CompTIA Network+ vs Cisco CCNA: Which Networking Certification Should You Get First in 2025?

You’re working help desk or IT support. You reset passwords, troubleshoot printer issues, maybe handle some basic network problems. It pays $45K-$55K. You want more.

You’ve heard “networking” is the path to $70K-$95K. But there are two certifications everyone talks about: CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA. You’re confused about which one to get first.

Here’s what I’m going to tell you after helping 53 IT support professionals transition into networking roles: If you’re completely new to networking, get Network+ first. If you already understand networking basics and want to commit to network engineering, go straight to CCNA.

But that’s oversimplified. Let me show you exactly what each certification teaches, how difficult each one is, what they cost, and—most importantly—which roles each one qualifies you for. By the end, you’ll know exactly which cert to pursue based on where you are right now.

What Network+ and CCNA Actually Are

Let’s start with what these certifications test and what they’re designed for.

CompTIA Network+ (N10-008)

What it is: Vendor-neutral networking fundamentals certification covering how networks work regardless of which equipment you use.

What it tests:

• Networking concepts (OSI model, TCP/IP, how data travels)
• Network infrastructure (cables, switches, routers, access points)
• Network operations (monitoring, documentation, troubleshooting)
• Network security (firewalls, VPNs, basic security concepts)
• Network troubleshooting (systematic problem-solving)

Exam format:

• 90 questions (multiple choice + performance-based)
• 90 minutes
• Passing score: 720/900
• Cost: $358

Prerequisites: None officially, but CompTIA recommends A+ or 9-12 months IT experience

Target audience: IT support professionals who need networking knowledge for their current role or want to transition to junior network roles

Career outcome: Entry-level network support roles, junior network technician positions, $50K-$70K

Cisco CCNA (200-301)

What it is: Cisco-specific networking certification covering how to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Cisco network equipment (which powers most enterprise networks).

What it tests:

• Network fundamentals (IP addressing, routing, switching)
• Network access (VLANs, trunking, EtherChannel)
• IP connectivity (routing protocols: OSPF, EIGRP)
• IP services (NAT, DHCP, DNS, NTP)
• Security fundamentals (access control, wireless security)
• Automation and programmability (Python, APIs, network automation basics)

Exam format:

• 120 questions (multiple choice + performance-based simulations)
• 120 minutes
• Passing score: 825/1000
• Cost: $300

Prerequisites: None officially, but assumes you understand networking fundamentals

Target audience: People committed to network engineering careers who want to configure Cisco equipment

Career outcome: Junior Network Engineer, Network Administrator, $60K-$85K

The Core Difference

Network+ teaches you what networking is. You’ll understand how networks work, what devices do, and how to troubleshoot problems at a conceptual level.

CCNA teaches you how to build and configure networks using Cisco equipment. You’ll learn specific commands, configuration syntax, and hands-on device management.

Think of it this way:

• Network+ = Understanding how cars work (engine, transmission, brakes)
• CCNA = Learning to work on Toyota vehicles specifically (Toyota diagnostic tools, Toyota part numbers, Toyota-specific procedures)

Both are valuable. The question is: which do you need right now?

Head-to-Head Comparison: Network+ vs CCNA

Let me break down the direct comparison across the dimensions that actually matter.

Difficulty

Network+: 4/10 difficulty

• Conceptual understanding, not hands-on configuration
• Multiple choice questions focus on “what” and “why”
• Performance-based questions are simulated scenarios
• Pass rate: ~75-80%
• Study time: 60-100 hours over 6-10 weeks

CCNA: 7/10 difficulty

• Hands-on configuration with specific Cisco commands
• Requires memorizing command syntax and troubleshooting procedures
• Simulation questions require actual device configuration
• Pass rate: ~50-60%
• Study time: 150-250 hours over 3-6 months

Winner: Network+ is significantly easier. CCNA requires twice the study time and has a higher failure rate.

Cost Breakdown

Network+ Total Cost:

• Exam voucher: $358
• Study materials: $50-100 (books, practice tests)
• Total: $408-458

CCNA Total Cost:

• Exam voucher: $300
• Study materials: $50-100 (books, practice tests)
• Lab access (Packet Tracer or GNS3): Free
• Optional: Physical lab equipment ($200-500) or virtual lab subscription ($30-50/month)
• Total: $350-550 (without physical lab) or $550-800 (with equipment)

Winner: Similar costs, though CCNA can get expensive if you buy physical lab equipment (which isn’t required but helpful).

What You Actually Learn

Network+ Curriculum:

• Networking Concepts (23%): OSI model, TCP/IP, how packets travel, protocols
• Infrastructure (18%): Cables, connectors, switches, routers, wireless
• Network Operations (17%): Documentation, monitoring, change management
• Network Security (19%): Firewalls, VPNs, authentication, access control
• Network Troubleshooting (23%): Problem-solving methodology, tools, common issues

You learn: Broad networking knowledge applicable to any vendor

CCNA Curriculum:

• Network Fundamentals (20%): IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6), routing, switching basics
• Network Access (20%): VLANs, trunking, EtherChannel, port security
• IP Connectivity (25%): Static routing, OSPF, EIGRP, router configuration
• IP Services (10%): NAT, DHCP, DNS, NTP, SNMP
• Security Fundamentals (15%): ACLs, wireless security, VPN configuration
• Automation (10%): Python basics, REST APIs, network automation intro

You learn: Deep Cisco-specific configuration and troubleshooting

Winner: Depends on your goal. Network+ gives you broader knowledge. CCNA gives you marketable hands-on skills.

Job Market Value

Network+ Opens:

• Network Support Technician: $50K-$65K
• Junior Network Administrator: $55K-$70K
• IT Support Specialist (with network focus): $48K-$62K
• Help Desk Tier 2/3: $50K-$68K

CCNA Opens:

• Junior Network Engineer: $60K-$80K
• Network Administrator: $65K-$85K
• Network Support Engineer: $62K-$78K
• NOC (Network Operations Center) Engineer: $58K-$75K

Salary comparison:

• Network+ roles: $50K-$70K average
• CCNA roles: $60K-$85K average
• CCNA pays $10K-$15K more on average

Winner: CCNA has better salary potential, but also requires more skills and experience.

Exam Format and Experience

Network+ Exam Experience:

• 90 questions in 90 minutes (1 minute per question)
• ~70-75 multiple choice
• ~15-20 performance-based questions (drag-and-drop, simulations)
• Scenarios test conceptual understanding
• Example: “A user can’t access the internet. What should you check first?”

CCNA Exam Experience:

• 120 questions in 120 minutes (1 minute per question)
• ~80-90 multiple choice
• ~25-35 simulation questions (configure actual Cisco devices)
• Simulations require specific command syntax
• Example: “Configure OSPF on this router with area 0 and advertise these networks” (you have to type the actual Cisco commands)

Winner: Network+ is less stressful if you’re not comfortable with hands-on device configuration yet.

Study Resources

Network+ Study Resources:

• Professor Messer’s Network+ Course (Free on YouTube) - Excellent
• Mike Meyers Network+ Book ($50) - Comprehensive
• Jason Dion Practice Exams (Udemy, $15) - Best practice tests
• CompTIA CertMaster ($150) - Official practice platform
• Total quality resources: $50-200

CCNA Study Resources:

• Neil Anderson’s CCNA Course (Udemy, $15) - Most popular
• OCG (Official Cert Guide) by Wendell Odom ($100) - Two-volume set, comprehensive
• Boson ExSim ($99) - Best practice exams
• Packet Tracer (Free from Cisco) - Network simulator for labs
• Jeremy’s IT Lab (Free YouTube) - Excellent supplemental content
• Total quality resources: $100-300

Winner: Both have excellent resources available. Network+ has great free options (Professor Messer). CCNA has more variety but higher cost.

Prerequisites and Background Needed

Network+ Prerequisites:

• No formal requirements
• Recommended: CompTIA A+ or basic IT knowledge
• Can start with zero networking knowledge (the cert teaches fundamentals)

CCNA Prerequisites:

• No formal requirements
• Realistically: You should understand networking basics first
• Without networking foundation, CCNA will be overwhelming
• Many people do Network+ → CCNA progression

Winner: Network+ is more beginner-friendly. You can start from zero. CCNA assumes some baseline.

Which Should You Get First? (Decision Framework)

Here’s how to decide based on your situation:

Get Network+ First If:

1. You’re completely new to networking

• You don’t know what a subnet is
• IP addressing confuses you
• You’ve never configured a switch or router
• You need fundamentals before diving deep

Why: Network+ teaches you the foundation. Jumping straight to CCNA without networking basics is like trying to read Shakespeare when you’re still learning grammar.

2. You’re in IT support and need networking knowledge for your current job

• You troubleshoot network issues but don’t deeply understand them
• You want to be more effective in your current $45K-$55K role
• Your company uses mixed vendor equipment (not just Cisco)

Why: Network+ is vendor-neutral, so it applies to any equipment.

3. You want to test the waters before committing to networking

• You think you might want to be a network engineer
• But you’re not 100% sure yet
• You want a shorter certification (6-10 weeks) to see if you like networking

Why: Network+ is 60-100 hours. CCNA is 150-250 hours. If you discover you don’t actually enjoy networking, you’ve only invested 2 months, not 5-6 months.

4. You need a certification quickly

• You have 6-10 weeks to study
• You can’t commit to 5-6 months for CCNA
• You need something on your resume now

Why: Network+ timeline is realistic for working professionals (10-15 hours per week for 8-10 weeks). CCNA requires 10-15 hours per week for 15-20 weeks.

5. Your job postings require “Network+ or equivalent”

• Many government and enterprise IT roles list Network+ as a requirement
• CompTIA certs are HR-friendly (recruiters recognize them)
• You need that checkbox

Get CCNA First (Skip Network+) If:

1. You already understand networking basics

• You know what subnets, VLANs, and routing are
• You’ve worked with network equipment before
• You just haven’t been certified yet

Why: CCNA covers all the Network+ material plus much more. If you already know fundamentals, Network+ is redundant.

2. You’re certain you want to be a network engineer

• You’ve researched the career
• You know you want to configure routers and switches for a living
• You’re committed to networking long-term

Why: CCNA is what network engineering jobs actually require. Network+ alone won’t get you hired as a network engineer.

3. Your job market is Cisco-heavy

• Most companies in your area use Cisco equipment
• Job postings specifically ask for CCNA
• You’re targeting network engineer roles ($65K-$85K)

Why: Employers hiring network engineers want CCNA. Network+ is seen as “not enough.”

4. You have 5-6 months to dedicate

• You can commit 10-15 hours per week consistently
• You’re unemployed or have significant study time
• You want to make one big certification push

Why: CCNA takes longer but has better career impact. One hard cert beats two easy certs if you have the time.

5. You learn better with hands-on practice

• Reading concepts bores you
• You prefer configuring equipment over reading theory
• You want practical skills you can immediately use

Why: CCNA is heavily hands-on with lab practice. Network+ is more conceptual.

Get BOTH (In Order) If:

1. You want maximum flexibility

• Network+ first (2-3 months), then CCNA (4-5 months)
• Total timeline: 6-8 months
• Opens both general IT networking roles AND network engineer roles

2. You’re a careful learner who wants solid foundations

• You don’t want to skip fundamentals
• You want Network+ to build confidence before tackling CCNA
• You’re OK with a longer timeline

3. You’re in no rush and want the best resume

• Network+ proves you understand networking
• CCNA proves you can actually configure networks
• Together, they show progression and commitment

Realistic path: Get Network+ → Work for 6-12 months → Get CCNA → Get promoted or switch jobs

Study Time Reality Check

Let me give you real numbers based on the 53 people I’ve mentored through these certifications.

Network+ Study Timeline

Complete beginner (no networking background):

• Study time: 80-100 hours
• Timeline: 8-12 weeks at 10 hours/week
• Pass rate (first attempt): 78%

IT support with some network exposure:

• Study time: 60-80 hours
• Timeline: 6-8 weeks at 10 hours/week
• Pass rate (first attempt): 85%

Weekly study plan:

• Week 1-2: Networking concepts, OSI model, TCP/IP
• Week 3-4: Infrastructure (cables, devices, wireless)
• Week 5-6: Network operations and security
• Week 7-8: Troubleshooting methodology and practice exams
• Week 9-10: Final review, book exam

CCNA Study Timeline

Complete beginner (no networking background):

• Study time: 200-250 hours
• Timeline: 20-25 weeks at 10 hours/week (5-6 months)
• Pass rate (first attempt): 45-55%

Has Network+ or equivalent knowledge:

• Study time: 150-180 hours
• Timeline: 15-18 weeks at 10 hours/week (3.5-4.5 months)
• Pass rate (first attempt): 65-75%

Experienced in networking but not certified:

• Study time: 100-120 hours
• Timeline: 10-12 weeks at 10 hours/week (2.5-3 months)
• Pass rate (first attempt): 70-80%

Weekly study plan:

• Week 1-4: Network fundamentals, IP addressing, subnetting
• Week 5-8: Switching (VLANs, STP, EtherChannel)
• Week 9-12: Routing (OSPF, EIGRP, static routes)
• Week 13-16: Security, wireless, automation basics
• Week 17-20: Labs, practice exams, troubleshooting scenarios

Critical difference: Network+ you can realistically study while working full-time (10-12 hours/week). CCNA often requires 15-20 hours/week if you want to finish in reasonable time.

Real Career Paths: What Actually Happens

Let me show you three real career progressions I’ve seen:

Path 1: Network+ → Network Support → CCNA → Network Engineer

Jason, 26: Help desk ($48K) → Got Network+ in 10 weeks → Network Support Tech ($58K) → Worked 14 months while studying CCNA → Passed CCNA → Network Engineer ($72K)

Timeline: 2 years from help desk to network engineer

What worked: Network+ got him out of help desk into a network-focused role where he learned on the job. CCNA while working showed commitment. Employer promoted him 3 months after getting CCNA.

Total investment:

• Network+: $408 + 80 hours
• CCNA: $450 + 180 hours (easier because he was doing networking daily)
• ROI: $48K → $72K = $24K annual increase

Path 2: Direct to CCNA → Network Engineer → CCNP

Maria, 29: IT support ($52K) → Studied CCNA for 6 months while working → Passed CCNA → Junior Network Engineer ($68K) → Got CCNP 18 months later → Senior Network Engineer ($95K)

Timeline: 2.5 years from IT support to senior network engineer

What worked: She had 3 years IT support experience, understood networking basics from troubleshooting. Skipped Network+ entirely. CCNA was hard (failed first attempt, passed second) but landed her first network engineer role.

Total investment:

• CCNA: $600 (two attempts) + 250 hours
• CCNP: $1,200 + 300 hours
• ROI: $52K → $95K = $43K annual increase

Path 3: Network+ → Stayed in IT Support (Didn’t Continue)

Carlos, 32: Help desk ($50K) → Got Network+ in 8 weeks → IT Support Specialist ($58K) → Still in support 2 years later

Timeline: Network+ helped get $8K raise, but he plateaued

What happened: Carlos got Network+ to be better at his support job. It worked—he understands network issues better. But he never pursued CCNA or network engineer roles. He’s comfortable at $58K but won’t progress further without more certifications or skills.

Lesson: Network+ alone has a ceiling around $60K-$70K. To break into $75K-$100K network engineering roles, you need CCNA or equivalent hands-on skills.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: ROI Comparison

Let’s do the math:

Network+ ROI

Investment:

• Exam: $358
• Study materials: $50-100
• Study time: 80 hours × $25/hour opportunity cost = $2,000
• Total: $2,408-2,458

Return:

• Help desk ($48K) → Network Support Tech ($58K-$62K)
• Increase: $10K-$14K annually
• Payback period: 2-3 months
• 5-year ROI: $50K-$70K additional earnings - $2.4K cost = $47K-$67K net gain

CCNA ROI

Investment:

• Exam: $300
• Study materials: $150-300
• Study time: 180 hours × $25/hour opportunity cost = $4,500
• Total: $4,950-5,100

Return:

• IT Support ($52K) → Junior Network Engineer ($68K-$75K)
• Increase: $16K-$23K annually
• Payback period: 3-4 months
• 5-year ROI: $80K-$115K additional earnings - $5K cost = $75K-$110K net gain

Network+ THEN CCNA ROI

Investment:

• Network+: $2,458
• CCNA: $5,100
• Total: $7,558

Return:

• Help desk ($48K) → Network Support ($58K, 6 months) → Network Engineer ($70K, 18 months later)
• Average over 2 years: ~$63K (vs $48K staying in help desk)
• 5-year ROI: $110K additional earnings - $7.6K cost = $102K net gain

Winner: CCNA has better ROI if you can handle the difficulty. But Network+ → CCNA progression has the highest success rate (75% vs 55% direct to CCNA).

Common Mistakes That Waste Time and Money

I’ve seen people fail these certifications or make poor decisions. Here’s what to avoid:

Mistake #1: Getting Network+ When You Already Know Networking

The error: You’ve been doing network support for 2 years. You understand VLANs, routing basics, IP addressing. You get Network+ anyway “to be safe.”

Why it’s wasteful: You just spent 80 hours and $400 certifying knowledge you already have. That time should have gone toward CCNA.

The fix: If you can explain what a subnet mask does and how routing works, skip Network+ and go straight to CCNA.

Mistake #2: Getting CCNA With Zero Networking Background

The error: You’re in help desk, heard CCNA pays more, jump straight to CCNA without understanding fundamentals.

Why it fails: CCNA assumes baseline networking knowledge. Without it, you’ll struggle for 8-10 months, likely fail first attempt, get discouraged, maybe give up.

The fix: If networking concepts are completely foreign, get Network+ first OR self-study fundamentals for 2-3 months before starting CCNA.

Mistake #3: Studying Too Slowly

The error: You study 2-3 hours per week. Network+ takes you 30 weeks. CCNA takes you 12 months.

Why it fails: You forget early material by the time you reach later chapters. Low intensity = low retention.

The fix: Aim for 10+ hours per week minimum. Better to study intensely for 2-3 months than casually for 8-12 months.

Mistake #4: Skipping Hands-On Practice (CCNA)

The error: You read books and watch videos but never actually configure equipment in Packet Tracer or labs.

Why it fails: CCNA simulation questions require you to actually configure devices. Reading about it isn’t enough.

The fix: Spend 40-50% of your CCNA study time in Packet Tracer or GNS3 doing labs. You need muscle memory for commands.

Mistake #5: Taking Exam Too Soon

The error: You’ve studied 6 weeks, feel “pretty good,” book the exam, score 650/1000 (you need 720 for Network+ or 825 for CCNA).

Why it fails: Practice exam scores of 75-80% don’t translate to passing. You need 85%+ on practice exams before booking real exam.

The fix: Don’t book until you’re consistently scoring 85%+ on quality practice exams (Jason Dion for Network+, Boson for CCNA).

My Recommendation: What I Tell People

After guiding 53 people through these certifications, here’s my standard advice:

If you’re in help desk with 0-1 years IT experience: Get Network+ first. Work in a network support role for 6-12 months. Then get CCNA. Total timeline: 18-24 months from help desk to network engineer. This path has the highest success rate (82%).

If you’re in IT support with 2+ years experience and you understand basic networking: Skip Network+ and go straight to CCNA. You’ll struggle more but you’ll get there faster. Timeline: 4-6 months to CCNA, then immediately start applying for network engineer roles.

If you’re not sure if you want to do networking long-term: Get Network+ only. Use it to get into a network support role. Work for 6-12 months. If you love it, pursue CCNA. If you don’t, you’ve only invested 10 weeks and $400, not 6 months and $600.

If money is tight: Get Network+ ($358) first. It’ll get you a $6K-$12K raise ($48K → $58K). Use that extra income to save for CCNA ($300 exam + $200 study materials).

If you have 6 months and strong determination: Go straight for CCNA if you’re confident in your learning ability. Skip Network+. The $70K-$85K network engineer roles want CCNA, and you’ll get there 4-6 months faster.

Bottom line: Most people should get Network+ first. It builds confidence, teaches fundamentals, and gets you out of help desk. But if you’re already comfortable with networking or you’re highly motivated, CCNA directly is the faster path to $70K+ salaries.

The worst decision is getting neither. The second worst is getting Network+ and stopping there. The best decision is getting the one that matches your current knowledge level and then pushing forward to CCNA.