CompTIA A+ vs Network+: Which Certification Should You Get First? (2026)

CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ are the two most popular entry-level IT certifications in the world. Both are CompTIA credentials. Both appear on hiring managers’ wish lists. But they test completely different skill sets — and choosing the wrong one first can mean months of misdirected study and a certification that doesn’t match the jobs you’re actually applying for.

The short answer: A+ is the broader entry point for IT support and help desk roles; Network+ is a more focused networking credential that commands higher average pay. This guide breaks down the real differences using current salary figures, exam details, and job market data. Already studying? Upload your practice exam files to our free browser-based simulator and start testing today — no signup required.

CompTIA A+ vs Network+: Quick Comparison

According to Pearson VUE’s 2025 Value of IT Certification Report, surveying nearly 24,000 IT professionals globally, 32% of certified candidates received a salary increase after earning a certification, and 31% of those raises exceeded 20%. Here’s how A+ and Network+ compare side by side:

Feature	CompTIA A+ (220-1201 / 220-1202)	CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
Level	Entry-level, vendor-neutral	Entry-level, vendor-neutral
Number of Exams	Two (Core 1 + Core 2)	One
Exam Cost	~$246 per exam (~$492 total)	$369 USD
Questions per Exam	Up to 90 per exam	Up to 90
Duration	90 minutes per exam	90 minutes
Passing Score	675/900 (Core 1), 700/900 (Core 2)	720/900
Avg. Salary Range	$54K–$64K/yr	$74K–$82K/yr
Pass Rate (est.)	~70–80%	~70–75%
Study Time	80–160 hours	100–280 hours
Recommended Experience	None required	A+ or 9–12 months networking experience
Renewal	Every 3 years (20 CEUs)	Every 3 years (30 CEUs)
Best For	Help desk, desktop support, IT support tech	Network admin, junior network engineer, NOC tech

CompTIA A+ vs Network+: Salary Data

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a CompTIA A+ certified professional in the United States is $63,909 as of April 2026. Network+ holders fare better: Training Camp’s 2025 salary analysis puts the average Network+ salary at $81,643, with a 20% premium over non-certified peers.

The ~$18K salary gap reflects the difference in scope. Network+ is a depth credential in a specific technical domain. A+ is broad by design — it touches hardware, operating systems, networking basics, security, and troubleshooting across a wide range of scenarios. That breadth opens more entry points but typically at lower starting pay.

One important caveat: many professionals hold both. A help desk technician who earns A+ and then adds Network+ within 12–18 months can transition into network support roles with a substantial pay increase. The certifications are complementary, not competing.

CompTIA A+ Exam: What It Actually Tests

The CompTIA A+ certification (version 15, released March 2025) requires passing two separate exams. It is the only CompTIA certification with a two-exam requirement, which is worth factoring into your budget and timeline. At ~$246 per exam, passing both costs roughly $492 in exam fees alone — before accounting for study materials.

A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Domains

• Mobile Devices — laptops, mobile hardware, ports and connectors
• Networking — TCP/IP, wireless, SOHO networking, internet connection types
• Hardware — cables, connectors, RAM, storage devices, power supplies, printers
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing — cloud models, hypervisors, virtual networking
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting — systematic troubleshooting methodology

A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Domains

• Operating Systems — Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS installation and management
• Security — malware removal, endpoint hardening, mobile device management
• Software Troubleshooting — application errors, OS problems, scripting basics
• Operational Procedures — documentation, change management, incident response, safety

The A+ exam is broad by design. CompTIA describes it as validating foundational IT skills across hardware, software, and basic security. If you work a help desk role where you’ll handle everything from replacing RAM to removing ransomware to setting up printers, A+ maps directly to the job. You can use our free Security+ practice exam to benchmark your current knowledge and see how much security overlap you already have before committing to a study plan.

CompTIA Network+ Exam: What It Actually Tests

CompTIA recommends that candidates hold CompTIA A+ certification (or have equivalent experience) before sitting Network+. The exam is a single test — up to 90 questions in 90 minutes — with a passing score of 720 on a 100–900 scale. Study time estimates range from 100 hours for candidates with some networking exposure to 280 hours for complete beginners (CompTIA, 2025).

Network+ (N10-009) Domains

• Networking Concepts (23%) — OSI model, protocols, ports, cloud networking, subnetting
• Network Implementation (19%) — routing, switching, VLANs, wireless standards
• Network Operations (17%) — monitoring, documentation, backup, disaster recovery
• Network Security (20%) — threats, attacks, hardening, authentication, VPN
• Network Troubleshooting (21%) — troubleshooting methodology, tools, wired and wireless issues

The troubleshooting domain (21%) is where preparation most often determines whether candidates pass or fail. Unlike hardware troubleshooting in A+, Network+ troubleshooting scenarios involve diagnosing connectivity issues between devices across subnets, identifying routing table problems, and tracing down wireless interference — skills that are hard to develop without lab practice. If you have a set of Network+ practice questions, our free file upload simulator lets you run them in your browser without any software installation.

Which Exam Is Harder?

Both A+ and Network+ carry estimated first-attempt pass rates of around 70–80%, according to informal surveys and training center reports — CompTIA does not publish official pass rates. For context, Cisco CCNA sits at a lower ~50–60% pass rate, making both CompTIA entry-level credentials significantly more accessible. See our Network+ vs CCNA comparison for a detailed breakdown of that gap.

In terms of raw difficulty perception:

• A+ feels harder to study for because the content breadth is enormous — you’re covering hardware, operating systems, networking basics, mobile devices, security, and operational procedures across two separate 90-question exams. Beginners report feeling overwhelmed by the volume of material.
• Network+ feels harder conceptually because subnetting, routing protocols, and packet analysis require deeper logical reasoning than memorizing hardware components. Candidates who rush past the fundamentals consistently struggle on performance-based questions.

A+ is more forgiving if you have real-world IT support experience. Network+ rewards candidates who have touched actual network equipment — even virtually through Packet Tracer or GNS3 — far more than those who studied purely from books.

Job Market: Which Certification Opens More Doors?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for computer support specialists to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033 — faster than the national average for most occupations (BLS, 2024). That growth underpins demand for both certifications, but in different job categories.

Jobs Requiring or Preferring CompTIA A+

• Help Desk Technician / IT Support Specialist
• Desktop Support Technician
• Field Service Technician
• IT Technician (hardware repair and deployment)
• End User Computing Technician

Entry-level help desk technicians with A+ earn a median $52,000–$56,500, with experienced roles pushing above $64,000. Many government agencies and DoD contractors specifically require CompTIA A+ as a baseline credential — it appears in the DoD 8570/8140 compliance framework, making it a compliance-driven hire in defense and government IT.

Jobs Requiring or Preferring CompTIA Network+

• Network Technician / Network Support Technician
• Junior Network Administrator
• NOC (Network Operations Center) Technician
• Systems Administrator (networking component)
• IT Infrastructure Technician

Glassdoor shows over 6,573 U.S. job listings seeking Network+ certification, with competitive salaries typically in the $83,000–$139,000 range for specialized networking roles. At the entry level (junior network admin, NOC tech), salaries start around $50,000–$65,000 and scale quickly with experience.

Which Should You Get First?

The right answer depends on three factors: your current experience level, the specific roles you’re targeting, and how much study time you can commit.

Get CompTIA A+ First If:

• You have little to no IT background — A+ builds foundational knowledge across hardware, software, and basic networking that makes Network+ content easier to absorb later
• You’re targeting help desk, desktop support, or IT support technician roles as your entry point into IT
• You want the credential with the broadest entry-level employer recognition — A+ appears in the most entry-level IT job listings of any certification
• You’re working toward government or defense IT roles where DoD 8570/8140 compliance is a factor
• You want to follow the path CompTIA itself recommends before attempting Network+

Get CompTIA Network+ First If:

• You already have 9–12 months of hands-on IT experience — you know how to troubleshoot basic hardware and software issues and are ready to specialize
• You’re targeting networking-specific roles rather than general IT support
• You want a single-exam credential (vs. A+’s two exams) to get certified faster and at lower initial cost ($369 vs. ~$492)
• You plan to eventually pursue Cisco CCNA, as Network+ provides strong conceptual grounding for that path
• You already have equivalent foundational knowledge from a bootcamp, degree program, or self-study

The Case for Getting Both

Many employers posting entry-level network administration roles list both A+ and Network+ as preferred credentials. Holding both signals foundational breadth (hardware, OS, support procedures) plus networking depth. The total cost for both — approximately $861 in exam fees — is still far less than a semester of community college and can be completed in 6–12 months of self-study. Our guide to active recall and spaced repetition study methods covers how to structure a multi-certification preparation schedule efficiently.

Free Study Resources for A+ and Network+

You do not need to spend money on expensive study materials to pass either exam. Here are the most effective free resources:

For CompTIA A+

• Professor Messer’s free A+ course (professormesser.com) — comprehensive video coverage mapped to the current exam objectives, completely free
• ExamCompass free A+ practice tests — domain-specific question banks with no signup required
• UnionTestPrep A+ study guide — free text-based guides covering all exam domains
• CertQuiz file upload — if you have A+ practice questions in VCE, PDF, or DOCX format, upload them here and run them as an interactive quiz in your browser

For CompTIA Network+

• Professor Messer’s free Network+ course — free video series covering N10-009 objectives
• Cisco Packet Tracer (free) — network simulation software; subnetting and routing hands-on practice is essential for the troubleshooting domain
• Study-CCNA.com — free networking tutorials; the subnetting and TCP/IP sections are directly applicable to Network+ content
• CertQuiz file upload — upload your Network+ practice questions in any format and practice them as an interactive quiz

For both exams, the most effective single study activity is practice testing under timed conditions. Candidates who incorporate structured practice testing pass at significantly higher rates than those who rely on reading and video alone. Our study methods guide explains the research behind this in detail.

Cost Breakdown: A+ vs Network+

Exam cost is a real factor for many candidates, especially those self-funding their certification path. Here is an honest total cost comparison:

Cost Item	CompTIA A+	CompTIA Network+
Exam Voucher(s)	~$246 x 2 = ~$492	$369
Retake Risk (if failing once)	+$246 per failed exam	+$369
Free Study Materials	Professor Messer, ExamCompass	Professor Messer, Packet Tracer
Optional Paid Study Book	$30–$60 (Mike Meyers / Mike Chapple)	$30–$55 (Mike Meyers / Darril Gibson)
Total (first attempt, free study)	~$492	~$369
Total (if one retake needed)	~$738	~$738

Network+ has a lower initial exam cost and requires only one voucher. A+ carries higher upfront exam fees but has the broader entry-level job applicability. If cost is a constraint, starting with Network+ (if you have the prerequisite experience) is financially efficient. If you need to build foundational skills first, A+ is the investment that pays off by making everything after it easier.

Career Path: Where Does Each Cert Lead?

Think of A+ and Network+ as the first two rungs on separate but connected ladders. The Security+ certification sits above both as the natural next step for security-focused careers.

Typical A+ Career Path

Help Desk Technician → Desktop Support → IT Support Specialist → Systems Administrator → (Security+) → Security Analyst

Typical Network+ Career Path

NOC Technician / Junior Network Admin → Network Administrator → (CCNA) → Network Engineer → Senior Network Architect

Both paths converge at the systems and security levels. Many network administrators eventually add Security+ to move into security engineering roles, and many security analysts add Network+ to strengthen their infrastructure fundamentals. If you’re planning the security route, our Security+ vs CySA+ guide covers what comes after Security+.

FAQ

Can I skip A+ and go straight to Network+?

Yes — Network+ has no formal prerequisites. CompTIA recommends A+ or 9–12 months of hands-on experience, but this is guidance, not a requirement. If you already understand basic hardware, operating systems, and can troubleshoot common user issues from work experience or self-study, skipping A+ is a reasonable time and cost decision. About 20–25% of Network+ content (especially the networking fundamentals and hardware domains) overlaps with A+ material. Candidates who skipped A+ often underestimate how much foundational context it provides.

Which certification is more recognized by employers?

A+ has broader name recognition at the entry level. It appears in more help desk and IT support job listings than any other certification. Network+ has stronger recognition in networking-specific job listings and is widely accepted across government and military IT roles under DoD 8570/8140. Both are CompTIA credentials with strong industry acceptance — neither is obscure or questioned by technical hiring managers. According to Pearson VUE’s 2025 report, 82% of certified professionals gained confidence to pursue new job opportunities after earning their certification.

How long does it take to prepare for each exam?

For A+: plan for 80–160 hours over 6–10 weeks for a complete beginner. Candidates with some IT background can prepare in 4–6 weeks. For Network+: plan for 100–200 hours over 8–12 weeks without networking experience. Candidates with hands-on experience can often prepare in 4–6 weeks. The most effective approach for either exam is daily practice testing combined with spaced repetition review of weak domains. Our study method guide covers a 6-week preparation template you can adapt for either cert.

Is A+ still worth it in 2026?

Yes, especially for career changers entering IT for the first time. The BLS projects 6% growth in computer support specialist roles through 2033, and help desk positions remain one of the most accessible IT entry points with no prior degree required. A+ is recognized in the DoD 8570/8140 framework, making it a compliance requirement in defense and government IT — a segment of the market that actively hires A+ holders. The median total pay for help desk technicians reached $64,000 as of late 2025, and many A+ holders add Network+ or Security+ within 12–18 months to move into higher-paying specializations.

Should I get A+ before Security+?

CompTIA recommends Network+ before Security+, with A+ as the step before Network+. That said, many candidates successfully pass Security+ without holding A+ — Security+ itself has no prerequisites. If your goal is a cybersecurity role and you have some networking and OS background from other experience, you can go directly to Security+. Our Security+ study guide covers what prior knowledge you actually need. For the path comparison above Security+, read our Security+ vs CySA+ guide.

Start Practicing Today — Free

The fastest way to identify which certification matches your current knowledge level is to take practice questions right now. Our free Security+ practice exam gives you a baseline on security knowledge that overlaps significantly with both A+ and Network+ content areas.

If you’re already studying and have practice question files, upload them to our free simulator — VCE, PDF, DOCX, and TXT all work, entirely in your browser with no account or download required. Browse our full certification guides library for detailed prep resources across CompTIA, AWS, Azure, and Cisco paths.

Already decided on Network+? Read our Network+ vs CCNA comparison to plan your next certification move after you pass.