CompTIA Network+ has no formal prerequisites. Anyone can register and take the exam regardless of education or experience level. However, CompTIA recommends having 9-12 months of hands-on networking experience and CompTIA A+ certification before attempting Network+. This guide breaks down the recommended background, costs, and everything you need to know before pursuing this networking certification in 2026.
While anyone can sit for the exam, candidates with these foundations have significantly higher pass rates:
CompTIA A+ or equivalent knowledge. A+ covers fundamental networking concepts that Network+ expands upon—IP addressing, basic protocols, network troubleshooting, and hardware. If you can comfortably explain what an IP address is, how DHCP works, and the difference between TCP and UDP, you have sufficient networking foundation.
9-12 months of hands-on experience. CompTIA recommends this because Network+ tests practical application, not just theory. Experience configuring switches, setting up VLANs, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and managing network devices provides the context needed to answer scenario-based questions. If you lack formal experience, you can supplement with home labs and virtual networking tools.
Basic understanding of operating systems. Network+ includes questions about network configuration on Windows, Linux, and macOS. You should be comfortable using command-line tools like ipconfig, ping, tracert, and netstat.
| Exam Code | Current version |
| Questions | Up to 90 (multiple choice + PBQs) |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 720 out of 900 |
| Exam Cost | $369 USD |
| Validity | 3 years (renewable) |
| Languages | English, Japanese, Portuguese |
| Testing | Pearson VUE (in-person or online) |
The exam voucher costs $369 USD. Additional costs include study materials ($30-$200 for books and courses), practice tests ($30-$100), and optional training ($500-$2,000 for bootcamps). Total realistic budget: $400-$800 for self-study, $1,000-$2,500 with formal training. CompTIA offers academic pricing for students and bulk pricing for organizations. Look for bundle deals that include an exam voucher with study materials for better value.
Network+ is valid for 3 years. To renew, you must earn 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and pay a $75 renewal fee. CEUs can be earned through training courses, teaching, publishing articles, attending conferences, or earning higher-level certifications. Alternatively, passing any higher-level CompTIA certification (Security+, CySA+, CASP+, PenTest+) automatically renews Network+. Many professionals choose the Security+ path since it both renews Network+ and adds a valuable new credential.
Yes, absolutely. Many candidates pass Network+ as their first IT certification. If you're a complete beginner, plan for a longer study period (8-12 weeks instead of 4-6) and supplement textbook learning with virtual labs. Tools like Cisco Packet Tracer (free), GNS3, and even basic home lab setups with an old router and switch provide invaluable hands-on experience. Online platforms like TryHackMe and HackTheBox also offer networking-focused labs that build practical skills.
No formal prerequisites. 9-12 months of experience and A+ are recommended but not required.
$369 exam voucher. Total investment: $400-$800 self-study, $1,000-$2,500 with training.
Not required, but A+ covers basic networking concepts tested on Network+. Helpful for beginners.
3 years. Renew with 30 CEUs + $75 fee, or pass a higher-level CompTIA cert.
A computer with internet access. Free tools like Packet Tracer and GNS3 let you practice networking virtually.
Practice with adaptive questions covering all Network+ objectives.
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