So CompTIA released the Network+ N10-009 in late 2024, and you know what? I'm actually excited about this update. Unlike some exam refreshes that feel like they just shuffled questions around, this one actually catches up with how we're doing networking in 2025.
Start practicing today! Our Network+ certification page has 300+ practice questions, flashcards, and full-length practice exams.
Cloud integration? Check. Zero Trust? Finally included. SD-WAN? About time. Network automation? YES.
If you're planning to take Network+, this is the version you want. Let me break down what's new and how to crush this exam.
What's New in N10-009?
Major Updates
- ✅ Cloud networking expanded coverage
- ✅ Zero Trust security architecture
- ✅ Software-Defined Networking (SDN) concepts
- ✅ Network automation basics
- ✅ IoT and edge computing considerations
- ✅ Updated wireless standards (Wi-Fi 6/6E/7)
Exam Overview
- Exam Code: N10-009
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Questions: Maximum of 90 (mix of multiple choice and performance-based)
- Passing Score: 720 (on scale of 100-900)
- Cost: $358 USD
- Languages: English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, German
- Validity: 3 years
Five Core Domains
Domain 1: Networking Concepts (25%)
Foundation of networking knowledge covering OSI model, network topologies, and protocols.
Key Topics:
- OSI Model layers and their functions
- TCP/IP Suite - Understanding protocols at each layer
- Network Topologies - Star, mesh, ring, hybrid configurations
- Network Types - LAN, WAN, MAN, WLAN, PAN
- IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting
- Ports and Protocols - Common protocols and their port numbers
New in N10-009:
- Enhanced SDN concepts
- Network virtualization technologies
- Cloud networking fundamentals
Domain 2: Network Implementation (21%)
Hands-on skills for deploying and managing network infrastructure.
Key Topics:
- Routing Technologies - Static routes, dynamic routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP)
- Switching Technologies - VLANs, trunking, STP, port mirroring
- Wireless Implementation - Wi-Fi standards, channels, encryption
- Network Services - DHCP, DNS, NTP, NAT/PAT
- WAN Technologies - MPLS, SD-WAN, VPN, cellular
- Physical Infrastructure - Cabling, connectors, transceivers
Updated Content:
- Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 coverage
- SD-WAN implementation
- Cloud-native networking
- Container networking basics
Domain 3: Network Operations (20%)
Managing and maintaining network infrastructure.
Key Topics:
- Documentation - Network diagrams, baseline configurations
- Performance Monitoring - Metrics, SNMP, NetFlow
- Configuration Management - Change management, version control
- Backup and Recovery - Configuration backup strategies
- Availability Concepts - High availability, redundancy, MTBF/MTTR
- Network Automation - Basic scripting, APIs, orchestration
New Emphasis:
- Automation tools and concepts
- API-based network management
- Intent-based networking
- AIOps for network operations
Domain 4: Network Security (19%)
Critical security concepts for protecting network infrastructure.
Key Topics:
- Security Appliances - Firewalls, IDS/IPS, proxies, load balancers
- AAA - Authentication, Authorization, Accounting
- Wireless Security - WPA3, EAP methods, RADIUS
- Zero Trust Architecture - Microsegmentation, least privilege
- VPN - Site-to-site, remote access, IPsec, SSL/TLS
- Physical Security - Access controls, environmental controls
- Security Best Practices - Secure protocols, hardening
Enhanced Coverage:
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
- SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)
- Cloud security considerations
- Network access control (NAC)
Domain 5: Network Troubleshooting (15%)
Systematic approach to identifying and resolving network issues.
Key Topics:
- Troubleshooting Methodology - Identify problem, establish theory, test theory, action plan, verify, document
- Common Network Issues - Connectivity problems, performance issues
- Troubleshooting Tools - ping, traceroute, nslookup, ipconfig, netstat, packet analyzers
- Cable Testing - TDR, OTDR, cable certifiers, tone generators
- Wireless Troubleshooting - Signal strength, interference, channel overlap
Why Get Network+ N10-009 Certified?
Career Benefits
- Entry-level networking jobs - Help desk, network technician
- Foundation for advanced certs - CCNA, AWS, Azure networking
- Vendor-neutral - Applicable across all networking technologies
- DoD 8570 compliance - Required for many government IT positions
Consider pairing Network+ with CompTIA Security+ for a powerful entry-level combination, or explore AWS Cloud Practitioner to add cloud networking skills.
Salary Impact
- Help Desk Technician: $45K-$60K
- Network Technician: $55K-$75K
- Network Administrator: $65K-$90K
- Junior Network Engineer: $70K-$95K
Real Talk: How to Actually Study for This
My Recommended 8-Week Plan
Look, you could drag this out forever, or you could focus and knock it out. Here's what actually works:
Weeks 1-2: Networking Fundamentals This is your foundation. Don't skip it even if you think you know networking:
- Master the OSI Model (yes, you need to really know it)
- TCP/IP until it's second nature
- Subnet in your sleep (seriously, practice daily)
- Memorize common ports - make flashcards, use them
Weeks 3-4: Implementation Time to get practical:
- Routing protocols - when to use what
- Switching - VLANs, trunking, the whole deal
- Wireless deep dive (Wi-Fi 6E/7 included)
- Set up actual labs (more on this below)
Weeks 5-6: Operations and Security Where theory meets reality:
- How to actually monitor networks
- Automation basics (Python helps but not required)
- Security appliances and Zero Trust concepts
- Hands-on with network tools
Weeks 7-8: Troubleshooting and Practice Exams The home stretch:
- Master the troubleshooting methodology
- Run through full practice exams (time yourself!)
- Review anything you're shaky on
- Get comfortable with PBQs (Performance-Based Questions)
Hands-On Practice (The Secret Sauce)
Here's what separates people who pass from people who don't: actual practice. Reading about subnetting isn't the same as subnetting under pressure.
Skills You MUST Build:
- Subnetting on the fly - Keep practicing until you can do it mentally. No joke, you'll need this speed on exam day.
- Packet analysis - Download Wireshark (free) and start capturing traffic. See what's actually happening on networks.
- Command line comfort - ping, traceroute, nslookup, netstat - these should be muscle memory
- Build a lab - You need hands-on time. Period.
Your Lab Setup (Budget-Friendly):
- Cisco Packet Tracer - FREE from Cisco. Start here.
- GNS3 or EVE-NG - More advanced, also free. Great for complex scenarios.
- VirtualBox/VMware - Create your own network of VMs
- Cloud Sandbox - AWS, Azure, GCP all offer free tiers. Use them!
Don't have physical equipment? Don't need it. VMs and simulation software will get you there.
Study Resources
Official CompTIA Resources
- CompTIA Network+ Exam Objectives
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn
- CompTIA Labs
Our Free Resources
Additional Materials
- Professor Messer's N10-009 video series (free)
- Jason Dion's practice exams (Udemy)
- Mike Meyers' Network+ certification book
Exam Day Tips
Before the Exam
- Review flashcards - Ports, protocols, cable types
- Practice subnetting - Quick mental math warm-up
- Get good sleep - Don't cram the night before
- Arrive early - Allow time for check-in procedures
During the Exam
- Read carefully - Questions can be tricky
- Skip and return - Don't get stuck on hard questions
- Flag for review - Mark questions to revisit
- Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) - Do these first or last based on confidence
- Time management - 1 minute per question average
Common Exam Topics
Most Frequently Tested:
- Subnetting and CIDR notation
- OSI model and TCP/IP stack
- Routing protocols comparison
- Wireless security standards
- Troubleshooting methodology
- Cable types and connectors
- Common ports and protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I take N10-008 or N10-009? A: N10-009 is the current version. N10-008 retires in 2026. Take N10-009 to ensure longest certification validity.
Q: Do I need Network+ before CCNA? A: Not required, but Network+ provides a solid foundation and is less Cisco-specific.
Q: How hard is Network+? A: Moderate difficulty. Pass rate is around 65-70%. Proper preparation is key.
Q: Can I pass without networking experience? A: Yes, but hands-on practice is highly recommended. Use virtual labs to gain practical experience.
Q: What jobs can I get with Network+? A: Help desk technician, network technician, junior network administrator, NOC technician.
Next Steps After Network+
Career Path Options
- Specialize in Cisco - CCNA certification
- Cloud Networking - AWS Certified Advanced Networking
- Security Focus - CompTIA Security+ or CCNA Security
- Wireless Expert - CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator)
Advanced CompTIA Certifications
- Security+ - Natural next step for security focus
- CySA+ - Cybersecurity analyst track
- PenTest+ - Penetration testing specialization
My Honest Opinion
Network+ N10-009 is legit. It's not the easiest cert (pass rate around 65-70%), but it's absolutely doable with proper prep. The updated content on cloud networking, Zero Trust, and automation? That's stuff you'll actually use.
Is it worth $358? If you're serious about networking, 100% yes. This cert opens doors that stay closed without it. It's vendor-neutral, so it applies whether you end up working with Cisco, Juniper, or whatever.
The key is hands-on practice. You can't memorize your way through this one - you need to actually understand networking concepts and be able to apply them under pressure.
We've built comprehensive Network+ study materials with practice questions that feel like the real exam (not easier, not harder - just realistic). Plus study notes that cut through the fluff and focus on what actually matters.
Ready to jump in? Stop overthinking it. Get your study materials together, build your lab, and commit to 8 weeks of focused work. You'll be surprised how quickly it comes together.
Let's get you certified! 🚀
Last Updated: November 15, 2025 Written by someone who's actually taken this exam Exam Version: N10-009
