What Is CompTIA Network+ Certification?

Computer networking delves into the ways computers can interconnect to exchange data. It encompasses the convergence of various elements, accompanied by challenges, from scaling up hardware and software to ensuring privacy and security. One way you can demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary computer networking knowledge and skills is by earning a Comptia Network+ certification.

Possessing a robust grasp of computer networking can bolster your qualifications for specific roles, including network administrator, network technician, network engineer, and more. Read on to learn how CompTIA Network+ certification can help strengthen your understanding of networking concepts.

Read more: 6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career

What Is CompTIA Network+ certification? 

The CompTIA Network+ certification is an IT assessment that validates your foundational networking knowledge. It is the sole industry certification that covers both wired and wireless networks and helps you become proficient in managing networks across any platform. More importantly, CompTIA Network+ certification establishes the vital groundwork you'll need before delving into a specialized network solution from a specific vendor.

*Note: CompTIA Nework+ N10-008 exam is set to retire December 2024, but will be replaced by N10-009

1. Who offers CompTIA Network+ certification?

CompTIA, or the Computing Technology Industry Association, provides vendor-neutral Network+ IT certifications. The institution also offers a range of training choices for CompTIA Network+ to suit your unique learning preferences. You can combine many of these options to support your exam preparation efforts.

Read more: Network Administrator Salary: Your Guide

2. What are the prerequisites?

Although no strict prerequisites exist for pursuing the Network+ Certification, CompTIA suggests first attaining a CompTIA A+ certification. Building at least nine months of hands-on networking experience or relevant education is also helpful.

3. How much does the exam cost?

The examination fee for the CompTIA Network+ is $369, according to September 2024 pricing [1]. You may purchase your CompTIA Network+ voucher, a code enabling you to sign up for your exam, from the CompTIA Store. Additionally, CompTIA offers bundle options that include extras like a voucher to retake the exam and access to preparatory resources.

Who should consider the CompTIA Network+ exam?

Consider taking the CompTIA Network+ exam if you want to pursue any of the following job roles:

• Junior network administrator

• Network administrator

• Network field technician

• Network field engineer

• Network support specialist

• Network analyst

• IT consultant

• Computer technician

• Help desk technician

• System engineer

Read more: 10 Essential IT Certifications

What skills will I learn?

Through CompTIA Network+, you will develop proficiency in network fundamentals, implementation strategies, operation procedures, security protocols, and troubleshooting techniques. All of these are vital to:

• Formulate and implement network designs

• Set up, administer, and uphold network devices

• Partition network traffic through switches and routers

• Recognize the merits and demerits of existing network configurations

• Resolve network challenges

Benefits of being CompTIA Network+ certified

Becoming CompTIA Network+ certified can help you qualify for IT roles and stand out among other job candidates when applying for positions. Certified professionals also tend to perform better on the job than those who are not. Some notable perks of being CompTIA Network+ certified include becoming competitive with industry-standard skills and having the opportunity to maintain updated skills. Below, you can explore these perks in greater detail. 

Read more: 10 Entry-Level IT Jobs and What You Need to Get Started

Achieving industry-standard

Certifications validate your ability to take on complex tasks and responsibilities. Specifically, CompTIA Network+ sets the industry benchmark for entering the IT field and is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operations roles. Renowned companies such as Apple, Best Buy, Verizon, and federal agencies such as the United States Department of Defense prioritize the CompTIA Network+ certification when hiring.

Continued learning 

Your CompTIA Network+ certification remains valid for three years from the date of your exam. To extend this certification, you can participate in CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program, which enables you to renew your certification in three-year cycles by engaging in activities and training aligned with the content of your certification. CompTIA Network+ CE, like CompTIA Network+, possesses the esteemed and internationally acknowledged ISO/ANSI accreditation.

What is on the exam?

You will have 90 minutes to complete the CompTIA Network+ exam, which consists of a maximum of 90 questions. These questions encompass a variety of formats, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. The performance-based questions evaluate your network troubleshooting skills within simulated environments. To successfully pass the exam, you’ll need a minimum score of 720 out of 900 [1]. The exam questions will measure your ability to:

• Deploy wired and wireless devices to connect networks.

• Comprehend virtual networking, network services purposes, data center essentials, and cloud concepts.

• Maintain network documentation and understand its importance.

• Take responsibility for network infrastructure configuration, management, and troubleshooting.

• Deploy techniques in network hardening.

• Monitor the efficiency of network activity.

How do I get ready?

The CompTIA Network+ certification is available in English, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Portuguese. You can choose to take the exam either at a Pearson VUE-approved testing center or online. If you're a member of the US military, you may have the chance to take the CompTIA Network+ exam at a testing center located on your military base.

The following steps can help you prepare for your main exam effectively:

1. Know the ins and outs of the exam: Understand the objectives of the CompTIA Network+ certification, including exam question types and content areas. You could even consider taking a performance-based questions trial to assess your strengths and weaknesses. 

2. Use self-study resources: Utilize CompTIA's self-study guide, which includes a range of learning resources to help you prepare for the final exam. You can complement the study guide with CompTIA CertMaster Learn, which features a personalized learning plan. 

3. Practice with sample questions: You can download practice questions from the CompTIA Network+ product page to get familiar with the exam format. Regular preparation will help you become comfortable with various question formats. 

How does CompTIA Network+ affect my salary?

According to Payscale, individuals with a CompTIA Network+ certification in the US earn an average base salary of $77,000 [2]. Additionally, here are some careers tied to CompTIA Network+ and their average yearly income, as reported by Glassdoor:

• Systems engineer: $108,500 [3]

• Network engineer: $94,618 [4]

• Network analyst: $74,397 [5]

• IT consultant: $90,873 [6] 

CompTIA Network+ vs. CCNA: What’s the difference? 

The CCNA is an associate-level networking certification offered by Cisco. The critical differences between CompTIA Network+ and CCNA are:

• Scope: CompTIA Network+ is vendor-neutral, encompassing networking technologies from diverse vendors. However, CCNA concentrates exclusively on Cisco networking products.

• Skills: CompTIA Network+ includes technical and select business skills, while CCNA primarily focuses on technical skills.

• Exam duration: The CompTIA Network+ exam lasts 90 minutes, while the CCNA exam grants candidates 120 minutes.

Getting started with Coursera

Earning a CompTIA Network+ certification will allow you to gain credibility, prove your proficiency, and potentially advance your career. With several potential career paths to follow, having the CompTIA Network+ certification as part of your resume presents opportunities in areas such as systems engineering, information technology consulting, network administration, and much more.

Explore the foundational principles behind connecting network devices to enable communication by enrolling in Illinois Tech’s Computer Networking course, which is available on Coursera. This beginner-friendly takes approximately 25 hours to complete and can help you gain in-demand skills while progressing toward a degree.