CompTIA Network+ Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 90
- Time limit
- 1h 30m
- Passing score
- 720 (on a scale of 100-900)
- Governing body
- CompTIA
CompTIA Network+ is an entry-to-mid level IT certification for professionals pursuing network administration and support roles. Ideal for IT professionals ready to move beyond help desk support into infrastructure work, Network+ validates your ability to implement, operate, and secure modern networks. This certification is widely recognized across industries as a pathway to network engineer and administrator positions.
The exam covers five core domains: Networking concepts (23% of exam), Network implementation (20%), Network operations (19%), Network security (14%), and Network troubleshooting (24%). Together these domains span OSI model fundamentals, enterprise network design, operational best practices, security protocols, and systematic problem-solving—everything needed for hands-on network infrastructure work.
Exam costs vary by region and testing location. Check Pearson VUE's current pricing when scheduling at your preferred test center or for online proctoring options. CompTIA also maintains renewal fees for keeping your certification active through their Continuing Education program, which requires submitting CEUs from approved activities.
The exam contains up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions, delivered over 90 minutes at a Pearson VUE testing center or online with proctoring. You need a score of 720 on a scale of 100–900 to pass. The current version (N10-009) launched June 20, 2024.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CompTIA Network+ exam and how long do I have?
The CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) exam contains a maximum of 90 questions, and candidates are given 90 minutes to complete it. The questions are a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based items, so budget your time carefully — averaging one minute per question leaves little slack, which means you should flag and skip anything you're unsure of and return to it before the timer runs out.
What score do I need to pass, and how is the exam graded?
You need a score of 720 on a scale of 100 to 900 to pass. Because the scale doesn't start at zero, 720 is not the same as answering 80% of questions correctly — the scaled-scoring model means you can't simply count questions to predict your result. Aim to be comfortably above the passing line on practice tests rather than targeting the exact minimum.
What topics does the exam cover, and which domain should I study most?
The exam is organized into five content domains: networking concepts (23%), network implementation (20%), network operations (19%), network security (14%), and network troubleshooting (24%). Network troubleshooting is the largest domain at 24%, followed closely by networking concepts at 23% — together those two make up nearly half of your score, so prioritize them when planning study time, while not neglecting the 14% security domain.
What experience should I have before taking the exam, and how do I schedule it?
CompTIA recommends holding a CompTIA A+ certification plus 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in a junior network administrator or network support technician role. The exam is delivered by Pearson VUE and can be taken at a physical test center or remotely via online proctoring; you schedule, reschedule, or cancel it by logging in to CompTIA Central. Since the N10-009 version launched on June 20, 2024, make sure any study materials you buy target that exam code rather than an older one.