Master networking concepts for the CompTIA Network+ exam with unlimited adaptive practice questions. Every session delivers fresh questions across all five domains—subnetting, protocols, troubleshooting, wireless, and security—with detailed explanations and progress tracking.
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Start Free Practice Test →CompTIA Network+ is the industry-standard vendor-neutral networking certification. It validates the essential skills needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. Unlike Cisco's CCNA, Network+ is not tied to any specific vendor's hardware or software, making it versatile across all networking environments.
Help desk and support technicians looking to advance beyond basic troubleshooting into dedicated networking roles. Network+ demonstrates you understand infrastructure—not just how to restart a router, but how to design, segment, and secure a network.
A+ certified professionals who want to specialize in networking rather than general IT support. Network+ is the natural next step in the CompTIA pathway and builds directly on the networking concepts introduced in A+.
System administrators and junior network engineers who need formal validation of skills they already use daily. Many employers require Network+ for promotions from junior to mid-level positions, and it meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements for certain IAT Level I roles.
| Domain | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Networking Fundamentals | 23% | OSI model, TCP/IP, subnetting, ports, protocols, topologies |
| Network Implementations | 19% | Routing, switching, VLANs, wireless, WAN, cloud networking |
| Network Operations | 18% | SNMP, syslog, monitoring, documentation, change management |
| Network Security | 18% | Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, ACLs, wireless security, attacks |
| Network Troubleshooting | 22% | Methodology, tools (ping, traceroute, nslookup), cable testing |
The Network+ exam contains up to 90 questions that you must complete in 90 minutes. Like other CompTIA exams, it includes both multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs on Network+ typically involve configuring network diagrams, assigning IP addresses to interfaces, setting up VLANs, or troubleshooting connectivity using command-line tools.
Timing strategy: Flag PBQs and return to them after completing multiple-choice questions. With 90 questions in 90 minutes, you have exactly one minute per question on average. PBQs often take 3-5 minutes each, so you need to answer multiple-choice questions in under a minute to have time for simulations.
Scoring: The passing score is 720 out of 900. Questions are weighted differently based on difficulty and type. PBQs carry more weight than standard multiple-choice, so performing well on simulations can significantly impact your final score.
| Factor | CompTIA Network+ | Cisco CCNA |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Vendor-neutral | Cisco-specific |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate-Advanced |
| Exam cost | $358 | $330 |
| Avg salary | $55K-$85K | $65K-$100K |
| Best for | General networking roles | Cisco-heavy environments |
| DoD approved | Yes (8570/8140) | Yes (8570/8140) |
Choose Network+ if you want a vendor-neutral foundation or work in mixed-vendor environments. Choose CCNA if your target employer is a Cisco shop or you want deeper routing and switching knowledge. Many professionals earn both—Network+ first for the foundation, then CCNA for specialization.
| Port | Protocol | Port | Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20/21 | FTP | 110 | POP3 |
| 22 | SSH/SFTP | 143 | IMAP |
| 23 | Telnet | 161/162 | SNMP |
| 25 | SMTP | 389/636 | LDAP/LDAPS |
| 53 | DNS | 443 | HTTPS |
| 67/68 | DHCP | 3389 | RDP |
| 80 | HTTP | 514 | Syslog |
The Network+ exam consists of up to 90 questions including multiple-choice and performance-based questions. You have 90 minutes to complete it, and the passing score is 720 on a scale of 100-900.
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends A+ certification or equivalent knowledge and 9-12 months of networking experience before attempting Network+.
Network+ covers five domains: Networking Fundamentals (23%), Network Implementations (19%), Network Operations (18%), Network Security (18%), and Network Troubleshooting (22%).
Network+ is vendor-neutral and covers general networking concepts. CCNA is Cisco-specific and goes deeper into routing, switching, and Cisco IOS configuration. Network+ is often easier and serves as a good stepping stone to CCNA.
Network+ certification is valid for 3 years. You can renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education program by earning 30 CEUs or by passing a higher-level CompTIA certification.
Yes. Subnetting is one of the most heavily tested topics on Network+. You should be able to calculate network IDs, broadcast addresses, usable host ranges, and subnet masks quickly and accurately. Practice subnetting daily during your study period.