Network+ N10-009 Exam Objectives Explained: All 25 Objectives and Domain Weights
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Network+ N10-009 is built on 25 objectives in five domains, with Network Troubleshooting at 24% and Networking Concepts at 23%. The exam has up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes with a passing score of 720 on a scale of 100 to 900. This guide lists every official objective title with a plain-English explanation, grouped by domain with the published weights, and covers the recommended experience and how to study. The official CompTIA objectives document is the authoritative source, and the explanations here are our own wording.
Network+ N10-009 at a Glance
Network+ is CompTIA's networking certification, and it is the usual first step for people who want to build or run networks, and a common base before security work. The current version is V9 (N10-009), launched on June 20, 2024. The figures below come from CompTIA's certification page.
| Exam fact | Network+ N10-009 |
|---|---|
| Questions | Maximum of 90 |
| Question types | Multiple-choice and performance-based |
| Length | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 720 on a scale of 100 to 900 |
| Recommended experience | CompTIA A+ plus 9 to 12 months as a junior network administrator or network support technician |
| Retirement | Usually about three years after launch, estimated 2027 |
The passing score of 720 is lower than the 750 used by Security+, CySA+ and PenTest+, but the scales are not directly comparable across exams.
Domain Weights and Objective Counts
Network+ has five domains and 25 objectives. Networking Concepts and Network Troubleshooting are the two largest at 23% and 24%.
| Domain | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Networking Concepts | 23% | 8 |
| 2. Network Implementation | 20% | 4 |
| 3. Network Operations | 19% | 5 |
| 4. Network Security | 14% | 3 |
| 5. Network Troubleshooting | 24% | 5 |
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Domain 1: Networking Concepts (23%)
| Objective | Official title | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Explain concepts related to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model. | The seven layers, what each one does, and which devices and protocols live at which layer |
| 1.2 | Compare and contrast networking appliances, applications, and functions. | What routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, proxies and similar devices do, and when to use each |
| 1.3 | Summarize cloud concepts and connectivity options. | Cloud network models and the ways on-premises networks connect to cloud networks |
| 1.4 | Explain common networking ports, protocols, services, and traffic types. | Well-known ports and protocols, and how unicast, multicast and broadcast traffic differ |
| 1.5 | Compare and contrast transmission media and transceivers. | Copper, fiber and wireless media, connectors and the transceivers that link them |
| 1.6 | Compare and contrast network topologies, architectures, and types. | Star, mesh, three-tier and similar designs, plus LAN, WAN and other network types |
| 1.7 | Given a scenario, use appropriate IPv4 network addressing. | Subnetting, private address ranges, CIDR notation and choosing the right addressing for a design |
| 1.8 | Summarize evolving use cases for modern network environments. | Newer designs such as software-defined networking and the move toward IPv6 |
Domain 2: Network Implementation (20%)
| Objective | Official title | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Explain characteristics of routing technologies. | Static and dynamic routing, common routing protocols and how routers choose a path |
| 2.2 | Given a scenario, configure switching technologies and features. | VLANs, trunking, spanning tree and port-level features on switches |
| 2.3 | Given a scenario, select and configure wireless devices and technologies. | Wireless standards, frequency bands, channels and access point settings |
| 2.4 | Explain important factors of physical installations. | Rack layout, power, cooling and wiring closets in a physical network build |
Domain 3: Network Operations (19%)
| Objective | Official title | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Explain the purpose of organizational processes and procedures. | Documentation, diagrams, change management and other processes that keep a network understood |
| 3.2 | Given a scenario, use network monitoring technologies. | SNMP, logs and flow data used to watch network health and performance |
| 3.3 | Explain disaster recovery (DR) concepts. | Recovery objectives, backups, redundancy and recovery sites |
| 3.4 | Given a scenario, implement IPv4 and IPv6 network services. | DHCP, DNS, NTP and related services that make a network usable |
| 3.5 | Compare and contrast network access and management methods. | VPNs, remote access, secure shells and out-of-band management |
Domain 4: Network Security (14%)
| Objective | Official title | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Explain the importance of basic network security concepts. | Core ideas such as defense in depth, segmentation and authentication on a network |
| 4.2 | Summarize various types of attacks and their impact to the network. | Common network attacks, how they work and what they disrupt |
| 4.3 | Given a scenario, apply network security features, defense techniques, and solutions. | Access lists, port security, firewalls and similar controls applied to a scenario |
Domain 5: Network Troubleshooting (24%)
| Objective | Official title | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Explain the troubleshooting methodology. | The step-by-step process for identifying, testing and fixing a network problem |
| 5.2 | Given a scenario, troubleshoot common cabling and physical interface issues. | Diagnosing bad cables, mismatched settings and failing ports |
| 5.3 | Given a scenario, troubleshoot common issues with network services. | Finding the cause when DHCP, DNS or similar services misbehave |
| 5.4 | Given a scenario, troubleshoot common performance issues. | Tracking down latency, congestion, packet loss and similar slowdowns |
| 5.5 | Given a scenario, use the appropriate tool or protocol to solve networking issues. | Choosing the right command-line or analysis tool for a given problem |
How to Study for Network+
Networking is easiest to learn by doing. Pair every concept with a small hands-on exercise, even on a home network or a free simulator.
Master the OSI model and IPv4 subnetting first
Objectives 1.1 and 1.7 underpin almost everything else. Practice subnetting until you can do it without a calculator.
Learn ports and protocols by use
Memorize the common ports and protocols, but also practice explaining what each one does in a real scenario.
Practice the troubleshooting method
Domain 5 is 24% of the exam. Rehearse the methodology on made-up faults and name the tool you would use for each.
Use command-line tools
Get comfortable with tools like ping, traceroute and name-lookup commands so you can read their output quickly.
Rehearse performance-based questions
The exam includes tasks in a simulated environment, so practice working through a configuration or diagnosis step by step under time pressure.
Network+ Before or After Security+?
If you are new to IT and weak on networking, Network+ first builds the base that Security+ assumes. If you already understand addressing, ports and protocols, you can go straight to Security+. See our guide to which CompTIA certification to take first and the full CompTIA security path.
Studying With DD Academy
DD Academy covers Network+ N10-009 with flashcards, practice questions and an AI tutor that explains every answer, alongside Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, SecurityX, CISA and CISSP. It is free to start on iPhone and the web.
The bottom line
Network+ rewards understanding over memorization: learn the OSI model and subnetting first, practice the troubleshooting method on real faults, and weight your study toward Networking Concepts and Network Troubleshooting. Confirm the current version and retirement date on CompTIA's page before a long plan.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Network+ N10-009 exam?
Network+ N10-009 has a maximum of 90 questions, a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based, in 90 minutes. The passing score is 720 on a scale of 100 to 900, according to CompTIA.
What are the Network+ N10-009 domains and weights?
Networking Concepts 23%, Network Implementation 20%, Network Operations 19%, Network Security 14%, and Network Troubleshooting 24%. The exam has 25 objectives across the five domains.
What experience does CompTIA recommend for Network+?
CompTIA recommends the A+ certification plus 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience as a junior network administrator or network support technician. These are recommendations, not prerequisites.
When did Network+ N10-009 launch and when does it retire?
It launched on June 20, 2024. CompTIA says Network+ versions are usually retired about three years after launch and estimates 2027 for N10-009. Check CompTIA's Network+ page for the confirmed date.
Should I take Network+ before Security+?
If you are new to IT and your networking is weak, Network+ first gives you the foundation Security+ assumes. If you already understand IP addressing, ports and protocols, you can start with Security+. CompTIA does not require any order.
What is the passing score for Network+?
720 on a scale of 100 to 900, per CompTIA's certification page. Security+, CySA+ and PenTest+ use 750 on the same scale, but the exams are scored separately and the scores are not directly comparable.
Is Network+ worth it for a cybersecurity career?
Many security roles depend on networking knowledge, and Network+ builds it formally. Whether it is worth it depends on your background and the roles you target, and employers vary in what they list. Check the job postings you are aiming for.
Sources & references
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