CertPath
Browse Certs
CompTIAN10-009

CompTIA Network+ in Paris

Foundational networking certification covering infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting.

Salary uplift
+$6k
Exam cost
$358
Duration
90 min
Passing score
720
Difficulty
beginner
View recommended courses
◆ 01 / About

What is CompTIA Network+?

CompTIA Network+ (exam code N10-009) is a vendor-neutral certification that validates core networking skills including infrastructure, security, troubleshooting, and network operations. It's widely recognized by employers across Europe and is one of the most respected entry-level networking credentials globally. In Paris, where the tech sector is expanding rapidly across La Défense and beyond, Network+ is increasingly appearing as a baseline requirement in IT job postings. Whether you're moving up from a helpdesk role or transitioning into network administration, this certification signals to Paris-based employers that you can hit the ground running with real, job-ready networking knowledge.

With an average IT salary of around $72,000/yr in Paris, adding CompTIA Network+ to your résumé can push your earnings closer to $78,000/yr — a $6,000 annual gain against a one-time exam cost of $358. The payback period is under a month of salary difference. Paris has a dense concentration of multinational corporations, cloud service providers, and managed service companies, all of which actively seek Network+-certified candidates. The certification also renews every three years, keeping your skills current in a market that moves fast. For anyone already holding CompTIA A+ or with 9–12 months of hands-on networking experience, this is one of the highest-ROI moves available at the beginner level.

◆ 02 / Exam details

Exam details

Exam cost
$358 USD
Duration
90 min
Passing score
720
Renewal
Every 3 yrs

Prerequisites: CompTIA A+ or 9-12 months networking experience recommended

◆ 03 / Study plan

12-week study plan

1
Networking Fundamentals and the OSI ModelWeeks 1–4
Master the OSI and TCP/IP models — know every layer, its protocols, and what can go wrong at eachStudy IP addressing, subnetting (IPv4 and IPv6), and practice subnetting calculations daily until they're automaticLearn core network topologies, cable types, connectors, and physical media covered in the N10-009 objectives
2
Network Infrastructure, Protocols, and ServicesWeeks 5–8
Deep-dive into switching concepts: VLANs, STP, link aggregation, and port security configurationsStudy routing protocols (static, OSPF, BGP basics), NAT, and how DNS, DHCP, and NTP operate in enterprise environmentsWork through wireless networking standards (Wi-Fi 6, 802.11 protocols), authentication methods, and common wireless troubleshooting scenarios
3
Security, Troubleshooting, and Exam PracticeWeeks 9–12
Cover network security topics: firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, Zero Trust concepts, and common attack types tested on N10-009Use CompTIA's troubleshooting methodology as a framework — practice applying it to performance-based questions and lab simulationsComplete at least three full-length practice exams, review every wrong answer by returning to the official N10-009 objectives document
◆ 04 / Exam tips

Exam tips

Learn the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology cold — the N10-009 exam uses it as the backbone for scenario-based and performance-based questions, and answering out of that sequence will cost you marks

Subnetting speed matters: practice calculating subnet masks, usable host ranges, and broadcast addresses until you can do them in under 60 seconds without a calculator, since the exam is time-pressured

For performance-based questions (PBQs), which appear at the start of the exam, don't spend more than 5 minutes on any single one — flag it and return after completing the multiple-choice section

Know your port numbers thoroughly: SSH (22), DNS (53), HTTP (80), HTTPS (443), RDP (3389), and around 20 others appear repeatedly in Network+ scenario questions disguised as troubleshooting problems

The N10-009 update emphasizes cloud networking, zero trust architecture, and SD-WAN more heavily than previous versions — don't skip these topics assuming they're edge content, as they are now core exam objectives

◆ 05 / FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Network+ is rated beginner-level but shouldn't be underestimated. The N10-009 exam includes performance-based questions that require hands-on troubleshooting, not just memorization. Candidates with CompTIA A+ or 9–12 months of real networking experience typically find it manageable with 8–12 weeks of focused study. First-time IT candidates with no background will need longer preparation time.
◆ 06 / Other certifications in Paris