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What is the CompTIA Network+ Certification?

By on July 17, 2025

So maybe you’ve been dabbling with tech for a bit now, like hooking up routers at home, troubleshooting spotty WiFi for family, or maybe you’ve even cracked open a few PCs just to see how they work.  And now you’re wondering:  “Could I turn this into a real job?”

If that’s where your head’s at, then you’ve probably come across the CompTIA Network+ certification.  Maybe someone told you it’s a good step into IT.  Maybe you saw it on a job posting.  Or maybe you’re just curious about what it actually does for your career. Whatever brought you here, this post is going to help you understand why this certification is useful and what kind of jobs & salary potential it could unlock.

What is the CompTIA Network+ Certification?

CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification that proves you understand networking fundamentals.  It’s offered by CompTIA, a well-respected nonprofit trade association that’s behind some of the most recognized certifications in the world, like A+, Security+, and CySA+.

Network+ focuses on giving you the foundational skills needed to design, configure, manage, & troubleshoot both wired and wireless networks. In simpler terms, if data moves through a cable or airwaves, Network+ helps you understand what’s happening behind the scenes and how to fix it when things go sideways.

Here’s a high-level look at what the certification covers:

  • Network architecture (topologies, types, technologies)
  • IP addressing and subnetting
  • Routing & switching
  • Wireless networking
  • Network security
  • Network troubleshooting tools
  • Cloud & virtualization basics
  • Protocols & ports (like DNS, DHCP, HTTP, etc.)

And the exam itself?  As the making of this post, it consists of:

  • Maximum of 90 questions
  • Multiple-choice & performance-based questions
  • 90-minute time limit
  • Passing score of 720 out of 900 possible points

Who is the CompTIA Network+ For?

This certification is ideal for:

  • Beginners looking to break into IT with a focus on networking
  • Entry-level tech professionals who want to stand out
  • Career changers coming from non-technical backgrounds
  • Current IT workers who need a vendor-neutral networking credential
  • Aspiring cybersecurity professionals (because networking is the foundation of security)

You don’t need to be a tech genius to start preparing for it.  CompTIA recommends having

  • 9 – 12 months of networking experience, OR
  • CompTIA A+ certification, OR
  • Just solid study habits and determination (plenty of people pass with zero job experience)

Why Should You Get CompTIA Network+?

So why bother with this cert in the first place and is it really worth the time and money?  Well, let’s go ahead and look at the benefits of earning this certification.

It Validates Your Skills

Anyone can say “I know networking”, but a cert like Network+ proves it.  Employers like it because it’s standardized, meaning, if you passed, you’ve demonstrated a minimum level of competency in critical networking areas.

Think of it as your passport into the tech world.

It’s Vendor-Neutral

Unlike certifications from Cisco (like CCNA), which focus mostly on Cisco equipment, Network+ is vendor-neutral.  That means you learn core networking concepts that apply across multiple brands and platforms, whether it’s Cisco, Juniper, Ubiquiti, or even cloud providers like AWS.

This gives you flexibility and adaptability in the job market.

It’s Often a Job Requirement

Go on any job board right now and search for “Help Desk”, “Network Technician”, or “IT Support”.  You’ll see Network+ pop us as either:

  • A requirement, or
  • A “nice-to-have” that can give you an edge over other candidates.

It’s even approved by the US Department of Defense under DoD 8570, which means it qualifies for jobs supporting government and military networks.

It’s a Stepping Stone to Bigger Things

Once you have Network+ under your belt, you’re better equipped to pursue more specialized certifications like:

  • Cisco CCNA (Networking)
  • CompTIA Security+ (Cybersecurity)
  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (Cloud)
  • Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)

Think of Network+ as your on-ramp to more advanced IT roles.

It Boosts Your Confidence

Let’s not underestimate this.  For a lot of people, getting their first IT certification is empowering.  It’s proof that you belong in tech. When you study for Network+, you’re not just memorizing terms.  You’re learning how technology works and once you understand the “why” behind networks, you’ll stop guessing and start knowing.

What Jobs Can You Get with CompTIA Network+?

Okay, now let’s talk money and jobs. Earning your Network+ cert doesn’t magically drop a six-figure salary in your lap, but it does unlock a lot of entry-level and intermediate roles that can grow into high-paying careers.

Here are some common job titles you can pursue with Network+:

  • Network Technician
    • These folks keep the wires humming.  You’ll install hardware, configure routers / switches, and troubleshoot when the network goes down.
    • Average Salary:  $50K – $65K
    • Day-to-Day:  Cabling, switch configuration, setting up workstations, basic troubleshooting.
  • IT Support Specialist / Help Desk Technician
    • A common entry point into IT.  You’ll help users with their networking issues, install software, & escalate more complex problems.
    • Average Salary:  $40K – $55K
    • Day-to-Day:  Password resets, VPN issues, fixing slow WiFi & connectivity problems
  • Network Administrator (Junior)
    • This is a step up from technician-level.  You’ll handle configuring networks, monitoring performance, and enforcing security policies.
    • Average Salary:  $60K – $80K
    • Day-to-Day:  Setting up VLANs, configuring firewalls, managing DHCP / DNS servers
  • Field Service Technician
    • You’ll travel to client sites to install or troubleshoot networks and devices; ideal for people who don’t want to sit behind a desk all day.
    • Average Salary:  $45K – $65K
    • Day-to-Day:  Installing routers, replacing faulty cables, customer training
  • System Administrator (Entry-Level)
    • This role blends networking with server management.  This is perfect if you want a broad IT career.
    • Average Salary:  $65K – $85K
    • Day-to-Day:  Managing file servers, patching, remote access, VPNs, storage.
  • Network Support Specialist
    • Focused more on analyzing & troubleshooting network issues, often using monitoring tools.
    • Average Salary:  $55K – $75K
    • Day-to-Day:  Ping, traceroute, Wireshark, bandwidth analysis, firewall rules.

And if you combine Network+ with something like Security+, Linux+, or Cloud+, your career options grow even faster…and so does your salary.

How Much Does Network+ Cost?

At the time of the recording of this video, here’s the breakdown:

So altogether, you could earn this cert for as little as $400 – $600 if you’re self-studying.  And if you’re a student, veteran, or unemployed?  You may qualify for discounts or grants through local workforce agencies, community colleges, or nonprofits.

How Long Does It Take to Prepare?

That depends on your background.  Here’s a general guideline:

  • Complete Beginner:  3 – 6 months (10 – 15 hrs/week)
  • Some Tech Experience:  1 – 3 months
  • Already Working in Networking:  1 – 2 weeks (just brush up)

How you study is up to you:

Is CompTIA Network+ Worth It?

Let’s cut through the fluff.  If you want to:

  • Break into tech
  • Get hired faster
  • Build a foundation for cybersecurity, cloud, or system admin roles
  • Prove your knowledge without diving straight into Cisco world

Then yes, Network+ is absolutely worth it. It opens doors, it builds confidence, it teaches real-world skills that hiring managers value, and it helps you get paid to do what you love.

But here’s the kicker:  the certification itself isn’t magic.  What matters more are the skills you build while studying, the troubleshooting mindset, the comfort with network diagrams, and the confidence to walk into an interview and say, “Yeah, I can fix that.”

Your Career in Tech Starts Here

Look, nobody hands you a six-figure salary just for getting a piece of paper.  But if you’re serious about building a career in IT, CompTIA Network+ is one of the smartest first steps you can take.

It gives you:

  • A rock-solid foundation in networking
  • A competitive edge in the job market
  • A springboard into advanced roles like cybersecurity, cloud, and beyond

And here’s the beautiful part, you don’t need a college degree, years of experience, or thousands of dollars to make it happen.  All you need is curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to learn.

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