CompTIA Cisco Networking Pro Competency Assessment Practice Test
This practice page covers networking concepts used to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot routed and switched networks. Its subject matter includes IPv4 subnetting, VLAN links, Layer 2 and Layer 3 interfaces, wireless access points, and common infrastructure services such as DNS. Questions also touch on network access control, device monitoring, packet analysis, and OSPF identification.
Exam overview
About the CompTIA Cisco Networking Pro Competency Assessment Exam
Networking work requires interpreting how devices forward traffic and selecting configurations that match a network’s purpose. Subnet calculations help determine address ranges and usable host capacity; VLAN and trunk concepts help separate traffic and carry multiple networks between switches. Routed ports, port security, and 802.1X-based access control involve distinct decisions about forwarding, limiting connected devices, and authenticating users. Other scenarios concern the roles of DNS and wireless access points, collecting counters and interface status with a management protocol, and examining packet exchanges to isolate an application problem. OSPF router IDs provide a way to identify routers within the routing process. Together, these concepts support practical reasoning about connectivity, access, visibility, and fault diagnosis across network equipment.
Sample Practice Questions
Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.
A switch interface is configured as a routed Layer 3 port rather than a Layer 2 switchport. What is a typical result of this configuration?
Show answer
Correct answer: AA routed port operates at Layer 3 and can have an IP address directly assigned, allowing it to participate in routing. It is distinct from a Layer 2 switchport assigned to an access VLAN or configured as a trunk. It is not a console interface.
Which statement best describes the purpose of DNS?
Show answer
Correct answer: BThe Domain Name System stores and returns records associated with domain names, commonly including records that identify IP addresses for services.
An organization wants employees to authenticate before gaining access to a wired switch port, using a central authentication server where available. Which protocol framework is commonly used for port-based network access control?
Show answer
Correct answer: AIEEE 802.1X provides port-based access control. It commonly uses a supplicant on the client, an authenticator such as a switch, and an authentication server such as RADIUS.
A monitoring system needs to collect device counters and interface status from network equipment using a standard management protocol. Which protocol is most appropriate?
Show answer
Correct answer: ASNMP is commonly used to monitor and manage network devices, including retrieving interface counters and status. SMTP handles email transfer, SIP supports session signaling, and SFTP provides secure file transfer.
Which statement describes the role of a wireless access point in infrastructure mode?
Show answer
Correct answer: AAn access point provides wireless connectivity and typically bridges client traffic onto the connected wired LAN. Address assignment, inter-network routing, and name resolution are separate functions that may be provided by other devices or services.
Which IPv4 subnet mask provides 62 usable host addresses in a traditional subnet?
Show answer
Correct answer: AA /26 subnet has 64 total addresses. Subtracting the network and broadcast addresses leaves 62 usable host addresses.
A network analyst needs to capture and inspect packets exchanged between two devices to diagnose an application-layer problem. Which tool category is most appropriate?
Show answer
Correct answer: AA packet analyzer captures network traffic and decodes protocol fields, which helps investigate communication behavior across protocol layers.
How to use this practice test
The free practice session draws up to 20 random questions from the available bank of 50 and displays results after the session. Use the questions to check how well you can distinguish networking concepts such as VLAN trunking, routed switch ports, subnet capacity, and packet-capture tools. Review missed answers by identifying the underlying configuration or protocol decision.
Preparation tips
- Calculate usable IPv4 host capacity for common subnet masks, and verify the network and broadcast addresses before choosing a subnet.
- Compare access and trunk switch links, and distinguish a Layer 2 switchport from a routed Layer 3 interface.
- Review how DNS, wireless access points, 802.1X, and port security contribute to name resolution, connectivity, and access control.
- Match monitoring and troubleshooting goals to tools: SNMP for device counters and status, and packet analyzers for inspecting exchanges.
- Practice explaining the role of an OSPF router ID and how it differs from an interface address or subnet mask.