CompTIA Network+ vs Security+: Full comparison 2025

Choosing between CompTIA Network+ vs Security+ can feel like standing at a career crossroads. You know both certifications open doors in IT, but which path aligns with your goals? Whether you're breaking into tech or leveling up your skills, this decision shapes your professional trajectory.

The good news? You're not choosing between good and bad options — you're selecting one of CompTIA’s certifications that best matches your career vision. Network+ builds the foundation for understanding how data moves through organizations, while Security+ teaches you to protect those pathways from threats. Both certifications have launched thousands of successful IT careers, and understanding their differences helps you make the right choice for yours.

Let's break down everything you need to know about these certifications, from exam difficulty to career outcomes, so you can move forward with confidence.

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What is CompTIA Network+?

CompTIA Network+ validates your ability to design, configure, manage and troubleshoot networks — the digital highways that keep modern businesses running. Think of it as your credential for proving you understand not just how networks work, but how to keep them working when problems arise.

This vendor-neutral certification covers networking concepts that apply across all platforms and technologies. You won't just learn about one manufacturer's equipment; you'll understand the principles that make all networks function, from small office setups to enterprise-scale infrastructures.

What topics are covered in CompTIA Network+?

The Network+ exam (N10-009, updated in 2024) tests your knowledge across five key domains:

• Networking Concepts (23%): You'll master the OSI model, network topologies and how different protocols work together. This includes understanding IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting and how VLANs segment traffic.
• Network Implementation (20%): This covers the practical side, including configuring routers and switches, setting up wireless networks and implementing network services like DHCP and DNS. You'll learn to build networks that scale with organizational needs.
• Network Operations (19%): Here's where you prove you can maintain networks day-to-day. Topics include monitoring tools, configuration management and understanding business continuity concepts that keep networks resilient.
• Network Security (14%): While not as deep as Security+, you'll learn essential security concepts like firewall configurations, access controls and basic threat mitigation strategies.
• Network Troubleshooting (24%): The exam tests your ability to diagnose and fix common network issues using both hardware and software tools. You'll learn systematic approaches to problem-solving that serve you throughout your career.

Who is CompTIA Network+ for?

The Network+ cert can be an effective launchpad for anyone wanting to specialize in network administration, design and maintenance. Generally speaking, it’s for newer professionals with a year or less of experience in IT, but it’s equally effective for those pivoting from another branch of IT, such as security or programming.

Some of the more common jobs people get after earning their Network+ cert include:

• Network architect
• Network admin
• Help desk technician specializing in network issues
• Network support technician
• Network installation specialist

Many professionals use Network+ as their springboard into IT. It's particularly valuable if you enjoy the tangible aspects of technology like configuring equipment, solving connectivity puzzles and building the infrastructure that powers digital transformation.

Learn about the importance of the CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications in this episode of Cyber Work Hacks.

What is CompTIA Security+?

The CompTIA Security+ certification establishes you as a cybersecurity professional who understands how to identify, assess and mitigate security risks across an organization. It's the certification that proves you can think like both a defender and an attacker, understanding vulnerabilities before they become breaches.

Similar to Network+, Security+ is considered a baseline credential. Those who earn it set themselves up to assume a variety of cybersecurity-related roles in cloud, on-premise and hybrid networking environments.

What topics are covered in CompTIA Security+?

The Security+ exam content spans five comprehensive domains:

• General Security Concepts (12%): You'll explore security controls, fundamental concepts and the importance of change management in maintaining secure environments. This includes understanding the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) in practical contexts.
• Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%): This domain covers the threat landscape, including malware types, social engineering tactics and physical security risks. You'll learn to identify vulnerabilities and implement appropriate countermeasures.
• Security Architecture (18%): Here you'll study how to design secure networks and systems. Topics include secure network architecture, embedded systems security and the unique challenges of securing cloud and virtualized environments.
• Security Operations (28%): The largest domain focuses on the day-to-day work of security professionals. You'll learn about incident response, digital forensics, security monitoring and how to use various security tools effectively.
• Security Program Management and Oversight (20%): This covers governance, risk management, compliance and the business side of security. You'll understand how security fits into organizational strategy and regulatory requirements.

Who should get CompTIA Security+ certification?

The Security+ certification is a good fit for those wanting to either begin a career in cybersecurity, switch from another profession, or advance a relatively new career by qualifying for more challenging positions. It also meets DoD 8140/8570 requirements. Some of the jobs you can qualify for after earning your Security+ cert include:

• Systems administrator
• Security administrator
• Security analyst
• Junior penetration tester
• IT auditor
• Help desk tech specializing in security issues
• Cybersecurity consultant

The certification particularly appeals to problem-solvers who enjoy staying ahead of threats and protecting critical assets. If you're drawn to the investigative aspects of IT and want to be on the front lines of cyber defense, Security+ provides your entry point.

Network+ vs. Security+ difficulty

If you’re not sure whether they want to focus on networking or cybersecurity, the Network Plus vs. Security Plus decision may come down to which test is more difficult.

The difficulty of each exam depends on your existing knowledge, but some consider Security+ to be at least somewhat more difficult than Network+. CompTIA recommends that candidates earn their Network+ certification or have equivalent knowledge before taking the Security+ exam. Since Network+ knowledge is a prerequisite for Security+. This leads to the presumption that it’s more difficult.

But that’s not always the case. If, for instance, you’re already working in cybersecurity, many of the concepts you come across on the exam will be familiar, while many of the networking topics, such as DNS, DHCP and switches, may feel foreign.

Prerequisite knowledge required

CompTIA doesn’t list any hard requirements for taking either the Network+ or Security+ exams. However, they do have some recommendations. For Network+, CompTIA suggests 9-12 months of networking experience, either as a junior network administrator or network support technician. This means you should be comfortable with basic IT concepts and have some hands-on experience with network equipment.

Security+ recommendations go further: CompTIA suggests having Network+ plus two years of IT administration experience with a security focus. This answers the common question, "Is Security+ easier than Network+?" Generally, the answer is no. Security+ builds on networking knowledge while adding complex security concepts.

Study materials and prep difficulty

The study materials for both certifications are dense and will require a significant amount of time to work through. It’s best to either use a structured prep program or set up your own study routine.

It’s important to keep in mind that how you prepare for each exam may differ, depending on your learning style. The concepts in Network+ are often considered more “hands-on” than those in Security+, which can sometimes be a bit more abstract.

For example, the relationships between routers and access points are relatively straightforward. An initial access point gets its signal from a router. For some learners, this concept may be easier to visualize than the differences in cryptographic standards, digital signatures and other concepts on the Security+ exam.

Therefore, to make the prep process easier, it’s a good idea to find instructors or learning materials that bridge the gap between your learning style and each exam’s specific content. Attending a CompTIA authorized Security+ training boot camp or Network+ training boot camp can give you a distinct edge because you get expert, hands-on instruction and practice with exam concepts. Partners like Infosec even offer an Exam Pass Guarantee, meaning if you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt, you can resit the exam and the boot camp for free.

Exam structure comparison

Both exams share similar structures but with key differences:

Network+ exam (N10-009):

• 90 questions maximum
• 90 minutes
• Passing score: 720 (out of 900)
• Mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs)
• PBQs often involve network diagrams and configuration tasks

Security+ exam (SY0-701):

• 90 questions maximum
• 90 minutes
• Passing score: 750 (out of 900)
• Mix of multiple-choice and PBQs
• PBQs frequently present security scenarios requiring analysis and response

The higher passing score for Security+ (750 vs 720) reflects its broader scope and the critical thinking required. Performance-based questions on Security+ often present complex scenarios where you must identify attacks, choose mitigation strategies or configure security controls.

Network+ PBQs typically focus on practical tasks like configuring a router, troubleshooting connectivity or identifying network issues from diagnostic output. These feel more like tasks you'd perform on the job.

Which is Harder: Network+ or Security+?

The question "which is harder Network+ or Security+" doesn't have a universal answer. It depends on your background and learning style. However, most IT professionals consider Security+ the more challenging exam for several reasons.

First, Security+ covers broader territory. While Network+ focuses specifically on networking, Security+ spans networking, systems, applications, physical security and organizational processes. You're not just learning technology; you're understanding risk management, compliance and business impact.

Second, Security+ requires a different mindset. Network+ tests whether you can build and fix things. Security+ tests whether you can think like an attacker while defending like a professional. This dual perspective challenges many test-takers.

Lastly, as noted above, your personal experience shapes difficulty perception. Network engineers might breeze through Network+ but struggle with Security+ governance and compliance topics. The converse may be true for those with more cybersecurity experience.

Network+ or Security+: Which should you take first?

For most IT professionals, taking Network+ before Security+ makes strategic sense. You need to understand how data flows before you can protect it. Knowing how networks operate at a fundamental level makes security concepts more meaningful.

For example, you need to understand how data travels from a server to an endpoint (Network+) in order to configure security and encryption rules that help an organization comply with HIPAA regulations (Security+).

However, exceptions exist. Take Security+ first if you:

• Already have solid networking knowledge from experience or education
• Need Security+ for immediate job requirements (especially DoD positions)
• Have limited time and must prioritize one certification

Some successful professionals skip Network+ entirely, especially those with computer science degrees or years of IT experience. If you can confidently configure routers, understand TCP/IP and troubleshoot network issues, Security+ might be your better starting point.

The question "Network+ or Security+" ultimately depends on your current knowledge and career goals. Network+ provides the stronger foundation, but Security+ offers more immediate opportunities in today's security-focused job market.

Job opportunities and career paths

Both certifications can boost your IT career, but they each lead you in different directions. The role of Security+ in cybersecurity careers is often critical because it demonstrates a wide range of knowledge.

Roles associated with each certification

After earning your Network+ certification, you may lean towards roles that involve:

• Supporting on-premise enterprise networks
• Maintaining cloud-based networks equipped with virtualization and high scalability
• Building networks that enable multiple offices of an enterprise to connect with each other, such as through an SD-WAN system

Your Security+ certification, on the other hand, will likely steer you closer to jobs that involve:

• Securing sensitive digital assets, such as databases containing proprietary information or customer data
• Building security systems that combine multiple types of tools, such as encryption, role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication and next-generation firewalls
• Supporting complex security projects, including those involving developing secure applications and automated enterprise workflows

Certifications in a broader IT career roadmap

Network+ is a foundational credential that can make it easier to earn other important certs. There are several other options beyond Network+, such as Cisco’s CCNA or CompTIA’s Server+ certs.

Security+ is similar in that it positions you to earn other certs. It’s a pathway for more advanced certifications, such as the CompTIA CySA+, PenTest+, SecurityX and ISC2 CISSP credentials.

Brief salary ranges

The average Network+ salary is around $81,643 a year. However, the amount you actually make can vary quite a bit depending on your exact role, experience level, industry, location and other factors.

The average total compensation for Security+ holders is $99,446. As is the case for Network+ cert holders, the amount you earn will depend greatly on your job title, how long you’ve been in the profession, and which area you live in.

For more salary information, get our free Cybersecurity salary guide, which covers popular and top-paying certifications and roles.

Pros and cons of Network+ and Security+

The advantages and disadvantages you experience with each cert will vary depending on your desired career path, but here’s a basic breakdown:

Neither certification alone makes you an expert. They prove you understand fundamentals and can learn more. The real value comes from combining certification with hands-on experience and continuous learning.

Final verdict: Should you choose Network+ or Security+?

If you’re new to IT, Network+ is the best way to go. You may even want to consider the CompTIA A+ if you need to build even more baseline skills. The recommended path for newcomers is A+, then Network+, then Security+.

Since networking is essential to many IT jobs, it’s a good idea to make it a cornerstone of your IT portfolio.

At the same time, if you’re absolutely sure you want to pursue a career in cybersecurity — and you either already have networking knowledge or otherwise need to focus on security skills — Security+ may be the better choice. Getting this cert strengthens your resume for a range of jobs that can earn you a considerable salary and qualify you for promotions and managerial positions, thanks to the broad range of topics they cover.