The CompTIA Network+ exam fee is $392 (retail, USD) for the current N10-009 version. That's the number most people search for — but it's rarely the number they actually spend. Depending on whether you self-study with a book, take a structured online course, or attend a live boot camp, total Network+ cost runs from roughly $150 on the low end to $1,800 or more. This guide breaks down every line item so you can budget realistically before you commit.
What Does the Network+ Exam Cost?
The exam is purchased directly through Pearson VUE, CompTIA's testing partner. The current retail price for N10-009 is $392 in the US. Prices vary by region — candidates in some countries pay a localized rate that can be 15-40% lower.
A few ways to reduce the exam fee:
- CompTIA Academic pricing: Students enrolled in participating institutions can access discounted vouchers, sometimes as low as $149.
- CertMaster bundles: CompTIA's own learning platform often bundles exam vouchers with study tools at a combined price that undercuts buying separately.
- Third-party voucher resellers: Sites like ExamVouchers.com or IT certmaster frequently offer 10-15% off retail. Verify they're authorized before purchasing.
- Employer reimbursement: Many IT departments, MSPs, and federal contractors reimburse certification exams — sometimes 100% — after you pass. Check your HR policy before paying out of pocket.
- Retake policy: If you fail, there's no mandatory waiting period for your first retake. Second retake requires a 14-day wait. Retakes cost the same as the original attempt ($392), so factoring in a potential retake is financially prudent.
Study Material Costs: The Bigger Variable in Your Network+ Budget
The exam fee is fixed. Study materials are where costs diverge dramatically based on your learning style and timeline.
Self-Study (Books + Free Resources): $30–$80
The classic approach: buy Mike Meyers' or Professor Messer's study guide, watch free YouTube content, grind practice exams on Quizlet or ExamCompass. Total spend is minimal. Professor Messer's Network+ course notes are free on his site; his video course and practice exams bundle for around $50. This works well for candidates who already work in IT and need to formalize knowledge they've picked up on the job.
Online Video Course Platforms: $15–$300
Platforms like Udemy, Pluralsight, and CBT Nuggets offer structured video courses. Udemy courses go on sale constantly and can be purchased for $15-25. CBT Nuggets runs $59/month on subscription. CompTIA's own CertMaster Learn is $219 standalone. These options suit candidates who prefer guided learning but can manage their own schedule.
CompTIA's Official Bundle (CertMaster Learn + Labs + Exam Voucher): ~$600–$900
CompTIA packages these as "All-in-One" bundles. You get video instruction, hands-on virtual labs, practice tests, and the exam voucher. It's more expensive but removes all the friction of assembling resources from multiple vendors. Worth considering if your employer is reimbursing and wants receipts from an official source.
Boot Camps: $1,200–$1,800+
Live instructor-led boot camps (New Horizons, Global Knowledge, Infosec Institute) compress preparation into 5-7 days. They're expensive but often include the exam voucher and a retake guarantee. Best suited for career changers who need to move fast and have training budget available.
Total Network+ Cost by Study Path
| Path | Study Materials | Exam Fee | Total (1 attempt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-study (book + free video) | $30–$80 | $392 | $422–$472 |
| Online course + practice tests | $50–$200 | $392 | $442–$592 |
| CompTIA official bundle | Included | Included | $600–$900 |
| Live boot camp | Included | Usually included | $1,200–$1,800+ |
Is the Network+ Cost Worth It?
The ROI question. Network+ certified professionals in the US typically earn in the range of $55,000–$75,000 for entry-level network technician and help desk roles, with higher ceilings in government contracting and managed services. The certification carries DoD 8570 approval, which means it qualifies holders for certain federal contractor and military IT positions — a meaningful differentiator over uncertified candidates in that market.
If you're coming in cold from a non-IT background, Network+ alone won't land a job. It's most effective when paired with CompTIA A+ (or equivalent hands-on experience), a home lab or virtual lab practice, and at least one applied role — even a helpdesk internship. Hiring managers in MSPs and system integrators use it as a baseline filter, not a differentiator. In cybersecurity, it's often the prereq before Security+ or CySA+.
The practical ceiling: experienced network engineers with CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent aren't listing Network+ on resumes. It's an entry-level credential, and pricing it accordingly is accurate — the under-$500 self-study path delivers the same credential as the $1,800 boot camp.
Top Courses to Build Networking Fundamentals
If you want to build real networking knowledge before (or alongside) exam prep, these courses cover the underlying concepts rather than just exam objectives:
The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
Google's foundational networking course on Coursera covers TCP/IP, DNS, network layers, and troubleshooting in a way that maps directly to Network+ objectives. Rated 9.7 and regularly updated — stronger conceptual grounding than most exam-specific prep books.
Networking in Google Cloud: Fundamentals
Goes beyond exam prep into how modern cloud networking actually works — VPCs, subnets, firewall rules, load balancing. Useful for candidates aiming at cloud-adjacent roles after certification. Rated 9.7.
Networking in Google Cloud: Routing and Addressing
Deep dive on routing protocols, IP addressing, and network design in a cloud context. Complements the N10-009 routing and switching objectives with practical, real-world application. Rated 9.7.
Google Cloud IAM and Networking for AWS Professionals
If you're coming from AWS or plan to work in hybrid cloud environments, this course connects IAM and networking concepts across platforms — skills increasingly tested in Network+ N10-009's cloud networking domain. Rated 9.7.
FAQ
How much does the Network+ exam cost in 2026?
The retail price for the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam is $392 USD through Pearson VUE. Discounted vouchers are available through academic programs, third-party resellers, and CompTIA bundles — often 10-20% below retail.
Does Network+ expire, and is there a renewal cost?
Yes. Network+ is valid for three years and must be renewed through CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program. Renewal costs $150 for a three-year extension, or you can retake the current exam to reset the clock. Alternatively, earning a higher-tier cert (Security+, CASP+) within the three-year window automatically renews Network+.
Can you take Network+ without CompTIA A+?
There's no formal prerequisite — CompTIA recommends A+ or 9-12 months of networking experience, but it's advisory only. You can register and sit for N10-009 without holding A+. That said, candidates with no prior IT background who skip A+ typically struggle more with the practical troubleshooting scenarios on the exam.
Is there a free way to study for Network+?
Professor Messer's website (professormesser.com) offers free video lectures that cover the full N10-009 objectives. ExamCompass and CompTIA's own sample questions provide free practice. You can realistically prepare for under $50 (book + practice test bundle) if you're willing to put in the time independently.
How many people fail Network+ on the first attempt?
CompTIA doesn't publish official pass rates. Anecdotal reports from test-center forums and Reddit's r/CompTIA suggest first-attempt pass rates of roughly 70-80% for candidates who studied with practice exams. Candidates who only watched videos without drilling practice questions report lower pass rates — the exam emphasizes scenario-based troubleshooting, not just definition recall.
Does the Network+ cost differ outside the US?
Yes. CompTIA uses regional pricing. Candidates in the UK, EU, Australia, and other markets often pay a localized rate set in local currency. In some emerging markets, the fee is substantially lower. Check Pearson VUE's site for your country's current rate when budgeting.
Bottom Line
Budget $450–$600 for a realistic first-pass attempt: the $392 exam fee plus a reputable online course or book/practice-exam combo. If you need to move quickly (career change, job requirement deadline), a boot camp at $1,200–$1,800 is a defensible spend. If you have 3-4 months and self-discipline, the Professor Messer free course plus a $50 practice exam bundle gets you the same certification for a fraction of the cost.
The credential itself is solid for entry-level roles, particularly in federal contracting, MSPs, and as a stepping stone to Security+. Just don't treat the cost as the only variable — passing on the first attempt saves you another $392, so investing $100-150 in quality practice exams is almost always worth it.