Security+ vs. CCNA: Which certification should you choose?

Choosing between certifications for your IT career? The difference between CompTIA Security+ and CCNA is something thousands of professionals consider each year. These two certifications are both valuable and open doors to different tech careers. 

Security+ puts you on the front lines defending against cyber threats, while CCNA transforms you into the architect of network infrastructure. Both paths can lead to six-figure salary potential, but which one fits your skills and interests? 

We'll cover everything you need to know — from exam difficulty and costs to salary potential and career trajectories. By the end, you'll know exactly which certification aligns with your professional goals. 

You may also be interested in our free ebook, Which entry-level certification is right for you?, which provides a guide to a few of the most popular beginner cybersecurity certifications. 

Overview of Security+ and CCNA certifications 

Let's clarify what each certification actually offers. These credentials target different skill sets, although both are highly respected by employers worldwide. 

What is CompTIA Security+? 

CompTIA Security+ has become the go-to entry point for cybersecurity careers since its launch more than twenty years ago. This vendor-neutral certification demonstrates your understanding of security fundamentals across all technology platforms. 

The certification validates your knowledge across five core domains: 

• General Security Concepts: Master the CIA triad, security frameworks and risk management principles 

• Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations: Learn to think like both attacker and defender, identifying compromises and implementing countermeasures 

• Security Architecture: Design secure systems, including network infrastructure, cloud environments and zero-trust architectures 

• Security Operations: The largest domain covers monitoring environments, responding to incidents and maintaining security posture 

• Security Program Management and Oversight: Understand governance, compliance and strategic security programs 

What makes Security+ particularly valuable is that it meets DoD 8140/8570 compliance. The U.S. Department of Defense mandates this for various government and defense contracting roles. 

The certification welcomes newcomers to security. Whether you're transitioning from help desk or jumping into cybersecurity from another avenue, Security+ provides the foundation you need. The difference between CompTIA Security+ and CCNA becomes clearer when we examine their focus areas. 

Learn about the CompTIA Security+ exam in this episode of Cyber Work Hacks. 

What is Cisco CCNA? 

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) serves as your entry ticket into Cisco's certification ecosystem. With Cisco controlling the largest portion of enterprise networking equipment, this certification carries serious weight with employers. 

CCNA covers six primary knowledge areas: 

• Network Fundamentals: OSI model, TCP/IP protocols, switching concepts and wireless principles 

• Network Access: Configure VLANs, implement trunking protocols and design wireless architectures 

• IP Connectivity: Routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP), static routing and first-hop redundancy 

• IP Services: Implement DHCP, NAT, QoS and network management protocols 

• Security Fundamentals: Apply access control lists, configure VPNs and implement wireless security 

• Automation and Programmability: Work with REST APIs, JSON data formats and Python scripting 

Cisco redesigned CCNA in 2020, consolidating multiple specialization tracks into one comprehensive exam. This reflects where the industry's heading — network professionals now need skills beyond just routing and switching. 

Unlike Security+, CCNA focuses specifically on Cisco equipment. You'll master Cisco's command-line interface, configuration methods and troubleshooting approaches. This specialization makes you incredibly valuable to the thousands of organizations running Cisco gear. 

Learn about the CCNA exam in this episode of Cyber Work Hacks. 

Key differences between Security+ and CCNA 

Understanding these fundamental distinctions helps clarify which certification matches your career vision. 

	CompTIA Security+	Cisco CCNA
Vendor type	Vendor-neutral	Cisco-specific
Primary focus	Cybersecurity fundamentals	Network infrastructure
Target audience	Security beginners, career changers	Aspiring network engineers
Exam code	SY0-701	200-301
Meets DoD 8140 / 8570	Yes	No
Best for	Broad security knowledge	Hands-on networking skills

Vendor-neutral vs vendor-specific 

The CCNA vs. Security+ comparison starts with a fundamental difference. Security+ maintains strict vendor neutrality — the principles you learn apply whether your organization runs Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet or open-source solutions. 

CCNA dives deep into Cisco's specific technologies. Lab exercises use Cisco equipment and commands. You'll become fluent in Cisco's language, but that fluency doesn't automatically translate to other vendors' platforms. 

Focus areas: Cybersecurity vs networking 

Security+ emphasizes protecting systems — you'll study attack methodologies, defensive strategies and compliance frameworks. CCNA concentrates on building and maintaining networks — designing topologies, configuring routing protocols and optimizing performance. 

This focus difference creates distinct career trajectories: 

Security+ typically leads to: 

• Security administrator jobs 

• Security operations center (SOC) analyst roles 

• Incident response positions 

• Compliance and risk management careers 

CCNA professionals gravitate toward: 

• Network engineering and administration 

• Infrastructure design and implementation 

• Technical support and troubleshooting 

• Telecommunications and ISP roles 

Prerequisites and career experience level 

Neither certification enforces formal prerequisites, but they expect different levels of technical comfort. 

Security+ welcomes beginners to cybersecurity. The certification recommends two years of IT experience with a security focus, but this is not a requirement. This accessibility makes it popular among career changers and IT professionals pivoting into security and wanting to develop a broad understanding of security principles. 

CCNA is more focused on networking — and therefore goes a bit more in-depth into some of those topics. While you don't need formal prerequisites, Cisco recommends one year of networking experience.  

Career changers may find Security+ more approachable. The broader conceptual focus allows people from non-technical backgrounds to succeed with dedicated study. CCNA's technical depth and hands-on requirements create a steeper learning curve for networking newcomers. 

Certification cost and renewal requirements 

Let's talk money — both the initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs. 

	Security+	CCNA
Exam cost	$425	$300
Valid period	3 years	3 years
Renewal fee	$50/year ($150 total)	Free with CE credits

The cost difference isn't huge initially, but Security+ requires ongoing financial commitment for renewal, while CCNA offers free renewal through Cisco's education portal. Occasionally, CompTIA and Cisco may update the costs of the certification exam vouchers, so be sure to confirm the exact price. 

This doesn’t include the cost of exam preparation, which can range from zero if you use free resources to several thousand dollars if you enroll in a boot camp for several days of live training from an expert instructor. 

Exam format and difficulty 

Both certifications test differently, reflecting their distinct focus areas. 

	Security+	CCNA
Duration	90 minutes	120 minutes
Number of questions	Up to 90	100-120
Passing score	750 (on 100-900 scale)	Approximately 825 (out of 1,000); there is no fixed passing score
Question types	Multiple choice, PBQs, drag-and-drop	Multiple choice, simulations, drag-and-drop, fill-in-blank

Security+ exam structure 

The Security+ exam (SY0-701) challenges you with up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 750. 

Key question types: 

• Multiple choice: Real-world scenarios testing your judgment 

• Performance-based questions (PBQs): Interactive simulations solving practical problems 

• Drag-and-drop: Match concepts, order response steps or build architectures 

The scenario-based approach mirrors real security work. Instead of "What port does HTTPS use?", questions present situations like "Your web server was compromised despite having a firewall. Review these logs and identify the attack vector." 

CCNA exam structure 

CCNA (200-301) offers approximately 100-120 questions in 120 minutes, with passing scores typically around 825. 

CCNA has similar question types, with the performance-based simulations often being the most challenging component. These interactive labs present actual Cisco router and switch interfaces where you must configure VLANs, implement routing protocols, troubleshoot connectivity and apply access control lists. 

Career pathways: Which should you take first? 

The sequence of your certifications can accelerate or complicate your career development. 

When to start with Security+ 

Security+ makes an excellent first certification if you: 

• Are changing careers into IT: Security+ offers a gentler introduction to IT concepts without drowning in routing protocols or command-line configurations 

• Have government/military aspirations: The DoD 8140/8570 requirement makes Security+ a great option for federal cybersecurity roles 

• Want a broad IT foundation: Security touches everything in modern IT, giving you perspective on how technologies interconnect and opportunities for many career paths 

When to start with CCNA 

CCNA makes sense as your first certification if you: 

• Love hands-on technical work: CCNA's simulations and practical skills development keep you engaged 

• Target infrastructure roles: CCNA provides immediately applicable skills for network engineering and administration 

• Work in Cisco-heavy environments: CCNA provides immediately relevant skills that can accelerate promotions 

Recommended sequences: 

• For cybersecurity-focused careers: Security+ can lead to more specialized areas, such as CompTIA’s CySA+ or PenTest+. You can always get your CCNA if you want to validate your Cisco-specific knowledge as well. 

• For networking careers: CCNA can lead to the Cybersecurity Associate and other professional and expert-level certifications within the Cisco ecosystem. If you move into cybersecurity, the Security+ is a common option to add to your resume.  

Security+ vs. CCNA salary comparison 

Compensation varies significantly based on location, industry and experience. For a detailed look at salary, check out our Security+ salary guide and CCNA salary guide. 

Data from those guides indicates: 

• Security+ holders have an average U.S. salary of around $99,000 

• CCNA holders have an average U.S. salary of around $78,000 

However, it’s important to reiterate that salaries are influenced by numerous factors. A Security+ holder working their first job as a security admin will likely earn less than a seasoned security analyst working in a major metropolitan area. 

If you want a more detailed outlook on how different cybersecurity certifications relate to salary, get our free cybersecurity salary guide.

Security+ or CCNA for your IT goals? 

Both certifications offer excellent entry points into rewarding IT careers. Your choice should align with your interests, background and professional aspirations. 

Choose Security+ if you: 

• Want vendor-neutral skills for maximum flexibility 

• Target government or defense positions requiring DoD compliance 

• Plan to specialize in risk management or compliance 

• Want to understand how security integrates across IT ecosystems 

Choose CCNA if you: 

• Enjoy hands-on technical work and system configuration 

• Target network engineering or infrastructure roles 

• Work in Cisco-heavy organizations 

• Plan to pursue advanced Cisco certifications (CCNP, CCIE) 

Consider pursuing both if you: 

• Target network security engineering roles 

• Want maximum job market flexibility 

• Plan to consult across multiple technology domains 

The difference between CompTIA Security+ and CCNA lies not in their value but in the doors they open. Both certifications launch rewarding careers — your job is choosing the path that excites you most. 

Remember that certifications represent just the beginning. The IT industry rewards continuous learning, practical experience and adaptability. Whether you choose Security+ or CCNA first, commit to ongoing education and hands-on practice that transforms certification knowledge into real-world expertise. 

Start with the certification that excites you most, master those skills thoroughly, then expand into complementary areas. This approach builds the diverse skill set that defines successful IT careers in our interconnected, security-conscious world.