How Much Does the CompTIA Network+ Exam Cost in 2024?

Any IT or cybersecurity professional should obtain the Network+ certification. It is offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a training and certification company dedicated to uniting the global technology community and promoting communication. The Network+ certification is just one of the many certifications that CompTIA offers to IT workers, demonstrating their possession of a specific set of skills. This simplifies the process for employers, hiring managers, and recruiters to identify qualified and competent personnel.

Before pursuing the certification, it is crucial to understand the CompTIA Network+ exam cost and other essential details.

Let’s begin with our free CompTIA Network+ practice test so that you can pass the real exam with flying colors on your first try.

What Exactly Is the CompTIA Network+ Certification?

The CompTIA Network+ certification is an entry-level certificate that verifies an individual’s technical skills in safely developing, maintaining, and troubleshooting network infrastructures used by businesses regularly. Since the Network+ certification is vendor-neutral, certified individuals are capable of maintaining networks on any platform. Furthermore, this certification demonstrates that certified individuals possess the hands-on abilities required in today’s networking environments.

The official Network+ certification exam consists of 90 computer-based questions. Test takers are given 90 minutes to complete the test, and their results are available instantly. The exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions that simulate real-world networking issues that need to be resolved. A passing score of 720 on a scale of 100-900 is required for the Network+ test. While not essential, it is recommended to have 9 to 12 months of networking experience and the CompTIA A+ certification as qualifications.

What Is the Cost of CompTIA Network+ Certification?

While the question is clear, the solution is not so obvious. There is no set fee to become a Network+ certified professional. The cost of certification is determined by how one intends to study for the formal certification exam.

To sit for the CompTIA Network+ certification test, you must first purchase an exam voucher. The voucher costs $369 and can be purchased from the CompTIA Store. Once purchased, the voucher must be used within 12 months, or it will expire, and another voucher must be purchased. The voucher allows the holder to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing location.

If you fail the certification exam, you will need to buy another voucher to retake it. That is why it is crucial to be fully prepared while taking the exam. Being well-prepared increases your chances of passing on the first try and saves money on purchasing a second voucher.

It is advised that candidates complete a training course that includes test preparation to be fully prepared for the Network+ certification exam. This may be the most expensive aspect of obtaining certification. The cost of Network+ test prep training courses varies greatly. Some courses are free, while others, such as boot camps, may cost several thousand dollars. Certain paid courses may include the certification test fee or offer discounts on voucher purchases. It is worth taking the time to explore and find the best and most affordable training option.

Remember that the cost of training does not necessarily correspond to the quality of the course. When selecting a training school, be sure to research its reputation, ratings, and reviews.

The Fundamentals: CompTIA Network+ Exam Voucher

To take the certification exam, you must purchase the Network+ certification voucher. The voucher is a unique ticket that can be bought from the CompTIA Store and used to take your exam at a Pearson VUE testing location.

If you only need a voucher, the cost per exam is $369. For more information about the exam, you can visit the CompTIA Network+ product website.

Training and Preparation

CompTIA Learning and Training is a collection of comprehensive learning tools that support certifications such as CompTIA Network+. CompTIA has developed this portfolio of products, including books, eLearning, labs, and test prep software, in-house based on feedback from learners like you. These resources offer various methods to acquire the knowledge covered in the CompTIA Network+ test objectives.

The self-study book will teach you the skills needed to advance your career in IT infrastructure, such as diagnosing, configuring, and maintaining networks. It will fully prepare you for the CompTIA Network+ test by covering all the objectives and providing sample materials. To learn more, you can visit the Official CompTIA Network+ Study Guide website.

Another excellent way to get a sense of the expected questions is by downloading a collection of practice questions. However, these practice questions are not the same as the actual exam questions, and there are different question types to be aware of.

Classroom Instruction

For some individuals, self-study may not be an option, and classroom instruction may either be available or considered a superior method of learning. Many public academic institutions, such as colleges, as well as commercial academic institutions, such as professional training centers, offer CompTIA Network+ certification training.

The cost of classroom training varies depending on the options available and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. You can find information about classroom training in your area on the classroom training page. Additionally, CompTIA provides Classroom Training for Organizations to organizations seeking instructor-led training.

CompTIA Network+ Certification Is Available for Free or Almost Free

Special programs may be available to assist you in becoming trained and certified for free or at a significantly reduced cost, depending on your location and eligibility for sponsorships. These initiatives are often targeted towards one or more of the following demographics:

• Individuals who are unemployed or underemployed
• Displaced employees
• Military veterans
• Women and/or ethnic minorities

Free training programs of this nature are typically categorized into two groups: government-sponsored programs and nonprofit philanthropic programs.

Government-Sponsored IT Training

Federal funds are frequently allocated to cover the costs of government-sponsored IT training programs, which are promoted through your county’s workforce investment board or your local American Jobs Center.

Charitable Programs for Nonprofits

These programs are dispersed across the United States and may be more challenging to discover. Here are a few programs we are keeping an eye on (and if you come across any others, please let us know):

• Per Scholas: Locations in New York City, the metropolitan region of Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, OH, Columbus, OH, Atlanta, and Dallas.
• IT-Ready from Creating IT Futures: Locations in Minneapolis-St. Paul and other cities. For a list of current training venues accepting applications, please visit the location page.
• Stride Center: Located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Tech901: The only location is in Memphis.

Because these programs are designed to train students for entry-level IT employment (such as help desk and technical assistance), they generally reject candidates who already have such a job and are simply wanting to add a certification to their résumé. As you can expect, competition for such programs is frequently severe.

However, if you reside in one of the regions where free training is available and belong to a group that such programs are attempting to assist, it would be foolish not to apply.

Student Discounts Are Available

If you are a student in the United States with a valid student ID and a.edu email address, you are eligible for CompTIA’s student discounts. The CompTIA Academic Marketplace offers substantial discounts on certification vouchers and training materials. Students may currently purchase a CompTIA Network+ certification ticket for $150.

Should You Think About Network+?

Because computer networks are ubiquitous, it stands to reason that anyone in a technical position who interacts with a network or its resources would benefit from networking expertise. Working with or interacting with an organization’s network necessitates a variety of job categories.

The Network+ certification is definitely a useful one to have if you work in, or plan to work in, the following employment roles:

Manager of Information Systems — Plans and manages information technology projects for a company, organization, or department. Because many of these initiatives will be network-based, knowledge of networking and network protocols would be advantageous for this role.

Computer Support Specialist – Provide consumers with tier one or tier two technological solutions, such as software and hardware installation. With so many software, drivers, and other resources being saved on the network or in the cloud, knowledge of networking would be useful.

Help Desk Technician – Provide people with remote phone or online tier one or tier two technological assistance. These roles will most likely not be responsible for working on the network, but knowing networking will make workers in these positions more valuable and more likely to be promoted.

Network Administrator/Systems Administrator – Manage the systems and networks of an organization. Obviously, the CompTIA Network+ certification would be advantageous for these roles, but it would not be the only one required. Other credentials, such as the Cisco CCNA, should be considered by those in these jobs.

Computer Network Architect – Design and build a company’s network systems. These occupations, like network administrators, will benefit from Network+ but will most likely require additional certifications as well.

Penetration Tester – Evaluate a system’s security by simulating an authorized attack or hack on an organization’s technological systems or assets. While there are multiple specialist penetration testing certificates, they all require a thorough understanding of networking systems because this is part of what you’ll be evaluating. As a result, the CompTIA Network+ would be a good choice for penetration testers as well.

Careers That Do Not Require CompTIA Network+ Certification

While many cybersecurity-related occupations might benefit from earning the Network+, many technical ones are unlikely to require it. The majority of them are related to software development in some way. Let’s have a look at a few examples:

Computer Programmers – Construct and test computer code that will be used to create apps or other software solutions. Many computer programmers are not tasked with networking responsibilities, so the Network+ certification exam is unlikely to benefit them unless they are looking to move into management and that position would include oversight of that area.

Web Developers — Write and test code to construct web-based applications for the internet or intranet networks. Dedicated web development experts, like other programmers, usually just require a basic understanding of networking, if any at all. They would be better off spending their time mastering new web technologies.

Getting Ready For A Job In Networking?

We’ve made it simple to begin planning your networking career.

Begin by reading up on the four critical steps to certification.

Then, find out all you need to know about the CompTIA Network+ certification.

Finally, you may start learning right now by downloading the exam objectives and practice test questions.

CompTIA now provides a variety of test training alternatives for CompTIA Network+ to meet your specific learning style and timetable, several of which may be utilized in tandem while you prepare for your exam.

There’s a variety of material available to help you decide whether CompTIA Network+ is suited for you, all the way up to taking your test. We’ll be there for you every step of the way!

FAQs – CompTIA Network+ Exam Cost

Who should think about the CompTIA Network+ certification?

CompTIA has stated explicitly that existing or aspiring IT workers working in computer repair, helpdesk assistance, or networking will benefit from acquiring the Network+ certification.

How much does the CompTIA Network+ certification cost?

The CompTIA Network + exam cost $319; however, students who have and enroll with a .edu email address frequently qualify for a discount, and there are discounts available via many training locations and training materials.

What is the Network+’s DoD compliance?

The CompTIA Network+ certification is an 8570 IAT level 1 certification certified by the Department of Defense.

How much time does it take to study for the CompTIA Network+ exam?

IT workers with networking expertise may frequently study for around 60 days and be properly prepared to pass the Network+, however people without such background would require a lot more time to prepare.

How long does the CompTIA Network+ certification last?

The Network+ certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance and may be renewed with CEU credit or by recertifying with a higher-level certification, such as the Security+.

Where can I sit for the certification exams? 

CompTIA tests are available through Pearson Vue, which has authorized testing facilities all around the world. To find a testing location in your region, go to pearsonvue.com.

Final Word

The knowledge and skills necessary to competently build, administer, maintain, and troubleshoot any wired or wireless network are recognized by the CompTIA Network+ certification. is a non-vendor, non-product-specific certification program that demonstrates the wide range of skills required in modern network environments and attests to your knowledge as a networking professional.

The general configuration, management, and troubleshooting of wired and wireless network devices are covered in the CompTIA Network+ exam. Furthermore discussed are cutting-edge technologies like virtualization, cloud computing, mobile, and unified communications. Also, acquiring the CompTIA Network+ certification is typically the first step toward obtaining more advanced degrees.

We hope this article has educated you about the exam, particularly the CompTIA Network+ exam cost.