Exam Profile: CompTIA Network+ N10-006

Date: Apr 29, 2015

When you're working toward CompTIA Network+ certification, there is no such thing as being too prepared. Keith Barker, co-author of CompTIA Network+ N10-006 Cert Guide, discusses how to get ready for exam day. Which topics require the most focus? What are the test questions like? This profile provides the details you need, including suggestions on books to read and how to practice for the test.

CompTIA's Network+ certification is an entry-level certification for information technology (IT) professionals. Unlike many vendor-specific certifications in the IT industry, such as Cisco Systems' Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification intended to verify that a candidate has the knowledge and skills to troubleshoot, configure, and manage common network devices. This exam profile provides a sense of what to expect on the N10-006 exam, along with preparation strategies.

Exam Details

Number of questions: CompTIA states that the Network+ exam contains 78–85 questions.
Type(s) of questions: A handful of simulations, some interactive questions based on scenarios, but mostly multiple-choice questions. Some of the questions are based on exhibits; for example, showing the output of a command involving an interface on a network device. You should be prepared to perform calculations such as those used by IPv4 subnetting. The exam tests whether candidates are able to use their knowledge and apply critical thinking skills to arrive at a correct or best solution.
Passing score: CompTIA requires that you score a 720 on the Network+ exam, on a scale of 100–900.
Time limit: You have 90 minutes to complete the Network+ exam.
How to register: Registration for the Network+ exam can be done through Pearson VUE.

Trouble Spots

The primary trouble spot for many Network+ exam candidates is using critical thinking in combination with their knowledge to answer a scenario-based question or correctly complete a simulation. An example would be a troubleshooting scenario in which the clients are unable to reach a network resource, and the candidate needs to identify why. A single question like this requires knowledge of networking, IP addressing, host configuration, and a working troubleshooting methodology. Another challenge is that, instead of focusing on only a single technology (such as routing, switching, wireless networking, or security), the Network+ exam requires you to know the fundamentals of many different technologies, and be able to apply that knowledge. Many of the questions integrate multiple technologies into a single question.

CompTIA has based the exam on five areas, referred to as domains. The following table lists those domains and the percentage of exam questions in each domain.

Domain	Exam Percentage
Network Architecture	22%
Network Operations	20%
Network Security	18%
Troubleshooting	24%
Industry Standards, Practices, and Network Theory	16%

One of the biggest differences between the current N10-006 version of the exam and the previous version of the exam, N10-005, is the increased focus on scenario-based situations and troubleshooting. The N10-006 exam devotes 24% of the exam to troubleshooting, and troubleshooting well requires a solid understanding of the technologies being used and how they interoperate.

Performing the binary math calculations required to subnet an IP network is another area where many test takers struggle. For example, you should be able to divide a given IP network into a certain number of subnets to support a certain number of hosts, and be able to identify the usable IP address range in each of the subnets, along with the new masks for each subnet.

Preparation Hints

Since the Network+ exam covers a wide spectrum of networking topics on its blueprint, you should have a CompTIA Approved book that targets the N10-006 exam. CompTIA's approval ensures that the book covers all topics on the exam blueprint.

Alternately, if you have a training budget, you might prefer to take a class, in which you can interact with your instructor and follow other students, ask questions, and get hands-on experience with the equipment you are studying.

Hands-on experience can also assist you in preparing for the exam. Use a couple of old PCs (one running Microsoft Windows® 7 or 8, and the other running a free Linux distribution of your choice), an older (less expensive) Cisco Ethernet switch, and a home wireless router to build a practice network topology. Practice Windows® and Linux commands and become comfortable configuring network options (for example, configuring a static IP address, default gateway, and DNS), and troubleshoot any issues you encounter as you build and work with your home lab. A small wireless router would also allow you to practice with the frequencies, security, 802.11 protocols, and other settings that will assist you in being ready for the exam.

To prepare for the subnet questions you might face, you can make up your own questions. For example, the company in the topology in Figure 1 wants to use the address space of 10.1.2.0/24 for its three sites.

Figure 1 Sample topology, with LAN and WAN connections.

You could make up questions such as “What subnet mask could be used to create four new subnets?” or “What mask would support 16 hosts?” Then you could use a free subnet calculator from the Internet to check your answers.

Recommended Study Resources

CompTIA Network+ N10-006 Cert Guide by Keith Barker and Kevin Wallace. This is an excellent resource from Pearson IT Certification and is CompTIA Approved. The book covers all of the exam objectives, including the following:

Computer network fundamentals
The OSI model and TCP/IP stack
Media types, infrastructure components, and network devices
Ethernet technology
IPv4 and IPv6 addresses
Routing IP traffic with dynamic routing protocols
DNAT, SNAT, and PAT
Multicast routing
Wide Area Networks (WANs)
Wireless LANs
Network optimization and QoS
Windows and UNIX command-line tools for network administration and troubleshooting
Network security
Troubleshooting common Layer 2, Layer 3, and wireless networking issues

The book also includes the following features:

Pearson IT Certification Practice Test software
Performance-based practice question exercises
CompTIA Network+ Simulator Lite software
More than 60 minutes of video mentoring
Study plan suggestions and templates to help you organize and optimize your study time
A 10% exam discount voucher

A Deluxe Edition is also available, which includes the book in electronic format as well as additional interactive exercises and practice exams.

CompTIA Network+ N10-006 Flash Cards and Exam Practice Pack by Anthony Sequeira. This great supplemental tool will assist you in confirming that you understand (and remember) the technology before taking the exam.

CompTIA Network+ N10-006 Complete Video Course by Kevin Wallace. This comprehensive training course brings CompTIA Network+ exam topics to life through the use of real-world demonstrations, animations, live instruction, and configurations. Wallace makes learning these foundational networking topics easy and fun. There are 220+ videos, providing more than 10 hours of instruction. The outline for this course includes:

Part I: Fundamental Networking Concepts
- Module 1: Protocol Reference Models
- Module 2: Network Devices and Theory
- Module 3: Network Topologies
- Module 4: Network Services
- Module 5: WAN Technologies
- Module 6: Network Cables and Connectors
- Module 7: Network Design
Part II: LAN Technologies
- Module 8: Switch Configuration
- Module 9: Wireless LAN Configuration
Part III: Network Addressing and Routing
- Module 10: Network Addressing
- Module 11: Routing Fundamentals

Where to Go from Here

Evaluate your readiness for the Network+ exam. Specifically, CompTIA recommends that an exam candidate have 9–12 months of work experience with networking technologies. If you have that experience, picking up the concepts presented in study materials and classes will be much easier.

Although CompTIA does not require the A+ certification as a prerequisite for the Network+ certification, they recommend you have an equivalent level of knowledge. Therefore, if you are just entering the world of IT and have not yet worked with computers (such as operating systems, PC hardware, and troubleshooting), you might want to pursue A+ certification prior to working toward Network+ certification.

After attaining your Network+ certification, your next step could be to focus on a specific technology or vendor. Many people choose Cisco Systems' entry-level Routing and Switching certification of CCENT or CCNA. You also may want to consider the CompTIA Security+ certification, which is another vendor-neutral certification, focused on security. The great news is that the foundation you have established with Network+ will serve you well, regardless of which technology or vendor you choose as you continue your studies and training.