CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam
The current version of the CompTIA Network+ exam (based on the 2011 objectives and coded N10-005) was released on December 1, 2011.
Network+ N10-005 exam covers five domains: network concepts (21%), network installation and configuration (23%), network media and topologies (17%), network management (20%), and network security (19%). Previous release of the exam (based on the 2009 objectives and coded N10-004) retired on August 31, 2012.
Network+ Exam Details
The actual Network+ certification exam is one computer-based, multiple choice test consisting of 100 questions. In addition to the regular multiple choice questions, the new releases of CompTIA certification exams include the so-called performance-based questions requiring test takers to perform tasks / solve problems in a simulated IT environment.
N10-005 exam has a time limit of 90 minutes and a minimum passing score of 720 on a scale 100 - 900. Exam results are available immediately after completing the test. Some of the questions that are on the exam are not taken into account while calculating the final score and they might be out of the scope of the exam objectives. These types of questions are used by CompTIA for psychometric testing to check the possibility of their later inclusion in the future versions of the exam (although this hasn't been officially confirmed).
Network+ bridge exams and lifetime certification scheme retired on December 31, 2010 and are no longer available. The educational version of the N10-005 exam is coded JK0-019. The JK0-019 exam is available exclusively for the CompTIA Authorized Partner Program (CAPP) Academy training partners and their students.
The JK0-019 release of the exam is identical in all aspects, except for the exam code and the fact it can be accessed by using discounted E2C vouchers provided by the CompTIA authorized training partner. Starting from July 9, 2012, CompTIA exams are available only through Pearson VUE testing centers. Exams can be booked online through the Pearson VUE website, by phone, or directly at the testing center.
Network+ certification is recognized by Microsoft as part of their MCSA program. Novell, Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks. Department of Defense (DoD) approves CompTIA Network+ to fulfill certification requirements for Technical Level 1 positions.
Exam Retake Policy
There is no wait period between the first failed attempt and second attempt, but in case of failing at the second attempt, there is a mandatory wait period of at least 14 days between each consecutive attempt after the second failed attempt. Each exam requires a separate fee.
Certificate Renewal Policy
Starting from 2011, A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications get the +ce (Continuing Education) suffix. This is because of changes in the certificate renewal policies introduced by CompTIA. New certifications (with the +ce suffix) must be renewed every three years, as opposed to the old (lifetime) certifications available till the end of 2010. Expired certificates can be renewed either by taking the newer version of the same exam again or by fulfilling units from the Continuing Education program.
Resources
Free Online Network+ Practice Exam
CompTIA Network+ PDF / N10-005 exam domains
Network+ Exam Cost Pricing List
CompTIA Authorized Training Providers
Pearson VUE Website
Sample Network+ Questions Published By CompTIA