A+ vs Network+ 2026: Which CompTIA Cert Should You Take First?
Cost, difficulty, salary, and career-path comparison to help you pick the right first CompTIA certification.
Table of Contents
TL;DR Quick Answer
Short Answer
If you have no IT experience: take A+ first. It's the broadest entry-level cert and covers what hiring managers look for in help desk roles.
If you have help desk experience or are already hands-on with PCs: skip A+ and go straight to Network+. It pays better and unlocks DoD 8570 IAT Level II roles.
If you can only pick one for cost reasons: Network+ is the higher-leverage cert in 2026.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Current Exam | 220-1101 + 220-1102 (two exams) | N10-009 (one exam) |
| Cost | $253 × 2 = $506 USD total | $369 USD |
| Questions | Up to 90 per exam | Up to 90 |
| Duration | 90 min per exam | 90 min |
| Pass Score | 675/900 (Core 1), 700/900 (Core 2) | 720/900 |
| Study Time | 6-8 weeks per exam | 8-10 weeks |
| DoD 8570 Approval | IAT Level I | IAT Level II |
| Typical Salary | $50,000 - $65,000 USD | $60,000 - $85,000 USD |
| Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Best For | Help desk, desktop support, field tech | Network admin, NOC, systems analyst |
A+ Overview
A+ is the broadest entry-level IT certification. It covers everything a Tier 1 support tech needs to know: hardware, networking basics, mobile devices, virtualization, operating systems, security fundamentals, and troubleshooting methodology.
What you'll learn
- PC hardware - RAM, storage, motherboards, CPUs, cables, peripherals
- Mobile devices - laptops, smartphones, tablets, accessories
- Networking basics - cables, ports, TCP/IP, wireless, internet appliances
- Cloud and virtualization - IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, hypervisors
- Operating systems - Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS, command line
- Security fundamentals - malware, social engineering, hardening
- Troubleshooting methodology and scenarios
Pros
- Most-required entry-level cert in IT job postings
- Comprehensive baseline that makes everything else easier
- DoD 8570 IAT Level I approved
- Recognized globally and never goes out of style
Cons
- Two separate exams = $506 total cost
- "Mile wide, inch deep" - won't make you an expert in anything
- Salary ceiling alone is lower than Network+
Network+ Overview
Network+ goes deep on networking - the protocols, hardware, security, and troubleshooting that apply to every networking platform. It is vendor-neutral, so the knowledge transfers cleanly to Cisco, Juniper, AWS, Azure, and beyond.
What you'll learn
- OSI model and TCP/IP suite in depth
- IPv4 subnetting (you'll do this in your sleep by exam day)
- IPv6 deployment and addressing
- Routing and switching fundamentals (VLANs, STP, OSPF basics)
- Wireless networking (Wi-Fi 6/6E, channels, security)
- SD-WAN, SASE, zero trust, modern WAN technologies
- Cloud networking concepts (VPC, transit gateway)
- Network troubleshooting tools (ping, traceroute, Wireshark)
Pros
- Single exam ($369 total)
- DoD 8570 IAT Level II - bigger DoD job market than Level I
- Higher starting salary than A+ alone
- Bridges to CCNA, AWS networking, Azure networking, Security+
- Vendor-neutral knowledge transfers everywhere
Cons
- Harder than A+ - subnetting alone takes weeks of drill
- Higher pass score (720/900 vs 675/900)
- Less recognized in pure desktop support / help desk job ads
Which is Harder?
Network+ is harder than A+. Both have similar question formats and time limits, but Network+:
- Has a higher passing score (720 vs 675)
- Requires real subnetting fluency - this single skill kills more candidates than anything else
- Goes deeper on TCP/IP and protocols
- Has more performance-based questions on routing/switching scenarios
That said, "harder" doesn't mean "you should skip it." It just means budget more study time - 8-10 weeks for Network+ vs 6-8 weeks per A+ exam.
Salary Comparison
| Role | A+ Holder | Network+ Holder |
|---|---|---|
| Help Desk Tier 1 (US) | $45,000 - $55,000 | $50,000 - $65,000 |
| Desktop Support / Field Tech | $50,000 - $65,000 | $55,000 - $70,000 |
| Junior Network Admin / NOC | $55,000 - $70,000 | $60,000 - $85,000 |
| Network Engineer (entry) | — | $70,000 - $95,000 |
Salary data is approximate for the US market in 2026 and varies significantly by region and employer. UK Network+ holders typically earn £30,000-£45,000; Australian holders A$70,000-A$95,000.
Pick Your Path - 4 Scenarios
Scenario 1: I'm changing careers, no IT background
Take A+ first. The breadth of A+ teaches you the language of IT. Without the A+ foundation, Network+ jargon (DHCP, DNS, ARP, broadcast domain) will feel like a foreign language. Once A+ is done, decide whether to add Network+ or pivot toward another specialization.
Scenario 2: I'm at a help desk, want to move up
Skip A+ and take Network+. You already know the A+ material from your daily work. Network+ unlocks the next role tier and pays more. Document your help desk experience on your resume in lieu of A+.
Scenario 3: I want to go into cybersecurity
A+ → Network+ → Security+. The full CompTIA stack is the gold-standard cybersecurity entry path. Security+ assumes networking knowledge that Network+ provides. Skipping Network+ makes Security+ measurably harder.
Scenario 4: I want to go into cloud (AWS / Azure / GCP)
Skip A+, do Network+, then go cloud. Cloud certs assume networking knowledge - VPCs, subnets, route tables, NAT, security groups all build on Network+ concepts. After Network+, jump to AWS CLF-C02 or Azure AZ-900, then to associate-level cloud certs.
Practice Both Free
Free practice questions for A+ 220-1101 and Network+ N10-009.
A+ Practice TestNetwork+ Practice TestShould I Take Both?
Yes, if you can. The combination of A+ + Network+ is the strongest entry-level IT résumé. Together they tick every box:
- Broad IT support knowledge (A+) + deep networking (Network+)
- DoD 8570 IAT Level I + Level II
- Foundation for Security+, CCNA, cloud, and more
- Combined cost: $875 USD ($506 + $369). High ROI.
If budget is tight, take Network+ alone. Your help desk experience can substitute for A+ on most résumés.
Plan Your Study Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take A+ or Network+ first?
Take A+ first if you have no IT experience. Take Network+ first if you already work in IT or have hands-on PC experience. CompTIA's official path is A+ → Network+ → Security+.
Is Network+ harder than A+?
Yes - higher passing score (720 vs 675), deeper TCP/IP and subnetting, more performance-based questions. Most candidates rate Network+ as moderately harder.
Can I skip A+ and go straight to Network+?
Yes - A+ is not a prerequisite for Network+. CompTIA recommends A+ first but many people skip it without issues, especially with help desk experience.
How much do A+ and Network+ holders earn?
A+: $50,000-$65,000 USD as help desk or desktop support. Network+: $60,000-$85,000 USD as junior network admins, NOC technicians, or systems analysts.