CompTIA Network+ 4-Week Study Plan (N10-009)
The CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) examination features up to 90 scored scenario questions and performance-based questions (PBQs), with a 90-minute time limit and a 720/900 scaled passing score (~77.5%). Follow this structured 4-week roadmap to allocate your study hours, pace your test session at 1.00 minute per multiple-choice question, and execute the essential Pearson VUE first-5-minute dry-erase dump sheet.
N10-009 Examination Blueprint Weightings
Networking Fundamentals
OSI & TCP/IP layers, IPv4 subnetting mathematics, IPv6 prefix architecture, standard TCP/UDP ports, topologies, and cabling.
Network Implementations
Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), switching technologies (VLANs, 802.1Q trunking, STP), and wireless implementations (802.11 standards).
Network Operations
Organizational processes, monitoring protocols (SNMP, Syslog, NetFlow), high availability, and business continuity.
Network Security
Authentication (802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+), network hardening, physical security, and defense against common threats.
Network Troubleshooting
CompTIA 7-step troubleshooting methodology, hardware diagnostic tools (OTDR, tone probe), and CLI diagnostic utilities.
⚡ The Pearson VUE First-5-Minute Dry-Erase Dump Sheet
When seated at the testing facility, before starting Question 1, spend 3 to 4 minutes transcribing these essential mathematical powers and troubleshooting orders onto your provided dry-erase laminated booklet:
1. Subnetting Powers of 2 & CIDR Mask Table
/25 = 255.255.255.128 (128 hosts, 126 usable)
/26 = 255.255.255.192 (64 hosts, 62 usable)
/27 = 255.255.255.224 (32 hosts, 30 usable)
/28 = 255.255.255.240 (16 hosts, 14 usable)
/29 = 255.255.255.248 (8 hosts, 6 usable)
/30 = 255.255.255.252 (4 hosts, 2 usable - P2P)
Magic Number = 256 - Subnet Octet Value
2. CompTIA 7-Step Troubleshooting Mnemonic
2. Theory (probable cause, question obvious)
3. Test (confirm theory or re-establish)
4. Plan (plan of action, assess impact)
5. Implement (execute fix or escalate)
6. Verify (full functionality, prevent recurrence)
7. Document (findings, actions, outcomes)
4-Week Structured Study Schedule
Domain 1.0: OSI Model, Subnetting Drills, Ports & Media
Complete Chapter 1 lessons (1.1 through 1.5). Practice manual IPv4 subnet calculations until you can determine the network address, broadcast address, and valid host range for any /25 through /30 prefix within 30 seconds. Memorize standard service ports: 20/21 (FTP), 22 (SSH), 23 (Telnet), 25 (SMTP), 53 (DNS), 67/68 (DHCP), 69 (TFTP), 80 (HTTP), 110 (POP3), 123 (NTP), 143 (IMAP), 161/162 (SNMP), 443 (HTTPS), 514 (Syslog), and 3389 (RDP).
Domains 2.0 & 3.0: Routing, Switching, Wireless & Operations
Work through Chapters 2 and 3 (lessons 2.1 through 3.4). Deep dive into Layer 2 switching concepts: 802.1Q trunking, VLAN tag stripping, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) root bridge elections, PortFast, and BPDU Guard. Study dynamic routing: link-state (OSPF) vs distance-vector vs path-vector (BGP). Review wireless standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) and frequency bands.
Domain 4.0: Authentication, Network Hardening & Threat Defense
Master Chapter 4 (lessons 4.1 through 4.5). Drill authentication mechanisms: 802.1X Port-Based Network Access Control, EAP methods (EAP-TLS mutual certificates vs PEAP user credentials), RADIUS vs TACACS+. Study perimeter defenses: stateless vs stateful firewalls, IDS vs IPS (inline placement), and physical defense controls.
Domain 5.0: Troubleshooting Methodology & 90-Question Timed Mocks
Complete Chapter 5 (lessons 5.1 through 5.5). Memorize the CompTIA 7-step troubleshooting order. Practice hardware diagnostic tools (cable tester, tone generator, OTDR, optical power meter). Take the full 90-question timed practice exam under strict 90-minute conditions, targeting an 85%+ benchmark to ensure a comfortable buffer above the 720 passing threshold.