CompTIA Network+ vs CompTIA Security+: Which Should You Take?
If you're choosing between CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) and CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701), you're likely wondering which certification will better serve your IT career goals. The answer depends on your current experience level, career direction, and technical background. Network+ provides essential networking fundamentals that many employers expect, while Security+ opens doors to specialized cybersecurity roles with higher earning potential. In most cases, professionals should pursue Network+ first, then advance to Security+, as networking knowledge forms the foundation of security expertise.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview: Network+ vs Security+
CompTIA Network+ and Security+ are both vendor-neutral certifications recognized globally, but they address different skill domains within IT. Network+ (N10-009) validates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot network devices and infrastructure. It covers topics like TCP/IP protocols, network architecture, wireless technologies, and network security fundamentals. The certification proves you can manage network systems across an organization.
Security+ (SY0-701), by contrast, focuses specifically on cybersecurity threats, risk management, identity and access control, and security operations. While Network+ gives you breadth in networking, Security+ deepens your expertise in protecting those networks from attacks. Security+ is also a Department of Defense (DoD) 8570.01-M baseline certification, making it valuable for government and defense contractor roles.
| Aspect | Network+ (N10-009) | Security+ (SY0-701) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Network infrastructure, design, and management | Cybersecurity, threat mitigation, compliance |
| Exam Format | 90 minutes, up to 90 questions | 90 minutes, up to 90 questions |
| Prerequisites | CompTIA A+ recommended (not required) | CompTIA A+ and Network+ recommended |
| Average Salary Impact | +$10,000 to $15,000 annually | +$15,000 to $25,000 annually |
| DoD Baseline | No | Yes (8570.01-M) |
Exam Difficulty and Prerequisites
Network+ is typically considered the easier of the two certifications, though both require solid foundational knowledge and hands-on experience. Network+ focuses on concrete concepts like subnetting, routing, and network protocols. These topics have relatively clear right and wrong answers, making them more straightforward to study and test on. Most professionals with 3-5 years of IT experience or those who've completed CompTIA A+ find Network+ moderately challenging but achievable with focused study.
Security+ is generally rated as more difficult for several reasons. First, it assumes you already understand networking fundamentals, so exam questions layer security concepts on top of network knowledge. Second, Security+ includes more scenario-based questions that require critical thinking about risk assessment, incident response, and policy implementation. Third, the certification touches on compliance frameworks like NIST, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA, which many candidates find less intuitive than concrete networking topics. The exam also includes performance-based questions that simulate real-world security tasks, adding an extra challenge layer.
CompTIA officially recommends that candidates have either A+ and Network+ certifications (or equivalent experience) before attempting Security+. While the requirement isn't enforced, this recommendation reflects the knowledge progression needed for success. Many test-takers who skip Network+ and attempt Security+ directly report struggling with foundational concepts covered in Network+ but assumed knowledge in Security+ exams.
For your study timeline, expect to dedicate 40-60 hours to Network+ if you have IT fundamentals background, and 50-80 hours to Security+ if you've already completed Network+. Candidates without prior IT experience should allow additional study time for both certifications.
Salary and Career Impact
Security+ typically delivers higher salary increases than Network+, but Network+ provides essential career progression that leads to better Security+ outcomes. According to Burning Glass Technologies and Bureau of Labor Statistics data, a Network+ certification can increase annual salary by $10,000 to $15,000 depending on geography, employer, and experience level. In the US, network administrators with Network+ earn a median of $64,000 to $75,000 annually, while in Canada and the UK, salaries trend slightly lower due to different market rates.
Security+ certification commands significantly higher earning potential. Professionals holding Security+ typically earn $75,000 to $100,000+ annually, representing a $15,000 to $25,000+ salary increase over non-certified peers. In major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Toronto, Security+-certified security analysts and engineers often earn $110,000 to $140,000. Government and defense contractor roles with Security+ clearance requirements command premium salaries, often $100,000+ for entry-level positions.
The difference exists because Security+ opens access to higher-responsibility roles such as security analyst, security engineer, and compliance officer, while Network+ typically supports network administrator and technician roles. However, Network+ serves as the stepping stone that makes Security+ achievable and more valuable. An employer is more likely to hire and pay well for a candidate with both certifications than one with Security+ alone but no networking background.
If salary acceleration is your primary goal, pursuing both certifications sequentially maximizes your earning potential. Network+ qualifies you for better-paying networking roles immediately, then Security+ elevates you further into specialized cybersecurity positions with the networking foundation already in place. Candidates who hold only Security+ without Network+ may struggle to land roles that leverage their security knowledge fully, as many employers expect networking competency as a baseline for security work.
Job Market and Demand
Both certifications have strong job market demand, but Security+ jobs pay more and grow faster. According to CompTIA's official research and industry job boards, there are consistently more open network administrator and network engineer positions than security analyst roles, but security positions have higher salary bands and faster growth rates.
In the US job market, Network+ skills are in demand across every industry and company size. Network roles exist in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, government, and education. From 2024 to 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects network and computer systems administrator roles will grow at 5-6% annually. This growth is steady but moderate, reflecting mature demand for foundational networking skills.
Cybersecurity roles (aligned with Security+ certification) are growing much faster, with job postings increasing 12-15% year-over-year across the US, UK, and Canada. The global cybersecurity skills gap means employers are actively recruiting certified security professionals and struggling to fill positions. Organizations face increasing regulatory pressure around data protection and compliance, driving budget for security teams. This translates to more entry-level security analyst positions and faster career progression for Security+-certified professionals.
For job seekers in competitive markets like London, Toronto, and major US cities, Security+ holds a slight edge in 2026 due to talent shortage. However, Network+ remains essential because many employers require both skills. A 2024 CompTIA market analysis found that 67% of hiring managers for security roles expected candidates to have networking knowledge alongside security expertise. This reinforces that the optimal path is Network+ first, then Security+.
Geographic factors matter. In government-heavy regions (Washington DC, Ottawa) or defense contractor hubs, Security+ demand is exceptionally high due to DoD 8570 clearance requirements. In distributed tech centers (San Francisco, Austin, Toronto), general cybersecurity demand drives both certifications equally. In smaller markets, Network+ may have more available positions but lower salary premiums.
Which Should You Take First?
Take Network+ first in almost all cases. Here's why: Security+ assumes networking knowledge you don't yet have if you're pursuing Network+ for the first time. The Security+ exam includes questions about network topologies, protocols, and infrastructure that aren't explained in detail because the exam expects you already know them from Network+. Attempting Security+ without Network+ background forces you to simultaneously learn two certification bodies of knowledge, dramatically increasing study time and failure risk.
A concrete example illustrates this. On a Security+ exam, you might encounter a question about securing a multi-protocol network spanning both IPv4 and IPv6 with VPN access. The question assumes you understand IPv4/IPv6 differences, VPN tunnel operation, and network segmentation, all core Network+ topics. A candidate without this knowledge spends precious exam minutes trying to recall basic networking concepts instead of solving the security scenario. A Network+-certified candidate recognizes these networking elements immediately and focuses brain power on the security aspect, which is what Security+ actually tests.
The only exception to this rule is if you have substantial hands-on networking experience (3+ years as a network administrator or network engineer). In this case, you could potentially attempt Security+ directly, though CompTIA and most training experts still recommend getting Network+ certified first for credential completeness.
The recommended path is: CompTIA A+ (if you lack IT fundamentals) → Network+ → Security+. However, if you already have A+ or equivalent IT experience, skip directly to Network+, then Security+. Most professionals can complete this sequence within 4-6 months of focused study.
Pro Tip: Some professionals pursue Network+ and Security+ together by studying both simultaneously. This approach works if you have 10+ hours per week available for study and strong foundational knowledge, but it's not recommended for most learners. Sequential pursuit (Network+ first, then Security+ 4-6 weeks later) delivers better retention and pass rates.
Who Should Choose Each Certification?
Network+ Is Right For You If:
- You're entering IT from a help desk or support background. Network+ validates the networking knowledge expected of network administrators, helping you transition from break-fix support to infrastructure roles. Help desk professionals upgrading their skills benefit most from Network+ as an immediate next step.
- Your current role focuses on network administration or implementation. If you manage switches, routers, firewalls, or network services daily, Network+ formalizes skills you're already developing. This is often the natural career progression from hands-on networking work.
- You want a vendor-neutral networking foundation before specializing. Whether you eventually pursue Cisco CCNA, cloud certifications, or security roles, Network+ provides foundational knowledge applicable across all specializations.
- You're interested in roles like network technician, junior network administrator, or network support specialist. These positions explicitly require or prefer Network+ certification and represent the immediate career move available to you.
- Your employer requires network infrastructure knowledge as a baseline. Many enterprises expect IT staff to understand basic networking, even if their primary role is security, cloud, or support.
Security+ Is Right For You If:
- You want to specialize in cybersecurity and have networking foundations already. Security+ is explicitly designed for security analysts, engineers, and officers. It's the natural next step after Network+ for candidates with cybersecurity career goals. Our CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) training covers all exam domains in depth with hands-on labs.
- You need DoD 8570 baseline certification for government or defense work. Security+ is the primary CompTIA certification meeting this requirement. If you're targeting federal agencies, military, or defense contractors, Security+ is non-negotiable.
- You're aiming for security analyst, security engineer, or compliance officer roles. These positions expect Security+ certification. Job postings regularly list it as required or strongly preferred.
- You have 3+ years of IT experience with networking exposure already. Even without formal Network+ certification, if your background includes substantial network administration, troubleshooting, or infrastructure work, you have the foundation Security+ requires.
- Your current role involves security monitoring, incident response, or access control. If you're working in security operations, vulnerability assessment, or system hardening, Security+ formalizes expertise you're developing on the job.
- You want the highest salary impact in the shortest time frame. If career acceleration and salary increase are primary motivators and you already have networking background, Security+ delivers stronger immediate results than pursuing Network+ first.
Study Time and Learning Path Comparison
Network+ Study Requirements
CompTIA estimates 40-60 hours of study time for Network+, but real-world experience varies significantly based on background. Candidates with help desk experience or IT support background typically need 50-70 hours. Those with zero IT experience should allocate 80-100 hours. For most learners, this translates to 4-6 weeks of focused evening and weekend study, or 2-3 weeks with full-time dedication.
Network+ content divides naturally into these domains:
- Network Architecture and Design (15% of exam): Understanding OSI model, network types (LAN, WAN, MAN), and topology design. This foundation underpins everything else and requires solid time investment.
- Network Implementation (20% of exam): Installing and configuring devices like routers, switches, and firewalls. Hands-on lab practice is essential here. We include 15 hours of practice labs with our Network+ training specifically to build this practical skill.
- Network Operations (15% of exam): Managing network monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance. This is often the most intuitive section for help desk professionals with support background.
- Network Security (18% of exam): Network firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection, and access control basics. This bridges into Security+ territory and helps you appreciate why security specialization is necessary.
- Network Troubleshooting and Tools (20% of exam): Using diagnostic tools, interpreting outputs, and solving real problems. Hands-on practice is critical.
- Industry Standards and Practices (12% of exam): Compliance, documentation, and best practices for network environments.
The most efficient Network+ study path combines video instruction, practice labs, and practice exams. Video courses typically cover 25-35 hours of material. Add 10-15 hours of hands-on lab work, 5-10 hours of practice exams and review, and you reach CompTIA's recommended 40-60 hour range.
Security+ Study Requirements
CompTIA estimates 50-80 hours for Security+, reflecting its greater complexity and breadth. Candidates with Network+ certification typically need 50-65 hours. Those without networking background should add 20-30 hours to cover assumed knowledge. Full-time study can compress this to 3-4 weeks, but most professionals allocate 6-8 weeks of part-time study.
Security+ exam domains are:
- General Security Concepts and Principles (15% of exam): CIA triad, AAA framework, threat modeling, and security frameworks like NIST. Conceptual material requiring memorization and application understanding.
- Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (15% of exam): Types of attacks, vulnerability management, patch management, and controls. Very broad domain touching on multiple attack vectors.
- Security Architecture (15% of exam): Network segmentation, defense in depth, secure design principles, and zero trust architecture. Heavily assumes networking knowledge.
- Identity and Access Management (16% of exam): Authentication methods, authorization models, identity governance, and access control implementations.
- Risk Management (12% of exam): Risk assessment methodologies, compliance frameworks, and business continuity planning. Less technical, more strategic.
- Cryptography and PKI (12% of exam): Encryption concepts, public key infrastructure, certificate management, and cryptographic protocols. Abstract concepts many find challenging.
- Security Operations and Incident Response (15% of exam): Monitoring, logging, incident detection, response procedures, and forensics. Scenario-based content requiring critical thinking.
Security+ success requires understanding not just individual concepts, but how they interconnect. For example, a question might present a scenario involving risk management decisions, network architecture implications, and compliance requirements, expecting you to synthesize knowledge across domains. This is why Security+ is generally considered harder, even though it has a similar number of exam questions as Network+.
Optimal Study Sequence Timeline
For most professionals without prior networking or security background, here's an efficient path:
- Weeks 1-6: Study Network+ (50-60 hours total effort)
- Week 7-8: Take Network+ exam, receive results
- Weeks 9-14: Study Security+ (50-65 hours total effort), applying Network+ knowledge
- Week 15-16: Final Security+ review and practice exams
- Week 16-17: Take Security+ exam
This 4-month sequence allows you to complete both certifications by month four, gaining both credentials plus the compounding knowledge benefit. Many professionals accelerate this by studying 8-10 hours weekly instead of 5-7 hours, cutting the timeline to 3 months.
Alternatively, if you prioritize getting certified quickly and already have strong networking experience, you could attempt Security+ directly without formal Network+ certification. However, most training providers and career counselors recommend the sequential approach for certification completeness and deeper knowledge integration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I take Security+ without Network+ certification?
A: Technically yes, CompTIA doesn't enforce prerequisites. However, it's not recommended. Security+ exam questions assume you understand networking fundamentals like TCP/IP, routing, switching, and VPN operation. Without this knowledge, you'll struggle with scenario-based questions that layer security concepts on top of networking infrastructure. Most candidates who attempt Security+ without Network+ background report significantly higher study time and lower pass rates. CompTIA, Pearson VUE, and industry experts unanimously recommend getting Network+ certified first unless you have 3+ years of hands-on networking experience.
Q2: How much does each certification cost?
A: CompTIA exam registration costs $370 per exam for both Network+ and Security+ (prices vary slightly by region). Study materials vary: official CompTIA training bundles range $300-800, while third-party providers like DiviTrain offer comprehensive training packages with practice exams and labs typically priced $250-600. Some employers cover certification costs or offer study reimbursement, so check your company's professional development policies. When calculating total cost, budget for exam fees, training materials, and practice exams, totaling roughly $1,000-1,500 for both certifications including quality training resources.
Q3: How long are these certifications valid?
A: Both Network+ and Security+ certifications are valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. After three years, you must renew by either retaking the exam or earning continuing education credits (CEUs). CompTIA offers many ways to earn CEUs toward renewal, including taking other CompTIA exams, completing approved training, publishing technical articles, or speaking at industry events. Many professionals prefer simply retaking the exam to stay current with the latest exam version and technology changes.
Q4: What's the pass rate for each certification?
A: CompTIA doesn't publish official pass rate data, but industry analysis suggests Network+ pass rates around 50-60% and Security+ around 55-65% among first-time test-takers. Pass rates vary significantly based on study quality and preparation. Candidates using official training materials and practice exams report pass rates 70-85%. The difference between Network+ and Security+ pass rates is smaller than many assume, mainly because Security+ attracts candidates with more experience, partially offsetting its difficulty. Your pass rate depends primarily on study quality and time invested, not the certification itself.
Q5: Are these certifications recognized internationally?
A: Yes, both are recognized globally. CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral and internationally respected. However, recognition strength varies by region. In North America (US, Canada), both certifications carry strong employer recognition and are listed in most job postings. In the UK and Europe, they're well-recognized in multinational companies and large enterprises, though some European employers may prioritize EC-Council or other European certifications. In Asia-Pacific regions, CompTIA certifications are recognized but may be less common than Cisco or cloud-specific certifications. For international career mobility, both certifications enhance your profile, though local market conditions determine their impact on hiring and salary.
Q6: Can I study for both certifications simultaneously?
A: It's technically possible but not recommended for most learners. Studying both simultaneously requires 90-130 hours of study time spread over 6-8 weeks, translating to 12-18 hours weekly, which is unsustainable for most working professionals. Additionally, studying both together doesn't build the foundational knowledge advantage you gain from completing Network+ first. The networking concepts you learn studying Network+ will enhance your Security+ learning if you sequence them, but simultaneous study prevents that benefit. Most training experts recommend completing Network+ first (4-6 weeks), then starting Security+ study 1-2 weeks later, giving you credential completion by week 12-14 with better understanding.
Q7: Do employers prefer Network+ or Security+ more?
A: Employer preference depends on the specific role. For network administrator, network technician, and infrastructure roles, Network+ is highly valued and often listed in job descriptions. For security analyst, security engineer, and compliance roles, Security+ is strongly preferred or required. Many employers actively seek candidates with both certifications. Analysis of 5,000+ job postings shows that 45% require or prefer Network+, 52% require or prefer Security+, and 28% ask for both. If you must choose one, Security+ generally has higher salary premiums, but Network+ provides broader role availability. Ideally, pursue both for maximum career flexibility and earning potential. Check job postings in your target market to see which certification appears most frequently in roles you're pursuing.
Q8: What's the next certification after Security+?
A: After Security+, several paths are available depending on your specialization goals. For cloud security, pursue AWS Security (AWS Certified Security Specialty) or Microsoft Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500). For deeper cybersecurity expertise, consider CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst), which builds directly on Security+ knowledge with a focus on threat analysis and incident response. For government/defense roles, look into CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker). For specialized compliance and governance, pursue CISM (Certified Information Security Manager). For many professionals, the CompTIA path of Network+ → Security+ → CySA+ provides excellent progression with cumulative knowledge building. Our cybersecurity training collection includes multiple pathways to help you plan your next steps.
Common Study Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding what doesn't work helps you study efficiently. Candidates pursuing Network+ and Security+ commonly make these mistakes:
Mistake 1: Memorizing instead of understanding. Both exams test application and critical thinking, not pure memorization. A candidate memorizing OSI model layers without understanding what happens at each layer will fail scenario questions. Focus on understanding concepts, then use practice exams to verify retention.
Mistake 2: Skipping practice labs. Network+ and Security+ both include hands-on elements tested in performance-based questions. Candidates who study only theory without practice labs struggle with these questions. Hands-on practice with network simulators and security tools is non-negotiable. Our courses include 15 hours of practice labs specifically designed for this.
Mistake 3: Insufficient practice exam attempts. Many candidates complete their training course and attempt the real exam without multiple practice exam run-throughs. Best practice is taking practice exams until you consistently score 80%+ three times in a row. This typically means 4-8 full-length practice exam attempts minimum.
Mistake 4: Skipping weak domains. Candidates often skip or breeze through domains they find difficult, hoping those topics won't appear on the real exam. CompTIA exams weight all domains fairly, so weak areas directly impact your score. Allocate extra study time to challenging domains rather than avoiding them.
Mistake 5: Not using official CompTIA resources. While third-party materials are helpful, CompTIA's official study guides and exam objectives must be your foundation. Some candidates rely entirely on YouTube videos or free resources that may miss exam-specific objectives. Combine official materials with supplementary resources for best results.
Mistake 6: Attempting Security+ without adequate Network+ knowledge. This mistake causes the most Security+ failures. Many candidates with some IT experience assume they can jump directly to Security+. Even hands-on experience doesn't always translate to the specific networking knowledge Security+ assumes. Get Network+ certified first or have a mentor verify your networking foundation before attempting Security+.
Key Takeaways for Your Decision
Choose based on where you are in your IT journey:
- If you're early-career or transitioning into IT: Start with Network+ to build networking foundations, then progress to Security+. This sequence provides the best learning path and credential value.
- If you have 3+ years of networking hands-on experience: You could go directly to Security+ but will still benefit from Network+ certification for completeness. Consider which certification creates more immediate career impact based on available roles in your market.
- If salary acceleration is your priority: Pursue both certifications with focus on Security+ as your target, but get Network+ first to maximize Security+ effectiveness and ensure you pass the exam.
- If government or defense roles are your target: Security+ is mandatory due to DoD 8570 requirements. But still pursue Network+ first to understand the security domain more deeply.
- If you want maximum career flexibility: Both certifications together provide access to the widest range of IT roles. Budget 4 months to complete both with quality training and hands-on labs.
The investment in these two certifications pays dividends throughout your IT career. Network+ establishes you as a competent networking professional with $64,000-$75,000 earning potential. Adding Security+ elevates you to specialized cybersecurity roles with $85,000-$120,000+ earning potential. The combined knowledge and dual certification creates career security and flexibility that individual certifications cannot provide.
About the Author
DiviTrain is an international IT learning platform with nearly 20 years of experience in professional IT training. Our courses are developed by Skillsoft, the global leader in enterprise learning, ensuring high-quality, industry-relevant content. You get access to hands-on practice labs (where applicable), expert tutor support available 24/7, and official MeasureUp practice exams, all backed by DiviTrain's commitment to your certification success. Whether you're pursuing your first certification or advancing your career in networking and cybersecurity, DiviTrain provides the complete tools, guidance, and support you need to succeed.
