CompTIA Security+ vs Network+: Which Certification Should You Take First?

Breaking into the world of IT can feel overwhelming—there are countless roles, technologies, and certifications to consider. For most professionals, certifications act like roadmaps: they validate your skills, signal credibility to employers, and give you structured learning paths to follow. Among the most trusted names in IT certifications is CompTIA, a vendor-neutral organization whose credentials are widely recognized across industries.

Two of the most popular entry- to mid-level CompTIA certifications are Network+ and Security+. They often appear side by side in IT career discussions because they serve as stepping stones into two of the most in-demand fields: network administration and cybersecurity.

• CompTIA Network+ helps learners master the fundamentals of networking—covering how systems connect, communicate, and troubleshoot across different environments. It’s often the first major certification for help desk professionals, network technicians, and those who want to move into infrastructure or systems support.

• CompTIA Security+, on the other hand, is a globally recognized cybersecurity baseline certification. It demonstrates your ability to identify and mitigate threats, apply risk management practices, and ensure compliance. It’s especially valuable for government/DOD compliance roles and organizations that prioritize security-first operations.

Why are these certifications so important? Because today’s IT landscape is converging—every network needs security, and every security analyst needs network fluency. That’s why many professionals ask: Should I start with Network+ or jump straight into Security+?

This blog provides a detailed, side-by-side comparison of CompTIA Network+ vs Security+, covering their exam structures, difficulty levels, career outcomes, and industry value. Whether you’re new to IT, making a career transition, or deciding your next credential, this guide will help you choose the path that best aligns with your goals.

Certification Overviews

What Is CompTIA Network+?

The CompTIA Network+ certification is often described as the baseline credential for IT networking professionals. It validates your ability to design, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks across different platforms. Unlike vendor-specific certifications (such as Cisco’s CCNA), Network+ is vendor-neutral, which means it equips you with universal networking knowledge that can be applied to virtually any environment.

• Core focus areas:

  • Networking concepts (OSI model, TCP/IP, ports, protocols)

  • Infrastructure (cabling, switches, routers, wireless standards)

  • Network operations (monitoring, performance optimization)

  • Network security basics (firewalls, authentication, access control)

  • Troubleshooting methodologies

This makes Network+ an excellent fit for:

• Help desk technicians who want to step into more technical roles

• Junior network administrators or support specialists

• IT generalists who need networking knowledge as part of their broader responsibilities

Network+ ensures that you understand the foundations of how devices talk to each other—an essential skill before moving into advanced IT or cybersecurity paths.

What Is CompTIA Security+?

The CompTIA Security+ certification is considered the entry-level gold standard for cybersecurity professionals. While Network+ touches on security, Security+ dives much deeper into protecting systems and data against modern threats. It’s widely recognized not only in the private sector but also in government roles, especially since it meets the DoD 8570/8140 compliance requirements—making it a must-have for many defense-related jobs.

• Core focus areas:

  • Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities (malware, phishing, zero-day attacks)

  • Technologies and tools (IDS/IPS, SIEM, firewalls, endpoint security)

  • Architecture and design (secure network design, cloud security)

  • Identity and access management (authentication, authorization, federated identities)

  • Risk management, compliance, and governance

This certification is best suited for:

• Cybersecurity analysts and SOC professionals

• Systems administrators with a security focus

• IT professionals seeking government or defense jobs

• Anyone building a career around protecting networks, data, and systems

In short: If Network+ teaches you how networks function, Security+ ensures you can defend those networks against attacks.

Exam Structure & Content Comparison

Both CompTIA Network+ and Security+ are vendor-neutral certifications delivered through Pearson VUE testing centers (or online with proctoring). They follow a similar structure—multiple-choice and performance-based questions—but their exam objectives and content areas differ significantly.

CompTIA Network+ Exam

• Exam Code: N10-009 (latest update in 2025; previously N10-008)

• Number of Questions: Up to 90

• Question Types: Multiple-choice + performance-based questions (PBQs)

• Duration: 90 minutes

• Passing Score: 720 (on a scale of 100–900)

• Domains Covered:

  • Networking Fundamentals (ports, protocols, topologies, models)

  • Network Implementations (switches, routers, wireless standards)

  • Network Operations (monitoring, configuration, high availability)

  • Network Security (firewalls, VPNs, authentication)

  • Network Troubleshooting (diagnostics, tools, methodologies)

CompTIA Security+ Exam

• Exam Code: SY0-701 (newest version launched in late 2023; replaces SY0-601)

• Number of Questions: Up to 90

• Question Types: Multiple-choice + scenario-driven performance-based questions

• Duration: 90 minutes

• Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100–900)

• Domains Covered:

  • General Security Concepts

  • Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations

  • Security Architecture & Design

  • Security Operations

  • Security Program Management & Oversight

Key Differences in Exam Content

• Network+ emphasizes technical configurations and troubleshooting — e.g., knowing how to configure a router, subnet a network, or diagnose DNS failures.

• Security+ emphasizes risk-driven security practices — e.g., identifying phishing attempts, implementing least privilege, or evaluating compliance requirements.

• Performance-based questions (PBQs):

  • In Network+, PBQs often test practical setups (like drag-and-drop port/protocol matching or configuring a subnet).

  • In Security+, PBQs are scenario-driven (like analyzing a security log to detect an intrusion or prioritizing incident response steps).

CompTIA Network+ vs Security+: Exam Structure Comparison

Difficulty Level & Recommended Order

Which Exam Is Harder?

Both certifications are considered entry-level to intermediate, but they test different skills:

• Network+ is often described as more technical. It requires you to calculate subnets, memorize ports and protocols, and troubleshoot connectivity issues. If you don’t have hands-on networking experience, this can feel challenging.

• Security+, while less math-heavy, is conceptually broader. It introduces you to risk management, governance, and compliance frameworks—areas that may feel abstract for someone without IT experience.

On Reddit and other IT forums, opinions vary:

• “Subnetting made Network+ a beast for me. Once I got past that, Security+ felt more like memorizing frameworks.”

• “Security+ was harder in my opinion—it’s not just memorization, you need to understand scenarios and apply them in real-world contexts.”

• “Do Network+ first. It builds your foundation. Security+ assumes you already understand networking basics.”

Recommended Order of Study

• Logical progression: Many IT professionals recommend starting with Network+ first. The reasoning is simple: you can’t secure what you don’t understand. Networking concepts (IP addressing, DNS, firewalls) form the backbone of cybersecurity.

• Direct to Security+: Some skip Network+ and go straight to Security+. This is common for career changers who want to land a cybersecurity role quickly or for students whose training programs bundle Security+ as the first credential.

• Reverse order: A smaller group actually takes Security+ first, then circles back to Network+ if they move into networking-heavy jobs.

Prerequisites

• Neither exam has mandatory prerequisites.

• However, CompTIA recommends:

  • Network+ → ~9–12 months of IT experience.

  • Security+ → ~2 years of IT experience with a security focus (or Network+ knowledge).

Network+ vs Security+: Difficulty & Order Comparison

Career Pathways & Industry Value

Where Does CompTIA Network+ Lead?

The Network+ certification is most closely tied to roles where managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting IT infrastructure is essential. It’s valued in organizations that rely on stable, efficient networks (which, these days, is nearly every company).

• Typical Job Roles:

  • Help Desk Technician

  • Network Support Specialist

  • Junior Network Administrator

  • IT Support Specialist

  • Systems Administrator (entry-level)

• Industry Value:

  • Recognized in both private sector and IT service providers.

  • Often bundled into career tracks for IT generalists or those heading toward Cisco/Juniper certifications.

  • Average salary range: $55,000 – $75,000 USD depending on role and region.

Where Does CompTIA Security+ Lead?

The Security+ certification is widely considered the entry-level standard for cybersecurity professionals. It’s recognized worldwide, but especially valuable in the U.S. government and defense sector, because it meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements for many cybersecurity roles.

• Typical Job Roles:

  • Security Analyst / SOC Analyst

  • Information Security Specialist

  • Cybersecurity Administrator

  • Systems Administrator (with security focus)

  • Junior Penetration Tester (sometimes bundled with other certs)

• Industry Value:

  • One of the most requested certifications in cybersecurity job postings.

  • Required for many DoD and federal government positions.

  • Average salary range: $70,000 – $95,000 USD, with some SOC roles pushing beyond $100K after experience.

CompTIA Network+ vs Security+: Career & Salary Comparison

Which Should You Choose? (Decision Guide)

Choosing between CompTIA Network+ and Security+ isn’t about which certification is “better” overall—it’s about which one is better for you and your goals. Here’s how to think about it:

By Personality & Learning Style

• If you enjoy hands-on troubleshooting (fixing broken connections, tracing IPs, configuring routers), then Network+ is the natural first step.

• If you’re more interested in thinking like an attacker or defender (spotting threats, analyzing logs, applying security frameworks), then Security+ may be your best starting point.

By Career Stage

• Beginner / Entry-Level IT: Start with Network+. It builds the foundation that almost every IT role requires.

• Transitioning into Cybersecurity: Go straight to Security+ if your end goal is SOC analyst, compliance officer, or security administrator.

• Already Experienced in IT / Networking: If you’ve been working with systems, networks, or even Cisco gear, skip straight to Security+.

By Career Goals

• Networking & Infrastructure Careers → Network+ first.

• Cybersecurity & Compliance Careers → Security+ first.

• General IT Foundation with Security Awareness → Consider doing both certifications.

Scenario-Based Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need Network+ before Security+?

No, Network+ is not a prerequisite for Security+. However, many professionals recommend taking Network+ first because networking knowledge makes Security+ easier. If you already have experience with IP addresses, ports, or basic troubleshooting, you can jump straight into Security+.

2. Is Security+ more valuable than Network+?

It depends on your career goals. Security+ is generally considered more valuable for job opportunities, especially in cybersecurity and government roles (it’s required under DoD 8570/8140). Network+ is valuable for those building a strong IT foundation or pursuing networking-focused careers. Many professionals find that having both gives them the most flexibility.

3. Which exam is harder?

• Network+ is more technical, with subnetting, protocols, and troubleshooting.

• Security+ is broader, covering risk, compliance, and threat management.
  Difficulty often comes down to your background: beginners may struggle with Network+, while those without security experience may find Security+ tougher.

4. How much experience do I need before taking these exams?

• Network+: CompTIA recommends ~9–12 months of IT experience, but motivated beginners can pass with focused study.

• Security+: CompTIA recommends ~2 years of IT experience with a security focus, but many career changers pass it as their first certification.

5. Can one certification renew the other?

Yes! CompTIA certifications are part of the CE (Continuing Education) program. If you earn a higher-level certification, it can automatically renew lower-level ones. For example:

• Earning Security+ can renew Network+ (if it’s still active).

• Earning CySA+ or CASP+ can renew both Network+ and Security+.

6. Which one should I do first for government/DoD jobs?

Security+ is the clear winner here. It’s explicitly required for many DoD and federal government positions. If your goal is government cybersecurity work, go straight for Security+.

Study Tips and Exam Strategies

Preparing for CompTIA Network+ and Security+ requires different approaches. While both exams test applied knowledge through performance-based questions (PBQs), their focus areas—and therefore study strategies—are unique.

For CompTIA Network+

• Master Subnetting Early: Many test-takers say subnetting is the hardest part. Dedicate focused time to practice IP addressing and subnet calculations until it feels second nature.

• Memorize Ports & Protocols: Expect questions mapping protocols (like HTTPS, SSH, DNS) to their port numbers. Flashcards are a great way to drill these quickly.

• Hands-On Practice: If possible, set up a small home lab or use simulators to practice configuring routers, switches, and wireless access points.

FlashGenius Advantage:

• Use Domain Practice to target subnetting and ports until you master them.

• Drill daily with Flashcards for protocols and OSI model layers.

• Test your readiness with Exam Simulation, which mimics the real exam environment.

For CompTIA Security+

• Focus on Scenarios: Security+ PBQs are less about calculation and more about interpreting logs, identifying threats, and applying security best practices. Practice analyzing case studies.

• Understand Frameworks & Policies: Learn about NIST, GDPR, HIPAA, and other compliance frameworks—many questions test your ability to apply governance in context.

• Stay Current with Threats: Security+ covers evolving cyber threats. Skim cybersecurity news or blogs to reinforce your understanding of real-world attacks.

FlashGenius Advantage:

• Use Mixed Practice for randomized security scenarios across all domains.

• Leverage Smart Review to revisit mistakes and clarify weak concepts.

• Avoid common pitfalls with the Common Mistakes feature, showing where thousands of learners typically go wrong.

Study Time & Effort

• Network+: On average, 8–10 weeks of steady study (~100 hours) is enough for most learners. Beginners may need more.

• Security+: Typically requires 10–12 weeks (~120 hours), especially for those new to compliance and security frameworks.

Tip: Use a Pomodoro Timer (built into FlashGenius) to keep sessions focused, breaking study into 25-minute sprints.

Common Struggles & How to Overcome Them

Conclusion

Both CompTIA Network+ and Security+ are excellent certifications, but they serve different purposes:

• Network+ gives you the IT foundation—understanding how systems connect, communicate, and troubleshoot. It’s the better choice for those starting out in IT or aiming for roles in network administration and IT support.

• Security+ sets the cybersecurity baseline—teaching you how to defend systems, analyze threats, and apply compliance standards. It’s essential for those pursuing careers in cybersecurity or government/DoD roles.

Quick Recommendations

• Beginner in IT? → Start with Network+.

• Focused on Cybersecurity? → Go for Security+ (especially if targeting government jobs).

• Want broad career flexibility? → Take both: Network+ builds your foundation, Security+ future-proofs your career.

The good news? No matter which you choose, both certifications boost your credibility, open up new career paths, and increase your earning potential.

Ready to Pass Your Exam the Smart Way?

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• 📍 Learning Path – step-by-step progression from basics to advanced concepts.

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• 🔄 Smart Review & Common Mistakes – focus only on your weak spots.

• 🃏 Flashcards & Pomodoro Timer – learn faster and stay focused.

👉 Whether you’re taking Network+ or Security+, FlashGenius is your all-in-one study companion.

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