CompTIA A+ vs Network+: Which Should You Get First?

Last updated: May 6, 2026

If you are trying to choose between CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+, the short answer is simple: A+ is the better first certification for most beginners. Network+ becomes the stronger next move once you already understand support basics and want to move deeper into networking.

Quick answer: Choose A+ first for help desk, desktop support, and general IT entry. Choose Network+ first only if you already have basic IT knowledge and know you want networking, infrastructure, or a later path into cybersecurity.

Readers who want a full entry path should also open the IT Certifications hub and Best First IT Certification for Beginners.

Official CompTIA links

• CompTIA A+ certification page
• CompTIA Network+ certification page

What each certification is designed to prove

CompTIA A+ is the classic starting credential for technical support. It focuses on hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, endpoint support, basic networking, and day-to-day support workflows.

CompTIA Network+ is a deeper networking certification. It focuses on network concepts, protocols, topology, troubleshooting, cloud networking basics, and secure network operations.

CompTIA A+ at a glance

• Best for: absolute beginners and people targeting help desk or support roles
• Exam structure: two exams are required to earn the certification
• Exam length: 90 minutes per exam
• Pricing: requires two CompTIA exam vouchers, so total cost is higher than a one-exam certification
• CompTIA guidance: the current version recommends around 12 months of hands-on IT support experience, even though many beginners still use A+ as a study target before that
• Preparation time: often 6 to 10 weeks for a motivated beginner
• Main outcome: strongest fit for help desk, desktop support, field support, and general IT starting roles

CompTIA Network+ at a glance

• Best for: people who already know the basics and want to move toward networking
• Exam version: N10-009
• Exam length: 90 minutes
• Pricing: CompTIA’s official Network+ pricing article lists retail pricing separately from training and discounts, so check the current voucher price before you buy
• CompTIA guidance: recommends A+ level knowledge plus 9 to 12 months of hands-on junior networking experience
• Preparation time: often 6 to 8 weeks if you already know foundational IT concepts
• Main outcome: better fit for network support, junior administrator, infrastructure, and later security paths

When A+ is the smarter first move

• you have never worked in IT
• you still need basic troubleshooting confidence
• your first target job is help desk or desktop support
• you want the broadest beginner-friendly credential before specializing

When Network+ makes sense first

• you already understand operating systems and support basics
• you are more interested in infrastructure than end-user support
• you want a better bridge into CCNA, security, or cloud networking
• you already spend time with routers, switches, IP addressing, and network troubleshooting

How these certifications work together

The strongest sequence for most beginners is still:

1. A+ first
2. Network+ second
3. Then a specialization based on your direction, such as cloud or cybersecurity

That order works because A+ helps you get into IT, while Network+ makes your understanding deeper and more transferable.

Career outcomes

A+ is usually better for getting your first support-style role. Network+ is better for getting out of purely general support and toward networking, systems, or security-adjacent roles.

If your longer-term goal is networking, read Cisco CCNA Certification in 2025: Still Worth It or Past Its Prime? next.

Final verdict

For most readers, CompTIA A+ is the right first certification. Network+ becomes the better next step when you already have beginner IT foundations and want to build a more technical path.