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Cybersecurity / IT

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CompTIA Network+

12/2024

Exam Overview

Network+

Exam Code: N10-008

Number of Questions: Up to 90 (typically 70-90 questions with 3-5 Performance-Based Questions, or PBQs)

Passing Score: 720/900

Exam Format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions

Time: 90 minutes

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Domains Covered:

  1. Networking Fundamentals – 24%

  2. Network Implementations – 19%

  3. Network Operations – 16%

  4. Network Security – 19%

  5. Network Troubleshooting – 22%

 

Network+ validates your foundational knowledge of networking concepts and is a must-have for IT professionals moving into network administration or troubleshooting roles. The key to success is a strong grasp of network types, security protocols, and common troubleshooting tools.

Prep Strategy Overview

Let’s walk through some recommended resources, topic priorities, and study tactics that past exam-takers found most effective.

1. Study Resources

  • Professor Messer’s Network+ Videos (N10-008)

    • Professor Messer’s free YouTube videos offer comprehensive coverage, especially for topics like subnetting, OSI layers, and network troubleshooting. Watch at 1.5-2x speed, taking detailed notes as you go.

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  • Jason Dion’s Practice Exams on Udemy

    • Dion’s practice exams are challenging and simulate the exam format well, especially with tougher multiple-choice questions. Use these tests to identify weaknesses and practice tackling questions at exam speed.

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  • Informatik Lab Network+ N10-008 Simulations on YouTube

    • Informatik Lab’s videos are excellent for PBQ practice and hands-on learning. Topics covered include configuring ACLs, setting up static routes, and troubleshooting commands using CLI.

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  • Pocket Prep App for IT & Security

    • This app provides short, targeted quizzes based on areas you’re struggling with. It’s a good option for quick review sessions on the go.

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  • CertMaster (for WGU students)

    • CertMaster provides a structured study flow with interactive quizzes and flashcards. Some students report it’s useful for solidifying knowledge, but it may not fully prepare you for the real exam. Consider pairing it with other resources for a more comprehensive study approach.

2. Practice Exam Strategy

After each practice test, log every question you missed and take notes on why. Then:

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  • Find explanations in Professor Messer’s videos or use ChatGPT if a concept is unclear.

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  • Quiz yourself on DNS records, OSI layers, and security protocols – these topics often appear.

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  • Track your performance. Aim to score at least 80% on Dion’s practice tests to ensure you’re ready.

3. Topics to Prioritize

These topics commonly appear on the Network+ exam, so focus your study here:

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  • Subnetting: Learn subnetting tables by heart (Professor Messer’s “7-Second Subnetting” is a lifesaver). Know how to identify CIDR notations and calculate IP ranges quickly.

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  • DNS and 802 Standards: Expect questions on DNS record types (A, AAAA, MX, CNAME) and IEEE 802 standards (like 802.11 for Wi-Fi and 802.3 for Ethernet). Familiarize yourself with each standard’s purpose and how they’re applied in networking.

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  • Network Security Fundamentals: Brush up on DNS poisoning, DHCP snooping, firewall configurations, and ACLs (Access Control Lists). Know how to interpret logs for attack indicators and common firewall rules.

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  • Routing Protocols: Understand BGP, RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP. Be able to identify routing protocol differences, especially between distance-vector and link-state protocols.

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  • OSI Model and TCP/UDP Ports: Memorize TCP and UDP port numbers (like 80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS, 53 for DNS) and understand how each OSI layer functions and handles network traffic.

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  • Troubleshooting Tools and CLI Commands: Know tools like ping, traceroute, ipconfig, and netstat, and how to apply them for troubleshooting connectivity issues.

4. Performance-based Questions

PBQs test your practical knowledge. To prepare:

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  • Practice using Informatik Lab simulations or Andrew Ramdayal’s labs on Udemy.

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  • Familiarize yourself with configuring ACLs, setting up DHCP and DNS, and analyzing network traffic.

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  • Make sure you understand how to read command outputs and logs.

5. Acronym and Standard Drills

Network+ is acronym-heavy. Drill these daily:

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  • Common Ports and Protocols: HTTP (80), HTTPS (443), DNS (53), DHCP (67/68), SMTP (25), FTP (20/21)

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  • Networking Standards: 802.11 (Wi-Fi), 802.3 (Ethernet), CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection)

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  • Security Concepts: CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), IDS (Intrusion Detection System), IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)

6. Exam-Day Tips

  • Do MCQs First, Then PBQs: MCQs are generally faster and can boost your confidence for the PBQs.

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  • Manage Your Time: With 90 minutes, budget around 1 minute per question. PBQs often take longer, so tackle them last.

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  • Eliminate Obvious Wrong Answers: Narrow down your choices quickly on multiple-choice questions.

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  • Stay Calm, Use All Resources: For PBQs, check every available command or option within the simulation.

6-week CompTIA Network+ Study Plan

This plan breaks down study materials into manageable portions, ensuring comprehensive coverage over six weeks.

Week 1: Networking Fundamentals

  • Video Learning (Daily): Start with Professor Messer’s N10-008 videos on Networking Fundamentals and OSI Layers. Cover about 15-20% of the course content this week.

    • Focus Topics: OSI model, TCP/IP, IP addressing basics, and subnetting introduction.

    • Subnetting Tip: Watch Professor Messer’s “7-Second Subnetting” video. Practice understanding CIDR notation.

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  • Reading: Supplement video learning with CompTIA Network+ study guide chapters on OSI and IP addressing. Take notes to reinforce key concepts.

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  • Flashcards: Create flashcards for acronyms, OSI layers, and subnetting terms. Quiz yourself every night for retention.

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  • Weekly Practice Quiz: Take a short practice quiz on the week’s topics. Aim for 70% or better, and review missed questions.

Week 2: Network Operations & Protocols

  • Video Learning (Daily): Continue with Professor Messer on Network Operations and Protocols. Learn about common protocols (like TCP, UDP, DHCP) and troubleshooting tools.

    • Focus Topics: DNS records (A, AAAA, MX, CNAME), DHCP, FTP, HTTP/S, and TCP/UDP ports.

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  • Reading: Read study guide sections on protocols and port numbers. Memorize key ports (like 80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS) and learn the purpose of each protocol.

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  • Subnetting Practice: Set aside time each day to practice subnetting tables and CIDR notation. Aim for speed and accuracy.

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  • Weekly Practice Quiz: Take a practice quiz focusing on protocols and subnetting. Track your progress and review mistakes.

Week 3: Network Security Essentials

  • Video Learning (Daily): Shift to Network Security topics. Cover firewall types, ACLs, network security protocols, and basic threat identification.

    • Focus Topics: DNS poisoning, DHCP snooping, ACL configurations, and firewall rules.

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  • Reading: Read the security chapters in your study guide. Take notes on common attacks and security tools (IDS, IPS, firewalls).

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  • Hands-On Practice: Practice configuring ACLs and firewall rules if possible using a lab environment, virtual machine, or online simulator.

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  • Weekly Practice Quiz: Test yourself on security concepts. Review any missed questions and reinforce weak areas.

Week 4: Advanced Routing & Wireless Standards

  • Video Learning (Daily): Dive into Advanced Routing and Wireless Networking Standards.

    • Focus Topics: Routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP), Wi-Fi standards (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), and IPv4 vs. IPv6.

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  • Reading: Study the differences between routing protocols and memorize Wi-Fi standards. Review the purpose of each routing protocol and how they differ in use cases.

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  • Practice Problems: Complete subnetting and routing questions to solidify your understanding of IPv4/IPv6 address ranges.

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  • Weekly Practice Quiz: Take a quiz covering routing protocols and wireless standards. Aim for a score of 75% or higher.

Week 5: Troubleshooting & PBQ Preparation

  • Video Learning (Daily): Focus on Network Troubleshooting topics like CLI commands and troubleshooting techniques.

    • Focus Topics: Ping, traceroute, ipconfig, netstat, and how to apply these tools for troubleshooting common network issues.

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  • PBQ Practice: Begin working on Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) with Informatik Lab or CertMaster. Focus on PBQs involving ACLs, router configurations, and network diagrams.

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  • Mock Practice Exams: Take your first full-length Jason Dion practice exam. Review every missed question, write down weak areas, and study up on those topics.

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  • Weekly Flashcard Review: Reinforce your acronym knowledge and subnetting skills. Practice until you can complete subnetting exercises quickly.

Week 6: Final Review and Exam Prep

  • Review Weak Areas: Review any topics you struggled with on practice exams, like protocols, routing, or network security concepts.

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  • Daily PBQ Practice: Complete at least one PBQ daily to build comfort with the format and tools. Practice with ACLs, troubleshooting commands, and network setups.

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  • Final Practice Exams: Take at least two more Jason Dion practice exams, aiming for scores of 85% or higher. Review each exam thoroughly, noting any recurring mistakes.

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  • Concept Drills (Nightly): Spend 20-30 minutes each night drilling acronyms, OSI layers, and subnetting. Practice until you can recall ports, IP ranges, and protocols instantly.

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  • Day Before Exam: Light review only – go over notes and flashcards. Get a good night’s rest to stay sharp for exam day.

2-3 Week Aggressive CompTIA Network+ Study Plan

Week 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

This accelerated plan requires at least 3-5 hours daily. With focus and consistency, you’ll be exam-ready in no time.

Week 1: Core Concepts and Key Domains

  • Videos (Daily): Watch Professor Messer’s N10-008 videos at 1.5x or 2x speed, covering roughly 25% of the course each day. Key areas include:

    • Networking fundamentals (IP addressing, subnetting, OSI layers)

    • Network security basics (firewalls, ACLs, and threat detection)

    • Common troubleshooting tools and commands (ping, traceroute, netstat)

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  • Quizlet & Flashcards (Nightly): Create flashcards for each topic and quiz yourself on key terms like DNS records, TCP/UDP ports, and routing protocols. Review these nightly.

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  • Practice Tests (End of Week): Take your first Jason Dion practice test. Focus on timing and note every missed question for targeted review.

Week 2: Practice Exams and PBQ Preparation

  • Practice Exams (Every Other Day): Take another Dion practice test every other day. After each test:

    • Review each missed question and study up on weak areas.

    • Watch Professor Messer’s or Cyberkraft videos for further explanation.

    • Build your Quizlet set from missed questions.

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  • PBQ Practice (Daily): Work through PBQs from Informatik Lab or CertMaster. Practice:

    • ACL configurations and firewall rule setups

    • Network troubleshooting with CLI commands

    • DNS and DHCP configurations

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  • Targeted Drills (Nightly): Review flashcards on subnetting, OSI layers, TCP/UDP ports, and key networking standards like CSMA/CD and Wi-Fi 802.11 standards.

Week 3: Intensive Review and Final Exam Prep

  • Final Practice Tests (2): Take your last two Jason Dion practice exams. Aim for scores above 85%. Use these tests as “dress rehearsals” for exam day.

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  • Daily PBQ Review: Continue practicing at least one PBQ simulation each day. Focus on troubleshooting, ACL configurations, and subnetting.

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  • Acronym and Concept Drills (Nightly): Spend 30 minutes each night drilling acronyms, standards, and OSI layer concepts. Build speed on subnetting and TCP/UDP ports for quick recall.

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  • Day Before Exam: Light review only. Skim notes, flashcards, and any last-minute weak areas. Get a full night’s rest.

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With this intensive plan, you’ll solidify core concepts, master the PBQs, and sharpen your ability to answer multiple-choice questions quickly. Focus on DNS, OSI layers, and network security fundamentals, and be ready to handle subnetting with ease. Dive in with confidence – you’re ready to become Network+ certified!

Exam-Day Tips

  • Tackle MCQs First, PBQs Last: Many find that doing multiple-choice questions first boosts confidence. PBQs can take more time, so tackle them after MCQs.

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  • Use All 90 Minutes: Don’t rush! Take your time to read questions carefully.

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  • Eliminate Obvious Wrong Answers: Narrow down choices to increase your odds.

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  • Stay Calm: Take deep breaths, manage your time, and remember that you’ve prepared well.

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With this structured plan, you’ll cover every key topic, reinforce your knowledge with quizzes and practice exams, and develop the confidence to tackle the CompTIA Network+ exam successfully. Good luck, future Network+ pro!

Supporting Resources

Here are some supporting resources that you can use to help you study for the exam.

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