How to get the CompTIA Network+ certification: Requirements and step-by-step

If you work in IT, you've probably come across CompTIA's Network+ certification. You may also know that certifications are crucial stepping stones in your career and that a passion for network management isn’t all you need to open doors in IT and cybersecurity. With so many professional certification programs available from numerous organizations, knowing how to get Network+ certification and learning the ins and outs of the Network+ certification process gives you a leg up.

Here's a step-by-step guide on becoming Network+ certified — from training and studying to receiving your certification.

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Step 1: Decide if Network+ certification is right for you

Who should take the Network+ certification exam? It’s a great resource for junior network administrators and network support technicians with at least a year’s working experience. While it’s not required, it’s also highly recommended that candidates obtain CompTIA A+ certification before exploring how to get Network+ certification.

What kind of career paths can this certification unlock? Network+ holders can hold cybersecurity roles that include:

• Systems engineer

• Network engineer

• Business analyst

• Server administrator

• Solution architect

• Tier II IT support technician

If these positions don’t interest you, look for certifications and roles that better align with your career goals.

Step 2: Start studying the material

Because there are no formal eligibility requirements to take the exam, you can skip right to studying the material you need to know for the Network+ exam. You can choose a formal training course or self-study depending on your learning style, time constraints and experience level.

Network+ training courses: This is one of the most popular ways to cover all the knowledge required to become Network+ certified. There are typically two types of training courses to choose from based on how you learn best: live boot camps or self-paced training.

Instructors lead boot camps live or in person and are great for topics or concepts you are less familiar with or are gaps in your expertise. Self-paced or on-demand training works well for busy schedules and convenience.

While the instruction method differs, both types of training typically feature similar materials that teach how to get Network+ certification. This can include videos, practice exercises, practice exams and an exam voucher.

CompTIA has its own training courses, and Infosec offers a CompTIA Network+ training boot camp and a CompTIA Network+ fundamentals learning path to help you earn certification.

Network+ self-study: Plenty of free materials and resources can help you study for the certification exam by yourself. Reviewing the CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam N10-008 Objectives and finding a comprehensive Network+ certification study guide can give you a good idea of what areas of network management you should study. CompTIA even offers free practice questions to help you study for the exam.

Step 3: Study the exam format

Studying the domains and topics covered in the exam is essential, and learning what to expect during the exam is a helpful part of the Network+ certification process. Here’s what to expect when you take the Network+ exam version N10-008:

Exam duration: 90 minutes

Number of questions: 90 max

Exam format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions

Exam medium: Digital application

Breaks: None

Passing score: 720 (on a scale of 100-900)

Food and beverages allowed: No

Price: $358 

Step 4: Schedule the exam

Create an account on CompTIA’s website and decide whether you’d like to take your exam in person or online. This choice often comes down to your personal testing style, but review the technical requirements to ensure you have the equipment you need to take the exam online.

If you choose to take it in person, visit the exam provider's website, Pearson VUE, to find a testing center near you. You can select the testing center of your choice when you purchase an exam voucher (or receive one with your training course) and schedule it on the CompTIA or Pearson VUE website.

Step 5: Take the exam

Once you’ve studied the material and learned how to get Network+ certification, all that’s left is to take the test. Most exam experts recommend letting your mind rest the night before and eating a healthy breakfast as part of your normal routine the morning of the exam.

You need to bring two forms of approved photo ID, but Pearson VUE doesn’t allow other personal belongings in the exam room. Your photo will also be taken when you check in as a security measure for the delivery of test results. You’ll be notified of your score and whether you passed after you complete the exam and are given a quick exit survey. If you pass, you’ll receive an email from CompTIA letting you know where to view your certification.

Retakes and appeals

If you don’t pass the exam, don’t worry; you don’t have to restart the entire Network+ certification process over again. With additional study time, many candidates pass the exam on subsequent tries. CompTIA doesn’t require a cooldown period between your first Network+ exam attempt and your second, but there will be a 14-day waiting period between attempts after that. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the exam in a year, but no discounts are offered on exam vouchers for retakes. Training organizations like Infosec offer an Exam Pass Guarantee, which allows a second attempt to pass for free.

Earn your Network+ certification, guaranteed!

Enroll in an upcoming live online boot camp and earn your CompTIA Network+, guaranteed.

Get Pricing

Unfortunately, if you feel there was a legitimate reason why your Network+ exam was graded in error, CompTIA does not offer an appeals process.  

Once you’ve passed the exam, don’t let all the hard work you put into figuring out how to get Network+ certification go to waste. Your certification is valid for three years, and completing CompTIA’s CertMaster CE program or earning 30 continuing education units (CEUs) during that time allows you to renew your certification.

Sources:

Network+, CompTIA

CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam Objectives, CompTIA

Taking an In-Person Exam, CompTIA

After Your Exam, CompTIA

Appeals Policy & Process, CompTIA

Certification Renewal Policy, CompTIA