COMPTIA NETWORK+ / PASSING SCORE Know the Network+ threshold.
Use practice scores wisely.
Separate the official scaled passing score from practice targets and choose the topics to review next.
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CompTIA Network+ Passing Score: What You Need to Know in 2026
The CompTIA Network+ exam requires a scaled passing score of 720 out of 900—significantly higher than the A+ threshold. This intermediate-level exam tests deep networking knowledge across five domains, and understanding how the scoring system works can help you prepare more effectively. This guide explains the exact passing requirements, how scaled scoring affects your results, what practice test scores predict success, and domain-specific strategies for maximizing your score.
Current exam and planning guidance
Network+ N10-009 allows up to 90 questions in 90 minutes and requires a scaled score of 720/900. Preparation schedules, salary scenarios, and materials budgets here are planning examples, not verified market prices or guaranteed outcomes. Practice percentages are optional review targets, not official pass predictors.
CompTIA uses scaled scores and does not disclose its detailed scoring formula or the weight of individual questions. The 720/900 passing threshold is not a fixed raw percentage or count of correct answers.
Provider references checked September 8, 2026: Current exam details and objectives · Retake policy · CE renewal fees.
Plan your next step
The Network+ passing score is 720 out of 900 points; this is a scaled threshold, not a raw percentage. CompTIA uses scaled scoring, so the exact number of correct answers needed varies by exam form.
Understanding the Network+ passing score helps you set realistic preparation goals and know what to expect on exam day. The 720/900 requirement represents a significant knowledge threshold that validates your networking competency. This guide explains how CompTIA's scoring works, what the number actually means, and how to ensure you exceed it comfortably.
Official Passing Score
Network+ (Current Exam)
Score range: 100-900 | Up to 90 questions | 90 minutes
Passing: 720Passing Percentage Analysis
Converting to Percentage: Dividing 720 by 900 does not produce a required percentage of correct answers; the result is a scaled score.
Realistic Expectations: Use a practice target such as 85% only as a planning aid. It cannot guarantee 720 points or quantify an exam-day buffer. Review these factors as part of preparation:
- Question interpretation differences
- Exam-day nerves
- Difficult question forms
Domain Score Distribution: The published domain weights guide coverage and study priorities; they do not reveal item scoring:
- Networking Fundamentals: 23%
- Network Implementations: 20%
- Network Operations: 19%
- Network Security: 14%
- Network Troubleshooting: 24%
Strategic Implications: Networking concepts and troubleshooting together represent 47% of the published objectives weighting. These domains deserve extra preparation time.
Understanding the Scaled Score
CompTIA's scaled scoring system means your final score isn't a simple percentage of correct answers. CompTIA uses scaled scores and does not disclose its detailed scoring formula or the weight of individual questions. The 720/900 passing threshold is not a fixed raw percentage or count of correct answers. The passing threshold is 720/900; it does not establish a fixed required count of correct answers.
Do not infer a question’s value from its apparent difficulty. CompTIA does not publish item weights. Study subnetting, routing protocols, and network architecture because these skills support the objectives and practical troubleshooting.
There's no penalty for wrong answers on the Network+ exam. If you're unsure about a question, always make your best guess rather than leaving it blank. Elimination of obviously wrong answers followed by an educated guess gives you better odds than a completely random selection.
Network+ Passing Score Explained
The Basic Numbers:
- Passing score: 720 points
- Maximum score: 900 points
- Minimum score: 100 points
- Required raw percentage: Not published
What Does 720/900 Mean? CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system where your raw score (actual correct answers) is converted to a scaled score between 100-900. This accounts for slight difficulty variations between exam versions.
Scaled Scoring Impact:
- You won't know the exact number of questions you need correct
- A difficult-looking item does not reveal its scoring weight
- An easy-looking item does not reveal its scoring weight
- The scaled score provides consistency across exam versions
Score Report: Your report gives your scaled result and objectives to review. Use those objectives and practice notes to plan retake preparation.
Network+ Domain Weights and Scoring Impact
Understanding which domains carry the most weight helps you allocate study time effectively. Here's how the five Network+ domains are weighted:
| Domain | Weight | ~Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Networking Fundamentals | 23% | 21 (illustrative) | OSI model, ports, protocols, topologies |
| 2. Network Implementation | 20% | 18 (illustrative) | Routing, switching, wireless, VLANs |
| 3. Network Operations | 19% | 17 (illustrative) | Monitoring, documentation, DR/BC |
| 4. Network Security | 14% | 13 (illustrative) | Attacks, access control, hardening |
| 5. Network Troubleshooting | 24% | 22 (illustrative) | Methodology, tools, connectivity issues |
Strategic focus areas: Networking Fundamentals (23%) and Network Troubleshooting (24%) together account for nearly half the exam. If you master these two domains, you've secured a strong foundation. Network Implementation and Security (19% each) are equally weighted—don't neglect security topics, as many candidates underestimate this domain's presence on a "networking" exam.
Strategies to Exceed Passing Score
Content Mastery: 1. Master the fundamentals - OSI model, TCP/IP, and basic protocols must be automatic 2. Know your ports - Memorize critical port numbers cold 3. Practice subnetting - Should be fast and accurate every time 4. Understand troubleshooting - Know the methodology and common scenarios
Test-Taking Skills: 1. Read carefully - Many wrong answers come from misreading questions 2. Manage time - Don't spend too long on any single question 3. Use elimination - Cross off obviously wrong answers 4. Flag and return - Don't let difficult questions waste time
Domain Focus: Prioritize high-weight domains: 1. Networking Fundamentals (23%) - Most important 2. Network Troubleshooting (24%) - Second priority 3. Network Implementations (20%) - Technical details 4. Network Security (14%) - Security concepts 5. Network Operations (19%) - Operational knowledge
Passing Score Comparison Across CompTIA Certifications
| Certification | Passing Score | Required raw percentage | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ Core 1 | 675/900 | Not published | Up to 90 |
| CompTIA A+ Core 2 | 700/900 | Not published | Up to 90 |
| CompTIA Network+ | 720/900 | Not published | Up to 90 |
| CompTIA Security+ | 750/900 | Not published | Up to 90 |
Practice Test Readiness Benchmarks
Use practice results to locate learning gaps. There is no published raw passing percentage or verified fixed drop between practice and exam-day performance. The following benchmarks are optional planning examples, not pass predictors:
Borderline. Study weak domains more before scheduling.
Good readiness. Schedule within 1-2 weeks.
Schedule immediately. You're well-prepared.
Practice Score Targets
Practice Test Benchmarks: Before scheduling your exam, aim for these practice test scores:
Recommended Targets:
- Multiple practice tests: 85%+ can be an optional review target, not a pass predictor
- Domain-specific tests: No domain below 75%
- Timed conditions: Complete within 90 minutes
Why 85% on Practice Tests:
- Real exam questions may be phrased differently
- Exam pressure affects performance
- Practice tests may not perfectly match exam difficulty
- Review unfamiliar topics so preparation covers the full objectives
| Practice Score | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Below 70% | Continue studying and review missed concepts |
| 70-79% | Focus review on weak areas |
| 80-84% | Review remaining gaps and practical skills |
| 85%+ consistently | Consider scheduling after reviewing all objectives and practical skills; the score alone does not establish readiness |
PBQ Strategy for Network+
Network+ PBQs typically involve hands-on simulations like configuring a network topology, troubleshooting connectivity between devices, matching cables to ports, or analyzing packet capture data. CompTIA does not publish the weight of PBQs relative to other items. The recommended approach is to flag PBQs during your first pass, complete all multiple-choice questions, then return to PBQs with remaining time. This ensures you don't run out of time on easier questions while struggling with a complex simulation.
Practice with virtual networking tools before exam day. Cisco Packet Tracer (free) and GNS3 provide hands-on environments where you can configure switches, troubleshoot routing, and analyze network behavior—exactly the skills PBQs test. Even 10-15 hours of lab practice significantly improves PBQ performance.
Check Your Readiness
See where you stand with practice tests covering all Network+ domains.
Start Free Network+ Practice Test →What If You Don't Pass?
If You Score Below 720: Don't be discouraged—many successful IT professionals didn't pass on their first attempt.
Immediate Steps: 1. Review your score report carefully 2. Identify weakest domains from the breakdown 3. Don't schedule a retake immediately—prepare properly
Retake Policy:
- No waiting period for first retake
- Full exam fee required (the current regional exam fee)
- Same exam form rules apply
Preparation for Retake: 1. Focus 80% of study on weakest domains 2. Use different practice tests than before 3. Consider additional hands-on lab practice 4. Use 85%+ as an optional review target; also check unresolved topic gaps and practical skills before scheduling
Retake Bundle Option: If you purchased the retake bundle initially (the current bundle price), your second attempt is included—use it after proper additional preparation.
Check Your Exam Readiness
Practice with realistic questions to gauge your score.
Facts and planning estimates
- Passing Score
- 720/900
- Required raw percentage
- Not published
- Max Questions
- 90
- Exam Duration
- 90 Min
Study tips
An 85% practice target is an optional study aid, not a conversion to the 720 scaled passing score.
Use the report’s listed objectives alongside your practice results to decide where to focus.
The hardest questions often test the same concepts as easy questions—just phrased differently.
Use the published domain weights and your knowledge gaps to plan review; do not infer individual item values.
Don't compare your practice scores across different vendors—difficulty varies significantly.
Common mistakes to avoid
Scheduling the exam after reaching only 75% on practice tests—too risky.
Ignoring domain score breakdowns and not focusing on weak areas.
Assuming you know question weights—CompTIA does not publish them.
Not practicing under timed conditions and struggling with time pressure.
Scheduling a retake before adequately preparing—leads to repeated failure.
Study perspective
The 720/900 threshold is achievable for well-prepared candidates, but it's not a low bar. I recommend treating 800/900 as your internal target during preparation. If you're aiming for 720, you might land at 680. Aim higher than necessary and the real exam becomes less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passing score for CompTIA Network+?
The Network+ exam requires a score of 720 out of 900 to pass; this is a scaled threshold, not a raw percentage. This is a scaled score that accounts for question difficulty variations.
Is Network+ harder to pass than A+?
Network+ has a higher passing score (720) than A+ Core 1 (675) and Core 2 (700). The content is more specialized and technically deep, covering advanced networking concepts that A+ only touches on. Most candidates find Network+ moderately harder.
What practice test score should I aim for?
Aim for 85%+ consistently on practice tests from multiple sources. This is an optional study target, not a measured buffer for stress or a predictor of passing.
Are PBQs weighted more heavily?
CompTIA does not publish the weight of PBQs relative to other items. Practice with virtual lab tools like Packet Tracer to build the hands-on skills PBQs test.
How many questions are on the Network+ exam?
Up to up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and Performance-Based Questions. That's approximately 1 minute per question—time management is critical.
What domains are weighted most heavily?
Networking Fundamentals (23%) and Network Troubleshooting (24%) combined 47% of the exam. Network Implementation and Network Security (14% each) are equally weighted. Allocate study time proportionally.
What is the Network+ passing score?
The Network+ passing score is 720 out of 900 points; this is a scaled threshold, not a raw percentage.
How many questions do I need to get right to pass?
CompTIA uses scaled scores and does not disclose its detailed scoring formula or the weight of individual questions. The 720/900 passing threshold is not a fixed raw percentage or count of correct answers.
What happens if I score 719?
You would not pass the exam and would need to retake it. Your report lists objectives to review before another attempt.
Is the Network+ passing score harder than A+?
Network+ requires 720/900, while A+ requires 675-700/900. Network+ has a slightly higher threshold and tests more specialized content.
How is the Network+ exam scored?
CompTIA uses scaled scores and does not disclose its detailed scoring formula or the weight of individual questions. The 720/900 passing threshold is not a fixed raw percentage or count of correct answers.
Can I see which questions I got wrong?
No, CompTIA doesn't reveal individual question results. Your report provides a result and objectives for review, not the specific missed questions.
Practice & quick reference
- Free Practice Test
Test your current level
- Free Network+ Practice Test
Benchmark against the passing bar · Free practice test
Study tools & plans
- Exam Tips
Strategies for exam success
- How to Pass
Study tips and exam strategies
- Study Guide
Complete preparation plan
- Certification Overview
Complete guide and requirements
- Network+ Exam Objectives Explained
Where the scored weight sits · Exam objectives
Exam facts & renewal
- Exam Cost
- Is It Hard?
Difficulty assessment
- A+ Score
- Security+ Score
- Network+ Exam: Up to 90 Questions (2026)
How many questions
- Does Network+ Expire? 2026 Renewal Guide
Does it expire?
- Failed Network+? Retake Policy & Tips (2026)
If you fail
Career & comparisons
- Is Network+ Worth It in 2026? ROI Analysis
Worth it?
- Network+ Without Experience: 2026 Guide
Without experience