CompTIA Network+ Network Technician Certificate
Live CompTIA Network+ Certification Training with Exam Voucher Included
DWC’s CompTIA Network+ certification training is a seven-week, live instructor-led program that prepares adults for the CompTIA Network+ exam and for networking and infrastructure roles in IT. The CompTIA Network+ is the industry-standard credential for network technician, network support specialist, and junior network administrator roles, and is approved for Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 compliance, which opens doors to federal government, military, and defense contractor IT positions. The CompTIA Network+ exam voucher is included in tuition. Students do not pay separately to sit for the exam.
The curriculum covers all objectives tested on the CompTIA Network+ exam: networking models and topologies, LAN and wireless configuration, IP addressing and subnetting, VLANs and routing protocols, network security, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting using professional tools including GNS3, Wireshark, pfSense, and VirtualBox. Every session is hands-on. Graduates earn two credentials: the DWC Network Technician Certificate issued by the State of Colorado Division of Private Occupational Schools, and the CompTIA Network+ certification issued by CompTIA upon passing the exam. Note that study materials are not included in tuition and must be purchased separately; the admissions team can recommend current resources when you enroll. Many students take this program directly after completing DWC’s CompTIA A+ training to build a combined credential stack for networking and infrastructure roles.
Length & Frequency
7 weeks | 2 sessions per week
42 total class hours
Delivery
Online with 100% live instruction
Tuition
$2,900
*incl $400 exam voucher
Upcoming Schedule
Network Technician Q3/2026 | Start Date: 07/20/2026
Network Technician Q4/2026 | Start Date: 10/07/2026
What You Will Learn in This CompTIA Network+ Certification Training Program
The curriculum maps directly to the CompTIA Network+ exam objectives. Every topic you are tested on is covered in class, with hands-on lab work running through every module.
The final module is dedicated to exam review, practice tests, and targeted preparation for the areas where candidates most commonly lose points.
Download the Program Guide for the full curriculum breakdown.
Network Technician Certificate Curriculum
Module 1 - Introduction to Networking and Networking Models
Students build the foundational vocabulary and conceptual framework of networking. Network types (LAN, WAN, MAN), the OSI and TCP/IP models, and the function of core networking devices are all covered here. By the end, students can identify network types, explain how data flows through each OSI layer, and describe the roles of routers, switches, hubs, and access points.
Session 1: Introduction to Networking Concepts
- Overview of networking concepts and key terminology
- Types of networks: LAN, WAN, MAN, and their differences
- Networking devices: routers, switches, hubs, and access points
Session 2: Understanding OSI and TCP/IP Models
- OSI model and the function of each layer
- TCP/IP model and key protocols
- Applying networking models to real-world scenarios
Module 2 - Local Area Networks (LANs) and Cabling
Students move from concepts to configuration, working with wired and wireless LAN setups, cabling types, connectors, and network topologies. Wireless network security protocols are introduced here. By the end, students can configure both wired and wireless LANs, select appropriate cabling and connectors, and implement WPA2 and WPA3 security on wireless networks.
Session 3: Configuring Wired LANs
- Cabling types, connectors, and network topologies
- Connector types: RJ-45, LC, ST, and others
- Network topologies: star, mesh, bus, and hybrid
- Devices: switches, routers, hubs, bridges, and access points
Session 4: Configuring Wireless LANs
- Wireless standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Configuring and securing wireless networks
- Wi-Fi security: WPA2, WPA3, and current best practices
Module 3 - IP Addressing, Subnetting, and Network Configuration
Students develop hands-on proficiency with IP addressing and subnetting, two of the most heavily tested areas on the Network+ exam. IPv4 and IPv6 configuration, DHCP, and NAT are all covered with lab exercises. By the end, students can configure IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, subnet networks using CIDR notation, and implement DHCP and NAT in real-world scenarios.
Session 5: IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting
- IPv4 structure, address classes, and subnetting
- Subnetting and supernetting (CIDR) practice and exercises
Session 6: IPv6 Addressing and DHCP/NAT Configuration
- IPv6 overview and configuration
- DHCP setup for automatic IP address assignment
- Network Address Translation (NAT) and configuration
Module 4 - VLANs, Routing Protocols, and Network Security
Students work with VLANs, inter-VLAN routing, and the routing protocols that appear on the Network+ exam. Network security concepts — device hardening, access control lists, and firewall configuration — are introduced and applied through hands-on labs. Three sessions across this module reflect the depth of the exam objectives covered.
Session 7: Configuring VLANs and Inter-VLAN Routing
- VLAN configuration and management
- Routing between VLANs
Session 8: Routing Protocols and Network Security
- Routing concepts: static versus dynamic routing
- Routing protocols: static routing, OSPF, and EIGRP
- Network security basics: device hardening, ACLs, and firewalls
Session 9: Network Security Best Practices
- Secure protocols: HTTPS, SSH, and VPNs
Module 5 - Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Students develop the monitoring and troubleshooting skills that employers evaluate most closely. Professional tools including SNMP, Syslog, and Wireshark are used for traffic analysis and performance monitoring. Students diagnose connectivity failures, latency issues, and packet loss using Ping, Traceroute, Netstat, and command-line tools. Advanced secure access protocols round out the module.
Session 10: Network Monitoring Tools and Traffic Analysis
- Network monitoring tools: SNMP, Syslog, and Wireshark
- Common threat types: DoS, phishing, and spoofing
- Introduction to network performance metrics
- Using Wireshark to capture and analyze network traffic
Session 11: Network Troubleshooting and Performance Issues
- Troubleshooting network connectivity: Ping, Traceroute, and Netstat
- Diagnosing performance issues: latency, packet loss, and bandwidth
Session 12: Advanced Troubleshooting and Secure Access
- Advanced network troubleshooting with command-line tools
- Secure access protocols: HTTPS, SSH, SNMPv3, RADIUS, and TACACS+
- Device hardening: passwords, updates, and disabling unused services
Module 6 - CompTIA Exam Prep & Capstone Project
The final module gets students ready to sit and pass the Network+ exam. Session 13 covers all exam objectives with practice questions and targeted review of weak areas. Session 14 is the Capstone: a real-world network configuration scenario where students apply everything they have learned, followed by a professionalism and job-readiness session covering documentation, communication, and workplace expectations. Students leave with their exam voucher and a clear plan for scheduling the exam.
Session 13: CompTIA Network+ Exam Review
- Comprehensive review of key Network+ exam topics and objectives
- Practice exam questions with answer explanations
- Targeted review of areas most commonly missed
Session 14: Job-Ready Skills, Capstone, and Final Preparation
- Professionalism in IT: documentation, communication, and workplace readiness
- Capstone project: real-world network configuration scenario
- Final exam preparation and voucher distribution
Tuition
We want you to focus on your education and career path. We partner with Climb Credit to offer several options help ease the burden of your tuition costs. Additional scholarships may be available for those who qualify.
Apply with Climb Credit today for student-friendly tuition loans today.
Tuition Example
As low as $55/month*
Easy Ways To Pay
- Pay up front & in full
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*¹Actual price of program varies. ²Average award shown as an example only. Scholarships are reviewed and awarded individually. Scholarship award amount may vary. No amount of scholarship funding is guaranteed. ³Subject to lender terms and loan approval. This is not an offer for a loan. These loans are not offered or made by Digital Workshop Center but are made by the loan provider. These terms are representative and may not be the exact terms of your loan. ˆAvailable to those who qualify and subject to lender terms and loan approval. ˆˆPayment Plans available to those who qualify and subject to lender terms and payment plan approval.
Support Every Step of the Way
Guidance from pre-enrollment to graduation
Admissions Advisors
From pre-enrollment through your first day, talk to our advisors to learn all the important details about your program
Mentoring
Instructors are here to be your mentor before, during & after class. Working with an expert as a mentor will help you become industry-ready.
Student Support
Our dedicated student affairs manager will be there to help you get your accounts setup, assess your technology, download the proper files and more.
Career Coaching
Meet with a career coach to review your updated resume, portfolio & LinkedIn profile, as well as job search and interview techniques.
Tech Support
While in your program, if you are stuck and need help you can reach out to our tech support for guidance. Whether through Slack, email or phone.
Internships & Alumni
Sign up for our micro-internship network and explore new opportunities. Our alumni network is also available to all students.
Who This Program Is For
The Network+ is the natural next step for anyone who has completed the CompTIA A+ or who has been working in IT support and wants a credential that opens the door to networking and infrastructure roles. It is also a solid entry point for adults with a technical background in adjacent fields — systems administration, telecommunications, or military communications, for example — who want to formalize their knowledge with an industry-recognized certification.
No formal prerequisites are required for enrollment. Students who arrive with foundational IT knowledge, whether from the A+ or from on-the-job experience, will move through the material more comfortably than those starting completely from scratch. If you do not yet have the A+ or equivalent background, speak with an admissions advisor before enrolling. In most cases, taking the A+ first is the better path.
What You Should Know Before You Enroll
This is a focused, fast-moving program. Seven weeks covers a substantial body of networking material, including subnetting and IP addressing work that requires active practice outside of class time. Students who engage fully, work through subnetting exercises between sessions, and complete practice exams before the final module are the ones who sit for the Network+ exam with confidence. The exam is not trivial, and the best outcomes belong to the students who treat the out-of-class work as seriously as the live sessions.
Study materials are not included in tuition and must be purchased separately before the program begins. The admissions team can advise on current recommended materials when you enroll.
Network+ Career Outcomes and Salary Data
The CompTIA Network+ is the entry credential for networking and infrastructure careers, and the roles it qualifies graduates for sit a meaningful step above the entry-level IT support tier. Common roles include network support technician, network help desk analyst, junior network administrator, NOC (network operations center) analyst, and IT field technician. Networking and infrastructure skills are in demand across every sector that operates its own technology environment, including healthcare, financial services, federal government, defense, education, and technology companies of every size.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $73,340 for computer network support specialists as of May 2024, compared to $60,340 for computer user support specialists. That $13,000 gap reflects the premium the market places on networking knowledge over general IT support skills. It is also why taking the A+ and Network+ together is one of the most efficient career investments available in the IT credentialing landscape. Most A+ holders who add the Network+ report moving out of help desk roles and into networking positions within one to two years.
The Network+ is also approved for Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 compliance, which is the federal government’s baseline requirement for IT personnel handling sensitive systems. If you are a veteran, a federal employee, or a civilian targeting defense contractor roles, the Network+ satisfies multiple DoD 8570 classification levels. Many graduates who pursue government and defense IT careers take both the A+ and the Network+ specifically for this reason.
Network Support Technician
Assist in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting networks, gaining hands-on experience with real-world IT systems.
Help Desk / IT Support Specialist
Provide first-line support for connectivity and device issues, ensuring smooth day-to-day IT operations.
Junior Network Administrator
Support network administration tasks, including device configuration, performance monitoring, and user management.
IT Technician / Field Technician
Install, configure, and troubleshoot network and computer systems on-site or remotely, solving real-world IT challenges.
How AI Is Changing IT Work
AI-assisted tools have moved into network operations faster than most people outside the field have noticed. Network monitoring platforms use machine learning to detect anomalies and predict failures before they become outages. Automated remediation tools handle routine configuration tasks that previously required manual intervention. AI-powered ticketing and diagnostics tools are reducing mean time to resolution across IT support environments. These are not experimental features — they are production tools in the environments where Network+ graduates will be working.
The program addresses this directly. Students learn to work with the diagnostic and monitoring tools that underpin modern network operations, understand how AI-assisted anomaly detection works in practice, and develop the foundational networking knowledge needed to evaluate AI-generated remediation suggestions critically rather than accepting them blindly. A network technician who understands why a subnet is misconfigured will use AI diagnostic tools effectively. One who does not will follow the tool’s suggestion into a worse problem.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report identifies technology literacy and the ability to work alongside AI systems as among the highest-value workforce skills through the end of this decade. Networking fundamentals are not going away. The people who combine them with AI tool fluency will have a significant advantage over those who have one without the other.
Why DWC Trains Differently
DWC has been delivering workforce training since 2006. The CompTIA Network+ program is not a recorded video library with a test at the end. Every session is live, with an instructor who has worked in networking professionally and knows the difference between what the exam tests and what the job actually requires on day one. That distinction matters most when a student is sitting across from a hiring manager who asks them to walk through how they would troubleshoot a VLAN configuration issue.
Class sizes are intentionally small, with an average student-to-instructor ratio of 5 to 1. Every student gets their questions answered. Practice work gets reviewed. Career coaching, admissions advising, student support, tech support, and access to the DWC micro-internship network through Parker Dewey are included for every student at no additional cost.
WIOA Funding and Financial Support
The CompTIA Network+ program is eligible for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding through local American Job Centers. At $2,900, this program sits well within the typical WIOA individual training account range, and many students cover part or all of the cost through workforce funding. Eligibility is determined individually based on employment status and income level. DWC works directly with case managers to provide the documentation they need, including program descriptions and learning objectives, tuition costs and itemized fees, program schedule, credential documentation, and labor market alignment data.
State-specific WIOA guidance is available for Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois. Contact our admissions team if your state is not listed.
This program is also eligible for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) funding for students who qualify. Admissions staff can assist with documentation and coordination with your DVR counselor.
DWC offers scholarships of up to $2,500 for eligible students, including the Tech Skills Scholarship for unemployed individuals returning to work, the Women in Tech Scholarship, and the Veterans Skills Scholarship. Learn more on the financial aid page.
For students paying out of pocket, DWC partners with Climb Credit for student-friendly tuition loans and payment plan options. Explore all options on the financial aid page.
DWC can provide case managers with program descriptions and learning objectives, tuition costs and itemized fees, program duration and schedule, credential documentation, labor market alignment data, and performance outcomes data. Contact our team directly if your case manager has specific documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the CompTIA A+ before I can enroll?
No. The Network+ has no formal prerequisite. That said, students who arrive with the A+ or equivalent hands-on IT experience move through the material significantly more comfortably than those starting completely fresh. If you do not yet have a foundational IT background, taking DWC’s CompTIA A+ program first is the better path for most students. The admissions team can help you assess your starting point.
Is the exam voucher really included in tuition?
Yes. The $400 CompTIA Network+ exam voucher is included in the $2,900 tuition, covering one attempt at the Network+ exam. If you do not pass and need to retake, you purchase a new voucher directly from CompTIA at your own expense. Exam scheduling guidance and voucher distribution are handled in the final module.
Is this program eligible for WIOA funding?
Yes. The CompTIA Network+ program is eligible for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding through local American Job Centers. Eligibility is determined individually based on your employment status and income level. DWC’s admissions team can provide full program documentation for workforce case managers. State-specific guidance is available for Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois.
How long is the program and how much time does it require each week?
Seven weeks, two sessions per week, three hours per session, for six hours of live instruction per week and 42 total class hours. Students should also plan two to four hours per week outside of class for reviewing material, practicing subnetting, and working through practice exam questions. Subnetting fluency in particular requires active repetition outside of sessions. The typical weekly commitment is eight to ten hours. The program runs in the evenings and is designed for people who are working or job searching at the same time.
What is the CompTIA Network+ and why does it matter?
The CompTIA Network+ is the industry-standard vendor-neutral certification for networking roles. It demonstrates proficiency in the networking concepts, protocols, and troubleshooting skills that employers expect from network technicians and junior network administrators. It is approved for DoD 8570 compliance, which is required for IT personnel working in federal government, military, and defense contractor environments. Most employers listing network technician, network support, or junior network administrator roles list the Network+ as required or preferred.
Are study materials included?
No. Study materials are required but are not included in tuition. Students purchase CompTIA-approved study materials separately before the program begins. The admissions team can recommend current resources and advise on what to expect to spend when you enroll.
What credentials will I earn?
Graduates earn two credentials. First, the DWC Network Technician Certificate, issued as a higher education professional certificate by the State of Colorado Division of Private Occupational Schools. Second, the CompTIA Network+ certification, issued by CompTIA upon passing the exam. The DPOS credential meets the documentation requirements of WIOA case managers and DVR counselors. The CompTIA Network+ is the credential that appears on your resume and that employers verify.
How does this program relate to the CompTIA A+?
The A+ and Network+ are part of the CompTIA Infrastructure career pathway and are designed to build on each other. The A+ covers hardware, operating systems, and IT support fundamentals. The Network+ goes deeper into networking concepts, routing, security, and troubleshooting at the network level. Many students complete the CompTIA A+ program and enroll in the Network+ in the following cohort. Together, the two credentials satisfy DoD 8570 requirements at multiple classification levels and qualify graduates for a wider range of networking and infrastructure roles than either credential alone.
Start Your Training
Attend a free info session to meet an instructor, ask questions about the curriculum and the networking job market, and understand exactly what the program covers before committing to anything. You can also request program information and an admissions advisor will follow up within one business day.
If funding is the first thing you want to sort out, the financial aid page covers WIOA, DVR, scholarships, and financing options. At $2,900 including the exam voucher, this is one of the most cost-accessible programs in DWC’s catalog, and many students cover all or most of the cost through workforce funding.