It's a simple question, but there can be multiple answers based on your situation and the options you choose. You may qualify for discounts that can decrease the cost and you may want to consider additional learning and training that can change the bottom line as well. Read on to find out more.
The basics: CompTIA Network+ exam voucher
To gain access to the certification exam, you'll need to buy an exam voucher. A voucher represents a unique code that you can buy at the CompTIA Store and use to take your test at a Pearson VUE testing center.
If you need a voucher, check out the purchase options below. Find out more about the exam on the CompTIA Network+ product page.
If you don't pass the exam, you'll need to purchase another voucher to take another test. That's why we recommend that you go into your exam well-prepared to minimize the chance of not passing the test and having to purchase an additional voucher.
Training and preparation
Our CompTIA Learning and Training offering is a set of comprehensive learning resources to support our certifications like CompTIA Network+. This portfolio of products includes books, eLearning, labs and exam prep software, and is developed in-house by CompTIA based on feedback we hear from learners like you. These resources provide you with a variety of ways to acquire the knowledge that is outlined in the CompTIA Network+ exam objectives.
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The self-study guide will teach you the skills you need to develop a career in IT infrastructure, covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks. It will prepare you to take the CompTIA Network+ exam by providing 100 percent coverage of the objectives and content examples listed on the syllabus. Browse our store.
Another great way to get an idea of what questions you can expect is to download a set of practice questions. Keep in mind that these practice questions are not questions that will be on the actual test and that there are different kinds of questions.
The CompTIA CertMaster brand is now a suite of products that helps candidates learn the skills needed for a career in technology and confidently prepare for their exams. The products that accompany CompTIA Network+ are now available!
Free and almost-free CompTIA Network+ certification (seriously!)
Depending on where you live and what sponsorships you qualify for, special programs may be available to help you get trained and certified for free (or nearly free). Such programs are usually geared toward one or more of the following groups:
- Unemployed or under-employed individuals
- Displaced workers
- Military veterans
- Ethnic minorities and/or women
Typically, such free training programs fall into one of two categories: government-sponsored programs and nonprofit charitable programs.
Government-Sponsored IT Training
Government-sponsored IT training programs are typically funded with federal dollars and advertised through your county's workforce investment board or your local American Jobs Center.
Nonprofit Charitable Programs
These programs are scattered throughout the United States and may be a bit harder to locate. Here are a few on our radar (and if you learn of others, please let us know):
- i.c. stars: Locations in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Kansas City.
- Per Scholas: Locations in New York City, Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Cincinnati, OH, Columbus, OH, Atlanta, and Dallas.
- Stride Center: Located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Tech901: Located exclusively in Memphis.
Because these programs typically exist to prepare people for entry-level IT jobs (such as help-desk and technical support), they typically reject applicants who already have such a job and are just looking to add a certification to their resume. As you can imagine, competition for such programs is often fierce.
But if you live in one of the areas where free training is offered and fall into a group that such programs are trying to help, it would be silly not to apply.
Available student discount
If you are a U.S. student with a valid student ID and a .edu email address, you can take advantage of CompTIA's student discounts. Certification vouchers and training materials are offered at considerable discounts for students.
Ready for a career in networking?
We've made it easy to get started planning your path in networking.
- Begin by reading up on the four important steps toward your certification.
- Then, learn everything you need to know about CompTIA Network+ certification.
- And finally, download the exam objectives and practice test questions to start learning right away.
CompTIA now offers a number of exam training options for CompTIA Network+ to fit your particular learning style and schedule, many of which may be used in combination with each other as you prepare for your exam.
There's a wealth of information to help you decide if CompTIA Network+ is right for you all the way to taking your exam. We're with you every step of the way!