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Free CompTIA Network+ Practice Test 2026: Unlimited Smart Practice Questions
Master networking concepts for the CompTIA Network+ exam with unlimited adaptive practice questions. Every session delivers fresh questions across all five domains—subnetting, protocols, troubleshooting, wireless, and security—with detailed explanations and progress tracking.
CompTIA Network+: plan your preparation
Master networking fundamentals with CompTIA Network+ practice questions covering network infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting.
The CompTIA Network+ certification validates essential networking skills and is a cornerstone credential for IT professionals working with network infrastructure. This entry-level certification covers network concepts, infrastructure implementation, network operations, and network troubleshooting. Network+ professionals understand network protocols like TCP/IP, routing and switching concepts, wireless technologies, and network security fundamentals. The certification is vendor-neutral, making it valuable across different networking technologies and equipment manufacturers. Our practice questions cover subnetting, VLAN configuration, routing protocols, wireless security, and network troubleshooting methodologies that reflect real-world networking challenges.
Exam version and format
Network+ V9 uses N10-009. The exam allows up to 90 questions in 90 minutes and requires a scaled score of 720/900. Use the current five-domain outline below.
Checked September 8, 2026. Read the official CompTIA Network+ exam guidance before booking.
Practice Questions
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Exam Duration
Passing Score
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Smart Practice provides questions with explanations and performance tracking. Review weak areas across repeated sessions.
Start Free Practice Test →Who Should Take CompTIA Network+?
CompTIA Network+ is the industry-standard vendor-neutral networking certification. It validates the essential skills needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. Unlike Cisco's CCNA, Network+ is not tied to any specific vendor's hardware or software, making it versatile across all networking environments.
Help desk and support technicians looking to advance beyond basic troubleshooting into dedicated networking roles. Network+ demonstrates you understand infrastructure—not just how to restart a router, but how to design, segment, and secure a network.
A+ certified professionals who want to specialize in networking rather than general IT support. Network+ is the natural next step in the CompTIA pathway and builds directly on the networking concepts introduced in A+.
System administrators and junior network engineers who need formal validation of skills they already use daily. Network+ can support applications for networking roles. Check the current DoD 8140 qualification matrix for the specific work role, proficiency level, and employer requirements. Old 8570 category labels do not establish eligibility for every role.
Network+ Domain Breakdown
| Domain | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Networking Fundamentals | 23% | OSI model, TCP/IP, subnetting, ports, protocols, topologies |
| Network Implementations | 20% | Routing, switching, VLANs, wireless, WAN, cloud networking |
| Network Operations | 19% | SNMP, syslog, monitoring, documentation, change management |
| Network Security | 14% | Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, ACLs, wireless security, attacks |
| Network Troubleshooting | 24% | Methodology, tools (ping, traceroute, nslookup), cable testing |
What to Expect on Exam Day
The Network+ exam contains up to 90 questions that you must complete in 90 minutes. Like other CompTIA exams, it includes both multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs on Network+ typically involve configuring network diagrams, assigning IP addresses to interfaces, setting up VLANs, or troubleshooting connectivity using command-line tools.
Timing strategy: Flag PBQs and return to them after completing multiple-choice questions. With 90 questions in 90 minutes, you have exactly one minute per question on average. PBQs often take 3-5 minutes each, so you need to answer multiple-choice questions in under a minute to have time for simulations.
Scoring: The passing score is 720 out of 900. Questions are weighted differently based on difficulty and type. PBQs carry more weight than standard multiple-choice, so performing well on simulations can significantly impact your final score.
Network+ vs CCNA: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | CompTIA Network+ | Cisco CCNA |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Vendor-neutral | Cisco-specific |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate-Advanced |
| Exam cost | Check current provider pricing | Check current provider pricing |
| Avg salary | Varies by role and location | Varies by role and location |
| Best for | General networking roles | Cisco-heavy environments |
| DoD approved | Check current work-role requirements | Check current work-role requirements |
Choose Network+ if you want a vendor-neutral foundation or work in mixed-vendor environments. Choose CCNA if your target employer is a Cisco shop or you want deeper routing and switching knowledge. Many professionals earn both—Network+ first for the foundation, then CCNA for specialization.
Essential Ports to Memorize
| Port | Protocol | Port | Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20/21 | FTP | 110 | POP3 |
| 22 | SSH/SFTP | 143 | IMAP |
| 23 | Telnet | 161/162 | SNMP |
| 25 | SMTP | 389/636 | LDAP/LDAPS |
| 53 | DNS | 443 | HTTPS |
| 67/68 | DHCP | 3389 | RDP |
| 80 | HTTP | 514 | Syslog |
Who should study CompTIA Network+?
- IT support professionals who want to specialize in networking and advance beyond generalist roles
- Help desk technicians ready to move into network administrator or network technician positions
- A+ certified professionals taking the next step in the CompTIA certification pathway
- Military and government personnel building networking skills for roles with specific qualification requirements
- Career changers with basic IT knowledge who want to enter the networking field with a vendor-neutral credential
Build your CompTIA Network+ study plan
- Master the OSI model and TCP/IP model — know which protocols operate at each layer and be able to map real-world troubleshooting to the correct layer.
- Practice subnetting daily until it's automatic — create subnet charts, calculate CIDR notation, and determine usable host ranges without a calculator.
- Set up a home lab with a managed switch and router (or use GNS3/Packet Tracer) to practice VLAN configuration, routing, and network troubleshooting.
- Memorize common port numbers (FTP 20/21, SSH 22, Telnet 23, SMTP 25, DNS 53, HTTP 80, HTTPS 443, RDP 3389) — these are frequently tested.
- Study wireless standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), frequency bands (2.4GHz vs 5GHz vs 6GHz), and wireless security protocols (WPA2/WPA3) — wireless networking is heavily represented.
Skills to review
- Networking Fundamentals
- Compare OSI model layers, explain networking concepts, protocols, ports, network topologies, and cloud concepts.
- Network Implementation
- Compare routing technologies, configure switching, select wireless standards, and deploy appropriate cabling solutions.
- Network Operations
- Use monitoring tools, explain organizational documentation, manage high availability, and implement disaster recovery.
- Network Security
- Explain common security concepts, compare attack types, apply hardening techniques, and implement remote access methods.
- Network Troubleshooting
- Identify and troubleshoot common cable, connectivity, wireless, and network service issues using the troubleshooting methodology.
Try these CompTIA Network+ knowledge questions
Choose an answer, then review the explanation. These independent learning examples are not official exam questions or a simulation of exam scoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CompTIA Network+ exam format?
The Network+ exam consists of up to 90 questions including multiple-choice and performance-based questions. You have 90 minutes to complete it, and the passing score is 720 on a scale of 100-900.
What are the prerequisites for Network+?
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends A+ certification or equivalent knowledge and 9-12 months of networking experience before attempting Network+.
What domains does Network+ cover?
Network+ covers five domains: Networking Concepts (23%), Network Implementation (20%), Network Operations (19%), Network Security (14%), and Network Troubleshooting (24%).
How does Network+ compare to CCNA?
Network+ is vendor-neutral and covers general networking concepts. CCNA is Cisco-specific and goes deeper into routing, switching, and Cisco IOS configuration. Network+ is often easier and serves as a good stepping stone to CCNA.
How long is Network+ certification valid?
Network+ certification is valid for 3 years. You can renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education program by earning 30 CEUs or by passing a higher-level CompTIA certification.
Is subnetting heavily tested on Network+?
Yes. Subnetting is one of the most heavily tested topics on Network+. You should be able to calculate network IDs, broadcast addresses, usable host ranges, and subnet masks quickly and accurately. Practice subnetting daily during your study period.
Should I get Network+ before Security+?
Network+ provides valuable networking fundamentals that help with Security+, but it's not required. Many people pass Security+ without Network+, though having networking knowledge is beneficial for cybersecurity roles.
What jobs can I get with Network+ certification?
Network+ supports preparation for Network Technician, Help Desk Specialist, IT Support Specialist, and Junior Network Administrator roles. Check the current DoD 8140 qualification matrix for the specific work role, proficiency level, and employer requirements. Old 8570 category labels do not establish eligibility for every role.
Is Network+ harder than A+?
Yes, Network+ is considered harder than A+ because it goes deeper into networking concepts like subnetting, routing protocols, and network security. However, with A+ knowledge as a foundation, the step up is manageable with focused study.