Network+ focuses on networking infrastructure, troubleshooting, and administration, while Security+ covers cybersecurity fundamentals. Networking knowledge is the backbone of security, making these two certifications highly complementary in a career progression.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA Security+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Exam Code | N10-009 | SY0-701 |
| Level | Entry-level | Entry-level |
| Cost | $369 | $404 |
| Duration | 90 min | 90 min |
| Questions | Up to 90 | Up to 90 |
| Passing Score | 720/900 | 750/900 |
| Renewal | 3 years | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | None required; CompTIA A+ and 9-12 months of networking experience recommended | None required; CompTIA Network+ and two years of IT administration experience recommended |
| Avg Salary Range | $55,000–$80,000 | $65,000–$95,000 |
Focus Areas
CompTIA Network+
Network architecture, network security, network operations, network troubleshooting, and network technologies including cloud and virtualization
CompTIA Security+
General security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, architecture, security operations, and security program management and oversight
Who Should Get Which?
Get CompTIA Network+ if...
Help desk technicians moving into network administration, IT generalists who need to validate networking skills, or anyone who wants a strong technical foundation before specializing in security
Get CompTIA Security+ if...
IT professionals ready to move into cybersecurity, network administrators who want to add security expertise, or anyone who needs to meet DoD 8570 security certification requirements
Recommended Order
Get Network+ first if you do not already have strong networking fundamentals. About 20-25% of Security+ content involves networking concepts like ports, protocols, and network architecture. If you already have networking experience or a CCNA, skip directly to Security+.
Study Tips
Study both certifications using the OSI model as your framework. Understanding how data flows through network layers makes Security+ topics like firewalls, IDS/IPS, and network attacks much more intuitive. Professor Messer offers free video courses for both exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+?
Network+ focuses on networking infrastructure, troubleshooting, and administration, while Security+ covers cybersecurity fundamentals. Networking knowledge is the backbone of security, making these two certifications highly complementary in a career progression.
Should I get CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ first?
Get Network+ first if you do not already have strong networking fundamentals. About 20-25% of Security+ content involves networking concepts like ports, protocols, and network architecture. If you already have networking experience or a CCNA, skip directly to Security+.
Who should get CompTIA Network+?
Help desk technicians moving into network administration, IT generalists who need to validate networking skills, or anyone who wants a strong technical foundation before specializing in security
Who should get CompTIA Security+?
IT professionals ready to move into cybersecurity, network administrators who want to add security expertise, or anyone who needs to meet DoD 8570 security certification requirements
Test Your Knowledge
Already studying? Try our free tools:
- Security+ Practice Quiz — 300 questions mapped to SY0-701 domains
- CVSS Calculator — Practice scoring vulnerabilities
Deep Dive Guides
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