Should I get network+ or CCNA?

Choose CompTIA Network+ for broad, vendor-neutral foundational knowledge if you're new to IT and unsure of your path; choose CCNA if you're certain about a career in enterprise networking, especially with Cisco gear, as it's deeper, more technical, and often leads to specialized roles like Network Engineer. Network+ offers general concepts, while CCNA teaches hands-on configuration of real devices, making CCNA often more valuable for getting a specific networking job.

Should I get my CCNA or Network+?

However, the CCNA certification is a newer exam and asks questions in formats unfamiliar to some test-takers, while Network+ uses a more traditional approach in the question design and evaluation. Also, CCNA focuses solely on technical skills, while Network+ also includes business skills.

Is CCNA enough to become a network engineer?

Although the CCNA will get you there, it will not keep you there. Therefore, you may need other certifications to improve your knowledge of the networking industry, sharpen your current skills, and solidify your position as a future specialist.

How much does Network+ pay compared to CCNA?

Nationwide, CCNA jobs tend to pay an average of 30% more per year compared to Network+ jobs. This can be attributed to the fact that the CCNA certification prepares individuals to directly handle Cisco infrastructures once certified, while Network+ provides a more general understanding of networking concepts.

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. 

CCNA vs Network+ in 2025 – Which One Actually Gets You Hired?

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. 

Is network+ worth IT in 2025?

Yes, CompTIA Network+ remains valuable in 2025 as a foundational certification for entry-level IT roles (like Help Desk, Network Support) and as a stepping stone for more advanced networking or cybersecurity careers, validating essential vendor-neutral skills, improving earning potential, and opening doors to roles like Network Administrator or Systems Analyst, though some career paths (like specialized Cisco roles) might favor CCNA, making job market research key. 

Is CCNA still worth in 2025?

Yes, the CCNA is still worth it in 2025 as it provides crucial foundational networking skills, validates expertise for employers, and remains highly requested in the job market, with updated exams covering modern topics like automation, though combining it with Linux, security, or cloud skills offers the best career progression. It opens doors to entry-level roles and serves as a strong base for advanced certifications (like CCNP), with strong ROI despite the initial investment. 

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

Yes, earning $200,000 a year in cybersecurity is absolutely achievable, especially in senior, specialized, or high-demand roles like CISO, Security Architect, Lead Security Engineer, Cloud Security Engineer, Sales Engineer, or penetration testers in large companies or high-cost-of-living areas, often requiring significant experience, advanced skills (coding, cloud, leadership), and sometimes certifications, with top earners exceeding this significantly. 

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Engineers making $500k/year are typically highly specialized, experienced professionals, most commonly in Software Engineering, especially in AI, distributed systems, or finance/trading, working at top tech firms or successful startups where total compensation (base + significant stock/bonus) reaches this level. Other potential fields include Electrical Engineering in specialized areas like power/utilities or high-level Project Management roles. 

Will AI replace network engineer?

The short answer is: No, AI will not replace network engineers entirely, but it will fundamentally transform the role.

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.

Is network+ worth IT for cybersecurity?

Despite often being bypassed in favor of Security+, Gober explains why Network+ is fundamental for a robust cybersecurity knowledge base. Learn about critical networking concepts like the OSI model, IP addresses and protocols, which are vital for understanding how cyberattacks work.

What is the best certification for networking?

Top Networking Certifications for Network Administrators

• CompTIA A+ Certification.
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
• CompTIA Network+ certification.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification.

Should I do CompTIA or Cisco?

While CompTIA certifications are ideal for developing broad, vendor-neutral knowledge across support, networking and security, CCNA training equips your team with deeper technical skills for Cisco environments and more complex infrastructure needs.

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. 

Is 30 too late for cyber security?

No, 30 is not too old to get into cybersecurity; it's a growing field where skills, motivation, and experience (even from other industries) are valued more than age, with many people successfully starting in their 30s, 40s, or even later, leveraging diverse backgrounds and focusing on certifications (like CompTIA Security+) and hands-on labs (TryHackMe, HackTheBox) for entry-level roles. Success depends on commitment to learning, building a portfolio, and choosing a specific path like SOC Analyst or GRC, rather than age. 

Is AI replacing cyber security jobs?

While there is concern that automation may lead to job displacement, the reality is more nuanced. Experts expect AI to augment cybersecurity roles instead of replacing them. Accurate interpretation of AI findings and informed decision-making based on those insights require human oversight.

Is CCNA worth it with AI?

The Cisco CCNA certification remains incredibly valuable in a world increasingly influenced by AI. It provides the essential knowledge and practical skills that form the bedrock of any successful networking career. Without this foundation, attempts to leverage AI in networking will be superficial and ineffective.

Is CCNA changing in 2026?

Very helpful. In this regard, I came across the news that beginning Feb. 3, 2026, Cybersecurity certifications will get new names: CCNA Cybersecurity and CCNP Cybersecurity. Exam topics will remain the same.

Is Ccnp harder than CCNA?

Yes, CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is significantly harder and more advanced than CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) because it requires deeper technical knowledge, focuses on specialization, and involves passing multiple exams (a core and a concentration exam) compared to CCNA's single exam, making it a professional-level certification for experienced engineers, not entry-level ones. 

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.

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.