CompTIA A+ vs Network+: Which Should You Get First?

If you’re entering the IT world, you’ve likely come across two of the most talked-about entry-level certifications: CompTIA A+ vs Network+. But which one should you take first? Is one better for beginners? Will one lead to a higher-paying job or faster entry into the tech industry? In this guide, we’ll compare CompTIA A+ and Network+ side by side, helping you understand the core differences, job potential, difficulty level, and what each certification covers.

About CompTIA A+

About CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ certification is widely recognized as the foundational credential for IT professionals. It focuses on core IT skills necessary for entry-level roles like technical support, help desk, or desktop support. For more details:

• Exam codes:
  • 220-1101 (Core 1)
  • 220-1102 (Core 2)
• Number of questions: Up to 90 questions per exam
• Question types: Multiple choice + Performance-based (simulations) + Drag-and-drop
• Time limit: 90 minutes per exam
• Passing scores:
  • Core 1 (220-1101): 675 out of 900
  • Core 2 (220-1102): 700 out of 900
• Exam cost: $246 per exam (varies by region; discounts available for students or via vouchers)
• Certification validity:
  • The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years
  • It can be renewed through the CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) program

Want to see if you’re exam-ready? Try our free CompTIA A+ Practice Test with real exam-style questions and instant feedback.

About CompTIA Network+

About CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral, foundational-level certification designed for IT professionals who want to develop and validate their networking skills. It is widely recognized as a key step for anyone pursuing a career in network administration, network support, or cybersecurity. For more details:

• Exam code: N10-009
• Number of questions: Up to 90
• Question types: Multiple choice + Performance-based (simulations)
• Time limit: 90 minutes
• Passing score: 720/ 900
• Cost: ~ $390 (varies by region; discounts available for students or via vouchers)
• Certification validity:
  • The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years
  • It can be renewed through the CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) program

Want to see if you’re exam-ready? Take our CompTIA Network+ Practice Test to assess your networking knowledge.

Differences between CompTIA A+ vs Network+

Differences between CompTIA A+ vs Network+

Difficulty level

When comparing the difficulty between CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+, there’s a clear progression in complexity.

• CompTIA A+ is considered an entry-level certification with a relatively low difficulty level.
• CompTIA Network+, on the other hand, is more challenging.

This difference in difficulty primarily stems from the depth and focus of the topics covered in each exam.

Topic cover

Though both are foundational IT certifications, they serve different purposes and focus areas within the tech field.

Want to know exactly what topics you’ll be tested on? Explore the full CompTIA A+ exam objectives and the full Network+ exam objectives to better plan your study strategy.

Job & salary

CompTIA A+

The CompTIA A+ certification serves as a foundational credential for individuals beginning their careers in IT. It qualifies candidates for essential support roles, including:

• Help Desk Technician
• IT Support Specialist
• Field Service Technician
• Desktop Support Analyst

CompTIA A+ salary for certified professionals in the U.S. typically averages around $64,000 annually, depending on experience, job role, and location.

Notably, according to the Robert Half 2024 Salary Guide, a Help Desk Support Manager, ranked #9 among top tech jobs, can earn a median salary of $102,500. This role frequently requires a CompTIA A+ certification in combination with:

• Proficiency in IT systems, hardware, and software
• Familiarity with help desk software and ticketing systems
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

CompTIA Network+

By contrast, the CompTIA Network+ certification is tailored to those seeking careers focused on network infrastructure, configuration, and security. Typical job roles include:

• Network Support Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Junior Network Engineer
• Systems Administrator

Salary expectations for Network+ certified professionals are generally higher than those for A+ holders, with average salaries falling between $72,000 and $96,800 annually

• High-level professionals with several years of experience in technical environments can earn $110,000 to $130,000+ per year, especially in markets such as San Jose, New York City, and San Francisco

Although not tied to a top 10 role, CompTIA Network+ remains highly valuable. The Network Engineer/Cloud Engineer role, often requiring Network+, ranks #12 in the Robert Half 2024 Salary Guide with a median salary of $127,750.

FAQs

1. Is CompTIA A+ better than Network+?

Neither CompTIA A+ nor Network+ is inherently “better” than the other. They serve different purposes and are suited for different career paths within the IT field. A+ is a broad, entry-level certification covering foundational IT skills like hardware, software, and troubleshooting, while Network+ focuses specifically on networking concepts and technologies. Which certification is “better” depends entirely on your goals.

2. Do I need to take CompTIA A+ before Network+?

No, you don’t need to take CompTIA A+ before Network+. While A+ provides a good foundation in IT fundamentals, including some networking concepts, it’s not a prerequisite for Network+. You can pursue Network+ directly, especially if you have some prior IT experience or knowledge.

3. Can I skip CompTIA A+ for Network+?

Yes, it is possible to skip CompTIA A+ and go directly to Network+. The decision to skip A+ depends on your existing knowledge and experience in IT. If you already have a solid grasp of hardware, software, and basic networking concepts, you can likely succeed with Network+ without taking A+ first.

Final thoughts

Deciding between CompTIA A+ vs Network+ depends on your experience and career goals. A+ is ideal for beginners seeking foundational IT skills in support and troubleshooting. Network+ is better for those focusing on networking, infrastructure, and security. While A+ offers broader coverage, Network+ dives deeper into network-specific topics. You can start with A+ to build a strong base or go straight to Network+ if you have prior knowledge. Both are valuable certifications that open doors in IT—choose the one that best aligns with your path.