If you're starting your IT career, you've probably asked yourself: "Should I get CompTIA A+ or Network+ first?" This is one of the most common questions from aspiring IT professionals, and for good reason. Both certifications are foundational, respected industry-wide, and can launch rewarding careers. But they serve different purposes and lead to different career paths.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about CompTIA A+ vs Network+ — including exam details, difficulty levels, career paths, salary expectations, and most importantly, which one you should pursue first based on your specific goals. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for your CompTIA certification journey.

Overview: Understanding A+ and Network+

Before diving into comparisons, let's understand what each certification covers and who it's designed for.

What is CompTIA A+?

CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard certification for entry-level IT support and technical support roles. It validates foundational IT skills across hardware, software, networking basics, security fundamentals, and troubleshooting. A+ is often called the "starting point" for IT careers because it covers the broadest range of basic IT knowledge.

The A+ certification consists of two exams (Core 1: 220-1201 and Core 2: 220-1202), which means you'll need to pass both to earn the full certification. This comprehensive approach ensures certified professionals have well-rounded foundational knowledge.

What is CompTIA Network+?

CompTIA Network+ is a specialized certification focused entirely on networking concepts, infrastructure, and operations. It validates skills in network design, implementation, troubleshooting, and security. Network+ goes deeper into networking than A+ does, making it ideal for those pursuing network-focused careers.

Network+ requires passing one exam (N10-009), but don't let that fool you — the content is more specialized and assumes you already have foundational IT knowledge.

Quick Comparison: A+ vs Network+ at a Glance

Exam Difficulty: Which is Harder?

This is a nuanced question because "difficulty" depends on your background and learning style. Let's break down what makes each exam challenging.

A+ Exam Difficulty

The A+ certification is considered easier to pass for most beginners, but don't underestimate it. The challenge lies in the breadth of content — you need to know a little about everything:

• Hardware: Components, peripherals, cables, connectors, mobile devices
• Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS installation and configuration
• Networking Basics: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, basic network troubleshooting
• Security Fundamentals: Malware, social engineering, basic security practices
• Troubleshooting: Systematic approach to diagnosing hardware and software issues
• Operational Procedures: Documentation, change management, professionalism

The two-exam format means you're studying for essentially two tests, which requires more total preparation time. However, each individual topic isn't covered as deeply as in specialized certifications.

Network+ Exam Difficulty

Network+ is generally considered more difficult than A+ because it goes much deeper into networking concepts:

• Network Architecture: OSI model, network topologies, cloud concepts
• Network Implementation: Routing, switching, wireless configuration
• Network Operations: Monitoring, documentation, business continuity
• Network Security: Hardening, access control, network attacks
• Network Troubleshooting: Advanced diagnostic tools and methodologies

You'll need to master subnetting, understand complex protocols, and be comfortable with network diagrams. Many test-takers find the depth of networking knowledge required to be more challenging than A+'s broader but shallower approach.

Career Paths: Where Each Certification Leads

Understanding the career trajectories each certification enables is crucial for making the right choice.

A+ Career Paths

CompTIA A+ opens doors to entry-level IT support roles:

• Help Desk Technician / IT Support Specialist: First point of contact for technical issues
• Desktop Support Technician: Hands-on troubleshooting of workstations and devices
• Field Service Technician: On-site hardware repair and installation
• IT Technician: General IT maintenance and support
• Technical Support Representative: Remote troubleshooting and customer support
• Junior Systems Administrator: Entry point to sysadmin roles

A+ is particularly valuable if you want to work directly with end users, troubleshoot a variety of issues, or work in retail tech support (like Apple Genius Bar or Best Buy Geek Squad).

Network+ Career Paths

Network+ leads to more specialized, network-focused positions:

• Network Technician: Install, configure, and maintain network equipment
• Network Administrator: Manage organizational network infrastructure
• Junior Network Engineer: Design and implement network solutions
• Systems Administrator: Manage servers with strong network focus
• NOC Technician: Monitor network operations center
• Telecommunications Specialist: Work with voice and data communications

Network+ is ideal if you're drawn to infrastructure, want to understand how systems communicate, or plan to pursue advanced networking certifications like Cisco CCNA.

Salary Comparison: A+ vs Network+ Earnings

Salary is often a deciding factor, so let's look at the earning potential for each certification path.

CompTIA A+ Salary Expectations

A+ certified professionals typically earn:

• Entry-level (0-2 years): $40,000 - $50,000
• Mid-level (2-5 years): $50,000 - $60,000
• Experienced (5+ years): $55,000 - $65,000+
• National average: $55,000 - $65,000

Salaries vary significantly by location. A+ holders in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York can earn $60,000-$75,000 even at entry level, while those in smaller markets might start around $35,000-$45,000.

CompTIA Network+ Salary Expectations

Network+ certified professionals typically command higher salaries:

• Entry-level (0-2 years): $50,000 - $60,000
• Mid-level (2-5 years): $60,000 - $75,000
• Experienced (5+ years): $70,000 - $80,000+
• National average: $70,000 - $80,000

The $10,000-$15,000 salary premium for Network+ reflects the specialized nature of networking skills. Network professionals are in high demand as organizations increasingly rely on complex network infrastructure.

The CompTIA Certification Path: Understanding the Progression

CompTIA designed their certifications to build upon each other. Understanding this progression helps you make informed decisions.

The Traditional CompTIA Pathway

CompTIA recommends this progression for most IT professionals:

1. IT Fundamentals (ITF+): Optional pre-A+ certification for complete beginners
2. CompTIA A+: Foundation of IT knowledge — hardware, software, troubleshooting
3. CompTIA Network+: Deep dive into networking — builds on A+ networking basics
4. CompTIA Security+: Cybersecurity fundamentals — builds on Network+ concepts
5. Specialized Certifications: CySA+, PenTest+, Cloud+, Server+, etc.

This pathway makes sense because each certification builds knowledge from the previous one. A+ covers basic networking (about 20% of the exam), which provides foundation for Network+. Network+ covers basic security (about 19% of the exam), which prepares you for Security+.

Why A+ Often Comes First

There's a reason A+ is numbered before Network+ in CompTIA's ecosystem:

• Foundational Knowledge: A+ teaches you how computers work before you learn how they communicate
• Troubleshooting Methodology: A+ establishes systematic troubleshooting approaches used in all IT disciplines
• Breadth of Understanding: Understanding hardware, OS, and software helps contextualize networking concepts
• Career Flexibility: A+ opens more entry-level doors while you decide your specialization

Who Should Get A+ First?

A+ should be your first certification if any of these apply to you:

Complete IT Beginners

If you're new to IT with no professional experience, A+ provides the foundational knowledge you need. It covers everything from "what is RAM?" to "how do I troubleshoot a Blue Screen of Death?" This comprehensive foundation makes learning specialized topics much easier later.

Career Changers

If you're transitioning from a non-technical field, A+ validates your IT skills to employers who might otherwise be skeptical of candidates without traditional IT backgrounds. It's widely recognized as proof of fundamental competence.

Those Seeking Help Desk or Desktop Support Roles

If your immediate goal is landing a help desk or desktop support position, A+ is often explicitly required in job postings. Many employers use A+ as a baseline requirement for entry-level support roles.

People Who Prefer Broad Knowledge First

If you learn better by understanding the big picture before diving deep, A+'s broad coverage suits your learning style. You'll understand how all the pieces fit together before specializing.

Those Uncertain About Their IT Specialization

If you're not sure whether you want to focus on networking, security, systems administration, or something else, A+ keeps your options open. The broad foundation supports multiple career paths.

Who Should Get Network+ First?

Network+ might be the better first choice if these scenarios match your situation:

Those With Existing IT Experience

If you already have hands-on IT experience — even informal experience like building computers, setting up home networks, or doing tech support for family — you might find A+ content too basic. Network+ provides more challenge and value.

Current IT Professionals Seeking Specialization

If you're already working in IT (even without certifications) and want to specialize in networking, skip A+ and go straight to Network+. Your work experience likely covers A+ material already.

Those Targeting Network-Specific Roles

If you know you want to be a network administrator or engineer, Network+ gets you there faster. It's more directly relevant to network-focused job postings.

Military or Government Career Seekers

If you're pursuing DoD or government IT positions, both A+ and Network+ meet different DoD 8570/8140 requirements. However, Network+ satisfies more IAT Level I and II positions than A+ alone.

Those Pursuing Cisco or Other Networking Certifications

If your ultimate goal is CCNA or other vendor-specific networking certifications, Network+ provides excellent preparation. The concepts overlap significantly, and Network+ is vendor-neutral.

Our Recommendation: The Best Path Forward

After analyzing career paths, salaries, exam content, and industry demand, here's our recommendation for most people in 2026:

For Complete Beginners: Start with A+

If you have zero IT experience, start with A+. The foundational knowledge makes everything else easier to learn. Plus, A+ opens immediate job opportunities while you continue your certification journey.

Recommended path: A+ → Network+ → Security+ (or specialize based on interests)

For Those With Some IT Background: Consider Skipping A+

If you have 6+ months of IT experience or strong self-taught skills, consider starting with Network+. You can always go back for A+ later if needed, but Network+ provides more career advancement potential.

Recommended path: Network+ → Security+ → Specialized certifications

The "Best of Both Worlds" Approach

If time and budget allow, getting both certifications within your first year provides the strongest foundation. Many successful IT professionals hold both A+ and Network+.

Aggressive timeline: A+ (months 1-3) → Network+ (months 4-6) → Security+ (months 7-9)

Study Tips for Success

Whichever certification you choose, these strategies will help you pass:

For A+ Success

• Get hands-on: Build a computer, install operating systems, practice troubleshooting
• Study both exams simultaneously: Content overlaps, and studying together reinforces learning
• Use multiple resources: Video courses, practice exams, and hands-on labs
• Focus on troubleshooting scenarios: CompTIA loves "what would you do first?" questions
• Memorize port numbers and cable types: These are heavily tested

For Network+ Success

• Master subnetting: This is crucial — practice until it's automatic
• Understand the OSI model deeply: Know what happens at each layer
• Lab with Packet Tracer or GNS3: Simulate network configurations
• Learn network diagrams: Be able to identify issues from topology diagrams
• Practice troubleshooting methodologies: Know the systematic approach

Conclusion: Make Your Choice and Start Today

The A+ vs Network+ debate doesn't have a universal answer — the right choice depends on your background, goals, and timeline. Here's the bottom line:

• Choose A+ first if you're a complete beginner, career changer, or want the broadest foundation possible
• Choose Network+ first if you have some IT experience and want to specialize in networking faster
• Get both if you want the strongest foundation for a long-term IT career

Remember: The most important step is simply starting. Analysis paralysis kills more IT careers than choosing the "wrong" certification. Both A+ and Network+ are respected, valuable credentials that will advance your career. Pick one, commit to it, and start studying today.

Your future self will thank you for taking action now rather than endlessly debating which certification is "perfect." There is no perfect choice — only the choice you make and follow through on.

References

1. CompTIA. "CompTIA A+ Certification." comptia.org/certifications/a. Exam codes (220-1201, 220-1202), format, passing scores, and pricing.
2. CompTIA. "CompTIA Network+ Certification." comptia.org/certifications/network. Exam code (N10-009), format, passing score, and pricing.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Computer Support Specialists: Occupational Outlook Handbook." bls.gov/ooh. Salary data and job outlook for A+ related roles.
4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Network and Computer Systems Administrators: Occupational Outlook Handbook." bls.gov/ooh. Salary data and job outlook for Network+ related roles.
5. CyberSeek. "Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map." cyberseek.org/heatmap. Job posting data by certification type.