Network+ is the CompTIA cert where Messer's "video-first" approach hits its biggest limitation. Subnetting fluency and rapid port-number recall are skills you build by drilling, not by watching someone explain them. In 2026, here's what Messer's Network+ playlist actually covers, where the gaps are, and what to add.
Messer covers all Network+ objectives at solid depth, but his content alone usually isn't enough for a first-try pass. Network+ is heavy on subnetting, port numbers, and PBQs — areas that reward active practice over passive watching. The most common first-try passing stack is Messer's free videos plus a subnetting drill tool, a practice exam pack, and one PBQ-focused source.
What Messer's Network+ Course Covers Well
Messer's Network+ playlist is comprehensive:
- Every domain of the current Network+ objectives - Strong coverage of OSI/TCP-IP models, addressing, routing concepts - Solid sections on network security, monitoring, and troubleshooting methodology - Regular updates when CompTIA refreshes the objectives
If you make it through every video and take notes, you'll understand the concepts at exam-passing depth.
Where Network+ Specifically Punishes Video-Only Learners
Three Network+-specific gaps:
1. Subnetting speed. The exam includes subnet/CIDR/VLSM questions you need to solve in under a minute. Watching subnetting videos doesn't build that speed — only drilling does. 2. Port number recall. You're expected to recognize 30+ port-number/protocol mappings instantly. Active recall (flashcards, quizzes) beats passive watching. 3. PBQs. Network+ contains 5–10 PBQs simulating subnet design, troubleshooting flows, or configuration. Messer doesn't simulate the interface.
The Minimum Stack That Passes Network+
| Resource | Cost | Role | |---|---|---| | Messer free Network+ videos | $0 | Concept coverage | | Subnetting drill app (free) | $0 | Subnetting fluency | | Port-number flashcards | $0 | Active recall | | Adaptive practice questions | $0 | Daily reinforcement | | One Udemy practice pack | $15 | PBQ-style exposure |
Total: about $15. Time: 60–80 hours over 8–10 weeks. First-try pass rate: substantially higher than Messer alone.
How to Know You're Ready for Network+
Three checks:
1. You can subnet any /n address into the requested number of subnets in under 60 seconds. 2. You can recall the port number for any common protocol (HTTPS, SSH, DNS, SMTP, IMAP, RDP, LDAP, etc.) without hesitation. 3. You can score 85%+ on a 90-question timed practice exam from a source you haven't taken before.
If any of those is false, you're not ready — regardless of how many Messer videos you've watched.
Subnetting Practice Is Non-Negotiable
Network+ tests subnetting in multiple ways — straight subnet math, VLSM scenarios, identifying valid host addresses, calculating broadcast addresses. Messer explains the concepts well, but subnetting is purely a practiced skill: you cannot watch your way to fluency. Use free tools like subnettingpractice.com or the SubnetMath app to do 15–20 problems per day during weeks 3-6 of your study cycle. Target solving any /n subnet question in under 60 seconds. Without this drill, even Messer-fluent candidates lose 5-10 questions on the real exam to time pressure alone.
Port and Protocol Memorization
Network+ expects instant recall of common port numbers — HTTPS (443), SSH (22), DNS (53), SMTP (25), IMAP (143), RDP (3389), LDAP (389), SNMP (161/162), and several dozen others. Messer covers them in context but doesn't drill them. Build a 50-card Anki or Quizlet deck covering every port mentioned in the current Network+ objectives. Review for 5 minutes daily. By exam day, port questions should take you under 5 seconds each — saving precious time for the harder scenario questions.
Network+ PBQ Formats to Expect
Network+ PBQs typically include topology diagrams (drag-and-drop devices into a network), command-output troubleshooting (identify the misconfiguration from ipconfig/ifconfig output), and protocol-to-port matching exercises. Messer doesn't teach a PBQ approach. Spend 2–3 hours on CompTIA's free official PBQ samples before exam day. The interface is unfamiliar even when the underlying concepts are easy, and time pressure makes them feel harder than they are.
The $0–20 Network+ Study Stack
Free tier: Messer Network+ playlist, free subnetting practice tool, free flashcard deck for ports, CompTIA's free PBQ samples, r/CompTIA for weak-area questions. Paid additions ($15–20): one Dion practice pack on Udemy sale for six 90-question exams calibrated harder than the real exam. Optional: Messer's paid practice bundle ($25) as final-week checkpoint. This stack consistently produces first-try Network+ passes for candidates with at least baseline networking exposure.
Closing the Subnetting Gap with Messer Alone
Messer's subnetting coverage is solid conceptually but candidates routinely report that one viewing isn't enough to build the rapid mental-math skill the exam tests. The fix isn't a different instructor — it's daily reps. Use a free online subnetting practice tool for 10 minutes a day for the final three weeks of prep, alternating between VLSM, summarization, and IPv6 problems. Re-watch Messer's subnetting episodes any time a specific problem type stumps you. The combination of his conceptual videos plus daily timed reps is what most successful Network+ candidates credit, not any single paid course or alternate instructor.
When to Pay for Network+ Labs
Messer doesn't include hands-on labs — and for Network+ specifically, lab time helps cement concepts like ARP, DHCP, and basic routing far better than video alone. If you have an old laptop, install GNS3 or Packet Tracer (both free) and follow free Cisco lab guides aligned to Network+ objectives. Skip paid lab subscriptions like CBT Nuggets or ITProTV unless you're continuing to CCNA after Network+ — the cost-per-lab-hour rarely makes sense for a single CompTIA exam. The exception is candidates with no prior networking exposure who genuinely need hand-holding through their first lab; in that case, one month of a paid platform is justified.
Pro Tips
Drill subnetting for 10 minutes a day from week 1, not just in the final week.
Build your own port-number flashcards — the act of writing locks them in.
Watch Messer's subnetting videos once for the method, then close them and drill until it's automatic.
Take at least one full-length timed practice exam in one sitting before booking.
Schedule your exam 1 week after your first 85%+ practice score, not before.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Believing Messer's subnetting videos alone build subnetting fluency.
Skipping port-number drilling because "I'll just memorize them at the end."
Treating Network+ as easier than Security+ — pass rates are similar, content is denser.
Booking the exam after your first 75% practice score.
Ignoring PBQ prep because Messer doesn't mention it.
Network+ rewards drilling more than any other CompTIA cert. Messer teaches the concepts cleanly, but subnetting fluency and port-number recall are built through reps, not videos. Add 10 minutes of daily drilling and your pass rate jumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possible but uncommon. Most first-try passers add subnetting drills, port flashcards, and a practice pack.
About 15 hours of video. Realistic full prep is 60–80 hours including drilling.
The method is taught clearly. Speed and fluency come from drilling outside the videos.
Different difficulty profiles. Network+ is denser on math and ports; Security+ is broader conceptually.
Useful as a final readiness check. Not enough on their own due to limited question pool.
Messer videos + free subnetting tool + free flashcards + one $15 Udemy practice pack. Under $20 total.
Yes — it appears in multiple question formats. Daily 15-20 problem drills during weeks 3-6 are essential.
Yes for the common ones (HTTPS, SSH, DNS, SMTP, IMAP, RDP, LDAP, SNMP, and ~30 others). Build a flashcard deck and drill 5 minutes daily.
Network+ PBQs lean on topology diagrams and command-output troubleshooting. Security+ leans on scenario analysis. Both feel unfamiliar without practice.
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