The Network+ cert costs $358 for the voucher. Most people spend another $50–$150 on study materials. That's a $400–$500 investment to land roles paying $55K–$75K as a starting point — numbers that compare favorably to a semester of community college. Whether that math works for you depends on where you're starting and what you're trying to prove.
CompTIA updated the Network+ exam in 2024 (now N10-009), shifting more weight toward cloud networking and security — reflecting where most jobs actually are. This guide covers what's on the current exam, who genuinely benefits from the credential, and how to prepare without wasting money on material that's two versions out of date.
What the Network Plus Cert Actually Tests
The N10-009 exam has five domains. Knowing the weight distribution matters because a lot of prep courses (especially older ones) over-index on OSI model memorization while under-preparing you for the troubleshooting scenarios that make up 21% of the exam.
- Networking Concepts (23%) — OSI and TCP/IP models, ports and protocols, IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6), DNS, DHCP, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP basics), cloud and virtualization networking
- Network Implementation (19%) — Switching (VLANs, STP, link aggregation), wireless standards (Wi-Fi 6/6E), cable types, network device placement
- Network Operations (17%) — Monitoring tools, network documentation, high availability, disaster recovery basics, change management
- Network Security (20%) — Common attack types (MITM, DoS, spoofing), network hardening, firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, AAA frameworks
- Network Troubleshooting (21%) — Systematic troubleshooting methodology, cable and connectivity issues, wireless problems, performance issues
You'll have 90 minutes to answer up to 90 questions. Most are multiple-choice, but performance-based questions (PBQs) — drag-and-drop diagrams, simulated CLI scenarios — appear early in the exam. Passing score is 720 out of 900. CompTIA doesn't publish pass rates, but third-party estimates put first-attempt pass rates around 70–75% for people who study for 6+ weeks.
Who the Network Plus Cert Is Actually For
CompTIA recommends having the A+ certification or 9–12 months of hands-on networking experience before sitting for Network+. That's not marketing fluff — the exam assumes you already understand basic IT concepts and skips past "what is an IP address" territory quickly.
The credential makes the most concrete sense for:
- Help desk technicians hitting a ceiling on tickets they can resolve without escalating — Network+ gives you the vocabulary and methodology to stop guessing on Layer 2/3 issues
- Field service techs who configure and troubleshoot hardware on-site but lack formal networking documentation to show employers
- IT support specialists targeting junior network administrator roles, where the cert frequently appears as a listed requirement or strong preference
- Military and government IT personnel — Network+ satisfies DoD 8570 requirements for several IAT Level I roles, which matters for federal contractor positions
- Career changers with adjacent technical backgrounds — sysadmins expanding into networking, telecom techs moving into enterprise IT
It makes less sense if you already have a CCNA or a few years of network admin experience. At that point, the Network+ cert doesn't add much to a résumé that doesn't already have it. It's an entry validation tool, not a mid-career differentiator.
Network Plus Cert vs. CCNA: Which One Matters More
This question comes up constantly, and the honest answer is: it depends on where you want to work.
The Network+ cert is vendor-neutral. It covers concepts that apply whether you're working with Cisco gear, Juniper, HP Aruba, or a cloud-native network in AWS. Hiring managers in SMBs, MSPs, and government contracting routinely list it. It's also faster and cheaper to get — CCNA prep typically takes 4–6 months versus 6–10 weeks for Network+.
CCNA is Cisco-specific and carries more weight at enterprise-scale companies with Cisco-heavy infrastructure. If you can see yourself wanting CCNA within 12–18 months, some people skip Network+ entirely and go straight to CCNA, since the foundational knowledge overlaps heavily.
If you're unsure: get Network+ first. It's lower risk, lower cost, and gets you employed faster. You can layer CCNA on top once you're working and have an employer willing to fund the training.
Salary and Career Outcomes for Network Plus Cert Holders
CompTIA's own compensation data from 2024 puts the median salary for Network+ holders at around $72,000. That figure blends a wide range — entry-level network support roles often start in the $50K–$60K range, while network administrators with 3–5 years of experience and additional certs typically clear $80K–$95K.
Job titles that commonly list Network+ as a requirement or preference:
- Network Support Technician ($50K–$65K)
- Junior Network Administrator ($58K–$72K)
- Systems Administrator ($65K–$85K)
- NOC Technician ($52K–$68K)
- IT Support Engineer ($60K–$78K)
The cert is particularly strong in federal contracting and defense IT — the DoD 8570 requirement creates real demand that persists even when private-sector hiring slows. If you're near a military installation or interested in federal work, Network+ ROI is higher than average.
Stacking matters. Network+ alone is fine for a first IT job. But pairing it with Security+ (the logical next step) or specializing into cloud networking with an AWS or Azure credential typically produces 20–35% salary jumps within 2–3 years.
Top Courses to Prepare for the Network Plus Cert
The course market for Network+ is overcrowded with outdated material. Focus on content specifically targeting N10-009, not the older N10-008.
The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
Google's networking fundamentals course on Coursera covers TCP/IP, DNS, routing, and network troubleshooting with genuine depth — this is the best free-adjacent resource for building conceptual grounding before moving into N10-009-specific prep. Rated 9.7/10 across thousands of reviews.
Networking in Google Cloud: Fundamentals
Cloud networking now makes up a meaningful chunk of the N10-009 exam. This Coursera course covers VPCs, load balancing, and hybrid connectivity in concrete terms, not abstract theory — directly useful for the cloud and virtualization questions that trip up candidates who only studied traditional networking. Rated 9.7/10.
Networking in Google Cloud: Routing and Addressing
A natural follow-on to the Fundamentals course above, covering subnetting, routing design, and address planning in cloud environments. The routing and addressing concepts map directly to Network+ exam objectives in the Networking Concepts and Network Implementation domains. Rated 9.7/10.
AWS SAA-C03 Practice: 850+ Questions on Networking
If your goal is to stack Network+ with cloud credentials, this Udemy practice bank reinforces networking concepts through AWS-framed scenarios — a useful secondary resource that doubles as prep for AWS certification once you've cleared Network+. Rated 9.6/10.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Network Plus Cert?
Most candidates with some IT background need 6–10 weeks of consistent study. Zero-background candidates should budget 3–4 months. Here's a realistic breakdown:
- Weeks 1–2: Networking concepts and IP addressing (subnetting especially — this takes longer than people expect)
- Weeks 3–4: Network implementation, switching, and wireless
- Week 5: Network security and operations
- Week 6: Troubleshooting methodology and PBQ practice
- Week 7–8: Full practice exams, review weak areas, schedule the actual exam
Subnetting consistently breaks people's timelines. Budget extra time here — there's no shortcut to fluency, just repetition with CIDR notation until it's automatic.
FAQ About the Network Plus Cert
How much does the Network+ exam cost?
The exam voucher costs $358 in the US as of 2026. CompTIA occasionally runs promotions through authorized training partners. If you're purchasing through an employer or a training program, ask about bundled voucher pricing — it's sometimes $50–$100 cheaper through bulk or academic channels.
How hard is the Network Plus cert exam?
Harder than A+, easier than Security+. The performance-based questions (interactive labs and simulations) are where unprepared candidates lose time — they appear at the start of the exam and can eat into the time you need for multiple-choice questions. Candidates who only studied concepts without hands-on practice routinely run out of time. Use tools like Packet Tracer or GNS3 to practice actual configuration, not just reading about it.
Does the Network Plus cert expire?
Yes. Network+ is valid for three years. You renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program — which requires 30 CE units over three years, or you can pass a higher-level exam (like Security+ or CASP+) to automatically renew lower certifications in the same stack. The CE program is free to manage if you're already doing training as part of your job.
Is the Network Plus cert worth it without job experience?
It opens doors, but don't expect it to substitute for experience. Employers listing Network+ as a requirement generally mean it as a minimum threshold, not a differentiator. The cert gets your résumé through initial screening; the interview is where you'll need to demonstrate you can actually configure a switch or troubleshoot a VLAN. Build a home lab alongside your cert prep — a few Raspberry Pis and a cheap managed switch will do more for interview performance than another practice exam.
Can I take the Network Plus exam online?
Yes. CompTIA offers online proctored exams through Pearson VUE's OnVUE platform. You test from home with a webcam. Requirements include a clean room, no second monitors, no phones visible, and a stable internet connection. In-person testing centers are still available if you prefer or if your home setup doesn't meet requirements.
What comes after the Network Plus cert?
The standard CompTIA path goes Network+ → Security+. Security+ is required for more job postings and satisfies higher DoD 8570 clearance levels. Alternatively, if you're drawn to cloud infrastructure, pursuing AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals alongside Network+ is a practical combination — cloud networking roles often pay 15–25% more than traditional network support positions.
Bottom Line
The Network Plus cert is a legitimate entry-level credential with a clear ROI case — particularly in federal IT, managed services, and for anyone currently stuck in help desk who wants a concrete stepping stone to network administration roles.
It's not a magic ticket. You need the hands-on practice to back it up, and the cert alone won't differentiate you if you're competing against candidates with 2–3 years of actual networking experience. But for someone who's 6–12 months into an IT support role and wants to specialize and formalize their skills, it's the right next move before investing the time and money in CCNA or a cloud-specific certification.
Start with The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking to build your conceptual foundation, add cloud networking context with the Google Cloud Networking Fundamentals course, then focus your final 2–3 weeks on N10-009-specific practice exams and PBQ scenarios.