By Quick answer: How do I pass CompTIA Network+?
- Plan — 10 weeks.
- Exam — 90 minutes.
- Fee — Voucher price on the CompTIA store.
- Practise — free timed tests until you pass comfortably.
Key takeaways
- Study from the official exam objectives, not just videos.
- Hands-on practice beats rereading.
- Book the exam when practice scores are consistently strong.
CompTIA Network+ rewards a structured plan. This 10-week plan covers the exam format and cost, what to study when, and how to use practice tests so you walk in ready.
The exam and the resources that help
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store1 | 90 minutes | Free test |
| 2 | CompTIA A+CompTIA | Two exams2 | 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam | Free test |
| 3 | Cisco CCNACisco | Check the official page3 | Check issuer | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
The exam, then the resources to prepare with
- CompTIACompTIA Network+The examVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- CompTIACompTIA A+Earlier stepTwo exams
- CiscoCisco CCNADeeper alternativeCheck the official page
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store1
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Voucher price on the CompTIA store. Format: 90 minutes. CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience. CompTIA's Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations and troubleshooting in a 90-minute exam. It's vendor-neutral and ANAB-accredited; CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience.
Best forthe exam
CompTIA A+
- Cost
- Two exams2
- Format
- 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on IT support
A+. CompTIA's A+ is two exams covering hardware, operating systems, networking basics and support. It's the help desk credential many job posts name, is ANAB-accredited, and CompTIA recommends about a year of hands-on support experience.
Best forearlier step
Cisco CCNA
- Cost
- Check the official page3
CCNA. Cisco's associate credential covers network fundamentals, access, IP connectivity, services, security and automation. It's ANAB-accredited and widely recognised for network engineer roles; check Cisco's page for the fee.
Best fordeeper alternative
A 10-week study plan
- Week 1 — Download the official objectives and take a free baseline test.
- Weeks 2–8 — Study one domain at a time with official or trusted materials.
- Week 9 — Timed full-length practice tests; fix weak domains.
- Week 10 — Light review, rest, then sit the exam.
Tips that make the difference
- Objectives first — Map every study session to an exam objective.
- Active recall — Quiz yourself instead of rereading.
- Mistake log — Write down why each wrong answer was wrong.
- Timing — Practise full-length tests under time limits.
How we ranked these picks
Exam format, fee and prerequisites come from the official page for CompTIA Network+, checked 3 November 2026. The plan reflects common preparation patterns; adjust to your background.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for CompTIA Network+?
About 10 weeks for most people; less with experience.
How much does CompTIA Network+ cost?
Voucher price on the CompTIA store.
What is the CompTIA Network+ exam format?
90 minutes.
Do I need experience?
CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking.
Is there a free CompTIA Network+ practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers a free practice test, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA A+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Cisco — Cisco CCNA, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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Prove the skill before you pay for the exam.
Start with the free CompTIA Network+ Practice Test. 1,200+ free, test-based certifications graded on our server. Pass and get a founder-signed certificate with a credential ID employers can verify.