Let’s get something out of the way first.
Are certifications REQUIRED to get a high paying tech job?
NO! Read more here!
2 Paths to Success
The first path will be using the best FREE resources available to pass the exam.
This guide is going to give you 2 paths to this certification.
Most training courses cost $100, $200, or $300+ so I wanted to make sure this guide has something for people with tighter budgets.
The second path will be using the best PAID resources available to pass the exam. This will include online courses and books.
The benefit to paid courses and books is that the information is generally more organized.
If you want a hybrid approach, you could consider buying one of the recommended books, which tend to be cheaper than the courses. Combining it with the free learning path will give you a very organized and budget friendly path to passing the certification.
Let’s begin!
CompTIA Network+ FREE Learning Path
Video Courses
Network+ is one of the few certs where the video resources are just as good, if not BETTER than the paid resources. All thanks to one of the best in the business, Professor Messor!
His videos are completely free and he is the gold standard in Network+ content. Pretty cool!
*TIP: try increasing the video speed to 1.25x or 1.5x. You will get used to it in a few minutes and it can save you HOURS:
Really take your time to understand the concepts. If you get confused on a topic then write it down and re-watch that section.
If you are still confused, search for that specific topic on YouTube or ask ChatGPT to explain it to you. This is the FREE path, so you need to be resourceful.
Practice Quiz / Flash Cards
After going through the videos, use the below resources to quiz yourself. ExamCompass has a lot of free practice tests!
Write down anything you get wrong and research it more via YouTube, Google, or ChatGPT:
- ExamCompass Comptia Network+ Practice Tests
- Quizlet Flashcards (Disclaimer: this has a TON of flashcards. Don’t burn yourself out trying to go through all of them at once.)
Consider making your own quiz or flashcard set. Publishing it via something like Quizlet is a good way to help others study for the exam and will also reinforce your own knowledge!
Hybrid Approach
If you want to take a hybrid approach and spend a bit of money, consider going to the book recommendations below and grabbing one. Both are excellent and will help to ensure you have filled in any gaps in your knowledge before the exam!
Communities
There are a few communities you can consider getting involved in as well. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions. More importantly, it will give you the opportunity to ANSWER questions. This will help the community and reinforce your knowledge.
Practical Experience
I’m going to recommend 2 free learning courses here but you should know they aren’t directly related to the Network+ exam.
While it can help with your understanding of the concepts in Network+, that isn’t why I am recommending them.
I’m a believer in getting practical experience to back up your theoretical knowledge. Together these classes are only 5 hours long and will get you some practical networking experience!
Wrap up!
That wraps up the free path! If you find any resources that should be added to this guide then please let me know. I want this to be THE go-to guide for getting Network+!
CompTIA Network+ PAID Learning Path
Video Course
The gold standard PAID video series is from Jason Dion but DO NOT buy it from his website. The training is $300 on his website. The exact same training from Jason, including the practice materials, is available on Udemy, usually less than $100.
The good thing about this paid course is that it comes with labs and practice exams!
Recommended Books
Combine his course with these 2 books and you are good to go. *TIP: Buy the first book to enhance the free path if you can afford it. You certainly don’t need it but it will help:
- CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide
- CompTIA Network+ Certification Kit: Exam N10-008
Go through Jason’s course and do the practice exams alongside the books above and you will be more than ready for the exam!
For more book recommendations check out my reading list!
Recommended Extras
If you want to take you exam prep to the next level, then consider buying Professor Messor’s Network+ interactive pack.
It is a series of official labs from Comptia, bundled with Professor Messor’s course notes. It’s actually cheaper than buying the labs from Comptia, plus you get the extra notes!
Time to schedule your exam!
Once you feel comfortable, go here to schedule your exam! Have fun!
How’d it go?
Feel free to reach out and provide any feedback for this guide, positive or negative! If it was helpful then please consider sharing it on social media so others can find it! ✌️
* Studying can be more effective with a group. So if you know anyone looking to get into IT or Cybersecurity, send them this guide and group up!