Network+ and Security+ are top IT certifications many professionals look into. We’ll look at if Network+ is tougher than Security+ and the main differences between them. By looking at various sources, we’ll understand the effort and unique challenges each certification brings.
Key Takeaways:
Network+ and Security+ are key IT certifications with different benefits and career paths.
Network+ focuses on network basics, communication, and monitoring. Security+ covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics.
The difficulty of each certification varies based on your knowledge, experience, and career goals.
Both certifications need you to pass an exam, with different requirements and formats.
CompTIA certifications, like Network+ and Security+, are well-respected in the IT field and boost job chances.
CompTIA offers 15 IT certifications, with A+ and Security+ being key ones1. A+ needs passing two exams, while Security+ is done with one. A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams require scores of 675/900 and 700/900, respectively. Security+ needs a score of 750 out of 900 (83.33%). Both exams have 90 questions to answer in 90 minutes. A+ might have up to 10 performance-based questions, while Security+ has about four to six.
Choosing a certification should match your career goals and IT or cyber security background. Network+ is great for those wanting careers in networking or communication. Security+ is perfect for those aiming for security administration or cybersecurity roles.
Both Network+ and Security+ are highly valued in the IT world. They show your skills and dedication to growing in your career. An IT degree with a focus on cybersecurity, like Florida Technical College’s Bachelor’s Degree2, can prepare you for these certifications and IT roles.
When deciding between Network+ and Security+, think about what you’re interested in, your career goals, and the skills you want to gain. Remember, both certifications require hard work and commitment. Choosing either one can greatly improve your career and open new doors in the IT field.
CompTIA Network+ is a certification that focuses on the skills needed for networking. It covers installing, setting up, running, and fixing basic network setups.
This certification is great for those starting in networking. It gives them the skills to handle and keep up with important networking parts. With it, people learn about fixing networks, setting them up, and working with wired and wireless connections.
Having Network+ shows you know about networking products and methods. It’s useful for both employers and customers in IT. It shows you can handle basic network ideas, protocols, and keep networks safe.
People with Network+ can design, set up, manage, and fix networks. This helps keep an organization’s network running well. They know about the key parts that let data move, like switches and routers. This helps them solve problems to keep networks safe and reliable.
There are no official requirements for Network+ certification, but it helps to have 9-12 months of networking experience and A+ certification first. The exam, N10-007, started in March 2018. You need to score 720 out of 900 to pass. The exam tests your knowledge with different types of questions.
Having Network+ opens up many job options in IT. You could work as a Network Administrator, Network Field Technician, IT Consultant, or more. These jobs need you to know a lot about networking and how to fix and keep networks running.
Network+ Certification Jobs
Network Administrator
Network Field Technician
IT Consultant
Network Engineer
Systems Engineer
Salaries for those with Network+ certification show how valuable this skill is. In the U.S., Network Administrators, Network Engineers, and Systems Engineers make about $84,810, $83,510, and $90,920 a year, respectively. This is based on the CompTIA IT Employment Snapshot for Q1 2021.
CIO.com named Network Administrator one of the top 10 IT jobs for 2021. Indeed.com Career Guide also says Network Administrator, Network Engineer, and Senior IT Consultant are in demand.
Overall, CompTIA Network+ certification gives you the skills to do well in networking jobs. It’s good for those wanting to be Network Administrators, IT Consultants, or Network Field Technicians. Getting Network+ shows you’re serious about growing your career and keeping networks running smoothly.
CompTIA Security+ is a key certification that shows you know how to keep a network safe. It’s for those who want to work in cybersecurity. You’ll learn how to set up a secure network, find and fix security issues, and keep data safe. It’s great for starting a career in cybersecurity because it teaches important skills4.
Here are some key points to know about the CompTIA Security+ certification:
Cost and Validity: Getting the CompTIA Security+ certification costs $404 USD as of February 1, 2024. It lasts three years before you need to renew it4.
Industry Recognition: Many in the IT world respect and recognize CompTIA Security+. It meets U.S. Department of Defense standards and follows ISO 17024 rules4.
Valuable Certification: It’s seen as a top IT certification by Robert Half and is one of the most popular, according to Dice’s Tech Salary Trends. CompTIA Security+ is a top choice for those new to network security with good earning potential4.
Recommended Experience: You should have at least two years of IT work experience, focusing on security, but exceptions can be made for those who pass the exam4.
Thinking about a career in cybersecurity or improving your network security skills? Getting the CompTIA Security+ certification is a smart move4.
Having a secure network is key today to keep data safe and stop unauthorized access. With the CompTIA Security+ certification, you’ll know how to help build and keep a secure network4.
CompTIA Security+ Exam Details:
For those planning to take the CompTIA Security+ exam, here are the details you need to know:
Exam Code: The exam code is SY0-601, starting on November 12, 20203.
Exam Duration and Format: The exam has up to 90 questions and lasts 90 minutes. You might see different types of questions, including ones that test your skills3.
Passing Score: You need a score of 750 out of 100-900 to pass the Security+ exam3.
Prerequisites: There are no official requirements for the exam, but having some IT experience and a security focus is good. Having the CompTIA Network+ certification or similar knowledge is also helpful3.
Getting the CompTIA Security+ certification proves you’re an expert in network security. It also opens doors to new job opportunities. Jobs for those with this certification include SOC Analyst, Systems Administrator, and Cyber Threat Hunter3.
Choosing the right certifications is key when planning your IT career. CompTIA Security+ makes you more attractive to employers, leading to better job chances43.
Next, we’ll compare the difficulty and format of exams for CompTIA Network+ and Security+.
Key Differences Between Network+ and Security+
When looking at Network+ and Security+ certifications, there are key differences. These differences affect cost, what you need to know, and what you’ll do in your job. This helps people choose the right certification for them.
Cost: Getting the Network+ certification costs $338 for the exam. Security+ certification costs $3925.
Prerequisites: Network+ needs nine months of experience in a PC help desk or computer support role. Security+ requires two years of IT administration experience5.
Exam Content: The Network+ exam tests your knowledge of networking basics. It covers things like network terms, protocols, and fixing problems. This gives you a strong base in network management6.
The Security+ exam is about cybersecurity. It teaches you about security principles, managing risks, and fighting threats. This prepares you for a career in cybersecurity6.
Career Responsibilities: With a Network+ certification, you can work as a network administrator. Your job is to manage and keep the network running smoothly5.
Security+ certification leads to jobs in cybersecurity. You’ll work on security threats, set up secure networks, and handle access control5.
While Network+ is good for understanding Security+ material, many cybersecurity jobs want Security+ more. But Network+ is still important for those in systems administration. Choose between Network+ and Security+ based on your career goals and interests in IT.
Exam Difficulty and Format
When looking at the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ exams, it’s key to see what each covers and how they’re structured.
The CompTIA Network+ exam is considered tough, even for beginners in IT. It covers network setup, fixing issues, and security. This makes it a strong start for those new to networking. It requires a score of 720 to pass.
The CompTIA Security+ exam is also for beginners but is harder. It goes deeper into security, how networks work, threats, and weaknesses. You need a score of 750 to pass. This exam checks your skill in keeping networks safe, handling security issues, and keeping an organization secure.
The Network+ exam has only multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge of networking. But the Security+ exam also includes performance tasks and drag-and-drop questions. These tasks test your ability to solve problems in real cybersecurity situations.
It’s crucial for IT hopefuls to know what each exam is like to prepare well. Data from7 shows the average pass score for CompTIA exams is between 675 and 750. The Network+ exam is tougher than the A+ exam, and the Security+ exam is seen as quite challenging.
Exam
Cost
Network+
$338
Security+
$370
The Network+ exam costs $338, and the Security+ exam costs $370, as per7. Prices can change based on the exam and where you take it.
Knowing what each exam is like helps you plan your study and aim for success in the Network+ and Security+ certifications.
Salary Potential for Network+ and Security+
Thinking about a career in IT? Salary is a big factor. Let’s look at what Network+ and Security+ certifications can offer.
The 2022 Dice Tech Salary Report shows that CompTIA Security+ is a key certification, making up 15% of all certifications8. Those with Security+ in the U.S. make about $115,170 and $106,910 worldwide, says the Certification Magazine 2022 Salary Survey8. Network+ holders usually earn a bit less.
Network+ jobs like network administrator or support specialist pay between $53,530 and $66,8828. These jobs are crucial for keeping networks running smoothly.
Security+ opens up more job doors. Jobs like security administrator or engineer pay between $61,090 and $91,5628. These roles need strong skills to keep organizations safe from threats.
Experience also affects salary. For example, a CompTIA Security+ certification can boost salaries. With less than a year of experience, the salary is $63,673. After 20+ years, it jumps to $116,5008. More experience means higher pay.
The gender pay gap in cybersecurity is smaller than in other fields. Men and women in cybersecurity earn between $50,000 and $123,0008. This shows that cybersecurity is an equal and rewarding field.
Here’s a table to show you the average salaries for jobs that need Network+ or Security+ certifications:
Job Role
Average Salary
IT Security administrator
$68,645
Senior systems engineer
$108,459
Cybersecurity engineer
$96,124
Cybersecurity analyst
$77,038
Information technology (IT) manager
$81,820
Network engineer
$78,107
Security engineer
$89,363
Systems administrator
$66,721
Network administrator
$63,482
These figures show the salary potential for Network+ and Security+ certifications. Both certifications lead to promising careers with good pay. The need for cybersecurity experts keeps growing, offering many chances for career growth and advancement.
Exam Difficulty Comparison
When you’re looking into IT certifications, it’s key to know how hard each exam is. This part will look at how hard the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+ exams are9.
The A+ exam is a basic one, testing your skills in hardware, software, operating systems, and fixing problems. But, the Network+ and Security+ exams are usually harder.
The Network+ exam builds on what you learned in A+. It focuses on networking and solving network problems. The CompTIA Network+ exam lasts 90 minutes, has up to 90 questions, and you need a score of 720 out of 100-9009.
Security+ goes further, covering cybersecurity, risk management, and how to fight security threats. The CompTIA Security+ exam has some questions similar to Network+, showing they work well together for IT pros9.
Network+ and Security+ are tougher than A+, but how hard they seem can change from person to person9.
Some find the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) harder than CompTIA Network+ because it focuses on one company’s products.
CompTIA Network+ stands out for not focusing on one company, unlike CCNA or Microsoft. This makes it great for those wanting a wide view of networking.
Comparing Exam Difficulty:
Exam
Exam Length
Number of Questions
Passing Score
Exam Cost (USD)
CompTIA A+
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
CompTIA Network+
90 minutes
Up to 90
720 (scale of 100-900)
$338
CompTIA Security+
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
The table shows how the three exams compare in difficulty. Note, the A+ and Security+ exams’ passing scores and other details weren’t listed. Taking the CompTIA Network+ exam costs $338 USD9.
The Value of CompTIA Certifications
CompTIA certifications, like Network+ and Security+, are top choices in the IT world. They show a deep understanding of IT topics and help solve complex problems. These certifications prove a person’s skill level and can lead to more job chances. They keep up with new tech, making them even more useful10.
Jobs in cybersecurity are expected to grow by 35% in the next decade, much faster than other fields. By 2031, over 56,000 new cybersecurity jobs will be available10.
CompTIA A+ certification is key for starting a career in IT. It covers many areas, including hardware, networking, and security. You should have 9 to 12 months of real-world experience or similar training to get this certification10.
For those looking for mid-level cybersecurity jobs, CompTIA Security+ certification is a great choice. It shows you have the basic skills for security jobs. You’ll learn about threats, security management, and more. You should have at least two years of IT experience, focusing on security10.
Employers take CompTIA certifications seriously. You can show off your certification in different ways, like with a PDF, transcript, or badge. These certifications are seen as proof of your skills and are often needed for jobs11.
Getting CompTIA certifications shows you’re serious about growing in your career. They’re well-respected in the IT field and are great for your career1011.
The Relationship Between Certifications
The A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications are closely linked, making them great for those wanting a strong IT career. The A+ certification is a key starting point for both Network+ and Security+. It gives you the basic IT skills needed for more advanced certifications. It’s perfect for IT support roles like desktop and help desk technicians12.
After getting the A+ certification, the Network+ certification helps you learn about networking and cybersecurity. It covers network architecture, security, and troubleshooting. CompTIA suggests getting Network+ before Security+ because it’s a strong base for learning security12.
Certification
Requirements
Focus
A+
Minimum 12 months of hands-on experience
IT support positions, fundamental IT concepts
Network+
Building on A+ knowledge, recommended before Security+
Networking, network security
Security+
Recommended 2 years of hands-on experience in IT administration with a focus on security
Cybersecurity principles, network security
The Security+ certification builds on what you learned from A+ and Network+. It focuses on cybersecurity, risk management, and security technologies. Security+ is known worldwide and is often needed for security jobs. Getting this certification can make you more credible to employers and deepen your IT knowledge12.
These certifications work together to help you grow in the IT field. Getting one can prepare you for the next one, as you use what you learned to move forward. This way, you can keep your skills up to date and have a strong base for your IT career12.
Considerations for Choosing a Certification
When picking between Network+ and Security+ certifications, think about your career goals and your current knowledge. Both certifications are valuable in IT, but they focus on different areas.
If you want to work in networking and network administration, Network+ is a good choice. It teaches you about networking, how networks work, and how to manage them. You’ll learn about setting up networks, solving problems, and advanced topics like virtual networks and unified communication systems13.
For those interested in cybersecurity, Security+ is the way to go. It focuses on keeping systems safe and covers security issues, identifying risks, managing risks, and more13.
Think about your long-term goals in IT to decide which certification is right for you. If you want to work in systems administration, Network+ is key14. But if you’re heading towards cybersecurity, Security+ is often needed14.
Also, think about your current knowledge level. Network+ is great for beginners in IT who want a solid networking base. It doesn’t need as much experience as Security+, which requires at least two years in IT15.
Looking at job boards like Glassdoor can help too. They often list Security+ as a must-have for security advisor jobs14. LinkedIn is also useful for checking out what certifications are wanted in certain industries or companies14.
Choosing a certification that matches your career goals and gives you the right skills is key in IT’s fast-changing world. Whether you go for Network+ or Security+, both will open doors for growth and new opportunities.
How to Become CompTIA Certified
To get CompTIA certified, you can start by getting a degree in information technology with a focus on cybersecurity2. These programs give you a broad education that prepares you for many IT jobs. You’ll learn about computer programming, security, network setup, and cybersecurity2. This education helps you pass CompTIA certification tests and builds a strong IT foundation2.
Florida Technical College offers degrees in Information Technology with a cybersecurity focus. Students get practical training in LAN design, cloud management, and security basics2. After graduating, they’re ready for IT and cybersecurity jobs like security developers, forensic investigators, and ethical hackers2.
Getting a degree is just one way to get CompTIA certified. There are no requirements for most CompTIA certifications, so you can start certifying without a degree16. But, a degree in cybersecurity boosts your knowledge and skills, helping you pass exams and succeed in IT2.
Once you have the right skills, you can sign up for CompTIA certification exams. Popular ones include CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+16. These certifications are well-known in the IT world and can really help your career2.
CompTIA suggests getting Network+ before Security+ if you’re following a certification path16. Network+ teaches you about networking, architecture, and fixing problems. It’s key for those wanting to be systems admins14. Security+ focuses on IT security and training for cybersecurity jobs, important for those in that field14. Think about your career goals and how long you have to learn when choosing which certification to do first16.
Job listings often ask for specific certifications like Network+ or Security+16. Employers see CompTIA certifications as proof of your skills and trustworthiness2. These certifications show you know the basics of IT and are committed to learning and growing14. So, getting CompTIA certified can really boost your career in IT2.
Next steps:
Learn more about the differences between CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certifications by visiting this link16.
Gain insights and advice on whether to prioritize the Network+ or Security+ certification first by exploring this blog post14.
Get more information about the relationship between CompTIA certifications and the difficulty of exams by reading this article2.
Conclusion
Comparing CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ shows both share and differ in focus. Network+ is all about networking and its setup. Security+ is for those into cybersecurity. Your choice depends on what you want to do in your career.
Both certifications are key in the IT world and can lead to great jobs. Network+ gets you ready for roles like network admin or system engineer. Security+ is perfect for those wanting to be in cybersecurity, like analysts or consultants.
The exams for Network+ and Security+ have 90 questions and you have 90 minutes to finish them. You need to score at least 750 to pass. Network+ tests your knowledge of basic networking. Security+ goes deeper, covering many cybersecurity topics. It’s seen as harder because it includes advanced cybersecurity subjects.
Staying up-to-date with IT and cybersecurity is vital for success. Choosing between Network+ or Security+ should match your career goals and where you want to go in IT. Either way, it opens up many chances in the fast-changing IT field171815.
FAQ
Is Network+ harder than Security+?
Network+ and Security+ exams have different levels of difficulty. Network+ is for beginners and can be tough without experience. Security+ is also for newbies but is more complex. It focuses on securing networks and handling breaches.
What are the key differences between Network+ and Security+?
Network+ and Security+ differ in cost, requirements, exams, and job roles. Network+ needs nine months of experience in IT support. Security+ requires two years of IT experience. Network+ tests your knowledge of networks, while Security+ tests your knowledge of cybersecurity.
Network+ holders work as network admins. Security+ holders work in cybersecurity.
What is the format of the Network+ and Security+ exams?
The Network+ exam has only multiple-choice questions. The Security+ exam has multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based tasks. These tasks test your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios.
What is the salary potential for Network+ and Security+ certification holders?
Salaries for Network+ and Security+ certifications vary by experience, job, and employer. Security+ jobs usually pay more. Network+ jobs include network admin and support specialist roles, with salaries from ,530 to ,882.
Security+ jobs like security admin and specialist roles pay between ,090 to ,562.
How does the difficulty of Network+ and Security+ exams compare to the A+ exam?
Network+ and Security+ exams are harder than the A+ exam. But the A+ exam is still tough. It covers IT concepts like hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
Network+ goes deeper into networking and troubleshooting. Security+ adds cybersecurity and risk management to the mix.
Why are CompTIA certifications highly regarded in the IT industry?
CompTIA certifications like Network+ and Security+ are top choices in IT for their relevance and challenge. Employers see them as proof of strong IT skills. These certifications open doors to many job opportunities.
They keep up with industry changes, making them very valuable.
What is the relationship between the A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications?
A+ is the base for Network+ and Security+. Network+ adds networking knowledge on top of A+. Security+ goes further with cybersecurity.
Getting one certification helps prepare you for another. You can use your skills from one to get another.
What factors should be considered when choosing between Network+ and Security+?
Think about your current knowledge and career goals when choosing. Network+ is great for networking roles. Security+ is for those into cybersecurity.
Think about your future in IT to decide which certification is right for you.
How can someone become CompTIA certified?
To get CompTIA certified, consider a degree in IT with a focus on cybersecurity. This program prepares you for IT roles and covers important topics like programming and security.
With this degree, you’ll have the skills to pass CompTIA exams and succeed in IT.
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