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What Happens If I Fail the CompTIA Network+ Exam? Retake Guide 2026

A failed attempt calls for targeted study and a new booking under the current retake policy. Network+ validates your understanding of networking concepts, infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting. With a 720/900 passing score and complex performance-based questions involving subnetting and network configuration, many candidates need a second attempt. This guide provides your complete recovery roadmap.

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.

No waiting period is required between the first and second attempts. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher.

Provider references checked September 8, 2026: Current exam details and objectives · Retake policy · CE renewal fees.

Plan your next step

No waiting period is required between the first and second attempts. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher. No waiting period is required between the first and second attempts. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher. The retake costs the current regional exam fee. CompTIA does not publish passing rates. Use your report to plan further study.

If your CompTIA Network+ attempt didn't go as planned, don't panic. Understanding the Network+ retake process helps you recover and pass on your next try.

An unsuccessful attempt gives you information to guide further study. This guide covers exactly what happens after failing, the official CompTIA retake policy, and proven strategies for passing on your next attempt.

Network+ is CompTIA's intermediate networking certification, positioned between A+ and Security+ in the CompTIA pathway. It's vendor-neutral, meaning it tests networking concepts that apply across Cisco, Juniper, and other platforms. This makes it broadly valuable but also means you need to understand networking at a conceptual level, not just memorize vendor-specific commands.

Retake Wait
14 Days
Retake Cost
the current regional exam fee
Passing Score
720/900
Max Retakes
Unlimited

Network+ Retake Policy

No waiting period is required between the first and second attempts. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher. The exam contains up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. The waiting rule changes after the second failed attempt; check the current policy before booking.

The 720/900 passing score; this is a scaled threshold, not a raw percentage. While this seems achievable on paper, the exam's depth in subnetting calculations, protocol analysis, and real-world troubleshooting scenarios makes it deceptively challenging. Performance-based questions can involve configuring network devices, analyzing Wireshark captures, or troubleshooting connectivity issues step by step — and their individual score weights are not public.

Check for bundle deals before purchasing a standalone retake voucher. CompTIA and authorized training providers offer packages that include course materials plus an exam voucher with retake, often at a lower total cost than buying everything separately. Academic and military discounts may also apply to retake vouchers.

What to Do Right After Failing

First: Do Not Panic

Failing CompTIA Network+ feels devastating in the moment, but it is more common than you think. CompTIA does not publish the proportion of failed attempts.

The First 24 Hours:

Step 1: Process the Disappointment - Allow yourself to feel frustrated. It is natural. Avoid making hasty decisions about giving up. Remember this is a setback, not a verdict on your abilities.

Step 2: Save Your Score Report - Screenshot or save the score breakdown immediately. This report is your roadmap for improvement. Note the listed objectives and compare them with your practice notes.

Step 3: Take a Brief Break - Step away from study materials for 24-48 hours. Clear your head before analyzing what went wrong. Return with fresh perspective and renewed focus.

What NOT to Do:

Official CompTIA Network+ Retake Policy

Waiting Period Requirements:

Specific Rules:

Retake Costs:

Unlimited attempts are allowed. Vouchers typically work for retakes. Some employers cover retake costs. Retake insurance may be available at initial purchase.

What Carries Over: Nothing. Each attempt is independent. Previous scores do not affect new attempts. Fresh question pool each time.

Allowing time for review between attempts supports preparation, prevents wasting money on unprepared attempts, and allows for meaningful score analysis.

Network+ Domain Breakdown for Retake Planning

Use your score report to identify weak domains. Here's what each domain covers:

Analyzing Your Score Report

Your score report is the most valuable study tool you will receive. Here is how to use it:

Score Report Components:

Interpreting Practice Domain Scores:

Creating Your Improvement Plan:

Priority 1: Lowest-Scoring Domains - These likely cost you the exam. Dedicate 50% of study time here. Use different resources than before.

Priority 2: Middle-Scoring Domains - Small improvements equal significant point gains. Focus on specific weak topics within domains.

Priority 3: High-Scoring Domains - Do not abandon these entirely. Quick reviews to maintain knowledge. About 10% of study time.

Patterns in Practice Results:

Why Candidates Fail Network+

Subnetting weakness. Subnetting is the single most common reason candidates fail Network+. You need to quickly calculate subnet masks, network addresses, broadcast addresses, and valid host ranges for any given CIDR notation. If you cannot subnet confidently and quickly (under 30 seconds per question), you will struggle with both direct subnetting questions and scenario questions that assume subnetting knowledge.

Protocol confusion. Network+ tests dozens of protocols across the OSI model. Candidates often confuse similar protocols (TCP vs UDP use cases, IMAP vs POP3 differences, RADIUS vs TACACS+ differences, OSPF vs EIGRP vs BGP use cases) or fail to remember which port numbers map to which services. Creating a comprehensive port and protocol reference sheet and drilling it daily is essential for exam success.

Lack of hands-on experience. Candidates who study only from books and videos without building actual networks frequently fail. Network+ PBQs require you to demonstrate practical skills — configuring IP addresses, setting up VLANs, troubleshooting connectivity using command-line tools, and analyzing network traffic. If you have never configured a VLAN, set up a DHCP scope, or troubleshot a DNS resolution failure in a real environment, the performance-based questions will be extremely difficult.

Underestimating troubleshooting. At 22%, Network Troubleshooting is the second-largest domain. These questions present complex multi-layered scenarios requiring systematic analysis. You need to understand the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology and apply it methodically under time pressure. Many candidates jump to solutions without following the proper diagnostic process.

Wireless networking gaps. The exam tests wireless standards, security protocols, channel configuration, and troubleshooting in detail. Many candidates focus on wired networking and treat wireless as an afterthought. You need to know the differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, non-overlapping channels (1, 6, 11 for 2.4 GHz), wireless security evolution (WEP → WPA → WPA2 → WPA3), and enterprise wireless authentication with 802.1X and RADIUS.

Why Candidates Fail CompTIA Network+

Understanding why you failed helps prevent repeating mistakes:

Pattern 1: Insufficient Preparation Time Signs: Rushed through study material, skipped hands-on labs, scheduled exam before feeling ready. Fix: Add 2-4 weeks to original study timeline.

Pattern 2: Wrong Study Resources Signs: Resources did not match exam objectives, outdated materials, concepts seemed unfamiliar on exam. Fix: Verify resources align with current exam blueprint.

Pattern 3: Memorization Without Understanding Signs: Struggled with scenario-based questions, could not apply concepts to new situations, strong on definitions but weak on application. Fix: Focus on understanding "why" behind concepts.

Pattern 4: Test Anxiety or Poor Strategy Signs: Score close to passing threshold, ran out of time, changed correct answers to wrong ones, blanked on familiar material. Fix: Practice exam-taking strategies and time management.

Pattern 5: Underestimating Exam Difficulty Signs: Assumed experience would carry you through, limited formal preparation, surprised by question depth. Fix: Treat certification exams as serious assessments requiring dedicated study.

14-Day Recovery Study Plan

  1. Days 1-2: Score report analysis and subnetting boot camp. Review your score report to identify weak domains. Then spend intensive time on subnetting. Practice until you can subnet Class A, B, and C networks in under 30 seconds per question. Use the "magic number" method (256 minus the interesting octet value) for speed.
  2. Days 3-4: Protocol and port memorization. Create flashcards for all Network+ protocols with their port numbers, OSI layer, transport protocol (TCP/UDP), and primary use case. Include common protocols: HTTP(80), HTTPS(443), DNS(53), DHCP(67/68), SSH(22), Telnet(23), FTP(20/21), SMTP(25), POP3(110), IMAP(143), SNMP(161/162), RDP(3389), LDAP(389), LDAPS(636), NTP(123), and SIP(5060/5061). Drill these daily.
  3. Days 5-7: Hands-on lab time. Set up a home lab using Packet Tracer (free from Cisco), GNS3, or physical equipment. Practice configuring switches (VLANs, trunking, STP), routers (static routes, DHCP relay), wireless access points (SSID, security protocol, channel selection), and DHCP/DNS servers.
  4. Days 8-9: Network security deep dive. Study firewall rules (implicit deny), ACLs (standard vs. extended), VPN types (site-to-site, remote access, SSL/TLS, IPsec), wireless security protocols (WPA2-Personal vs. Enterprise, WPA3, 802.1X with RADIUS), and common network attacks with their mitigations.
  5. Days 10-11: Troubleshooting scenarios. Practice methodical troubleshooting using command-line tools: ping (connectivity), traceroute (path analysis), nslookup/dig (DNS resolution), netstat (active connections), arp (MAC address resolution), ipconfig/ifconfig (interface configuration), and Wireshark (packet analysis). Work through practice scenarios from weakest domain to strongest.
  6. Days 12-13: Full practice exams. Take two complete practice exams under timed conditions (90 questions in 90 minutes). Review every wrong answer thoroughly. Understand why each incorrect option is wrong, not just what the correct answer is. Use 85%+ as an optional review target, alongside missed-topic and hands-on skill checks, before deciding when to retake.
  7. Day 14: Light review and exam. Quick review of port numbers, protocols, subnetting formulas, and the troubleshooting methodology. Rest well and take your retake with confidence.

Recovery Study Strategy

Returning to the same study method that led to failure is the most common mistake. Here is what to change:

Rule 1: Different Resources If you used video courses, add textbooks or official guides. If self-study, consider instructor-led training. Add multiple practice test sources instead of just one. Switch from passive reading to active labs and practice.

Rule 2: More Hands-On Practice Theory memorization often fails under exam pressure. Increase practical experience. Lab time should be 40-50% of total study. Practice troubleshooting scenarios. Build, break, and fix systems repeatedly.

Rule 3: Targeted Weakness Focus Your weak domains need disproportionate attention:

Rule 4: Practice Exam Strategy Use multiple practice exam sources. Take under realistic conditions (timed, no breaks). Use consistent 85%+ as an optional review target; also check objective coverage and practical skills before scheduling a retake. Analyze every wrong answer thoroughly.

Sample 4-Week Recovery Plan:

Your Timeline to Passing

Based on your score and situation, here is what to expect:

If You Were Close (With a few specific gaps):

If You Were Moderate (With several knowledge gaps):

If You Were Far Below (With broad foundational gaps):

Milestone Checkpoints:

When to Schedule Your Retake: You are ready when practice results show consistent understanding across the objectives, you can explain concepts without notes, and you feel confident rather than anxious.

Mastering Network+ Subnetting

Subnetting proficiency alone can make or break your Network+ attempt. You need to master CIDR notation (/24, /26, /28, etc.), calculate the number of hosts per subnet (2^host_bits - 2), determine network and broadcast addresses, and identify valid host ranges. Practice with both IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, as the exam tests both.

Use the "magic number" method for quick subnetting: subtract the interesting octet value from 256 to find your increment. For example, a /26 mask (255.255.255.192) has an increment of 64 (256-192). Subnets begin at .0, .64, .128, and .192 in the last octet. For a host IP of 192.168.1.100/26: the subnet is 192.168.1.64, broadcast is 192.168.1.127, and valid hosts are .65-.126. Practice this method until it becomes second nature.

Do not neglect supernetting (route aggregation/summarization) and VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Masking). These advanced subnetting concepts appear on the exam and are often tested in performance-based questions requiring you to design efficient IP addressing schemes for multi-site networks with different host count requirements per subnet.

For IPv6, you need to understand the 128-bit address format, link-local addresses (fe80::/10), global unicast addresses (2000::/3), multicast addresses (ff00::/8), and EUI-64 interface ID generation. IPv6 subnetting is simpler than IPv4 once you understand the format — the standard /64 prefix length means the first 64 bits are the network portion and the last 64 bits are the interface ID.

Essential Network+ Command-Line Tools

The exam expects proficiency with networking command-line tools across both Windows and Linux. Master these tools and understand when to use each one:

Wireless Networking Essentials

Wireless questions are a significant portion of the exam. Master these key concepts:

Facts and planning estimates

Waiting Period
None after first failure; 14 days before third+ attempt
Retake Cost
the current regional exam fee
Pass Rate
Not published
Avg Attempts
Not published

Study tips

Common mistakes to avoid

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long to wait to retake Network+?

No waiting period is required between the first and second attempts. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher.

What does a Network+ retake cost?

the current regional exam fee per attempt. Check for bundle deals with retake vouchers from CompTIA or authorized training providers.

What is the Network+ passing score?

720 out of 900, a scaled result rather than a raw percentage. Both multiple-choice and performance-based questions contribute to the score.

How many questions are on Network+?

Up to up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate real network configurations.

Is Network+ harder than A+?

Yes. Network+ goes significantly deeper into networking protocols, subnetting, network design, routing, switching, and troubleshooting than the networking content covered in A+. It requires more specialized knowledge and hands-on skills.

Should I get Network+ before Security+?

CompTIA recommends it. Network+ builds the networking foundation (protocols, ports, topologies, subnetting) that Security+ assumes you already know. Understanding network architecture makes security concepts like firewalls, ACLs, and VPNs much easier.

What labs should I practice for Network+?

Practice subnetting (under 30 seconds per problem), configuring VLANs and trunking, setting up wireless networks with proper security, troubleshooting connectivity with command-line tools, and using Wireshark for basic packet analysis.

How long do I have to wait to retake CompTIA Network+?

No waiting period is required between the first and second attempts. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher. No waiting period is required between the first and second attempts. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher.

How much does a CompTIA Network+ retake cost?

A CompTIA Network+ retake costs the current regional exam fee. This is the same as the original exam fee. Some employers reimburse retake costs, and retake insurance may be available when purchasing your initial voucher.

How many times can I retake CompTIA Network+?

You can retake CompTIA Network+ unlimited times. There is no maximum attempt limit. However, you must wait at least 14 calendar days before a third or later attempt and pay the full exam fee each time.

What percentage of people fail CompTIA Network+ on the first try?

CompTIA does not publish passing rates. A failed attempt does not define your potential; use it to plan targeted review.

Will my employer know I failed CompTIA Network+?

No, your exam results are confidential. CompTIA does not share individual scores with employers. You only share your certification status after passing. Failed attempts remain private unless you choose to disclose them.

Do I get a different exam when I retake CompTIA Network+?

Yes, you will receive a different set of questions from the CompTIA Network+ question pool. While topics remain the same, specific questions are randomized. This prevents memorization strategies and ensures fair assessment.

Can I use my original voucher for a CompTIA Network+ retake?

No, vouchers are single-use. You need to purchase a new voucher or pay the full exam fee of the current regional exam fee for your retake. However, some voucher packages include retake insurance that covers one free retake if purchased in advance.

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