CompTIA A+ vs Network+ — take A+ first if you are brand new to IT with no prior experience. It builds the foundation that Network+ directly builds on. If you have already passed A+ or have solid IT experience, Network+ is the logical next step and the more valuable credential for networking and infrastructure roles.
Neither certification is a prerequisite for the other. You can take Network+ without A+. But the order matters — and choosing the wrong starting point costs you months of harder preparation than necessary.
CompTIA A+ vs Network+: Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ |
| Current exam codes | 220-1201 and 220-1202 | N10-009 |
| Number of exams required | 2 — both must pass to earn cert | 1 |
| Exam cost | $253 per exam — $506 total | $358 |
| Exam duration | 90 minutes each | 90 minutes |
| Maximum questions | 90 per exam | 90 |
| Passing score | 675 out of 900 (Core 1) and 700 out of 900 (Core 2) | 720 out of 900 |
| Expiration | 3 years | 3 years |
| DoD 8570 approved | Yes — IAT Level I | Yes — IAT Level II |
| Prerequisites | None | None formally — A+ or 9 to 12 months IT experience recommended |
| Study time | 6 to 12 weeks | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Focus | Hardware, software, OS, troubleshooting, basic networking | Network architecture, protocols, security, troubleshooting |
| Vendor neutral | Yes | Yes |
| Average entry salary | $40,000 to $60,000 | $60,000 to $80,000 |
| Stackable cert earned (with both) | CIOS — CompTIA IT Operations Specialist | CIOS — CompTIA IT Operations Specialist |
What Is the Main Difference Between A+ and Network+?
CompTIA A+ focuses on foundational IT skills including hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and basic networking. It is designed for beginners who want to understand how computers and systems work. Network+ focuses more on networking concepts covering network architecture, protocols, security, and troubleshooting network-related issues.
The simplest way to understand the difference is this. A+ makes you the person who can fix a broken computer, set up a new workstation, troubleshoot a printer, and support end users across any operating system. Network+ makes you the person who can design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot the network that all those computers connect to.
A+ is broader. Network+ is deeper in one specific area. Both are genuinely useful. Neither replaces the other.
What Does CompTIA A+ Cover?
CompTIA A+ is a two-exam certification. You must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) to earn the credential.
A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Domains
| Domain | Weight | What You Learn |
| Mobile devices | 15% | Laptop hardware, mobile device connectivity, synchronization |
| Networking | 20% | TCP/IP basics, wireless protocols, network hardware, port numbers |
| Hardware | 25% | CPUs, RAM, storage, motherboards, power supplies, printers |
| Virtualization and cloud computing | 11% | Cloud concepts, client-side virtualization, cloud deployment models |
| Hardware and network troubleshooting | 29% | Troubleshooting methodology, hardware failures, connectivity issues |
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Exam Domains
| Domain | Weight | What You Learn |
| Operating systems | 31% | Windows, macOS, Linux installation, configuration, management |
| Security | 25% | Malware types, social engineering, security controls, data destruction |
| Software troubleshooting | 22% | OS troubleshooting, application issues, malware removal |
| Operational procedures | 22% | Documentation, change management, safety procedures, remote support |
Who A+ is for: Help desk technicians, IT support specialists, desktop support technicians, field service technicians, and anyone entering IT for the first time. A+ validates that you can support real users in real IT environments.
What Does CompTIA Network+ Cover?
Network+ is a single-exam certification covering five domains. It goes significantly deeper into networking than anything A+ covers and assumes you already understand the basic IT concepts that A+ validates.
Network+ (N10-009) Exam Domains
| Domain | Weight | What You Learn |
| Networking concepts | 23% | OSI model, network topologies, IP addressing, subnetting, routing protocols, cloud networking |
| Network implementation | 20% | Switching, VLANs, wireless standards, network services, physical cabling |
| Network operations | 17% | Network monitoring, remote access, policies, network documentation |
| Network security | 20% | Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, authentication, physical security, hardening |
| Network troubleshooting | 20% | Troubleshooting methodology, cable testing, connectivity issues, wireless problems |
Who Network+ is for: Network administrators, network technicians, IT support professionals specializing in infrastructure, junior network engineers, and professionals transitioning from general IT into networking or security specializations.
Which Is Harder — A+ or Network+?
A+ is generally considered more beginner-friendly because it starts with basic concepts. However, harder is not the same as more difficult to study for.
| Factor | A+ | Network+ |
| Number of exams | 2 — double the study material | 1 — single focused exam |
| Conceptual depth | Broad but not deep | Narrower but significantly deeper in networking |
| Subnetting required | Basic awareness | Full calculation proficiency required |
| Most challenging area | Core 2 security and OS troubleshooting | Subnetting and network troubleshooting |
| Pass rate | Approximately 70 to 80 percent prepared candidates | Approximately 75 to 85 percent prepared candidates |
| Common failure reason | Underestimating Core 2 operating systems and security | Insufficient subnetting practice |
| Total exam time commitment | 3 hours across two sittings | 90 minutes in one sitting |
The honest difficulty verdict: Network+ is harder conceptually but easier logistically because it is one exam. A+ requires you to cover more total ground across two exams and two sittings. Most candidates who have strong IT fundamentals find Network+ more approachable than A+. Most complete beginners find A+ more appropriate as a first step.
A+ vs Network+: Salary Comparison
A+ Salary by Role
| Role | Average US Salary |
| Help Desk Technician | $40,000 to $55,000 |
| IT Support Specialist | $45,000 to $62,000 |
| Desktop Support Technician | $48,000 to $65,000 |
| Field Service Technician | $42,000 to $60,000 |
| IT Administrator (entry) | $50,000 to $68,000 |
Network+ Salary by Role
| Role | Average US Salary |
| Network Technician | $55,000 to $72,000 |
| Junior Network Administrator | $60,000 to $78,000 |
| Network Support Specialist | $62,000 to $80,000 |
| IT Infrastructure Specialist | $65,000 to $85,000 |
| Systems Administrator (network focus) | $70,000 to $90,000 |
The salary gap: Network+ consistently opens roles paying $15,000 to $20,000 more than A+ at the entry level. This reflects the higher specialization and greater scarcity of networking skills compared to general IT support skills. If your goal is maximum salary impact from a single CompTIA certification, Network+ delivers stronger ROI than A+ alone.
However the combination of both certifications — which earns you the CIOS stackable credential — is more powerful than either alone on a resume.
The CIOS Stackable Certification: Why Both A+ and Network+ Together Matter
If you already have A+, then you pass Network+, you will automatically be able to renew your A+ cert as well. Passing Network+ and A+ will also give you a stackable certificate known as CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (CIOS).
This is one of the most underutilized advantages of earning both certifications. The CIOS stackable credential demonstrates to employers that you have both the hardware and software support foundation of A+ and the networking depth of Network+ — together validating a complete picture of foundational IT competency.
For the complete guide to every CompTIA stackable certification and which combinations unlock which credentials, our CompTIA stackable certifications guide covers every stack and career path.
Should You Take A+ or Network+ First?
Take A+ First If:
You have zero IT experience. A+ is specifically designed as the entry point for the IT profession. It assumes no prior knowledge and teaches the foundational concepts that every other certification builds on. If you are brand new to IT, A+ is your starting point.
Your target role is help desk, IT support, or desktop support. These roles consistently list A+ as the preferred or required credential. Network+ is largely irrelevant to pure end-user support positions. A+ gets you hired in these roles faster than Network+ would.
You want to earn the CIOS stackable credential. Taking A+ first means that when you subsequently pass Network+, you immediately earn CIOS. Taking Network+ first and then A+ later achieves the same result, but most candidates find A+ first is the more natural progression.
You need DoD 8570 IAT Level I compliance. A+ meets this requirement. If you are entering government or defense contracting at the entry level, A+ is the right starting point for your DoD compliance path.
Take Network+ First If:
You already have 6 to 12 months of IT experience. Candidates who have worked in IT support, help desk, or system administration roles already understand what A+ validates through practical experience. Network+ gives them a recognized credential for skills they have not yet formally certified.
Your target role is network administration or infrastructure. Network+ is more directly relevant to network-focused job descriptions than A+. For candidates with a clear networking career direction, going directly to Network+ saves time.
You already hold A+. If A+ is already on your resume, Network+ is the obvious next step. Together they earn CIOS and position you for the next jump toward Security+ or CCNA.
You have a specific networking background from a non-IT field. Candidates from telecommunications, military communications, or similar fields often have practical networking knowledge without formal IT credentials. Network+ validates that practical knowledge efficiently.
A+ vs Network+: The Complete Career Path Picture
Understanding where A+ and Network+ fit in your long-term career journey is more valuable than knowing which to take first. Here is the complete roadmap:
| Stage | Certification | Target Roles | Average Salary |
| Entry | CompTIA A+ | Help desk, IT support, desktop support | $40,000 to $62,000 |
| Foundation | CompTIA Network+ | Network tech, junior admin, infrastructure | $60,000 to $80,000 |
| Security | CompTIA Security+ | SOC analyst, security admin, IT security | $75,000 to $100,000 |
| Networking | Cisco CCNA | Network engineer, network admin | $80,000 to $110,000 |
| Advanced | CompTIA CySA+ or CCNP | Senior analyst, senior network engineer | $95,000 to $130,000 |
| Expert | CISSP or CCIE | Security architect, network architect | $130,000 to $180,000 |
The CompTIA path (A+, Network+, Security+) and the Cisco path (CCNA, CCNP) are the two most common entry-to-expert journeys in IT. Both start from the same foundation — the only question is whether you take the vendor-neutral CompTIA route or the Cisco-specific route after building your foundation.
For the complete picture of how to plan your IT certification journey from entry through expert level, our IT certification roadmap covers every major career path and where A+ and Network+ fit within each one.
A+ vs Network+: DoD 8570 Compliance
Both A+ and Network+ meet DoD 8570/8140 requirements, but for different access levels.
| Certification | DoD 8570 Category | Positions Covered |
| CompTIA A+ | IAT Level I | Technical support, help desk roles with basic privileged access |
| CompTIA Network+ | IAT Level II | Network and system administrators with elevated access |
DoD 8570 requires specific certifications for different access levels. A+ covers IAT Level I. Network+ covers IAT Level II, which is required for more positions.
If your career path involves government or defense work, Network+ opens more DoD positions than A+. Most candidates targeting long-term government IT careers should plan to earn both in sequence, with Network+ being the more strategically important DoD credential.
How to Prepare for CompTIA A+
Step 1: Study both Core 1 and Core 2 simultaneously but separately. A+ is two exams covering different content. Build your study schedule around the specific domains of each exam rather than treating them as one massive study block. Core 1 is hardware and hardware troubleshooting. Core 2 is operating systems, security, and software troubleshooting. They require different knowledge sets.
Step 2: Get hands-on with real hardware wherever possible. A+ questions frequently test situational judgment about hardware components, failure symptoms, and troubleshooting steps. Candidates who have opened a real computer, handled RAM modules, connected storage devices, and installed operating systems consistently outperform candidates who have only studied diagrams.
Step 3: Master the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology. CompTIA has a specific six-step troubleshooting methodology that appears throughout both A+ exams. Memorize it and apply it to every troubleshooting scenario question you encounter: identify the problem, establish a theory, test the theory, establish a plan, implement the solution, verify full system functionality, document findings.
Step 4: Use current practice materials aligned to the 220-1201 and 220-1202 blueprints. Our CompTIA exam preparation section includes practice materials for current CompTIA certifications including A+.
How to Prepare for CompTIA Network+
Step 1: Master subnetting before anything else. Subnetting is the most consistently tested and most commonly failed area of Network+. Practice calculating subnets, host ranges, broadcast addresses, and CIDR notation until the process is automatic. Do not attempt Network+ practice exams until subnetting calculations are fast and reliable.
Step 2: Understand the OSI model deeply — not just the layer names. Memorizing the seven OSI layers is not sufficient. Network+ tests whether you understand what happens at each layer, which protocols operate at each layer, and how to use the OSI model to troubleshoot real connectivity problems. Study each layer’s function, not just its name.
Step 3: Build practical network troubleshooting experience. Network+ includes performance-based questions where you analyze network diagrams, interpret outputs from networking commands, and identify configuration errors. Use free tools — Wireshark for packet analysis, Cisco Packet Tracer for network simulation — to build practical diagnostic skills alongside your exam study.
Step 4: Study networking security topics as a separate discipline. The security domain accounts for 20 percent of Network+. Many candidates with hardware and networking backgrounds underinvest in this area. Study firewalls, VPNs, authentication protocols, and network hardening techniques specifically — they are tested at a meaningful depth, not just surface awareness.
Step 5: Use current practice materials. Our CompTIA exam preparation section covers current Network+ N10-009 practice materials.
Decision Framework: A+ vs Network+
| Your Situation | Take This First |
| Zero IT experience, brand new to the field | A+ |
| Already working in IT support for 6+ months | Network+ |
| Target role is help desk or desktop support | A+ |
| Target role is network admin or infrastructure | Network+ |
| Want to enter cybersecurity eventually | A+ then Network+ then Security+ |
| Want to enter Cisco networking eventually | A+ then Network+ then CCNA or Network+ then CCNA |
| Need DoD IAT Level I compliance | A+ |
| Need DoD IAT Level II compliance | Network+ |
| Already hold A+ | Network+ — immediately |
| Want CIOS stackable credential | Both — A+ first then Network+ |
| Budget is primary concern | Network+ — one exam versus two for A+ |
| Time is primary concern | Network+ — one exam in one sitting |
| Completely undecided | A+ — it is the universally safe starting point |
Frequently Asked Questions: CompTIA A+ vs Network+
What is the difference between CompTIA A+ and Network+?
A+ validates broad foundational IT skills including hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and basic networking. Network+ validates specialized networking knowledge including network architecture, protocols, security, and troubleshooting. A+ is the entry-level starting point. Network+ is the next step for networking and infrastructure specialization.
Which should you take first — A+ or Network+?
Take A+ first if you have no IT experience. Take Network+ first if you already have IT experience or have passed A+. Neither is formally required before the other but A+ provides the foundation that makes Network+ preparation significantly easier for complete beginners.
Which is harder — A+ or Network+?
A+ covers more total content across two exams. Network+ is one exam but goes deeper into networking concepts including subnetting. Most complete beginners find Network+ harder. Candidates with IT experience find Network+ more manageable and A+ content more familiar from practical work.
How much does CompTIA A+ cost?
CompTIA A+ requires two exams at $253 each — a total of $506 USD. Both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) must be passed to earn the certification.
How much does CompTIA Network+ cost?
CompTIA Network+ is a single exam costing $358 USD. It covers all networking content in one 90-minute sitting.
Do you need A+ before Network+?
No. A+ is not a formal prerequisite for Network+. You can take Network+ without A+. However CompTIA recommends having A+ or equivalent experience before attempting Network+.
Which pays more — A+ or Network+?
Network+ pays more. A+ holders in entry-level roles earn $40,000 to $62,000. Network+ holders earn $60,000 to $80,000 in networking-focused roles. The $15,000 to $20,000 gap reflects the higher specialization that Network+ validates.
Do A+ and Network+ together earn a stackable certification?
Yes. Holding both active A+ and Network+ automatically earns you the CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (CIOS) stackable credential. No additional exam is required. CIOS appears automatically in your CompTIA certification account when both credentials are active simultaneously.
Is Network+ good for cybersecurity careers?
Yes. Network+ is an excellent foundation for cybersecurity careers. Understanding how networks operate is essential for security analysts, SOC analysts, and penetration testers. Most cybersecurity career paths go A+ then Network+ then Security+ as the foundational sequence.
Does A+ or Network+ satisfy DoD 8570?
Both satisfy DoD 8570 requirements. A+ meets IAT Level I. Network+ meets IAT Level II, which covers more positions and higher access levels. For government and defense contracting careers, both credentials together provide comprehensive DoD compliance.
How long does it take to study for A+ and Network+?
A+ typically requires 6 to 12 weeks of part-time study covering both Core 1 and Core 2. Network+ typically requires 8 to 12 weeks for candidates without networking experience. Candidates who complete A+ first typically need only 6 to 8 weeks for Network+ because the foundational knowledge transfers significantly.
