The CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-009) covers a broader and deeper set of networking concepts than A+ — subnetting, routing protocols, network security, cloud networking, and more. The study materials that work for A+ aren't always sufficient here. This page covers the three resources I'd recommend, based on what Network+ candidates consistently report getting them across the finish line.
Network+ assumes you already understand networking fundamentals. Where A+ asks "what is a subnet mask?", Network+ asks you to calculate subnets, identify the correct CIDR notation, and troubleshoot routing issues. The exam is widely considered noticeably harder than A+ — but it's also more respected by hiring managers for networking and infrastructure roles.
If you haven't passed A+ yet, consider starting there. If you have, the networking content on this site is a solid foundation to build from before diving into Network+ study materials.
Quick Comparison
| Resource | Best For | Format | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lammle & Buhagiar Sybex Guide | Comprehensive | Book + exam coupon | ~$40–50 | ⭐ Top Pick |
| Dion Training Practice Exams | Exam Ready | Online practice tests | ~$30–40 | Best for test prep |
| Professor Messer | Budget | Free video course | Free | Best free option |
CompTIA Network+ Study Guide: Exam N10-009
by Todd Lammle & Jon Buhagiar · Sybex Study Guide Series · Covers current N10-009 exam
Todd Lammle has been writing networking certification guides for decades and is one of the most respected names in the space. This Sybex edition covers the full N10-009 exam objectives in a structured format that's thorough without being overwhelming. It's the guide I'd hand to someone who has A+ and is ready to go deeper — and it comes with a practical bonus that directly saves money on exam day.
- Covers the full CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam objectives
- Written by Todd Lammle — one of the most recognized names in networking certification prep
- Includes a coupon for 10% off the Network+ exam voucher (~$37 savings)
- Part of the trusted Sybex Study Guide series used across multiple IT certifications
- Covers subnetting, routing protocols, network security, cloud networking, and troubleshooting
- Includes review questions at the end of each chapter and practice exam access
- Comprehensive N10-009 coverage
- Exam voucher coupon offsets cost
- Lammle is a trusted, proven author
- Chapter review questions reinforce learning
- Dense — Network+ material is inherently technical
- Best paired with separate practice exams for full readiness
Dion Training Network+ Practice Exams
by Jason Dion · The most exam-realistic practice tests available for Network+
Jason Dion's practice exams are as useful for Network+ as they are for A+ — arguably more so, because Network+ scenario questions are more complex and the gap between "knowing the material" and "passing the exam" is wider. His questions mirror the real exam's wording and difficulty closely, and the detailed answer explanations are worth as much as the questions themselves for understanding why wrong answers are wrong.
- Question style and difficulty closely mirrors the real N10-009 exam
- Covers all Network+ domains — networking concepts, infrastructure, security, troubleshooting
- Detailed explanations for every answer, including why distractors are wrong
- Performance tracking shows your weakest domains so you can focus study time
- Consistently recommended by Network+ passers on r/CompTIA
For Network+, don't wait until you feel "ready" to start practice tests — take one early to see where your gaps are. The exam has a heavy troubleshooting component that's hard to learn from a book alone. Practice exams surface those gaps faster than re-reading chapters.
Professor Messer Free Network+ Course
by Professor Messer · Complete free video course covering all N10-009 objectives
Professor Messer's free Network+ course is one of the most widely used free resources in the certification community. The videos are well-structured, updated for the current exam version, and cover the full N10-009 objectives. For a topic as visual as networking — routing diagrams, protocol flows, network topologies — video often explains things more clearly than text. If budget is tight, this is the place to start.
- 100% free — no credit card, no subscription
- Covers all N10-009 exam objectives in organized, digestible videos
- Updated for the current Network+ exam version
- Visual format is well-suited to networking concepts like routing and subnetting
- Study notes available separately if you want printable summaries to review
Which Should You Use?
The Winning Combination
For most Network+ candidates, the fastest path to passing looks like this:
Don't book your exam until you're consistently hitting 80%+ on practice tests. Network+ rewards preparation — the retake fee alone makes thorough prep worthwhile.
Brush Up on Core Concepts
These free guides cover the networking fundamentals that Network+ builds directly on: