CompTIA Network+ Network Technician Certificate

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

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

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

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

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

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

The CompTIA Network+ Network Technician Certificate is eligible for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding, which is a federal workforce development program administered through local American Job Centers. WIOA can cover part or all of tuition for eligible individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking to change careers.

At $2,900 total cost with the CompTIA Network+ exam voucher included in tuition, this program sits comfortably within the typical WIOA individual training account range. WIOA funding covers both the training and the certification exam in a single approved amount, with no separate exam fee for the student to pay out of pocket. Students who have already completed the CompTIA A+ through WIOA funding can often secure a second ITA for the Network+ as the next step in their Individual Employment Plan.

Your local American Job Center determines your eligibility based on your employment status and income level. If approved, your case manager authorizes funding through an Individual Training Account (ITA). DWC is listed as an eligible training provider and works directly with case managers to provide everything they need to process a funding request.

DWC prepares a complete documentation package for every WIOA-funded student, including the program description and learning objectives, tuition and itemized costs, the full program schedule, credential documentation for both the DPOS professional certificate and the CompTIA Network+ certification, labor market alignment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (computer network support specialist employment projections, salary data, and job posting demand), and student performance and completion outcomes data. If your case manager has documentation requirements beyond this standard package, the admissions team will work with them directly.

DWC is approved to operate and enroll students in Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois. Students from other states are welcome to enroll. If your state is not listed, contact the admissions team to discuss eligibility and funding options in your area.

Not sure if you qualify? Contact your local American Job Center to start the eligibility process, or contact DWC’s admissions team and we can help you identify the right workforce resources for your situation.

The CompTIA Network+ Network Technician Certificate is eligible for funding through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). DVR provides training funding for individuals with documented disabilities who are working toward employment. DVR services are available in every state through state-run vocational rehabilitation agencies.

The Network+ builds directly on foundational IT skills and opens the door to networking and infrastructure roles that pay a meaningful step above entry-level IT support. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $73,340 for computer network support specialists, compared to $60,340 for general computer user support specialists. For DVR-funded students who have already completed the A+ or who have foundational IT experience, the Network+ is a strong next credential that leads to higher-paying roles.

If you are already working with a DVR counselor, they can contact DWC directly to initiate enrollment and coordinate funding approval. DWC’s admissions team has experience working with DVR offices across multiple states and handles the documentation, scheduling coordination, and progress reporting that DVR counselors require.

If you think you may be eligible for DVR services but do not yet have a counselor, contact your state’s vocational rehabilitation agency to begin the intake process. Eligibility is based on having a documented disability that creates a barrier to employment. DWC can provide program information to support your application.

DWC awards scholarships to eligible students through the following programs.

The Tech Skills Scholarship is for unemployed individuals who are returning to the workforce and need financial support to complete their training. Scholarship amounts vary and are determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Women in Tech Scholarship is for women pursuing careers in technology, design, IT, data analytics, or other technical fields. Networking and infrastructure roles are among the highest-demand and highest-paying segments of IT, and this scholarship is designed to help women build the credentials to enter the field.

The Next Mission Scholarship is for eligible U.S. veterans and qualifying active-duty service members within 180 days of separation. The Next Mission Scholarship provides 80% off standard tuition on this program. For the CompTIA Network+ Certificate, that means a qualifying veteran pays $580 instead of $2,900. At this amount, the remaining balance can typically be paid directly in two installments rather than requiring financing. Eligibility requires verified veteran status (DD-214 or equivalent), individual annual income between $30,000 and $75,000, and separation within the past 7 years. Veterans with income below $30,000 may qualify for fully funded training through WIOA or VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) at no out-of-pocket cost. Veterans with income above $75,000 qualify for the Community Heroes Discount of 40% off standard tuition. See if you qualify or visit the Next Mission Scholarship page for full details, eligibility criteria, and required documentation.

The CompTIA Network+ is approved for Department of Defense (DoD) 8570/8140 compliance, satisfying requirements at multiple classification levels for IT personnel working in federal government, military, and defense contractor environments. Veterans who hold both the A+ and Network+ satisfy DoD requirements across a wider range of networking and infrastructure positions than either credential alone.

Scholarships can be combined with other funding sources including WIOA and DVR. To inquire about current availability, contact the admissions team or visit the financial aid page.

Many employers offer professional development budgets, tuition reimbursement programs, or workforce training stipends that can be applied to DWC certificate programs. If you are currently employed and your employer supports professional development, the CompTIA Network+ Certificate may be partially or fully covered by your company’s existing benefits.

At $2,900 including the exam voucher, this program is a straightforward investment for any employer that operates its own network infrastructure. If your company manages routers, switches, VLANs, firewalls, or wireless networks, or if your IT team is responsible for connectivity, network monitoring, or infrastructure support, the Network+ validates exactly the skills your employer needs from the team. Many employers who have funded an employee’s A+ will fund the Network+ as the logical next step because the return is immediate: the employee moves from general IT support into networking-specific responsibilities that the organization needs covered.

If you are not sure how to approach the conversation, DWC has a step-by-step guide on how to ask your employer to pay for professional development that includes talking points, email templates, and tips on framing the request as a business investment. DWC can also provide a program summary document with the curriculum overview, credential outcomes, and a clear explanation of how the training benefits your employer. Contact the admissions team to request this document.

If your employer wants to enroll multiple IT team members or explore group training in networking fundamentals, DWC offers group training options and can work with your organization on scheduling and billing. Contact us to discuss employer-sponsored enrollment.

For students paying out of pocket, the CompTIA Network+ Certificate at $2,900 is one of the most affordable networking certification programs available. DWC partners with Climb Credit for student-friendly tuition financing. Climb Credit offers fixed monthly payments with terms up to 36 months, 0% interest payment plan options (subject to credit approval), no prepayment penalties, and an online application with fast approval.

At $2,900, monthly payments through Climb Credit can be as low as approximately $81 to $105 per month depending on the loan term and interest rate. Apply through Climb Credit to see your personalized options, or visit the financial aid page for more details.

Note that study materials (CompTIA-approved textbooks and practice resources) are required for this program and are not included in tuition. Students purchase 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.

DWC also accepts direct payment by credit card or bank transfer. Contact the admissions team to discuss payment options.

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.

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.

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.

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.