Do I Need Network+ Before Security+?
You want to become an IT professional, so you’re considering taking the Security+ exam and you hear about something called the Network+ exam. You may wonder if you should first obtain the Network+ certification or go straight for the Security+ certificate after undergoing Security Plus certification training.
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between the two certifications and whether you should pursue Network+ before Security+. We’ll also discuss the benefits of obtaining both certifications and how they can help you advance your career in the field of IT security.
Security+ and Network+ have no prerequisites, and you can take either exam. You don’t need the Network+ certification to be eligible for the Security+ exam, or vice versa.
What Is Network+?
Network+ is a certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge of networking concepts and technologies. It’s designed for IT professionals who work with networking hardware, protocols, and standards in various settings, including small and medium-sized businesses, enterprise environments, and service providers.
The Network+ certification covers various topics, including network infrastructure, network media and topologies, network devices, network management, and network security. It is designed to test the skills and knowledge of IT professionals responsible for designing, configuring, and maintaining networks.
Obtaining the Network+ certification can be beneficial for IT professionals looking to advance their careers in networking or demonstrate their expertise in the field. It is also a requirement for many IT positions, particularly those that involve networking responsibilities.
What Is Security+?
Security+ is a vendor-neutral certification demonstrating a candidate’s knowledge and skills in IT security. It is designed for IT professionals responsible for maintaining the security of an organization’s systems and networks. The Security+ exam covers many topics, including network security, compliance, operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, identity management, and cryptography.
The Security+ certification is recognized and highly respected in the IT industry, and it’s often required or preferred by employers for IT security roles. It’s also a stepping stone to other advanced IT security certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
The test is consistently updated over time, so it can be helpful to know when the Security+ exam changes.
Do You Need Both?
If you’re considering a cybersecurity or network administration career, you may wonder what CompTIA certification to get first. While there is no strict requirement that you earn one certification before the other, there are some good reasons it might make sense to earn the Network+ certification first.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to obtain the Network+ certification before the Security+ certification:
No Experience: If your career goals involve working in IT security and you have little or no experience in networking, obtaining the Network+ certification first may be a good idea. It can provide you with a foundation in networking concepts that will be helpful when you study for the Security+ exam.
Time and resources: If you have the time and resources to study for both the Network+ and Security+ exams, it may be worth obtaining both certifications. Having both certifications can make you a more competitive candidate for IT security roles and help you advance your career in the field.
Of course, there are also good reasons to pursue the Security+ certification first. If you already have a strong background in networking technologies and protocols or are particularly interested in cybersecurity, the Security+ certification may be the right choice for you. On top of that, if you’re looking at a specific cybersecurity role that requires the Security+ certification, you may need to earn that certification first.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue the Network+ certification before the Security+ certification will depend on your individual goals and circumstances. If you’re just starting out in the IT field and are looking to build a solid foundation of knowledge, then the Network+ certification may be the best choice for you. If you have a strong background in networking and are particularly interested in cybersecurity, then the Security+ certification may be the more appropriate choice.
