Written by

Kristen Cramer

September 9, 2024

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

CompTIA Network+ exam cost

The CompTIA Network+ exam costs $369 for the exam voucher only. The cost of Network+ test prep tools ranges from $190 to $999 for interactive e-learning suites with video training, practice tests, and simulated labs for hands-on learning. CompTIA's Live Online Training for Network+ costs $2,299 for students who prefer an instructor-led training program.

What is CompTIA Network+?

CompTIA Network+ certification demonstrates the candidate has the knowledge and core skills to effectively establish, maintain, secure, and troubleshoot networks in a variety of environments.

Network+ certification covers a wide range of topics that give you the skills required to:

• Understand the purpose of network services.

• Establish network connectivity by deploying wired and wireless devices.

• Understand and maintain network documentation.

• Understand basic data center, cloud, and virtual networking concepts.

• Monitor network activity to identify performance and availability issues.

• Understand network security and implement network hardening techniques.

• Manage, configure, and troubleshoot network infrastructure.

The Network+ exam is 90 minutes long and features a combination of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs) that test your ability to solve problems in simulated environments. A passing score is 720 on a scale of 100 to 900.

The table below provides a breakdown of the exam objectives:

How to study for the CompTIA Network+ test

CompTIA offers a variety of Network+ exam prep tools to suit every learning style. Options range from a basic self-study guide to a full suite of interactive e-learning features, practice exams, and lab exercises to simulate real-world scenarios and equipment.

CompTIA also offers these exam prep tools in various bundles that include an exam voucher. Choose the bundle that includes the training options best suited to your personal learning style.

CertMaster Learn for Network+

CertMaster Learn for Network+ costs $299 and is an interactive e-learning tool designed to help you prepare for the exam in an engaging way. CertMaster Learn for Network+ includes the following features:

• 140 videos demonstrating key concepts and processes

• 20 lessons with interactive performance-based questions

• Network Modeler simulation tool

• 236 practice questions

• 90-question self-assessment to simulate the exam experience

• Learning progress reports and analytics

CertMaster Labs for Network+

CertMaster Labs for Network+ costs $190 and features simulated labs, Network Modeler labs, and live labs to provide firsthand learning for the practical aspects of the exam. CertMaster Labs for Network+ includes the following features:

• 140 hands-on simulations

• 13 simulations using the Network Modeler

• 22 live labs

• Applied Live Labs

• Sandbox Network Modeler Lab

CertMaster Practice for Network+

CertMaster Practice for Network+ costs $201, gauges your current knowledge, and helps you identify topics you still need to learn more about to be fully prepared for the exam. This tool works best when used in the final stage of your learning process.

CertMaster Perform for Network+

CertMaster Perform for Network+ is a new, comprehensive e-learning suite featuring videos that demonstrate key concepts and processes, interactive learning with review activities and performance-based questions, 100 self-assessments, and progress analytics and reports.

CertMaster Perform is only available when purchased in a bundle with an exam voucher and other CertMaster tools.

Network+ Live Online Training

CompTIA Network+ Live Online Training costs $2,299 and includes 30 hours of hands-on, instructor-led training over 10 days. Classes take place Monday through Friday for two weeks. The fee also includes an exam voucher, one exam retake voucher, CertMaster Perform, and CertMaster Practice.

How to renew CompTIA Network+ certification

CompTIA Network+ certification is good for 3 years from the day you pass the exam. However, you can renew your certification for additional three-year periods without having to retake the exam by earning 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). A wide range of activities and training programs qualify for CEUs.

You must complete each activity and upload the required documentation to your CompTIA certification account before your current certification expires. If you don't renew your certification before it expires, you will have to retake the exam to get recertified.

CompTIA Network+ certification renewal process

To renew your CompTIA Network+ certification, you must demonstrate your knowledge and skills are current by earning 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) before your existing certification expires. Depending on which activities you choose, earning 30 CEUs may require only a single activity or multiple activities.

Renew with a single activity:

Complete any one of the following to earn 30 CEUs with only one activity:

• Complete the CompTIA CertMaster CE course

• Earn additional CompTIA certifications

• Earn a qualifying non-CompTIA IT industry certification

• Pass the latest version of the Network+ exam

Renew with multiple activities:

Complete multiple activities from the list below to earn a total of 30 CEUs. At least 50% of the content of a course or activity must be directly related to one or more of the Network+ exam objectives.

• Attend a live webinar

• Attend a conference

• Complete a college course

• Complete a training course

• Complete an American Council on Education (ACE) course

• Create instructional materials

• Earn additional CompTIA certifications

• Earn non-CompTIA IT industry certifications

• Participate as a CompTIA subject matter expert in an exam development workshop

• Publish a blog post

• Publish a book

• Publish an article or white paper

• Teach or mentor

• Work experience

CompTIA Network+ FAQs

Is CompTIA Network+ worth it?

CompTIA Network+ certification may be worth it for IT professionals considering a career in networking. The Network+ credential is vendor-neutral and accepted throughout the IT industry, demonstrating your knowledge and skills to potential employers.

Candidates with the Network+ certification are more likely to get interviews, job offers, and higher salaries in network-related fields than candidates without certification.

What jobs can I get with a CompTIA Network+ certification?

CompTIA Network+ certification can help you get a job in the following fields:

• Network Administrator

• Network Engineer

• Systems Administrator

• Systems Engineer

• Network Support Specialist

• Network Analyst

• Tier II IT Support Technician

• IT Support Manager

• Data Center Technician

Can I take the CompTIA Network+ exam online?

Yes, you can take the CompTIA Network+ exam online from any secure, quiet, enclosed, and private location. Pearson OnVUE provides remote exam proctoring services for candidates who wish to take the exam online.

To take the exam online, you'll need an internet connection with a minimum speed of 1 Mbps down/up and a reliable computer that meets the system requirements and has a webcam.

Is CompTIA Network+ hard?

CompTIA Network+ is an entry-level certification but the exam is considered extremely challenging. Many candidates report the Network+ exam is more difficult than the Security+ exam. The difficulty ultimately depends on your personal networking knowledge and experience along with how well you prepare for the exam.

Can I retake the CompTIA Network+ exam?

Yes, if you fail your first attempt to pass the CompTIA Network+ exam, you can retake the exam immediately. There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts. However, if you fail your second attempt or any subsequent attempt, you must wait at least 14 days before retaking the exam.