{"id":3196,"date":"2026-08-31T09:00:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T13:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/?p=3196"},"modified":"2026-08-28T18:49:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T22:49:24","slug":"network-plus-vs-security-plus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/network-plus-vs-security-plus\/","title":{"rendered":"Network+ vs. Security+: Which Should You Take First?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are trying to enter the IT industry or build a cybersecurity career, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ are two certifications you will encounter early. Both can strengthen your technical knowledge, improve your job prospects, and prepare you for more advanced certifications. However, they teach different essential skills and support different career goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019ll compare Network+ and Security+ to help you decide which certification to take first. For most complete beginners, Network+ is the better starting point because security professionals need to understand the networks they protect. Security+ may be the better first choice for experienced professionals who already have solid networking knowledge or need the certification for a specific position.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important distinction is this: you may be able to skip the Network+ certification exam, but you should not skip Network+-level knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Network+ vs. Security+: The Short Answer<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Network+ vs. Security+ decision should depend on your current experience and desired job roles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take CompTIA Network+ first if you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are new to IT or coming from a non-IT background<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need to learn networking basics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to work as a network technician or network support specialist<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need experience with network troubleshooting and network operations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eventually want to enter security, but have networking knowledge gaps<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take CompTIA Security+ first if you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Already work in IT support, networking, or systems administration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand common network protocols, devices, and services<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need Security+ for a particular employer or government-related position<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to pursue cybersecurity positions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Already have Network+-equivalent technical knowledge<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan to earn both CompTIA certifications, Network+ followed by Security+ is usually the most logical CompTIA certification path.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>CompTIA Network+ vs. CompTIA Security+: Key Differences<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA Network+ focuses on how networks are designed, configured, maintained, and repaired. CompTIA Security+ focuses on how organizations protect systems, networks, applications, and information.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Category<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>CompTIA Network+<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>CompTIA Security+<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Primary focus<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Networking technologies and troubleshooting<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security principles, threats, and controls<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Current exam<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N10-009<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SY0-701<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recommended for<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Networking and infrastructure roles<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security and information assurance roles<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major topics<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IP addressing, routing, switching, network services, wireless networks, cloud networking, monitoring<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Threats, vulnerabilities, secure systems, identity, risk management, incident response, governance<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relevant job roles<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network technician, technical support specialist, network support specialist<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security administrator, junior security analyst, security specialist<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Formal prerequisites<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">None<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">None<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical order<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before Security+<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After Network+ or equivalent knowledge<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network+ covers some security concepts, such as network hardening and wireless security, but security is not its central focus. Security+ covers network security while also addressing identity, cryptography, vulnerabilities, governance, access control, data integrity, and security program management.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Foundational Knowledge Does CompTIA Network+ Build?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CompTIA Network+ certification establishes baseline skills in networking fundamentals. It helps learners understand how data travels, how devices communicate, and how existing networks are configured and maintained.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ONLC\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/outline.asp?ccode=xnpn19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA Network+ Certification Training<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prepares students for the N10-009 certification exam. The course covers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network topologies, devices, and communication methods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cabling, interfaces, switches, and routing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TCP\/IP addressing and essential network services<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cloud networking and virtualization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wireless networks and access points<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network monitoring and management<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network security features and controls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Structured network troubleshooting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These networking concepts provide context for later security training. Before you can evaluate secure network architectures or interpret suspicious traffic, you need to understand what normal network behavior looks like.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification, so its networking knowledge is not limited to one manufacturer\u2019s equipment. That makes it useful for IT professionals working with diverse infrastructure and emerging technologies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3198 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/person-coding-on-laptop-in-modern-workspace-2026-01-08-02-16-21-utc.jpg\" alt=\"What Does CompTIA Security+ Cover?\" width=\"5402\" height=\"3601\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Does CompTIA Security+ Cover?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA Security+ introduces the core security functions that organizations use to protect their technology environments. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/outline.asp?ccode=xsp701\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ONLC\u2019s CompTIA Security+ Certification Training<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prepares students for the SY0-701 exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security+ covers topics such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General security concepts and security controls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Threat actors, malware, and social engineering<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vulnerability identification and penetration testing concepts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secure network architectures and applications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Authentication, authorization, and access control<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cryptography and public key infrastructure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cloud, mobile, and wireless security<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security operations and incident response<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk management and compliance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security program management and oversight<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security+ is considered an entry-level certification within cybersecurity, but that does not mean it is designed for someone with no technical background. CompTIA recommends Network+-level knowledge and approximately two years of experience in a security or systems administrator role.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ONLC similarly recommends Network+ certification or equivalent knowledge, along with experience in networking support or IT administration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Is Network+ Required Before Security+?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network+ is not a formal prerequisite for Security+. You can register for the Security+ certification exam without holding Network+ or any other certification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, Security+ assumes you understand networking fundamentals. Topics such as segmentation, firewall rules, virtual private networks, protocols, access points, intrusion detection, and secure communications become harder to understand without that foundational knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why many certified professionals make a distinction between skipping the CompTIA Network+ exam and skipping the material. Experienced professionals may not benefit enough from earning the Network+ credential, but they still need the underlying networking experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can already explain TCP\/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, common ports, firewalls, and the OSI model, you may be prepared to begin CompTIA Security+. If those terms are unfamiliar, starting with Network+ will help close your knowledge gaps.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>CompTIA Network+ Certification for Complete Beginners<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CompTIA Network+ certification is generally the better starting point for complete beginners who already understand basic computers but lack networking experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network+ can help build the practical knowledge needed for technical support, infrastructure, and network operations. It can also prepare learners for positions such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Help desk technician<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network technician<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network support specialist<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Field service technician<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Junior systems administrator<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infrastructure support specialist<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These positions can provide hands-on experience with user accounts, operating systems, devices, connectivity problems, and existing networks. That experience can later support a move into specialized security roles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learners coming from non-IT backgrounds may benefit from taking <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/outline.asp?ccode=xapa12\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA A+ training<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before Network+. A+ covers hardware, operating systems, software, cloud concepts, technical support, and troubleshooting, creating a broader technical foundation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When Experienced Professionals Can Take CompTIA Security+ First<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experienced professionals may not need to follow every step of the traditional CompTIA certification path.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security+ may be the more efficient first certification if you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Already work in network or systems administration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have at least nine months of networking experience<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand network devices, network protocols, and operating systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need Security+ to meet a prospective employer\u2019s requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to validate existing security knowledge<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need a recognized credential for certain government agencies or contractors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security+ is frequently associated with government and defense technology roles, but requirements vary by position. Certification holders should always review the exact requirements for their desired roles rather than assuming Security+ qualifies them for every government security position.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even experienced professionals should review the current Security+ exam objectives. The exam extends beyond network security to cover governance, incident response, risk, cryptography, cloud security, and organizational security operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>A CompTIA Security+ Readiness Check<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be ready to start Security+ if you can confidently:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explain the functions of routers, switches, firewalls, and access points<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify common ports and network protocols<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explain how DNS and DHCP work<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand TCP\/IP and the OSI model<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Describe VPNs, segmentation, and access control<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognize common network and operating-system tools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow a structured troubleshooting process<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explain how information travels between networks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If several of these areas are unfamiliar, Network+ training should probably come first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3199 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/strategic-business-meeting-group-of-professionals-2026-01-07-06-12-58-utc-1.jpg\" alt=\"ONLC\u2019s Recommended CompTIA Certification Path\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>ONLC\u2019s Recommended CompTIA Certification Path<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ONLC\u2019s overall guidance is that Network+ is not required before Security+, but most professionals entering IT should first develop Network+-level knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Complete Beginners<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A suitable sequence is:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/comptia-tech-plus-certification-training-classes.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA Tech+<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/comptia-aplus-certification-training-classes.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA A+<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/outline.asp?ccode=xnpn19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA Network+<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/outline.asp?ccode=xsp701\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA Security+<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/comptia-cysa-certification-training-classes.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CySA+<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/comptia-pentest-certification-training-classes.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PenTest+<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or another specialization<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>Learners With IT Support Experience<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A suitable sequence is:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/comptia-network-certification-training-classes.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA Network+<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/outline.asp?ccode=xsp701\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA Security+<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A specialized security or networking certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>Experienced Network or Systems Professionals<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A suitable sequence is:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/outline.asp?ccode=xsp701\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA Security+<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/comptia-cysa-certification-training-classes.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CySA+ for defensive security<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/comptia-pentest-certification-training-classes.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PenTest+ for offensive security<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/outline.asp?ccode=xsx005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SecurityX for advanced security architecture and engineering<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ONLC offers <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/comptia-certification-training-classes.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CompTIA certification courses and learning paths<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, along with certification bundles that allow learners to combine related training. ONLC also offers an<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/careerpath-program-security.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IT Security Specialist CareerPath program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for learners interested in developing broader cybersecurity skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Should career changers take Network+ or Security+ first?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most career changers should take Network+ first, especially if they have limited technical or networking experience. Career changers who already possess strong networking knowledge may begin with Security+.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Is CompTIA Network+ harder than CompTIA Security+?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exams are challenging in different ways. Network+ emphasizes networking technologies, commands, and troubleshooting. Security+ covers a wider range of threats, security controls, governance topics, and real-world scenarios. Difficulty depends on your background and strengths.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Can I get a cybersecurity job with Security+ and no experience?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security+ can strengthen your r\u00e9sum\u00e9, but many cybersecurity positions still expect hands-on experience. Combining the certification with labs, home projects, networking knowledge, and an entry-level IT position can create a stronger career path.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Do I need both CompTIA certifications?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You do not need to earn both certifications for every career. Many professionals study Network+ concepts and then earn the Security+ certification. However, holding both may demonstrate broader foundational knowledge to prospective employers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Should I buy an exam voucher before starting training?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is usually better to understand your study timeline and readiness before purchasing an exam voucher. Check the voucher\u2019s expiration terms and whether your ONLC training package already includes one.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Choose the Certification That Supports Your Next Step<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The right certification is not simply the one that looks best on a r\u00e9sum\u00e9. It is the one that prepares you for your next realistic career move. For most complete beginners, that means taking the CompTIA Network+ certification first to build the networking knowledge that cybersecurity depends on. Experienced IT professionals who already understand networking concepts may be ready to start with CompTIA Security+.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, you may be able to skip the Network+ exam, but you should not skip Network+-level knowledge. By considering your current skills, knowledge gaps, career goals, and target roles, you can choose a certification path that builds practical capabilities and moves you closer to the job you want.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are trying to enter the IT industry or build a cybersecurity career, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ are two certifications you will encounter early. Both can strengthen your technical knowledge, improve your job prospects, and prepare you for more advanced certifications. However, they teach different essential skills and support different career goals. In [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":3197,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[46,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3196","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-network","category-security"],"aioseo_notices":[],"modified_by":"Blue Tuskr","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3196","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3196"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3196\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3201,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3196\/revisions\/3201"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3197"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3196"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3196"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onlc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}