Network+ vs CCNA 2026: Which Networking Cert Should You Take First?
Vendor-neutral CompTIA Network+ vs vendor-specific Cisco CCNA - cost, difficulty, career paths, and which to take first.
Table of Contents
TL;DR Quick Answer
Short Answer
If you are new to networking: take Network+ first. It teaches the vendor-neutral fundamentals (OSI, TCP/IP, subnetting) that make CCNA significantly easier. The combined path Network+ → CCNA is the most reliable way to land a network engineer role.
If you already work in networking or hold A+: skip Network+ and go straight to CCNA. CCNA pays more and carries more weight on a network engineer résumé.
If you want federal/DoD work: Network+ is DoD 8570 IAT Level II - CCNA is also approved. Either works, but Network+ is the cheaper checkbox.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CompTIA Network+ | Cisco CCNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Current Exam | N10-009 (one exam) | 200-301 (one exam) |
| Cost | $369 USD | $300 USD |
| Vendor | Vendor-neutral | Cisco-specific |
| Questions | Up to 90 | ~100 (varies) |
| Duration | 90 min | 120 min |
| Pass Score | 720/900 (~80%) | ~825/1000 (~82%) |
| Study Time | 8-10 weeks | 3-6 months |
| DoD 8570 | IAT Level II | IAT Level II |
| Typical Salary | $60,000 - $85,000 USD | $75,000 - $105,000 USD |
| Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Best For | Network admin, NOC, generalist | Network engineer, Cisco-specific roles |
Network+ Overview
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) is the vendor-neutral networking certification. It teaches the protocols, hardware, security, and troubleshooting that apply to every networking platform - Cisco, Juniper, Arista, AWS, Azure, you name it.
Strengths
- Vendor-neutral knowledge transfers cleanly between platforms
- Cheaper to renew (continuing education credits, not exams)
- Modern topics: SD-WAN, SASE, zero trust, IPv6 deployment
- DoD 8570 IAT Level II
- Better fit for environments that mix vendors (most enterprises)
Weaknesses
- Doesn't teach hands-on configuration - all conceptual
- Less prestigious than CCNA in pure network engineering circles
- Lower salary ceiling than CCNA alone
CCNA Overview
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA, exam 200-301) is the gold-standard associate-level networking certification. It is Cisco-specific - you'll learn Cisco IOS commands, Cisco's OSPF/EIGRP implementations, Cisco wireless, and Cisco security.
Strengths
- Hands-on configuration - you'll actually build networks in the lab
- Massive industry recognition (Cisco still dominates enterprise networking)
- Strong stepping stone to CCNP and CCIE
- Higher salary than Network+ alone
- Carries weight in any vendor-specific or large-enterprise networking role
Weaknesses
- Vendor lock-in - knowledge doesn't fully transfer to Juniper/Arista/cloud
- Steeper learning curve - 3-6 months of study is realistic
- Renewal requires recertification or higher-tier exam
- Cisco's market share is gradually shrinking in cloud-native environments
Which is Harder?
CCNA is significantly harder than Network+. Here's why:
- CCNA tests configuration, not just concepts. You'll see Cisco IOS commands, simlets (simulated network labs), and configuration troubleshooting on the exam.
- Deeper protocol details. Network+ asks "what does OSPF do?" CCNA asks "what's the OSPF DR/BDR election process and how do you configure it?"
- Subnetting at speed. CCNA expects you to subnet and VLSM under time pressure. Network+ does too but with simpler scenarios.
- Network automation. CCNA 200-301 added Python, REST APIs, and SDN concepts. Network+ stays at the conceptual level.
Most candidates spend 3-6 months on CCNA vs 8-10 weeks on Network+. Plan accordingly.
Salary Comparison
| Role | Network+ Holder | CCNA Holder |
|---|---|---|
| NOC Tech / Junior Network Admin | $55,000 - $70,000 | $65,000 - $80,000 |
| Network Administrator | $65,000 - $85,000 | $75,000 - $95,000 |
| Network Engineer (entry) | $70,000 - $90,000 | $80,000 - $110,000 |
| Network Engineer (mid) | — | $95,000 - $130,000 |
US 2026 estimates. CCNA opens roles that Network+ alone typically won't reach. UK CCNA holders earn £40,000-£60,000; Australia A$85,000-A$120,000.
Pick Your Path - 4 Scenarios
Scenario 1: I'm new to networking
Take Network+ first, then CCNA. The vendor-neutral foundation makes CCNA much more approachable. Subnetting fluency from Network+ alone saves 4-6 weeks of CCNA prep. Total time: ~5-7 months for both.
Scenario 2: I work at a help desk and want to become a network engineer
Skip Network+, go straight to CCNA. Your A+ experience covers most Network+ material. CCNA is what hiring managers actually look for in network engineer job ads. Use the saved time for hands-on Packet Tracer / GNS3 labs.
Scenario 3: I want federal/DoD networking work
Network+ alone is enough. Both certs are DoD 8570 IAT Level II, so you don't need both for compliance. Network+ is cheaper and faster, and renewal via CE credits is easier than recertifying CCNA.
Scenario 4: I work in a Cisco shop already
Skip Network+, take CCNA. Cisco-specific employers don't care about Network+. They want CCNA → CCNP. Your daily work fills in the vendor-neutral gaps that Network+ would teach.
Practice Both Free
Free practice questions for Network+ N10-009 and CCNA 200-301.
Network+ PracticeCCNA PracticeShould I Take Both?
Yes, but in this order: Network+ → CCNA. The reverse order makes Network+ feel like a step backward and CCNA renewal credit doesn't count toward Network+ CE.
However: if you already hold A+ and have help desk experience, Network+ adds modest value over going straight to CCNA. The marginal cost is 8-10 weeks for a cert your CCNA largely supersedes.
The strongest networking résumé
- A+ (or equivalent help desk experience)
- Network+ (vendor-neutral foundation)
- CCNA (vendor-specific depth)
- Security+ (security side)
- Specialty cert: cloud networking (Azure AZ-700, AWS Advanced Networking) or CCNP
Plan Your Study Journey
Use our free tools to optimize your preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take Network+ or CCNA first?
Take Network+ first if you are new to networking. It teaches vendor-neutral fundamentals that make CCNA much easier. Take CCNA first if you already have networking fundamentals and need vendor-specific Cisco depth.
Is CCNA harder than Network+?
Yes - CCNA goes much deeper. It includes Cisco IOS configuration, OSPF/EIGRP details, security configuration, and network automation. Network+ is broader but shallower; CCNA is narrower but much deeper on Cisco-specific implementation.
Can I skip Network+ and go straight to CCNA?
Yes - Network+ is not a prerequisite for CCNA. The catch: without Network+ foundations (especially subnetting), CCNA is significantly harder. Budget extra study time if you skip Network+.
Which pays more, Network+ or CCNA?
CCNA pays $10,000-$20,000 more on average. Network+: $60,000-$85,000 USD. CCNA: $75,000-$105,000 USD. Having both doesn't add much over CCNA alone.