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The Definitive Practice Test Guide for the CompTIA Network+
- About the CompTIA Network+ Exam
- Sections of the CompTIA Network+
- What to Expect on Test Day
- Best Ways to Study for the CompTIA Network+ Exam
- CompTIA Network+ Exam Tips and Tricks
- CompTIA Network+ Exam FAQ:
About the CompTIA Network+ Exam
Having a CompTIA Network+ certification assures employers that you will be able to do all of these things:
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Utilize your knowledge and skills in all basic networking areas, including services, connections, topologies and architecture, and cloud connectivity.
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Use networking knowledge to design routing techniques, find solutions to ethernet problems, and configure wireless systems.
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Supervise network operations and offer optimizing advice for smooth business operations.
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Apply your knowledge of security concepts and attack defense to protect the networks of a business.
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Troubleshoot common networking issues with connectivity and software.
There are 90 questions on the CompTIA Network+ exam, and you will have 90 minutes to complete them. The questions are mostly in the typical multiple-choice format, but there are a few performance-based questions in which you will interact with a given situation to provide an answer. The content of questions will be assorted on the actual test, but here’s a breakdown of the topics included and the percentage of the test covering them:
Networking Fundamentals—24%
Network Implementations—19%
Network Operations—16%
Network Security—19%
Network Troubleshooting—22%
Your score on this exam will fall in the range from 100 to 900, and you’ll need to score 720 or above to pass. Taking the test in the US will cost $358. Testing may be done at a Pearson VUE™ testing center or online.
When you are CompTIA Network+ certified, you will be eligible for jobs such as an IT analyst, administrator, systems manager, data architect, or server technician.
Sections of the CompTIA Network+
N10-008 Network Implementations
These questions are all about doing things within a network, such as the use of devices, routing techniques, bandwidth management, and using ethernet and wireless technologies. About half of the questions begin with a scenario and will require you to use your knowledge of both hardware and procedure.
N10-008 Networking Fundamentals
Questions relating to this area deal with the most basic concepts in networking. You will need to know about Open Systems Interconnection (OSI), types and topologies of networks, cables and connectors, subnets, ports, network services and architecture, and cloud and connectivity options. A few of the questions will begin with a scenario, but most will just require you to rely on your knowledge of fundamental networking concepts.
N10-008 Network Operations
Only about one-third of these questions begin with a scenario. All the questions deal with the operations of a network, including using statistics and sensors, familiarity with documentation and policy application, and disaster recovery concepts. You’ll not only need to know terms, but also the appropriate processes to use.
N10-008 Network Security
Only about one-fourth of these questions refer to a scenario, but all of them will require knowledge pertaining to security concepts, types of attacks, making a network more secure, remote access methods, and physical security.
N10-008 Network Troubleshooting
Answers to these questions rely on a basic understanding of the network troubleshooting process. As such, most of them begin with a scenario and may involve concepts regarding basic connectivity, physical tools, software tools, commands, wireless connectivity, and troubleshooting general networking issues.
What to Expect on Test Day
Whether you take the CompTIA Network+ exam at a Pearson VUE™ center or online, you’ll want to know the procedures and requirements for your method. If you are going to a center, be sure you have accurate driving directions and be there early so you can become accustomed to the testing environment and take care of any procedural necessities. If you take the test online, be sure to read all the requirements for that and have everything in place beforehand.
What to Bring
You will need two forms of ID that have been deemed “acceptable” by CompTIA and the testing center. You can learn more about this by consulting the official ID policy document.
What Not to Bring
You will not be allowed to bring any personal items into the testing room, including any type of electronics, so either leave those in your car or at home. There is a possibility that the test center will have provisions for storing personal items, but verify that with the center before the day of the test.
Best Ways to Study for the CompTIA Network+ Exam
Take CompTIA Network+ Exam Practice Tests
There’s no better preparation than actually trying to answer questions like those that you will see on test day. Doing this will let you know the areas in which you still need to study and also reassure you about what you do know.
Use Alternative Study Methods
Answering practice questions can be extremely helpful, but there are also other study methods that many people find useful. Reading content in study guides and trying your hand at flashcards can both support your efforts to learn and review the material.
Simulate the Testing Experience
Since the CompTIA Network+ exam is timed, it’s important to get used to answering 90 questions within a 90-minute time frame. Set a timer and take a practice test with 90 questions to see how you do. Then, you can adjust how long you spend on each question to fit the time you have.
CompTIA Network+ Exam Tips and Tricks
Do the Easier Questions First
Since you are allowed to come back to previous questions when taking the in-person test, be sure to skip any questions that seem difficult or like they might require more thought. Then, you can come back to them later. The performance-based questions on this test might be a little trickier to address, so they might be ones you’ll want to skip at first. Note that, when taking this test online, you will not be allowed to skip and go back to any questions.
Know How to Address the Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
Unlike regular multiple-choice questions, the PBQs require you to study a simulation and decide what actions to take, which will be shown by “clicking” various parts of the screen. This explanation of performance-based questions from CompTIA provides more information.
Select Your Most Appropriate Testing Format
Since this test is offered both in person and online, you have a choice to make. Be aware, though, that while you may be more comfortable taking it online, there are advantages to testing at a center, such as being able to skip questions and come back to them.
CompTIA Network+ Exam FAQ:
1. How are the performance-based questions on the CompTIA Network+ exam scored.
These questions are typically of a problem-solving nature, and the scorers will take into account that there can be several solutions to a problem. Therefore, several different answers may be correct. Also, these questions tend to have several parts to answer, and you will receive partial credit for the parts you answer correctly.
2. How long will my CompTIA Network+ certification last?
CompTIA certifications are valid for three years after the testing date. After that, there is a renewal process available through the CompTIA Continuing Education Program.
3. If I don’t pass the first time, can I retake this exam?
You may retake the CompTIA Network+ exam once without a waiting period, but you’ll have to pay the same testing fee. After that, you must wait at least 14 days between testing sessions. You are highly advised to study your score report and do some sort of review in the areas where your scores were lower before retaking the test.
4. When can I see my score report?
As soon as you have finished the testing session, your score will appear on the screen. This applies to both in-person and online testing. If you pass, you will also receive an email from CompTIA confirming that fact and including directions for obtaining your certificate.