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CompTIA A+, Security+ and Network+: Which Comes First?

Sarah Nguyen
Sarah Nguyen
Created at August 13, 2025

In today’s competitive tech landscape, choosing the right IT certifications can shape the trajectory of your career. Are you considering CompTIA A+, Security+, and Network+? These three certifications, often referred to as the CompTIA Core certification stack, are supposed to lay a strong, structured foundation across hardware, networking, and cybersecurity. But what exactly does each one cover? How do they differ, and in what order should you take them? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the core focus of each certification, compare their difficulty and career value, and help you determine the best path forward.

Overview of CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level certification designed to validate foundational IT skills across hardware, software, networking, and basic cybersecurity. It’s often the first credential IT professionals pursue and is widely recognized as the industry standard for launching an IT support career.

What’s covered in the A+ certification exam?

The latest CompTIA A+ exams (220-1201 and 220-1202) reflect modern IT support roles and cover a wide range of updated topics. Here’s a breakdown of the core objectives for each exam:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)

Domain Main content Percentage
Mobile devices Install and configure laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and wearable tech; troubleshoot common mobile OS and app issues. 15%
Networking Understand TCP/IP, SOHO routers, Wi-Fi configuration, IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, ports and protocols, and IoT connectivity. 20%
Hardware Identify, install, and maintain computer components, including motherboards, CPUs, memory, storage devices, and printers. 25%
Virtualization & Cloud computing Understand cloud models (IaaS, SaaS), cloud storage, and local vs. cloud resource management. 11%
Hardware & Network troubleshooting Diagnose and resolve issues with PC hardware, displays, printers, and peripherals using structured approaches. 29%

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)

Domain Main content Percentage
Operating systems Install, configure, and troubleshoot Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, and mobile OS; command-line tools; basic scripting. 31%
Security Implement best practices for device hardening, threat prevention, access control, malware mitigation, and physical security. 25%
Software troubleshooting Diagnose and resolve OS and application errors, boot problems, BSODs, and slow performance across platforms. 22%
Operational procedures Follow safety and professionalism standards, handle incidents, use change management, disaster recovery, and documentation. 22%

Check full details of CompTIA A+ exam coverage in “What does CompTIA A+ cover?”

Target audience

CompTIA A+ is ideal for individuals entering IT for the first time or transitioning into tech roles from other industries. It is especially relevant for:

  • Beginners entering the IT field with little or no hands-on experience
  • High school or college students studying IT or related disciplines
  • Career changers looking to break into tech with foundational knowledge
  • Entry-level IT support professionals (like help desk or tech support) who want to validate their skills and gain credibility
  • Individuals preparing for more advanced certifications like Network+ or Security+

Exam details

  • Exam codes: 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2)
  • Format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
  • Number of questions: Up to 90 questions per exam
  • Time limit: 90 minutes per exam
  • Passing score:
    • Core 1: 675/900
    • Core 2: 700/900
  • Recommended experience: 12 months of hands-on experience in a help desk support technician, desktop support technician, or field service technician job role
  • Validity: Certification is valid for 3 years

Career opportunities

Achieving CompTIA A+ opens the door to a variety of entry-level IT jobs. Common CompTIA A+ jobs include:

  • IT support specialist
  • Service desk analyst
  • Technical support engineer
  • Desktop support administrator
  • Associate network technician

It’s often a prerequisite for Level 1 IT jobs and government positions requiring baseline technical skills. 

Overview of CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ certification is a globally recognized certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions in an IT environment. It’s often the first cybersecurity certification IT professionals pursue and meets U.S. DoD 8570 compliance requirements.

What’s covered in the Security+ certification exam?

The CompTIA Security+ exam (SY0-701) reflects the latest cybersecurity threats and job roles. It covers five domains that validate essential skills in system security, threat analysis, risk management, and compliance.

Domain Main content Percentage
General security concepts Understand foundational principles such as the CIA triad, threat actors, security controls, and risk terminology. 12%
Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations Identify common threat types (malware, phishing, DoS), conduct vulnerability scans, and apply mitigation strategies. 22%
Security architecture Learn secure network and cloud architecture, virtualization security, authentication, and access management. 18%
Security operations Implement incident response, endpoint protection, SIEM tools, forensics, and physical security practices. 28%
Security program management & governance Understand risk management, governance frameworks (NIST, ISO), compliance laws, and security policies. 20%

Target audience

CompTIA Security+ is designed for individuals aiming to build a career in cybersecurity or enhance their understanding of information security. Suitable roles include:

  • IT professionals with general experience looking to specialize in cybersecurity
  • Network administrators, system administrators, and support staff aiming to move into security-focused roles
  • Candidates applying to government or defense-related IT positions requiring DoD 8570 compliance
  • College students or recent grads wanting to enter cybersecurity early in their careers
  • Anyone pursuing a career as a cybersecurity analyst, security engineer, or SOC analyst

Exam details

  • Exam code: SY0-701
  • Format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
  • Number of questions: Up to 90
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Passing score: 750/900
  • Recommended experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security, hands-on experience with technical information security, and a broad knowledge of security concepts
  • Validity: 3 years
  • Compliance: Meets U.S. DoD 8570/8140 requirements

Career opportunities

Earning Security+ qualifies professionals for cybersecurity-focused roles across both the private sector and government. Common Security+ jobs include:

  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Information security specialist
  • Security administrator
  • Risk analyst
  • Security consultant

It also serves as a foundation for more advanced security certifications like CompTIA CySA+ and PenTest+.

Overview of CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a mid-level certification that verifies your ability to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot both wired and wireless networks. It is vendor-neutral and focuses on practical networking knowledge needed in almost every IT infrastructure role.

What’s covered in the Network+ certification exam?

The Network+ N10-009 exam focuses on validating the skills needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks in modern IT environments. It introduces new topics like SD-WAN, virtualization, and hybrid cloud infrastructure to reflect evolving network demands.

Domain Main Content Percentage
Networking concepts OSI and TCP/IP models, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, port numbers, routing protocols, SD-WAN, and basic network topologies 23%
Network implementation Installation and configuration of routers, switches, and wireless access points; VLANs; WAN technologies; network diagrams; Ethernet standards; cabling types 20%
Network operations Network monitoring and performance tools, SNMP, NetFlow, configuration and change management, disaster recovery plans, high availability, and backups 19%
Network security Common threats and vulnerabilities, authentication methods, access control (ACLs), secure protocols, device hardening, and physical security 14%
Network troubleshooting Troubleshooting methodology, diagnosing cable/connectivity issues, wireless problems, VLAN misconfigurations, and command-line tools 24%

Target audience

CompTIA Network+ is aimed at IT professionals looking to specialize or advance in network-related roles. It’s especially suitable for:

  • Those who have basic IT knowledge (ideally A+) and want to specialize in networking
  • Help desk technicians aiming to move into network administration roles
  • Recent graduates or IT students seeking a foundational networking certification
  • Professionals preparing for more advanced certifications like Cisco CCNA
  • Anyone working in IT who needs to understand networking concepts for system troubleshooting and operations

Exam details

  • Exam code: N10-009
  • Format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
  • Number of questions: Maximum of 90
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Passing score: 720/900
  • Recommended experience: A minimum of 9–12 months of experience in the IT networking field
  • Validity: 3 years

Career opportunities

With Network+ certification, professionals qualify for roles that demand knowledge of network infrastructure and security. These include:

  • Network administrator
  • Network support specialist
  • Network field technician
  • Information technology specialist
  • Systems administrator

Network+ is also a stepping stone to more advanced networking or cloud certifications.

Comparison between CompTIA A+, Security+ and Network+

Similarities

Although CompTIA A+, Security+, and Network+ target different skill domains, they share several foundational elements that make them complementary certifications within the same professional track:

  • Vendor-neutral certifications: All three are developed by CompTIA and are not tied to any specific brand or platform, making them widely accepted across companies and industries.
  • Globally recognized: These certifications are internationally respected and often listed as required or preferred in job postings across IT support, networking, and cybersecurity.
  • No strict prerequisites: While Network+ and Security+ are more advanced, none of the exams require a formal college degree or previous certifications to attempt.
  • Performance-based testing: All three exams incorporate simulations and scenario-based questions to validate practical skills, not just theoretical knowledge.
  • Renewable policy: Each credential is valid for three years and can be renewed through Continuing Education Units (CEUs), higher certifications, or CompTIA’s CertMaster CE programs.

Key differences

The three certifications serve distinct purposes in the IT career path. Here’s a comprehensive comparison across multiple criteria:

Feature CompTIA A+ CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Network+
Primary focus Technical support, hardware/software, basic networking & troubleshooting Cybersecurity fundamentals, risk management, threat response, and access control Network infrastructure, connectivity, protocols, and performance management
Number of exams Two  One One 
Exam difficulty Moderate  High Intermediate
Recommended experience 9–12 months in IT support 1–2 years in IT with some security experience 9–12 months in networking
Typical candidates Career starters, help desk techs, PC technicians Junior network admins, field techs, infrastructure specialists Security analysts, network/system admins, aspiring cybersecurity pros
Technical depth Beginner-level Intermediate to advanced Intermediate
Average salary (yearly) $60,000–$65,000 $80,000–$85,000 $70,000–$75,000
Exam costs $265/exam $390 $425
DoD 8570/8140 compliance No Yes (widely accepted for government cybersecurity roles) Yes (for some roles)
Role in career progression Foundation Security specialization Connectivity and infrastructure mastery
Target industries IT services, MSPs, retail, education Government, defense, finance, enterprise cybersecurity MSPs, enterprise IT, telecom, healthcare

CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ in sequence

The CompTIA core certifications are designed to build sequentially:

  • CompTIA A+ establishes foundational knowledge in hardware, software, and basic networking. It is ideal for those starting in IT.
  • CompTIA Network+ expands on that foundation with in-depth coverage of network infrastructure, connectivity, and troubleshooting.
  • CompTIA Security+ builds upon networking expertise to develop skills in cybersecurity, risk management, and secure system design.

Together, they form a tiered pathway from entry-level IT proficiency to specialized roles in network and cybersecurity.

FAQs

1. Which is hardest, CompTIA A+, Security+, or Network+?

CompTIA Security+ is generally considered the most challenging of the three due to its focus on cybersecurity principles, threat analysis, compliance frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies. CompTIA Network+ follows with intermediate-level networking concepts. CompTIA A+ is the most accessible, covering basic hardware, software, and troubleshooting in the IT environment. 

2. What career opportunities are there if I get all three CompTIA A+, Security+ and Network+?

Earning all three certifications, CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, positions you as a versatile and job-ready IT professional with validated skills in technical support, networking, and cybersecurity. This combination opens doors to a wide range of entry-to-mid-level roles across both private and public sectors. Common job titles include:

  • IT Support Specialist
  • Technical Support Analyst
  • Network Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
  • Information Security Technician
  • Desktop Support Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Technician
  • Infrastructure Support Specialist

Final thoughts

CompTIA A+, Security+, and Network+ form a well-structured certification pathway that equips aspiring IT professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s technology-driven world. Starting with A+ for foundational IT support, progressing to Network+ for infrastructure and connectivity, and culminating with Security+ for cybersecurity specialization. By completing this pathway, you position yourself as a well-rounded professional, prepared to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving IT environment.