How to Pass Network+

The CompTIA Network+ certification is one of the best ways to start your IT/Networking career. It proves that you understand how networks work from cables and routers to IP addressing and troubleshooting. But with so many topics to study, passing the exam can feel overwhelming.

Don’t worry this guide breaks down exactly how to pass Network+ on your first try, using proven strategies, free resources, and smart study habits.

1. Understand What Network+ Covers

Before you open a book, you should know what’s on the exam. CompTIA updates the Network+ objectives regularly, the exam covers:

• Networking Fundamentals – OSI model, TCP/IP, ports, protocols, topologies

• Network Implementations – Routers, switches, wireless access points

• Network Operations – Monitoring, documentation, disaster recovery

• Network Security – Firewalls, VPNs, authentication, common attacks

• Network Troubleshooting – Using tools like ping, traceroute, and Wireshark

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Tip: Download the official Network+ CompTIA exam objectives (PDF)  it’s your checklist for what to study.

2. Create a Study Plan

A solid plan keeps you consistent. Most students take 6–10 weeks to prepare, depending on experience.

Here’s a simple roadmap you can follow:

Week	Focus Area	Goal
1–2	OSI model, cables, and protocols	Understand network basics
3–4	Switching, routing, and IP addressing	Master subnetting and topologies
5	Wireless, cloud, and virtualization	Learn newer networking tech
6	Network security concepts	Firewalls, ports, and VPNs
7	Troubleshooting	Practice real scenarios
8	Review and practice exams	Identify weak areas

3. Use the Right Study Materials

You don’t need to buy everything — just pick quality resources. Here are some recommendations:

• NerdyKev Beginner Networking Course – A clear, visual course that simplifies complex topics for beginners.

• Professor Messer – Free video lessons on YouTube.

• CompTIA Network+ Official Study Guide – The gold standard for exam prep.

• ExamCompass / Quizlet – Free quizzes and flashcards.

• SubnettingPractice.com – For mastering IP math.

4. Learn by Doing (Hands-On Practice)

Network+ is not just theory. To truly understand how things work, practice on real or virtual devices.

You can:

• Use Packet Tracer or GNS3 to simulate routers and switches

• Configure IP addresses and subnets

• Ping and traceroute between virtual machines

• Practice troubleshooting scenarios

Even a simple home lab with an old router, switch, or Raspberry Pi can help you visualize how traffic flows in a network.

5. Full understand the Exam Topics

Focus extra time on these high-value areas — they almost always appear on the test:

• OSI vs TCP/IP model

• Common ports & protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, DHCP, FTP, SNMP, etc.)

• Subnetting (CIDR, masks, calculations)

• Wireless standards (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax)

• Network security basics (firewalls, VPNs, VLANs)

• Command line tools (ping, netstat, tracert, nslookup, ipconfig)

Remember: Network+ isn’t about memorizing — it’s about understanding how everything connects.

6. Take Practice Exams (A Lot of Them)

Before booking your exam, test yourself. Aim for 85–90% consistently on practice exams.

Recommended sites:

• ExamCompass

• CompTIA practice questions

• NerdyKev flashcards and pop quizzes (coming soon!)

Practice exams help you:

• Identify weak spots

• Get used to CompTIA’s question style

• Manage time effectively (90 minutes for ~90 questions)

7. On Exam Day: Stay Calm and Strategic

You’ve studied hard now it’s time to perform.

• Read questions carefully  CompTIA loves tricky wording.

• Eliminate obvious wrong answers first.

• Flag tough questions and come back later.

• Manage your time 1 minute per question is ideal.

• Review your answers before submitting.

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And remember you only need 720/900 to pass. That’s roughly 80%.

Passing Network+ isn’t about being a genius it’s about consistent effort and using the right strategy. Start small, focus on understanding, and study a little each day.

If you want structured lessons, visual explanations, and beginner-friendly examples, check out the NerdyKev Networking Course, built specifically for students who want to learn faster, visualize better, and pass with confidence.