Network+ sits in an awkward position in most certification conversations. It’s not as beginner-accessible as A+ and not as strategically important as Security+, which means it often gets skipped by people who are moving fast toward cybersecurity. That’s a mistake for a specific subset of candidates — and a perfectly reasonable decision for others. Here’s how to know which side you’re on.
What Network+ actually covers
The N10-009 version covers network infrastructure and topology, IP addressing and subnetting, routing and switching, wireless networking, cloud and virtualization networking basics, and network security fundamentals. It’s vendor-neutral — you’re learning how networks function conceptually, not how to configure a Cisco or Juniper device specifically.
The exam is 90 minutes, up to 90 questions, passing score 720 out of 900. Most candidates with a focused study plan prepare in three to five months part-time.
Who should get it
Network+ makes the most sense if your target roles involve networking — network administrator, systems administrator, network support technician, or the IT generalist roles at MSPs where you’re expected to handle everything. It also makes Security+ content significantly easier to absorb, because about a third of Security+ assumes you already understand the networking concepts that Network+ covers explicitly.
It also carries weight for DoD and government IT roles. Network+ satisfies DoD 8570 at the IAT Level I, which is below Security+ but still meaningful in the government contractor ecosystem concentrated in San Antonio.
Who can reasonably skip it
If you already have solid networking knowledge from prior IT experience or military service, Network+ doesn’t add much over A+ plus Security+ for most Texas cybersecurity job targets. The Security+ study process will fill most of the gaps. And if your specific goal is cloud computing, the AWS or Azure fundamental certifications are more directly relevant than Network+ for roles at tech companies in Austin.
Network+ is worth the three to five months if networking is your target specialization, or if the Security+ content is hitting you as too abstract without a networking foundation beneath it. If neither applies, A+ to Security+ is a defensible skip.
The Texas salary difference
CompTIA A+ holders in IT support: $38,000–$52,000 starting salary in Texas. Network+ holders in networking-focused roles: $45,000–$65,000. A+ plus Network+ combined, with some experience: $55,000–$75,000. The jump is real, but Security+ on top of A+ produces comparable or better salary outcomes for cybersecurity targets. The question is which specialization you’re building toward — and in Texas in 2026, both have strong markets.
Network+ training and exam costs are covered through the Infotech Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Program for eligible Texas residents, same as A+ and Security+. If you’re going through the PAP, you can discuss with your program advisor whether Network+ fits your track before committing to the exam timeline.