Network+ certification: overview and career path [2025 update]

Networking roles are only increasing; the job growth for computer network architects is projected to increase by 13% from 2023 to 2033, growing much faster than the average field. Along with formal education and on-the-job training, entry-level cybersecurity certifications are crucial to enhance your resume, validate your skill set and help you prepare for highly competitive roles and interviews. 

The Network+ is one of the best foundational certifications for early career professionals looking at job titles like junior network administrators or network engineers. If you’re interested in more popular entry-level options like the CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), look at our free cybersecurity certification ebook. 

The recently updated CompTIA Network+ exam validates core skills and foundational technical knowledge for entry to mid-level network infrastructure roles. This includes network support specialists, network engineers, data architects, solution architects, cybersecurity analysts and help desk technicians. This certification opens the door to various career paths and emphasizes your core-level credentials to potential employers. 

What is the Network+ certification? 

First introduced in 1999, the Network+ certification receives frequent updates every three years, with the most recent one at the end of 2024. Network+ focuses on network connectivity, network documentation, network services, virtual networking concepts and different ways to monitor activity, harden security posture and secure infrastructure. 

The new Network+ exam version (link to new “Network+: exam details and process [2025 update]” article), the N10-009, features new domain weights, core concepts and sub-objectives. 

CompTIA detailed some of the core changes to the Network+ exam, including: 

• More focus on network operations 

• Less focus on network security 

• New concepts of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), scalability frameworks like VxLAN (Virtual extensible Local Area Network), zero-trust architecture, Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) and Main Distribution Frame (MDF) 

Take a look at the new weighted domains on the N10--009 Network+ exam in 2025. 

Domain 1: Networking concepts (23%) 

• OSI model layers and encapsulation concepts 

• Network types 

• Cables and connectors 

• Subnets and IP addressing schemes 

• Ports and protocols 

• Network services 

• Corporate and data center network architecture 

• Cloud concepts and connectivity options 

Domain 2: Network implementation (20%) 

• Networking and networked devices 

• Routing technologies and bandwidth management 

• Ethernet switching features 

• Wireless standards and technologies 

Domain 3: Network operations (19%) 

• Statistics and sensors to ensure network availability 

• Organizational documents and policies 

• High availability and disaster recovery concepts 

Domain 4: Network security (14%) 

• Security concepts 

• Types of attacks 

• Network hardening techniques 

• Remote access methods and security implications 

• Physical security 

Domain 5: Network troubleshooting (24%) 

• Network troubleshooting methodologies 

• Cable connectivity issues 

• Network software tools and commands 

• Wireless connectivity issues 

• General networking issues 

Who should earn the Network+ credential? 

CompTIA recommends the Network+ credential after the A+ certifications, making this one of the four core certifications the offer (the other being ITF+ and Security+). Compared to the A+, the Network+ analyzes: 

• IP addresses and network connection 

• Wireless standards and tech technologies 

• Network availability 

• Securing and hardening networks 

• Troubleshooting 

Network+ validates basic understanding and core competencies, making it ideal for those with a year or so of experience looking to level their career. Some potential job titles include network administrator, data architect, network support specialist, helpdesk technician and solution architect. 

There’s also the option to keep Network+ as a foundational certification as you move into more specialized cloud computing or cybersecurity roles. The new average annual salary for Network+ certified professionals in 2025 is $81,643, with variations depending on industry, location and experience level. 

Requirements for obtaining the certification 

The recommended experience for obtaining the Network+ or the CompTIA A+ certification is a minimum of 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience working in a junior network administrator or network support technician role. However, this is not required. 

When taking the certification exam, candidates must adhere to the testing policies and code of ethics listed on the CompTIA website. Once you’ve earned your certification, the Network+ badge is valid for three years from the day you pass the exam. Still, candidates need to earn 30 Continuing Education Unit credits (CEUs) during the three-year certification lifecycle, or you’ll have to retake the exam. 

How does Network+ compare to other IT certifications? 

Like all of CompTIA’s certifications, Network+ is vendor-neutral, meaning you can apply your skill set to a broader range of IT products and solutions. For example, compared to something like the Microsoft Certified Azure Network Engineer Associate, Network+ focuses on fundamentals in a broad range of environments, regardless of vendors like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft or Cisco. 

Comparable certifications include Cisco’s CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), which focuses solely on candidates pursuing careers in Cisco environments. A major difference is that this type of certification would include hands-on experience with both hardware and software. 

Is the Network+ certification worth the effort? 

Yes, the Network+ is a great option for entry-level candidates to increase their knowledge and validate their skill set. The Network+ gives an early career boost so you’re more marketable and competitive, eventually leading to higher-paying roles along your desired career path. Plus, taking and passing the exam requires a level of commitment, showing employers that you’re dedicated to ongoing professional development in a fast-moving field.