The CompTIA Network+ exam requires a scaled passing score of 720 out of 900—significantly higher than the A+ threshold. This intermediate-level exam tests deep networking knowledge across five domains, and understanding how the scoring system works can help you prepare more effectively. This guide explains the exact passing requirements, how scaled scoring affects your results, what practice test scores predict success, and domain-specific strategies for maximizing your score.
Score range: 100-900 | Up to 90 questions | 90 minutes
Passing: 720 (~80%)CompTIA's scaled scoring system means your final score isn't a simple percentage of correct answers. The psychometric model assigns different weight to questions based on difficulty, ensuring fair and consistent scoring across different exam versions. A score of 720/900 translates to approximately 80% correct answers, but the actual number of questions you need to get right varies based on which questions you answer correctly.
The key insight for candidates is that difficult questions contribute more to your score than easy ones. If you get a challenging subnetting question right, it moves your score more than answering a basic port number question correctly. This means studying difficult topics like subnetting, routing protocols, and network architecture pays disproportionate scoring dividends.
There's no penalty for wrong answers on the Network+ exam. If you're unsure about a question, always make your best guess rather than leaving it blank. Elimination of obviously wrong answers followed by an educated guess gives you better odds than a completely random selection.
Understanding which domains carry the most weight helps you allocate study time effectively. Here's how the five Network+ domains are weighted:
| Domain | Weight | ~Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Networking Fundamentals | 24% | ~22 | OSI model, ports, protocols, topologies |
| 2. Network Implementation | 19% | ~17 | Routing, switching, wireless, VLANs |
| 3. Network Operations | 16% | ~14 | Monitoring, documentation, DR/BC |
| 4. Network Security | 19% | ~17 | Attacks, access control, hardening |
| 5. Network Troubleshooting | 22% | ~20 | Methodology, tools, connectivity issues |
Strategic focus areas: Networking Fundamentals (24%) and Network Troubleshooting (22%) together account for nearly half the exam. If you master these two domains, you've secured a strong foundation. Network Implementation and Security (19% each) are equally weighted—don't neglect security topics, as many candidates underestimate this domain's presence on a "networking" exam.
| Certification | Passing Score | Approx. % | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ Core 1 | 675/900 | ~75% | Up to 90 |
| CompTIA A+ Core 2 | 700/900 | ~78% | Up to 90 |
| CompTIA Network+ | 720/900 | ~80% | Up to 90 |
| CompTIA Security+ | 750/900 | ~83% | Up to 90 |
With a passing score of ~80%, you need to score well above this threshold on practice tests to account for the 5-10% performance drop most candidates experience on exam day. Here are the benchmarks networking professionals and study coaches recommend:
Borderline. Study weak domains more before scheduling.
Good readiness. Schedule within 1-2 weeks.
Schedule immediately. You're well-prepared.
Network+ PBQs typically involve hands-on simulations like configuring a network topology, troubleshooting connectivity between devices, matching cables to ports, or analyzing packet capture data. These questions likely carry more scoring weight than standard multiple-choice. The recommended approach is to flag PBQs during your first pass, complete all multiple-choice questions, then return to PBQs with remaining time. This ensures you don't run out of time on easier questions while struggling with a complex simulation.
Practice with virtual networking tools before exam day. Cisco Packet Tracer (free) and GNS3 provide hands-on environments where you can configure switches, troubleshoot routing, and analyze network behavior—exactly the skills PBQs test. Even 10-15 hours of lab practice significantly improves PBQ performance.
See where you stand with practice tests covering all Network+ domains.
Start Free Network+ Practice Test →The Network+ exam requires a score of 720 out of 900 to pass, approximately equivalent to 80% correct answers. This is a scaled score that accounts for question difficulty variations.
Network+ has a higher passing score (720) than A+ Core 1 (675) and Core 2 (700). The content is more specialized and technically deep, covering advanced networking concepts that A+ only touches on. Most candidates find Network+ moderately harder.
Aim for 85%+ consistently on practice tests from multiple sources. The 5% buffer above the ~80% passing threshold accounts for exam-day stress and unfamiliar question phrasing.
Industry consensus suggests PBQs carry more scoring weight than standard multiple-choice. Practice with virtual lab tools like Packet Tracer to build the hands-on skills PBQs test.
Up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and Performance-Based Questions. That's approximately 1 minute per question—time management is critical.
Networking Fundamentals (24%) and Network Troubleshooting (22%) account for 46% of the exam. Network Implementation and Network Security (19% each) are equally weighted. Allocate study time proportionally.