Compare CCNA and CompTIA Network+ certifications. See difficulty, cost, career value, and which networking cert is right for your career path.
| Category | Cisco CCNA | CompTIA Network+ |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Hard | Moderate |
| Exam Cost | $300 | $358 |
| Career Value | Higher (Cisco-specific) | Good (Vendor-neutral) |
| Salary Impact | $85,000 avg | $75,000 avg |
| Study Time | 3-6 months | 2-3 months |
| Job Roles | Network Engineer | Network Technician |
CCNA is significantly harder. Requires deep understanding of networking concepts plus hands-on Cisco configuration. Lab simulations test practical skills. Failure rate ~60%.
Network+ is moderate difficulty. Vendor-neutral theoretical knowledge. Multiple choice questions. Good entry-level certification. Failure rate ~40%.
Network fundamentals, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, Cisco IOS configuration, routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP), switching, wireless. Cisco-focused.
Networking concepts, infrastructure, network operations, security, troubleshooting. Covers TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching. Vendor-neutral approach.
CCNA highly valued for network engineering roles. Required or preferred for many Cisco-related positions. Opens doors to advanced Cisco certifications (CCNP, CCIE). $85k average salary.
Network+ good for entry-level IT and help desk roles. Vendor-neutral approach valued for broad understanding. Good stepping stone. $75k average salary.
Strong emphasis on hands-on configuration. Simlet and simulation questions test actual CLI commands and configuration. Packet Tracer labs recommended for practice.
Primarily theoretical knowledge. Performance-based questions (PBQs) test some practical skills but less hands-on than CCNA. More conceptual focus.
Cisco is the dominant network vendor. CCNA recognized worldwide as gold standard for network engineering. Highly respected by employers. Cisco-specific.
CompTIA well-recognized for vendor-neutral certifications. Network+ respected for foundational knowledge. Often required by U.S. government (DoD 8570 approved). Broader industry.
CCNA leads to network engineer, network administrator, Cisco specialist roles. Progression: CCNP → CCIE. Strong career path in enterprise networking and ISPs.
Network+ leads to help desk, junior network tech, IT support roles. Often combined with other CompTIA certs (A+, Security+). Broader IT career path.
CCNA offers higher value and career potential but is harder. Network+ is easier and good for beginners but less valuable long-term.
CCNA is best for: dedicated network engineers, those wanting highest salary, career in Cisco environments, willingness to study hard, technical depth.
Network+ is best for: career changers, help desk to networking transition, vendor-neutral foundation, government IT jobs, faster certification path.
Get Network+ first if you're new to IT, then pursue CCNA for career advancement. Skip Network+ and go straight to CCNA if you have networking experience.
Not necessary. If you have time and budget, Network+ provides good foundation. But you can skip straight to CCNA if you're committed. Many people pass CCNA without Network+.
CCNA is significantly harder. It requires deeper technical knowledge, hands-on configuration skills, and practical lab experience. Network+ is more theoretical and moderate difficulty.
CCNA holders earn ~$85,000 average vs ~$75,000 for Network+. CCNA has higher ceiling and better long-term career prospects.
Absolutely. Despite cloud growth, networks remain fundamental. Cisco dominates enterprise networking. CCNA remains highly valued and relevant for network engineering careers.
Yes, but usually unnecessary. Most people either do Network+ → CCNA as progression, or skip Network+ entirely. Having both doesn't add significant value over CCNA alone.
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