What Is CompTIA Network+ and What Does It Cover?

CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral networking certification that validates your ability to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. It is considered the industry standard for early-career networking professionals.

The current exam is N10-009, covering five domains: Networking Concepts (23%), Network Implementation (20%), Network Operations (18%), Network Security (19%), and Network Troubleshooting (20%). Topics include network topologies, IP addressing, routing and switching, wireless standards, network monitoring, and security hardening.

Network+ is designed for IT professionals with 9-12 months of networking experience, though it is achievable without experience through dedicated study. It is a DoD 8570-approved certification for IAT Level I and CSP Analyst positions. Network+ holders typically work as network administrators, network technicians, or junior network engineers, earning $55,000-$75,000 in entry-level roles.