Your Next Steps After Failing the Network+ Exam: A Complete Retake Strategy

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Your Next Steps After Failing the Network+ Exam: A Complete Retake Strategy

Reflecting on Failure and Understanding the Network+ Exam

Failing the Network+ Is a Setback, Not a Defeat

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely walked out of the CompTIA Network+ exam feeling deflated after seeing that you didn’t pass. That moment can be discouraging. You studied hard, you tried your best, and things didn’t go as planned. But here’s something important to understand right now—this isn’t the end of your IT journey. Failing the Network+ doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for a tech career. It just means you’ve hit a bump in the road.

The truth is, many IT professionals who are now working in networking, security, or systems administration have failed an exam at some point. Certification tests are designed to challenge you. They don’t just test what you’ve memorized—they test how well you understand networking concepts, how you apply that knowledge, and how you handle pressure. That first attempt is often more about understanding the test than the content. It reveals where your weak spots are and gives you a clear path forward.

So, permit yourself to feel disappointed for a short time, but then shift your mindset. You’re not starting over from zero. You now have insight and experience that you didn’t have before.

The Network+ Exam Isn’t as “Entry-Level” as It Sounds

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Network+ certification is that it should be easy because it’s labeled “entry-level.” That label can be misleading. While the certification doesn’t require years of experience or a degree, it does expect you to have a broad understanding of many networking concepts, both theoretical and practical. It builds on topics from the CompTIA A+ certification and goes much deeper, particularly in areas like IP addressing, routing, wireless standards, and network troubleshooting.

CompTIA itself recommends that candidates have at least 9 to 12 months of networking experience or equivalent education before attempting the exam. This is a certification that prepares you for real-world networking roles, such as network administrator, support technician, or help desk associate. That’s why it’s not just about book knowledge—it’s about understanding how real networks function and how to maintain them.

This also explains why people often underestimate the difficulty of the exam. Many test-takers go in thinking they just need to memorize facts, but they’re caught off guard by scenario-based questions that require practical thinking. If your study approach was mostly passive—watching videos, reading, or flashcard drilling—you may have been unprepared for the depth of problem-solving required.

What Makes the Exam Challenging

The Network+ exam includes up to 90 questions in a variety of formats, including:

Multiple-choice questions (single and multiple answers)
Performance-based questions (PBQs), which simulate real-world tasks
Drag-and-drop matching or sorting tasks

You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, which means you’ll need to manage your time effectively, especially if you’re faced with several PBQs early on. These questions often present a network scenario and require you to configure devices, troubleshoot, or make decisions based on a network diagram.

The exam objectives span five domains:

Networking Concepts
Infrastructure
Network Operations
Network Security
Network Troubleshooting and Tools

Each of these domains includes subtopics that require both understanding and application. For example, under “Networking Concepts,” you’ll be expected to understand how different network types function (LAN, WAN, MAN), know the layers of the OSI and TCP/IP models, and explain common protocols and their functions. That’s a lot of ground to cover.

CompTIA does not publish its pass rate for the Network+ exam, but it’s clear from thousands of test-taker stories that failure is more common than most expect. You are far from alone, and that should be a source of encouragement. This exam is challenging for a reason—it certifies you as someone capable of working on real networks in the real world.

Understanding Your Score Report

After taking the exam, you should have received a score report showing how you performed in each exam domain. This document is extremely valuable and should be the first tool you use to start planning your next steps.

Your score is presented on a scale from 100 to 900, with 720 as the passing threshold. But more important than the final number is the breakdown of performance by topic. For example, your report might show that you scored high in Network Operations but struggled in Network Security and IP addressing.

This breakdown allows you to identify your weak areas and focus your future study sessions more effectively. Instead of reviewing all content equally, which wastes time and energy, you can zoom in on the topics that caused you trouble. This is the first big advantage you gain from having taken the exam once—you now know exactly where to concentrate your effort.

If your report shows consistently low scores across multiple areas, it might indicate that you need to adjust your entire study strategy, rather than just focus on one or two topics. On the other hand, if you missed the passing score by a small margin and only struggled in one domain, your retake might just require a focused review and some practice testing.

Identify What Went Wrong

The next important step is honest reflection. Go beyond the score report and ask yourself:

Did I run out of time during the exam?
Were there acronyms or terms I didn’t recognize?
Did scenario-based questions feel confusing or unfamiliar?
Was I distracted, anxious, or tired during the test?
Did I rely too much on one type of study material?

Answering these questions can help you pinpoint not just what you didn’t know but why you didn’t perform well. It could be that your preparation was too passive or that you lacked the hands-on experience necessary to understand how certain technologies work. It might also be that you didn’t use enough practice exams to get comfortable with the test format and question style.

By looking closely at both the objective data (your score report) and your subjective experience, you can craft a much more effective plan for your next attempt.

Don’t Let the First Failure Define You

It’s worth repeating: failing this exam does not mean you’re not smart, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re not meant for a career in IT. The reality is that technical exams like Network+ are often failed by people who go on to build very successful careers. The difference between those who succeed and those who give up is simple: persistence and adaptability.

Now that you’ve seen what the exam looks like, how the questions are phrased, and where your weaknesses lie, you are far better equipped than you were the first time. This experience, while frustrating, gives you something incredibly valuable: direction.

In the next part, we’ll talk about how to switch up your study strategy, rebuild your confidence, and begin preparing in a smarter and more structured way. You’ll learn how to blend theory with hands-on learning, adopt new tools, and make your preparation more effective than ever before.

Rebuilding Your Study Strategy for Network+ Success

Why Your First Study Plan Didn’t Work

After a failed attempt at the Network+ exam, one of the most common mistakes is trying to do the same thing again, just harder. That usually doesn’t work. If your study method didn’t prepare you well the first time, repeating it will likely lead to the same result.

The most effective next step is not to study more but to study differently. To move forward, you need to rethink how you approach the material, how you absorb information, and how you train yourself to handle real-world scenarios. A smarter study strategy blends active learning with consistent practice and builds both understanding and confidence.

Passive Learning vs Active Learning

Many people fail the Network+ exam because their preparation relied too much on passive learning. Watching videos, reading textbooks, or going through flashcards can be helpful, but only if they are paired with active learning strategies that engage your brain.

Active learning techniques include:

Answering practice questions without looking at notes
Teaching concepts to someone else
Applying knowledge through labs or simulations
Writing summaries or drawing diagrams from memory
Timing yourself on practice exams

The idea is to force your brain to retrieve and apply knowledge rather than just recognize it. This better prepares you for the scenario-based questions that Network+ is known for.

Choose the Right Mix of Study Resources

You should never rely on a single resource to prepare for a technical certification like Network+. The exam covers a wide range of topics, and no one book or video series explains everything perfectly.

Here are the types of resources you should include in your study mix:

Official CompTIA Network+ study guide
Video courses from well-reviewed instructors
Interactive labs or simulators (such as Packet Tracer or GNS3)
Flashcards (digital or paper-based) for quick recall
Full-length practice exams with explanations
Online quizzes for topic-specific review

Try alternating resources for each topic. For example, after reading about IP addressing in a book, watch a video that explains it visually, then take a practice quiz. Seeing the same concept presented in different ways helps reinforce it in your memory.

Build a Weekly Study Routine

A good study plan is consistent, balanced, and realistic. Don’t try to cram everything into a few marathon sessions. Instead, create a weekly schedule that breaks the content into manageable pieces.

Sample weekly plan:

Monday: Networking Concepts—review OSI/TCP-IP models and ports
Tuesday: Infrastructure—watch video tutorials and take notes
Wednesday: Practice quiz on Monday and Tuesday’s topics
Thursday: Network Security—read guidebook and do flashcards
Friday: Performance-based question practice or lab setup
Saturday: Full practice exam under timed conditions
Sunday: Review results, focus on weak areas, adjust next week’s plan

Make your plan flexible. Life happens. What matters most is sticking to a rhythm that keeps you moving forward. If you can study at least 5 days a week for 1–2 hours a day, you’ll see steady progress.

Use Practice Exams the Right Way

Practice exams are one of the most powerful tools available—if used properly. They don’t just measure how much you know; they train your brain for the actual exam experience. But many people make the mistake of using them too late in their preparation or treating them like quizzes.

Instead, integrate practice exams early and often. Start by doing shorter quizzes (10 to 20 questions) after each study topic to reinforce what you’ve learned. As you progress, move on to full-length timed exams. Pay close attention to your results, not just your score.

After each test:

Review every incorrect answer
Understand why your answer was wrong
Learn what the correct answer is and why
Look for patterns in your mistakes

Are you consistently missing subnetting questions? Are you getting confused by terminology? Are you misreading questions? These patterns will help guide your next study sessions and improve your overall performance.

Target Weak Areas First

The most efficient way to improve is to focus your study time on the areas where you scored the lowest. For example, if your exam report showed poor performance in the Infrastructure and Network Security domains, those should be your top priority.

Avoid the common trap of spending too much time on what you already know. It’s tempting to practice your favorite topic, but that doesn’t help you grow. Instead, hit your weak spots first, every week.

Here’s how to structure a weak-area session:

Watch a 15–30 minute focused video on the topic
Read a detailed explanation or blog post
Do at least 10 practice questions from that domain
Summarize the topic in your own words
Test yourself the next day to reinforce learning

This focused, layered approach helps build real understanding.

Diversify Your Study Techniques

Different topics benefit from different techniques. For example, port numbers are best memorized with flashcards or repetition drills. Subnetting is best learned by doing actual math problems and creating your examples. Network troubleshooting skills improve with case studies and lab simulations.

Here are some ideas to diversify your methods:

Use whiteboards to draw network diagrams
Practice command-line tools like ipconfig, tracert, or ping
Simulate network failures in a virtual lab
Group study discussions to debate possible solutions to scenarios
Teach a concept aloud as if you were training someone else

The more you engage with the material, the deeper it sticks. Try a few different methods and see what works best for your learning style.

Get Familiar With Performance-Based Questions

Performance-based questions (PBQs) are among the most challenging parts of the Network+ exam. They don’t just ask for facts—they simulate tasks like configuring devices, analyzing logs, or interpreting diagrams.

Here’s how to prepare for them:

Use practice PBQs from reputable sources
Watch walkthrough videos of PBQ scenarios
Study screenshots of network diagrams, command-line outputs, or routing tables
Create your mock PBQs and challenge yourself to solve them under time pressure

Even if you can’t find a replica of what’s on the exam, you can train your brain to think in that format—problem-solving, decision-making, and applying knowledge quickly and accurately.

Use a Study Journal or Progress Tracker

It’s easy to lose track of what you’ve studied or what needs more work. A study journal or digital tracker helps you stay organized and focused. You can use a notebook, spreadsheet, or app.

Track things like:

Topics studied each day
Quiz scores and patterns of mistakes
Time spent on each subject
Confidence level in each domain
Upcoming goals (e.g., take a full practice test on Saturday)

This system not only keeps you accountable but also gives you a visual sense of progress, which can be very motivating.

Manage Your Time and Energy

Success on your retake isn’t just about studying hard—it’s about studying smart and maintaining your energy levels. Avoid burnout by building in short breaks and getting proper rest. If your brain is tired, it won’t retain anything.

The Pomodoro Technique is a great method:

Study for 25 minutes
Take a 5-minute break
Repeat 3 times, then take a longer break (15–30 minutes)

This method keeps your brain fresh and helps you focus more deeply during short, timed sessions.

Also, stay hydrated, eat well, and don’t forget to relax. Exercise or even a short walk can refresh your brain and improve retention.

Avoid Cramming

The temptation to cram is strong, especially if your retake is approaching. But cramming usually results in short-term memory gains and long-term confusion. Instead, review key topics frequently in small sessions.

Use the final 1–2 weeks before your exam for review, not learning new material. This is the time to reinforce what you know, fill in small gaps, and sharpen your test-taking skills.

Spend these days:

Reviewing flashcards daily
Taking full-length practice exams
Revisiting the most challenging PBQs
Doing last-minute summary reviews of each domain

Go into your exam knowing that your preparation was measured, strategic, and based on experience.

Gaining Real-World Experience and Practical Networking Skills

Why Hands-On Experience Is Critical

One of the most overlooked aspects of preparing for the Network+ exam is the value of hands-on experience. Many candidates study theoretical concepts extensively but still struggle to pass because they haven’t applied that knowledge in practical ways. CompTIA designed the Network+ exam to reflect real-world job roles. The exam assumes you not only know what a switch or firewall is but that you also know how to use, configure, or troubleshoot it.

Even if your goal is simply to pass the exam, practical experience will help you understand how different components interact, how to identify problems in a network, and how to implement basic configurations. This is especially important for performance-based questions, which require more than just memorization—they require decision-making, configuration, and problem-solving.

What Real-World Experience Looks Like

Real-world experience doesn’t always mean having a job in IT. You can develop valuable hands-on skills through personal labs, volunteering, internships, or freelancing. The key is doing something active—physically connecting devices, configuring routers, setting up virtual machines, analyzing logs, or troubleshooting network issues.

Some examples of hands-on networking tasks:

Setting up a basic LAN at home with routers, switches, and clients
Assigning static IPs and configuring DHCP on a router
Using Wireshark to inspect packet flows
Simulating a DNS or DHCP failure and resolving it
Implementing port forwarding for a home application
Troubleshooting network connectivity across virtual machines

These experiences help solidify concepts like IP addressing, NAT, subnetting, protocols, and troubleshooting tools—all of which appear on the Network+ exam.

Building Your Home Lab

A home lab is one of the best ways to build practical skills on your schedule and budget. You don’t need expensive enterprise-grade equipment to get started. Both physical and virtual options can help you get valuable hands-on time.

Here are a few popular ways to build a home lab:

Virtual Networking Lab
Tools like Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or EVE-NG allow you to simulate network environments on your computer. You can build complex topologies, configure virtual routers and switches, and practice troubleshooting—without needing physical gear.
Physical Lab (Optional)
If you prefer working with real devices, you can buy inexpensive used routers and switches online. A few basic pieces of equipment:

2 Cisco routers
2 Cisco switches
Ethernet cables
Console cable and USB-to-serial adapter
Power strip and labels

This setup lets you practice cabling, console configuration, VLAN setup, and more.

Hybrid Lab
You can mix real devices with virtual tools. For instance, configure your home router with a DHCP reservation while simulating advanced routing scenarios using GNS3.

Whatever lab type you choose, the goal is to touch the tools you’re learning about. When you configure a DHCP server or test connectivity with ping and tracert, the information becomes more intuitive and easier to recall under exam conditions.

Simulating Real Network Scenarios

The Network+ exam is filled with scenario-based questions. That means you need to be able to think through problems like:

“A user cannot access a web server, but others can. What is the most likely cause?”
“An administrator needs to segment a network to separate voice and data traffic. Which technology should be used?”
“You notice repeated failed login attempts from a suspicious IP. What tool would help investigate this?”

These aren’t solved by memorization. They require analysis, logic, and understanding of how networks behave.

To prepare for these scenarios:

Practice creating small “problems” in your home lab, like disconnecting a cable or misconfiguring a gateway, then troubleshoot it.
Look up case studies or troubleshooting challenges online and solve them step by step.
Time yourself while resolving simulated network issues to improve your diagnostic speed.

The more you build and break things intentionally, the more confident you become in real exam questions.

Volunteering and Internships

If you don’t currently have a job in IT, consider volunteering to gain experience. Nonprofits, churches, small businesses, and local community centers often need basic tech help. You might help them:

Set up or secure a wireless network
Configure a printer or shared folder on a network
Diagnose internet performance issues
Set up a guest Wi-Fi VLAN
Implement simple firewall or parental control settings

These small tasks may seem basic, but they involve real-world networking principles. You’ll get to apply what you’ve learned while also adding experience to your resume. Document your tasks and accomplishments to show future employers—or to reinforce your study.

Internships are another valuable route. Even if unpaid, internships can offer exposure to professional-grade tools and environments. You’ll likely get access to ticketing systems, network diagrams, IT policies, and enterprise software. These are all things that directly relate to Network+ concepts.

Practice with Real Networking Tools

One area that separates prepared test-takers from those who struggle is familiarity with the command line and diagnostic tools. CompTIA expects you to recognize tools by function, syntax, and appropriate use case. These tools are frequently referenced in scenario questions.

Common tools to practice:

ping – Tests network connectivity
tracert (Windows) / traceroute (Linux) – Traces the path to a destination host
ipconfig (Windows) / ifconfig or ip (Linux) – Displays IP address configuration
nslookup – Queries DNS records
netstat – Displays active network connections
Nmap – Performs network scans and identifies open ports
arp – Displays or modifies the ARP table
Wireshark – Captures and analyzes network packets
PuTTY—Used for SSH and serial console access

Practicing with these tools helps you understand network behavior and recognize signs of issues like misconfigured IPs, DNS errors, or broken routing paths. Knowing when and how to use these tools is essential for both the exam and real-world networking.

Understanding Network Diagrams

Another critical skill for the exam is interpreting and working with network diagrams. Performance-based questions often ask you to analyze a visual layout of a network and diagnose a problem or implement a solution.

Improve this skill by:

Reviewing sample diagrams online
Drawing your topologies for home setups
Using tools like Draw.io or Visio to map devices and subnets
Practicing scenario questions where you identify missing connections, incorrect IP addresses, or misconfigured devices

Being able to “read” a network visually is a skill that many overlook. But on exam day, it will help you tackle several question types with confidence.

Learning Through Mistakes

Mistakes in a home lab or simulated scenario are not failures—they are lessons. Every time you misconfigure something and fix it, you strengthen your understanding. The ability to troubleshoot comes from experience, not just reading explanations.

If you make a mistake:

Pause and think about what’s wrong
Use available tools (ping, ipconfig, tracert) to gather information
Identify possible causes and test solutions one at a time
Reflect on what worked and why

By doing this regularly, you not only improve your technical skills but also build the analytical thinking needed to succeed in both the exam and your career.

Supplementing Your Study with Real-World Content

To reinforce your real-world understanding, add these types of content to your routine:

Watch IT vloggers who troubleshoot real networks
Read blogs or Reddit threads on sysadmin or networking subreddits
Browse case studies from IT companies or managed service providers
Participate in online communities and answer real users’ questions

Exposure to how networking problems play out in the real world helps bridge the gap between theory and application. It also gives you context for why certain technologies matter and how they’re used.

Combining Practical Skills with Theory

Ultimately, passing the Network+ exam requires both theoretical knowledge and hands-on understanding. Practical work makes the theory easier to retain, and theory gives you the framework to understand what you’re doing when configuring devices or solving problems.

If your first exam attempt fell short due to weak application skills, this is where your comeback begins. Hands-on learning will help you retain more information, spot traps in exam questions, and walk into the test center feeling like a networking professional, not just a test-taker.

Planning Your Network+ Retake and Making It Count

Your Retake Is a Comeback, Not a Repeat

After failing the Network+ exam, your next step isn’t just about doing everything over—it’s about doing it better. The time between now and your retake is an opportunity to learn from the past and create a smarter, more focused strategy. You’ve already seen the exam once. You know what it feels like, how the questions are structured, and where you fell short. That gives you a major advantage going into your second attempt.

This final phase of preparation is all about timing, support, confidence, and consistent practice. Passing isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about readiness. When you retake the exam, you want to walk in knowing that you’ve done everything necessary to pass, not just hope that it goes better than last time.

Don’t Rush, But Don’t Wait Too Long

It’s natural to feel the urge to retake the exam right away—especially if you were close to passing. But retaking too soon can set you up for another failure if you haven’t corrected the issues that held you back. On the other hand, waiting too long can lead to forgetting material you’ve already studied.

Here’s a general timeline for retaking:

If you failed by just a few points and felt confident, 3 to 4 weeks of targeted review may be enough
If you scored poorly across multiple domains, plan for 6 to 8 weeks of structured study

Use this time to build a consistent weekly schedule, rotate through your weak areas, and gradually increase the difficulty and realism of your practice. Don’t just count down to your test date—use that time to actively improve.

Evaluate Your Retake Readiness

Before scheduling your retake, ask yourself the following:

Am I scoring 85% or higher on full-length practice exams?
Can I complete a timed test in 90 minutes without rushing?
Have I significantly improved in the areas where I previously scored lowest?
Do I understand both the concepts and the scenarios?
Have I reviewed performance-based questions and practiced using network tools?

If you answer yes to most of these, you’re probably ready. If not, adjust your timeline and keep preparing. Don’t retake the exam until you’re passing your practice tests consistently and understanding your mistakes.

Review Without Overloading

In the final stretch before the exam, avoid cramming new material. Instead, spend your time reviewing, reinforcing, and fine-tuning your skills. Focus on:

Flashcards for ports, protocols, and acronyms
Concept maps to connect different technologies
Weekly review quizzes to measure retention
Practice exams to simulate real testing conditions
Labs or simulators to refresh your hands-on knowledge

Use these days to lock in what you already know, not to learn brand-new content. The more confident you are in your understanding, the less anxious you’ll feel on test day.

Simulate the Exam Experience

Get used to the feel of the real exam. Use a quiet room, set a timer for 90 minutes, and take a full-length practice exam with no interruptions. This builds test-taking stamina and conditions your mind for the pressure of the actual test environment.

During these simulations, work on:

Managing your time (don’t spend more than 1 minute per multiple-choice question)
Flagging tough questions to revisit later
Starting with PBQs or saving them for the end (choose based on your comfort)
Eliminating wrong answers to improve your odds on tough questions

These strategies reduce panic and help you move through the exam efficiently.

Avoid Studying Alone: Use Your Network

One of the most powerful tools in preparing for a retake is collaboration. You don’t need to study in isolation. Isolation often leads to tunnel vision, burnout, and slower progress.

Ways to connect with others:

Join an online study group (Discord, Reddit, or LinkedIn)
Find a study partner who’s also preparing
Connect with someone who has recently passed the Network+
Post your questions in online forums and share your answers
Discuss difficult concepts aloud—teaching reinforces learning

Learning with others boosts motivation, gives you feedback, and introduces you to perspectives you might not have considered. It’s also a great way to stay accountable and on track with your study plan.

Practice Confidence, Not Just Content

One of the hardest parts of retaking an exam is rebuilding your confidence. It’s normal to feel doubt, especially if the first attempt was discouraging. But confidence is just as important as content. You can study for hours and still struggle if you walk into the exam feeling uncertain or overwhelmed.

Ways to rebuild confidence:

Reflect on what you’ve learned since the last attempt
Celebrate small milestones (like mastering subnetting or scoring higher on a quiz)
Visualize exam success—see yourself calmly reading and answering each question
Remind yourself that you’re better prepared now than before
Use affirmations or journaling to stay mentally focused and positive

Confidence doesn’t mean you won’t be nervous—it means you trust your preparation. And that trust grows every time you review a topic, solve a problem, or explain a concept out loud.

Preparing Logistically for Test Day

When you’ve done all the hard work, don’t let logistical problems disrupt your test. Plan so your exam day goes as smoothly as possible.

Tips for in-person exams:

Confirm the location and time at least 48 hours before
Bring two forms of ID
Arrive 15–30 minutes early to avoid stress
Eat a light meal beforehand to maintain energy
Bring earplugs if noise distracts you

Tips for online exams:

Test your computer, webcam, and internet connection ahead of time
Choose a quiet, well-lit room
Clear your desk of any unauthorized materials
Keep your phone out of reach unless required for ID verification
Log in 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process

Get a good night’s sleep the night before, and avoid last-minute studying on exam day. You want your mind to be fresh, not overloaded.

After the Exam: Whatever the Outcome

Once you’ve retaken the exam, take a breath. Whether you passed or didn’t, you’ve completed a major step. If you pass, celebrate. If you don’t, reflect briefly and regroup.

If you passed:

Add Network+ to your resume and LinkedIn profile
Start thinking about how to apply your skills on the job
Consider what certification or skill you want to pursue next

If you didn’t:

Review your score report again
Identify if any new problem areas appeared
Consider seeking a mentor or a professional course
Give yourself time to rest, then prepare again with even more clarity

Remember, success isn’t defined by how fast you pass—it’s about persistence and growth.

Final Thoughts

Failing the Network+ exam doesn’t close any doors. It’s just one step in a much longer journey. Many certified professionals in the industry have failed at least one exam on their path. What matters most is how you respond to the setback.

You now know the material better. You understand the exam structure. You’ve built real-world skills and a smarter study approach. That’s progress. That’s preparation. That’s momentum.

So take what you’ve learned, put your plan into action, and go earn the certification you’ve worked so hard for. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience.

If you’d like help building a custom weekly study schedule or choosing practice resources, I can help you design one based on your score breakdown. Would you like to do that?