A+ covers foundational IT skills including hardware, software, and troubleshooting, while Network+ specializes in networking technologies and infrastructure. Together they form the traditional CompTIA entry-level career pathway from help desk to network administration.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Exam Code | 220-1101 & 220-1102 | N10-009 |
| Level | Entry-level | Entry-level |
| Cost | $369 per exam ($738 total) | $369 |
| Duration | 90 min per exam | 90 min |
| Questions | Up to 90 per exam | Up to 90 |
| Passing Score | 675/900 (Core 1) and 700/900 (Core 2) | 720/900 |
| Renewal | 3 years | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | None required; 9-12 months of hands-on experience recommended | None required; CompTIA A+ and 9-12 months of networking experience recommended |
| Avg Salary Range | $45,000–$65,000 | $55,000–$80,000 |
Focus Areas
CompTIA A+
Hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, troubleshooting, security fundamentals, and operational procedures
CompTIA Network+
Network architecture, network security, network operations, network troubleshooting, and network technologies including cloud and virtualization
Who Should Get Which?
Get CompTIA A+ if...
Complete beginners to IT with no prior experience, career changers from non-technical fields, or help desk and desktop support candidates who need to demonstrate baseline competency
Get CompTIA Network+ if...
Help desk technicians ready to move into network support or administration, IT professionals who already have hardware and OS experience, or those building toward a security or cloud career
Recommended Order
Get A+ first if you are brand new to IT. A+ covers basic networking concepts that Network+ expands upon. However, if you already have hands-on IT experience or a technical background, you can skip A+ and go directly to Network+.
Study Tips
For A+, focus on hands-on practice: build a PC, install operating systems, and troubleshoot common issues. For Network+, set up a home lab with a managed switch and practice subnetting until it becomes second nature. Use tools like Packet Tracer to simulate network configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+?
A+ covers foundational IT skills including hardware, software, and troubleshooting, while Network+ specializes in networking technologies and infrastructure. Together they form the traditional CompTIA entry-level career pathway from help desk to network administration.
Should I get CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Network+ first?
Get A+ first if you are brand new to IT. A+ covers basic networking concepts that Network+ expands upon. However, if you already have hands-on IT experience or a technical background, you can skip A+ and go directly to Network+.
Who should get CompTIA A+?
Complete beginners to IT with no prior experience, career changers from non-technical fields, or help desk and desktop support candidates who need to demonstrate baseline competency
Who should get CompTIA Network+?
Help desk technicians ready to move into network support or administration, IT professionals who already have hardware and OS experience, or those building toward a security or cloud career
Test Your Knowledge
Already studying? Try our free tools:
- Security+ Practice Quiz — 300 questions mapped to SY0-701 domains
- CVSS Calculator — Practice scoring vulnerabilities
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