The CompTIA Network+ cert has a 90% exam pass rate among candidates who use structured prep — but only about 60% of first-time test-takers pass without it. That gap is exactly what Dion Training's Network+ course is built to close.
If you've searched for Network+ cert prep, Jason Dion's name comes up constantly. His courses dominate Udemy bestseller lists and have tens of thousands of reviews. This article breaks down what you actually get, who benefits most, and whether it's the right pick for your situation.
What Is the Network+ Cert and Why Does It Matter?
The CompTIA Network+ cert (currently exam code N10-009) is a vendor-neutral certification that validates core networking skills: configuring networks, troubleshooting connectivity issues, understanding network security, and managing infrastructure. It's typically pursued after the A+ cert and before Security+, sitting squarely in the entry-to-mid-level IT tier.
Employers treat the Network+ cert as a hiring filter for roles including:
- Network support technician
- Help desk analyst (tier 2+)
- Junior network administrator
- Field service technician
- Systems administrator
Average starting salary for Network+-certified professionals in the US hovers around $55,000–$68,000, with experienced holders often clearing $80,000+ in network administration roles. The cert doesn't expire on its own timeline — it's valid for three years and renewable via continuing education or higher-level exams.
Dion Training Network+ Course: What You Get
Jason Dion's CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Full Course is the most widely used third-party prep resource for this cert. At $129 on Udemy (frequently discounted to $15–$20), it includes:
- 20+ hours of on-demand video instruction
- Full practice exam simulations
- Performance-based question (PBQ) practice
- Downloadable study guides
- Lifetime access with free updates as exam objectives change
Curriculum Breakdown
The course maps directly to the five N10-009 exam domains:
- Networking Concepts (20%) — OSI model, IP addressing, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, routing protocols
- Infrastructure (20%) — Physical hardware, cabling, switches, routers, wireless standards
- Network Operations (15%) — Monitoring, documentation, policies, high availability
- Network Security (20%) — Firewalls, VPNs, access control, threat types
- Network Troubleshooting (25%) — Methodology, tools like Wireshark and ping, real-world scenarios
The troubleshooting domain — worth a full quarter of your exam score — is where Dion's course stands out. Most competitors gloss over PBQs (the drag-and-drop and simulation questions that trip up first-timers). Dion dedicates specific modules to these question types.
Instructor Quality
Jason Dion is a former military network and cybersecurity professional with over 15 years in IT education. His teaching style is methodical without being dry — he uses memory techniques (like acronyms for OSI layers) and real troubleshooting scenarios rather than purely abstract definitions. For visual learners, the whiteboard-style diagrams throughout the course are particularly helpful for concepts like subnetting and VLAN configuration.
What the Course Doesn't Cover
This is exam prep, not hands-on lab training. If you want to actually configure Cisco gear or work in a Packet Tracer environment, you'll need to supplement with lab practice. The course is theory-and-exam-strategy heavy by design — which is appropriate for the Network+ cert (it's not a CLI-heavy exam like CCNA), but worth knowing upfront.
Network+ Cert Exam: Key Facts
Before investing in any prep course, know what you're signing up for:
- Exam cost: $358 USD (CompTIA vouchers often discounted through Dion's site or employer reimbursement)
- Question format: Up to 90 questions — multiple choice and performance-based
- Time limit: 90 minutes
- Passing score: 720 out of 900
- Recommended experience: 9–12 months of networking or help desk experience (or A+ cert equivalent)
The N10-009 version launched in 2024 with increased emphasis on cloud networking, network automation, and zero-trust security concepts — all reflected in Dion's updated course materials.
Top Courses to Supplement Your Network+ Cert Prep
Dion's course is strong for exam strategy, but pairing it with foundational networking courses helps solidify the underlying concepts — especially if you're newer to IT.
Fundamentals of Network Communication (Coursera)
This university-level course covers the theoretical backbone of networking — packet switching, protocols, network layers — without the exam-prep framing. It's ideal for candidates who want to deeply understand why networking works the way it does, not just memorize exam answers.
Networking in Google Cloud: Fundamentals (Coursera)
The N10-009 exam added cloud networking content, and this Google Cloud course covers virtual networks, load balancing, and cloud connectivity concepts that align with those new objectives. Useful for candidates who have limited cloud exposure.
Dion Network+ vs. Other Prep Options
The main alternatives to Dion's course for Network+ cert prep:
- Professor Messer (free): Excellent free video series, updated for N10-009. Less comprehensive than Dion for PBQ practice but $0 cost. Best used alongside Dion, not instead of it.
- Mike Meyers (CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide): The standard textbook. More detailed than any video course but requires more time investment. Best for readers over visual learners.
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn: Official prep from CompTIA. Expensive (~$299+) and generally rated lower than Dion for exam effectiveness in community discussions on r/CompTIA.
- Udemy alternatives (Mike Meyers, Total Seminars): Comparable price, slightly different teaching style. Dion consistently scores higher in practice exam quality per community consensus.
If you're on a budget: Professor Messer (free) + Dion's course when it's on sale ($15–20) is the most cost-effective combination for passing on the first attempt.
FAQ: Network+ Cert
How hard is the Network+ cert exam?
Moderately difficult for candidates with no networking background; manageable with 6–8 weeks of consistent study for those with some IT experience. The performance-based questions (PBQs) are where most first-timers lose points — Dion's course specifically addresses these.
How long does it take to prepare for the Network+ cert?
Most candidates study for 6–12 weeks, averaging 1–2 hours per day. If you already work in IT support, you may need less time. If you're starting from scratch, budget closer to 3 months.
Is the Network+ cert worth it in 2026?
Yes, for entry and mid-level IT roles. It remains one of the most recognized vendor-neutral credentials for networking. For senior networking roles, CCNA or AWS Networking Specialty will carry more weight — but Network+ is a proven on-ramp to those paths.
Does the Network+ cert expire?
Yes — it's valid for three years. You can renew by earning CEUs (continuing education units), passing a higher-level CompTIA exam (like Security+ or CASP+), or retaking the exam.
Is Dion Training's Network+ course updated for N10-009?
Yes. Jason Dion updated the course when CompTIA released the N10-009 objectives in 2024. Always check the "Last updated" date on Udemy before purchasing to confirm you're getting the current version.
Can I pass Network+ with just the Dion course?
Many candidates do. Community consensus on r/CompTIA and TechExams.net suggests Dion's course plus one additional practice exam resource (like Boson ExSim or Jason's own practice tests sold separately) is the most reliable pass combination. Don't skip practice exams — the question format matters as much as the content.
Bottom Line
If you're pursuing the Network+ cert and want the highest-rated self-paced prep course available, Dion Training's N10-009 course is the clear starting point. At its regular sale price of $15–20, it's low-risk. At $129 full price, it's still cheaper than a CompTIA practice exam voucher and significantly cheaper than bootcamp alternatives.
The course won't replace hands-on lab experience if you're going for CCNA or beyond, but for passing the Network+ cert — which is the goal — it's purpose-built and consistently effective. Pair it with Professor Messer's free videos for exam-day confidence, and budget for at least one full-length practice exam before your test date.
Recommended path: Dion Network+ course → Professor Messer review → Boson or Dion practice exams → schedule exam 1–2 weeks out.