CompTIA Network+ Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the CompTIA Network+, eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$358
Provider
CompTIA
Validity
3 years
Available
Global
Education
No formal education requirement for most exams
Experience
Recommended experience varies by certification level
Specific Requirements
- There are no enforced prerequisites. CompTIA does not require any prior certification, degree or work history to register for N10-009.
- CompTIA recommends holding CompTIA A+ certification before attempting Network+.
- CompTIA also recommends 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in a junior network administrator or network support technician role.
- A valid exam voucher is required for each attempt, and CompTIA states that candidates must pay the exam price each time they attempt the exam.
- Two original, valid, unexpired forms of identification are required, with the first and last name matching the registration exactly.
- Candidates must register using an address in the country where they reside at the time of testing and must test in that same country, unless CompTIA approves an exception in advance by email to its exam security team.
- OnVUE candidates must use a personal computer and a personal internet or local network connection, running Windows 10 or macOS 14 or higher, with a single display and no virtual machine.
- Candidates under 18 taking an online exam may present a valid student ID, and a guardian must present a valid ID and give verbal consent during check-in. From 23 June 2026, all minors need parental consent recorded in CompTIA Central before registering.
- No prerequisite certification is checked at booking, so a candidate can sit Network+ before A+ if they choose, though CompTIA's own sequencing advice runs the other way.
Number of Questions
A maximum of 90 questions. CompTIA publishes a ceiling rather than a fixed count and does not disclose how many questions are required to pass or how many a candidate answered incorrectly.
Duration
90 minutes. CompTIA structures its exams as a single session with no scheduled breaks, at test centres and through OnVUE alike.
Question Format
Multiple choice, single response, Multiple choice, multiple response, Performance-based questions delivered in a simulated interface
Passing Requirement
720. CompTIA states that passing scores are set using statistical analysis and are subject to change.
How It Is Delivered
Computer-based at a Pearson VUE test centre, or online through Pearson VUE OnVUE remote proctoring. CompTIA offers online testing for all its certifications except in China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, South Korea, Slovenia, Sudan and Syria. Test centre candidates are photographed before testing and cannot sit the exam if they decline; OnVUE candidates are webcam-recorded throughout.
Languages Offered
English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
Purchase an exam voucher from CompTIA or authorized reseller
Create a Pearson VUE account
Schedule your exam at a test center or online
Apply voucher code at checkout
Score Scale
100 to 900 scaled, as published on CompTIA's Network+ certification page.
Score You Need
720. CompTIA states that passing scores are set using statistical analysis and are subject to change.
How It Is Calculated
CompTIA describes calculating a scaled score with a mathematical algorithm from what would otherwise be a percentage score, with the cut score set by statistical analysis. The model is criterion-referenced: your score is compared to an established standard for minimal competency in the job role, never to other candidates, so there is no curve. Scoring is compensatory across the five domains, because a weak domain can be offset by a strong one and there is no per-domain minimum. CompTIA does not disclose the number of questions required to pass, the number answered incorrectly, or the raw-to-scale conversion, and it publishes no negative-marking rule for Network+.
When You Get Results
The score appears on screen immediately after the exam. Test centre candidates receive a printed score report carrying their photograph; online candidates find the report in their Pearson VUE account within 24 hours. The exam record appears in the CompTIA certification account within five business days, and passing triggers a CompTIA Certmetrics email. The report names the exam objectives attached to questions answered incorrectly, but not the questions or the count.
- Two forms of ID (primary must be government-issued with photo)
- Exam voucher or confirmation number
- For online: private room, webcam, clear desk
What are the prerequisites for the CompTIA Network+?
There are no enforced prerequisites. CompTIA does not require any prior certification, degree or work history to register for N10-009.. CompTIA recommends holding CompTIA A+ certification before attempting Network+.. CompTIA also recommends 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in a junior network administrator or network support technician role.. A valid exam voucher is required for each attempt, and CompTIA states that candidates must pay the exam price each time they attempt the exam.. Two original, valid, unexpired forms of identification are required, with the first and last name matching the registration exactly.. Candidates must register using an address in the country where they reside at the time of testing and must test in that same country, unless CompTIA approves an exception in advance by email to its exam security team.. OnVUE candidates must use a personal computer and a personal internet or local network connection, running Windows 10 or macOS 14 or higher, with a single display and no virtual machine.. Candidates under 18 taking an online exam may present a valid student ID, and a guardian must present a valid ID and give verbal consent during check-in. From 23 June 2026, all minors need parental consent recorded in CompTIA Central before registering.. No prerequisite certification is checked at booking, so a candidate can sit Network+ before A+ if they choose, though CompTIA's own sequencing advice runs the other way..
How much does the CompTIA Network+ cost?
The CompTIA Network+ exam costs $358. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the CompTIA Network+?
Purchase an exam voucher from CompTIA or authorized reseller → Create a Pearson VUE account → Schedule your exam at a test center or online → Apply voucher code at checkout
What should I bring to the CompTIA Network+?
Two forms of ID (primary must be government-issued with photo). Exam voucher or confirmation number. For online: private room, webcam, clear desk.
Ready to prepare for CompTIA Network+?
Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.
View CompTIA Network+ Guide