In 2026, the current version of the exam is N10-009 (released in mid-2024).1 This version has
shifted away from older, hardware-heavy networking toward hybrid environments,
cloud-native networking, and network automation.2
📋 Exam Topics Breakdown (N10-009)
The exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions (multiple-choice and Performance-Based
Questions or "PBQs") over 90 minutes.3 You need a score of 720/900 to pass.4
Domain
Weight
Key Focus Areas
1.0 Networking Concepts
23%
OSI & TCP/IP models, Cloud
(SaaS, IaaS, PaaS),
SD-WAN, IPv4/IPv6
addressing, and
Ports/Protocols (SSH,
SNMP, etc.).
2.0 Network
Implementation
20%
Configuring switches and
routers, Wireless standards
(Wi-Fi 6/6E), and physical
installations.
3.0 Network Operations
19%
Monitoring (SNMP, Syslog),
Documentation (diagrams,
SLAs), and Disaster
Recovery (RPO/RTO).
4.0 Network Security
14%
Zero Trust, threat
mitigation, hardening
devices, and common
attacks (phishing, DDoS).
5.0 Network
Troubleshooting
24%
Applying the 7-step
methodology to fix cabling,
service, and performance
issues.
📚 Recommended Resources
For the most effective prep in 2026, I recommend a mix of video, text, and hands-on practice:
🎬 Video Courses
● Professor Messer (Free): The gold standard for free, high-quality video training.5 His
N10-009 series is essential.
● Jason Dion (Udemy): Excellent for "exam-speak" and strategy; his practice exams are
famously close to the real thing.
📖 Reading & Study Guides
● CompTIA Network+ Study Guide (Sybex) by Todd Lammle:6 Great for clear
explanations of complex routing concepts.
● Official CompTIA Cert Guide (Pearson IT): The most formal and comprehensive
technical deep dive.7
💻 Hands-on Labs
● Cisco Packet Tracer: Free and invaluable for practicing CLI commands and network
builds.
● CompTIA CertMaster Labs: A paid, browser-based environment that mirrors the exact
scenarios you'll see in the PBQs.8
🗺️ Recommended 8-Week Study Path
Most learners pass within 60–90 days using this structured approach:
Weeks 1–3: The Foundation
● Watch Professor Messer’s videos on Domain 1 & 2.
● Goal: Master the OSI model and subnetting.9 If you can’t subnet manually, you aren't
ready for the exam.
Weeks 4–5: Implementation & Operations
● Read the corresponding chapters in your study guide.
● Start using Packet Tracer to build basic networks (assigning IPs, setting up VLANs).
Week 6: Security & Troubleshooting
● Focus heavily on the "7-step troubleshooting methodology."10 CompTIA tests your ability
to follow this exact order, even if you’d do it differently in real life.
Week 7: Practice Exams
● Take full-length practice exams (Dion or Messer).11
● Important: Aim for 85% or higher consistently. Review every question you got wrong
and the ones you guessed correctly.
Week 8: The Final Push
● Focus on Performance-Based Questions (PBQs).12
● Review your "Acronym Cheat Sheet"—Network+ is notorious for using alphabet soup.13
Would you like a "Cheat Sheet" of the most common ports and protocols you'll need to
memorize for Domain 1?
0
