Should I get network+ or a+ first?

For IT beginners, start with CompTIA A+ for fundamental skills before moving to Network+, which builds on A+ to focus on networking; however, if you already have some experience or clear career goals (like pure cybersecurity), you might go straight to Security+ (which assumes some networking knowledge) or Network+ first for a stronger network foundation before Security+. Consider your career path: A+ for general IT support, Network+ for core networking, and Security+ for security roles, often after Network+.

Should I get network+ or a+ first?

I would suggest getting the A+ first. The A+ material will cover the basics of networking and the Network+ will build on that. Also, when you renew your Network+, your A+ cert will renew as well. If you're going to skip the A+ for a networking certification then you might as well go for the CCNA.

Is CompTIA A+ harder than Network+?

A+ certification majorly focuses on the foundational level IT skills related to the troubleshooting of hardware and software. This is easier for all those who are new in technology. Network+ is more complex due to its deep penetration of networking concepts, protocols, and configurations.

Do I need CompTIA A+ if I have Network+?

You are recommended to take the CompTIA A+ certificate before Network+ and have 9 to 12 months of networking experience.

Can I get a job with just network+?

Yes, the CompTIA Network+ certification absolutely helps you get an IT job, validating foundational skills for roles like Network Technician, Help Desk Specialist, IT Support, and Network Administrator, serving as a strong starting point or complement to hands-on experience, and proving competency to employers for various entry-level to advanced positions in networking and telecommunications. 

CompTIA A+ vs Network+: Which Should You Take First?

Is network+ worth IT in 2025?

Yes, the CompTIA Network+ certification remains very much worth it in 2025 for gaining foundational IT networking knowledge, validating skills for entry-level roles (Help Desk, Support Techs), boosting salaries (avg. ~$80k+), and serving as a strong stepping stone for more advanced vendor-specific or security certifications like CCNA or Security+. It opens doors, shows employers core competency, and helps future-proof your career, especially if you're new to networking. 

Which is harder, net+ or ccna?

The CCNA exam is generally considered more difficult than Network+. It tests not just concepts but also specific knowledge about Cisco hardware and software. You'll need to understand network configuration, troubleshooting, and how to work with Cisco's command-line interface.

Can Network+ get you a government job?

FAQs about CompTIA Network+ Careers

You can renew via continuing education or by passing a higher-level exam. Is Network+ required for government jobs? Yes, Network+ is approved under DoD 8570/8140, making it essential for many federal and defense contractors.

Can I do Security+ without network+?

The simple answer is this: No, you don't need Network+ before pursuing Security+. However, having a strong grasp of networking fundamentals will be highly beneficial for your Security+ certification.

Is network+ beginner friendly?

Is Network+ Beginner Friendly? Yes, Network+ is designed to be accessible for beginners. While some basic computer knowledge is helpful, the certification starts with fundamentals and builds from there. Many successful Network+ holders had no prior networking experience before starting their studies.

What jobs can I get with S+?

These include positions such as:

• Cybersecurity analyst.
• Security engineer.
• Penetration tester.
• Information assurance technician.
• IT auditor, and more.

How many people fail network+?

The Network+ exam is a step up from A+, and some find it harder. Around 75% of people pass Network+ when they try it.

How much harder is net+ than a+?

Difficulty Level

Slightly more complex than A+, CompTIA Network+ certification may call for a deeper comprehension of networking principles. It is usually pursued after earning the A+ certification or gaining some experience in IT support. It assumes some prior knowledge of fundamental IT principles.

Is network+ entry-level?

CompTIA Network+ is an information technology certification for wireless and wired networking, helping you advance to a career supporting any IT infrastructure network. Although this is an entry-level certification, CompTIA recommends obtaining nine to 12 months of networking experience before taking the exam.

Do employers care about CompTIA A+?

Many companies recognize CompTIA A+ as a baseline certification for entry-level IT jobs, and some even require it for these positions. However, it's essential to consider that while CompTIA A+ can help you get your foot in the door, gaining experience and continuing education will be crucial for career growth.

What tech jobs pay $400,000 a year?

Tech jobs paying $400k+ usually involve senior, specialized roles in high-demand fields like AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Cloud, and Data Science, often at large companies (like Netflix, OpenAI) or in leadership positions (Director, Principal Engineer, CTO), with compensation frequently including substantial stock options alongside high base salaries. Roles include Staff/Principal Engineers, Solutions Architects, Data Scientists, Security Engineers, and Engineering Managers, requiring deep expertise, leadership, and strategic impact. 

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

You can earn $3,000 a month without a degree in roles like Dental/Medical Assistant (with short training), skilled trades (Electrician, HVAC), Delivery Driver (UPS, FedEx), specialized sales, Real Estate Agent, and some tech roles like AI Trainer or Medical Coder, often requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or a strong work ethic for entry, with remote options available in customer service or data entry if you have strong computer skills, notes www.nysmda.com, Tallo, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/3000-A-Month-Jobs-No-Degree. 

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Yes, making $200,000 a year in cybersecurity is achievable, especially in senior roles like CISO, Security Architect, or Lead Software Security Engineer, or with specialized skills in high-demand areas, though it's less common and typically requires significant experience, certifications, and potentially strategic career moves like moving into sales engineering or management. Entry-level to mid-level roles usually start lower, but a clear career path with continuous learning can lead to six-figure incomes and beyond, with some tech giants even offering $200k+ for early-career security engineers. 

Is CCNA still worth in 2025?

Yes, the CCNA is still very much worth it in 2025 for a networking career, offering essential foundational skills, strong job prospects in network administration and security, and a great ROI as a gateway to advanced certifications, despite the evolving landscape with cloud and automation. While some manual tasks are changing, the core understanding of network fundamentals provided by the CCNA remains critical for supporting modern, complex IT environments and cybersecurity roles, making it a valuable entry-point and foundational credential. 

Can I get a job with just network+?

Yes, the CompTIA Network+ certification absolutely helps you get an IT job, validating foundational skills for roles like Network Technician, Help Desk Specialist, IT Support, and Network Administrator, serving as a strong starting point or complement to hands-on experience, and proving competency to employers for various entry-level to advanced positions in networking and telecommunications. 

Can I complete CCNA in 3 months?

Yes, you can complete your CCNA studies in 3 months with a focused and structured study plan. Dedicate consistent daily hours to cover all exam topics and engage in hands-on practice.

How fast can I get net+?

With focused preparation and the right resources, most people can pass CompTIA Network+ in about 2–3 months.

Should I do the Google IT support professional certificate?

Nearly every company whose employees use computers has a need for IT Support professionals. The majority of IT support positions do not require a college degree, but they do require prior experience. This certificate will give learners the training and experience they need to get a job in tech.

Which is the hardest CompTIA exam?

There's no single "hardest" CompTIA exam, as it depends on your background, but Security+ (breadth of cybersecurity concepts) and Network+ (memorization, technical depth) are often cited as tough entry-to-mid-level exams, while the advanced CASP+ (Cybersecurity Analyst Professional) is considered one of the most challenging overall for experienced pros, covering enterprise security architecture and risk management. The difficulty is subjective, with A+ being tough for beginners due to sheer volume but easier for experienced techs, whereas Security+ tests deeper understanding.