompTIA recommends leaving enough time for the performance-based questions, which typically appear at the beginning of the exam and require more time than standard multiple-choice items.

Question 3

What is the passing score for the Network+ exam?

Accepted Answer

The passing score for the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam is 720 on a scale of 100 to 900. This roughly corresponds to approximately 75 to 80 percent of questions correct, though the exact number varies due to CompTIA's scaled scoring methodology. CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system that accounts for question difficulty, so the raw percentage correct does not directly map to the final score. Candidates who do not pass can retake the exam after observing CompTIA's retake policy waiting period.

Question 4

What topics does the N10-009 exam cover?

Accepted Answer

The N10-009 exam is divided into five domains: Networking Concepts (23%), Network Implementation (20%), Network Operations (19%), Network Security (14%), and Network Troubleshooting (24%). Networking Concepts covers the OSI and TCP/IP models, IP addressing, protocols, and cloud concepts. Network Implementation includes routing, switching, VLANs, wireless standards, and cabling. Network Operations covers monitoring tools, documentation, remote access, and change management. Network Security addresses threats, firewalls, authentication protocols, and physical security. Network Troubleshooting tests your ability to diagnose and resolve network issues using tools such as ping, traceroute, Wireshark, and cable testers.

Question 5

Is the Network+ exam multiple choice or hands-on?

Accepted Answer

The Network+ exam includes both multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions. Multiple-choice questions may require selecting one correct answer or multiple correct answers. Performance-based questions require you to interact with simulated network environments to complete tasks such as identifying faulty configurations or selecting the correct cable type in a network diagram. Performance-based questions are designed to test practical skills rather than memorisation alone. Most candidates encounter three to five performance-based questions at the start of the exam.

Question 6

How long is the CompTIA Network+ certification valid?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Network+ certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam. To renew it, candidates must earn 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through activities such as completing higher-level certifications, attending training, publishing, or participating in professional development. Alternatively, passing a higher-level CompTIA exam automatically renews lower-tier certifications. CompTIA manages all renewals through its Continuing Education program on the CertMetrics portal.

Question 7

What experience is recommended before taking the Network+ exam?

Accepted Answer

CompTIA recommends having CompTIA A+ certification and nine to twelve months of networking experience in a junior network administrator or IT support role before sitting the Network+ exam. Candidates should be comfortable with topics such as IP addressing, common network protocols, basic switch and router configuration, and wireless networking fundamentals. Hands-on lab experience significantly improves exam performance, particularly for performance-based questions. Self-study resources such as Professor Messer's free video course are widely used alongside practice exams to cover all five domains.