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CompTIA Network+ Study Guides
Contents
Overview Of The CompTIA Network+ Exam
The CompTIA Network+ is a top tier IT certification that tells current or prospective employers that you’ve got what it takes. The certification comes from the same group that brings you the A+ and Security+ certs. If you’re studying for these as well, checkout our handy A+ Study Guide and Security+ Study Guide reviews. It signifies an excellent grasp of Network design and implementation, troubleshooting, configuration and maintenance fundamentals.
We’ll cover the Network+ exam (N10-007) in detail, and give you our picks for the best CompTIA Network+ study guides, review guides, and practice tests to ensure your test prep success! The details are below, but if you just can’t wait, here’s the short list:
Network+ Exam Details
The ComptTIA Network+ Exam (N10-007) covers current networking technologies across a broad range of topics.
The exam is currently priced at $329, and is recommended for people with 9+ months of networking experience.
The CompTIA Network+ covers networking topics, including security, infrastructure (cabling, devices, and storage), Operations and troubleshooting, and common tools.
The exam is 90 minutes in length, and includes multiple choice (single and multiple response), drag and drop, and performance-based questions.
You’ll also be required to show proficiency in troubleshooting concepts, and best practices in change management, documentation, and scripting.
Scoring
The CompTIA is administered by Pearson VUE, and your results will be calculated on completion of each exam automatically. It’s scored on a scale of 100-900, and a passing score is 720.
Best CompTIA Network+ Study Guides
The Official CompTIA Network+ Study Guide
Pros: Complete and comprehensive review of all exam topics, direct from CompTIA.
Cons: None of note.
Our Rating: 5.0 / 5
The Official CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide is our overall top pick for people studying for the Network+ Exam. As the name suggests, this is the official guide from the certification org, which means the material is the most reflective of what they expect you to know in order to pass the exams. All topics, including OSI Model, TCP/IP, security, access controls and more!
The full list of features include:
- A complete look at all topics covered in the CompTIA Network+ Exam.
- Representative practice questions and tests so you know what to expect on test day.
- A strong, logical layout of material that’s easy to digest.
With incredibly strong content and essentially nothing in the negative column, this book is an easy recommendation for Network+ test prep. If this is your first time taking the exam (as opposed to a recertification), we strongly advise picking up this book. It’s great as a stand-alone resource, or to compliment other materials. Either way, we’re sure you’ll love the results.
CompTIA Network+ Deluxe Study Guide
Pros: Fantastic online resources, including practice tests and electronic flashcards.
Cons: Organization isn't as strong as it could be.
Our Rating: 4.5 / 5
The CompTIA Network+ Deluxe Study Guide is our runner up pick, thanks in large part to excellent online supplemental material. The book itself is a comprehensive overview of critical test topics, and contains representative practice questions.
The full list of features include:
- Detailed test-taking strategies and rationale for all practice questions.
- Offers invaluable insights and tips drawn from real-world experience.
- 6 custom practice exams
- 300 electronic flashcards
- Searchable key term glossary
- Access to the Sybex online test bank, including hundreds of sample questions, a pre-assessment test, bonus practice exams, and over 300 electronic flashcards
While it didn’t take the top spot, You’d still do well to consider this guide. It’s a great compliment to the offical study guide that we mentioned as our top pick, and it’s more abbreviated format makes it a perfect way to cram before your test!
CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide
Pros: A great condensed overview that's great for last minute prep.
Cons: Not as comprehensive as other resources on this list.
Our Rating: 4.5 / 5
If you’re short on time and need an accelerated review, or just going for recertification and want to brush up on a few topics, CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide is a great pick for your specific needs. There’s a special focus paid to the most critical topics, with all of the fluff and extras cut out.
Features include:
- Contains complete coverage of every objective for the CompTIA Network+ Certification exam.
- Electronic content includes the Total Tester exam simulator with over 100 practice questions.
- Over an hour of training videos, and a collection of Mike Meyers’ favorite shareware and freeware networking utilities
It might not be enough to pass the exam if you aren’t already a seasoned Networking professional. If you are, or this is supplementing some of the more in-depth guides, then this is a good choice. By restricting its focus to just the relevant topics, it can’t be beat!
CompTIA Network+ Exam Cram
Pros: Another abbreviated review for both exams that still manages to touch all topics.
Cons: Not as comprehensive as the more expensive study systems above.
Our Rating: 4.5 / 5
The CompTIA Network+ Exam Cram is another good option for abbreviated review. The name says it all, if you’re looking for a little last minute cramming, this is what you need! Through a narrowly tailored focus, this book helps you drill down on topics where you need the most help in the days leading up to the test.
Features include:
- The companion website contains the powerful Pearson Test Prep practice test software, complete with hundreds of exam-realistic questions.
- Coverage and practice questions for every exam topic, including substantial new coverage of security, cloud networking, IPv6, and wireless technologies.
- Well organized test-preparation routine through the use of proven series elements and techniques.
As with the book above, we don’t recommend this as your only guide unless it’s a recertification or you’re already a pro. That said, the narrow focus can be a great help in the final days, since it can be easier to review the more condensed material.
Wrapping Up
For IT Professionals, the Network+ Certifications is a great way to signal to current and prospective employers that you can design, deploy, operate and maintain networks. It’s one of the few vendor agnostic certifications that has the same notoriety as counterparts like the CCNA.
Study manuals, flashcards, and practice tests are a huge help to many people, and if you’ve read this far you’re probably one of them.
We’ve rounded up the top Network+ study guides and presented them above.
Our top pick for most people is The Official CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide. It’s the most comprehensive and accurate guide on our list, produced by CompTIA, and is the single best resource available.
For those shorter on time, or just needing a quick review, the Exam Cram book is a safe bet for touching on all the most critical aspects.
Whatever your circumstance, supplemental study and review materials are a key part of ensuring success. We’ve listed some of the best books available. Good luck, and study hard!