CompTIA Network+ N10-009: My Study Journey, Exam Experience, and Why It Matters for Cybersecurity

In cybersecurity, understanding the foundation of networking is like knowing the language of the internet. Whether you're hunting threats or securing systems, networks are the battlefield. That's why I recently earned the CompTIA Network+ N19-009 certification, not just to meet a job requirement, but to build a solid baseline for my career in cybersecurity.

This post is a deep dive into my study journey, exam experience, and why you might take this certification. Let’s get started.

Study Journey and Resources

Why I took the Exam

My new role required a deep understanding of network infrastructure. My employer stressed that knowing the "basics" of networking would help me navigate complex systems and troubleshoot effectively. As I built out my homelab with routers, APs, switches, VLANs, and a VPN, I realized I needed to formalize my knowledge. This exam gave me the structure to do that. While Network+ isn’t as prestigious as CCNA, it’s a valuable stepping stone. It complements my other certifications and shows employers I’m committed to continuous learning.

I studied full-time for 1.5 weeks, dedicating 8–10 hours daily. Your mileage may vary, but consistency is key. Here’s what worked for me:

• Professor Messer's Youtube Videos: His 87-video series (most 10 minutes long) is perfect for visual learners. I watched every single one and took notes.

• Professor Dion's Udemy Practice Tests: 500+ questions with detailed explanations. These are gold for understanding how CompTIA frames questions.

• Flashcards: I created physical cards for port numbers, WiFi standards, and connectors. Active recall made a huge difference.

• Information Management System: If you’re a note-taker like me, invest in a central information management system (e.g., Obsidian, Notion). It helped me organize concepts like VLANs and subnetting.

The sheer volume of technical details (ports, protocols, physical wiring) was daunting. But breaking it into smaller chunks made it manageable.

Exam Experience

• Multiple choice questions made up the majority of the score. (Roughly 70 questions) There are several PBQs (Performance Based Questions) at the beginning of the exam. These are mini-labs where you troubleshoot via CLI or configure networks via an interactive diagram.

• I tackled MCQs first, then returned to PBQs. This strategy saved me from getting stuck early.

• I took the exam at home with a stable internet connection. Just make sure your background is quiet and clutter-free.

• Some questions punished you for missing basics (e.g., "Which protocol uses port 22?"). But practice tests trained me to spot these traps.

Top 3 Tips

• Master the Practice Tests: Dion’s Udemy course is non-negotiable. It emulates the real exam and trains you to answer in CompTIA’s way.

• Demystify PBQs: Watch YouTube tutorials and read official CompTIA resources to understand what PBQs look like. They test practical skills, not just memorization.

• Use Flashcards for Tactile Learning: For port numbers and physical connectors, flashcards are your best friend. I studied mine in moments of downtime throughout the day.

If you’re considering Network+, start with Professor Messer and Dion’s practice tests. Embrace flashcards, get acquainted with PBQs and remember: this cert isn’t about being an expert, it’s about building a baseline. And trust me, that baseline will serve you well.

This guide was co-authored with Qwen3-32B running locally, part of my ongoing exploration into high-context, reasoning-optimized LLMs.