How long to study for popular certifications
by Ross Heintzkill | Published on September 12, 2022
The CompTIA Network+ Certification (N10-007) was the only exam necessary for earning the Network+ until it was retired in June 2022 and replaced with the N10-008. But because the Network+ from CompTIA has always certified the technical skills necessary to maintain and administer IT business networks, the N10-008 and N10-007 are highly similar. Given the similarities, learning how long it takes to prepare for the N10-007 will help you prepare for the N10-008.
To help Network+ hopefuls find how long they should study before the exam, we surveyed roughly 450 IT pros learners to see how long they needed to learn the material. The survey results came from three different sources: Twitter, LinkedIn, and an email survey.
How long did most people need to study for CompTIA’s Network+ exam?
The survey revealed some compelling insights, with poll responses evenly split between experienced IT professionals and newcomers to the field.
Experienced IT professionals who used a course or study aid say it took less than 6 weeks to prepare for the exam, while brand-new IT professionals say it could take more than 4 months to prepare.
Certainly experience can give you an edge, but one of the biggest differentiators seems to be how much you prepare.
Studying for the Network+ exam
The CompTIA Network+ is an entry-level certification that is designed for network administrators with roughly a year of experience. However, if you're not able to get relevant work experience before test day, an Network+ online course that provides practice opportunities can help you prepare and boost your confidence before the exam.
And practice is the key to success, says Molly Billow, a senior coach at CBT Nuggets who advises IT pros on how to get the most out of their training. She says that creating strong habits around studying are almost as important as learning the course material. Sticking to a training plan can be tough, but rewarding. She says that actually rewarding yourself every time you study at a certain time of day will help you become more likely to commit to making your daily study time into a routine.
"Once a habit and a reward are tied together in our brains, the reward neurons start firing before you even start finishing the behavior," Billow says.
Preparing for the CompTIA Network+ does more than just get you ready for exam day, it can also help you earn even more advanced certifications. Blake Pierson, another CBT Nuggets coach, says that the Network+ is a great starting point if you are looking to get credibility as an IT professional.
"One IT professional I’ve worked with described Network+ as being a half-step easier than the CCNA certification,” Pierson says. “If you’re just getting your start in networking, the Net+ can be a great place to jump in."
How to get test-ready for the CompTIA Network+:
The Network+ is vendor-agnostic. That means the skills it tests all apply to any network hardware or software provider. That also means that you need real-world experience administering and maintaining networks before attempting the exam — which can be done with virtual labs if you don’t have the full networking setup at home or work to practice on.
Take an online training course
The most recent CBT Nuggets CompTIA Network+ training prepares learners to take the N10-008 exam, which is required to earn the Network+ cert. This Network+ training covers all N10-008 networking basics exam objectives and should get you test-ready in about 8 weeks.
Use virtual labs
A virtual lab is a computer program that simulates a network and the different devices, machines, and components on it. Inside a Network+ virtual lab, you can practice network administration skills under any conditions you select. Virtual labs are one of the best ways to speed up prep time for the Network+ because they verify that you actually know how to do what you're learning.
Test yourself using practice exams
Another way to shorten how long it takes to prepare for the Network+ is with practice exams. After you take a Network+ practice exam, you know what areas of the test you're ready for and which areas you need to spend more time studying for. Along with the Network+ online course, the practice exams can help you prepare for the Network+ in weeks — not months.
Learn from the experts
Many of the Network+ courses for CBT Nuggets are taught by Keith Barker, an energetic, brilliant trainer who knows what challenges are ahead of you when you’re taking certifying exams.
While many respondents say they needed to study for several months, it’s possible to pass the Network+ with only 6 weeks of preparation. Because the N10-008 is so similar to the N10-007, you should be able to study for — and pass! — the Network+ N10-008 in just 8 weeks. Good luck!
