Important Update: Cisco discontinued the CCNA Security certification in February 2020, consolidating all security topics into the unified CCNA certification (200-301). This comparison now examines Security+ versus the current CCNA certification, which includes security fundamentals as one of its domains.
If you're torn between Security+ and CCNA, you're choosing between broad cybersecurity knowledge and comprehensive networking expertise with security foundations. Your organization's infrastructure and career goals will determine which path serves you better.
Both certifications have evolved to meet different market demands, but choosing between them requires understanding how your career goals align with each path's unique strengths and industry positioning.
The decision isn't just about which certification is "better" – it's about which aligns with your current role, career aspirations, and the technology stack you'll be working with. Let's break down these two popular certifications to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding Security+ and CCNA
CompTIA Security+ Universal Approach
CompTIA Security+ is the premier global certification that establishes the essential skills required for core security functions and a career in IT security. As a broad, foundational cybersecurity certification, the Security+ certification has become the most prevalent cybersecurity credential in the world.
The 2025 Security+ exam (SY0-701) encompasses five consolidated domains that mirror real-world cybersecurity responsibilities:
- General security concepts and controls
- Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations
- Security architecture and engineering
- Security operations and incident response
- Security program management and oversight
Cisco CCNA Networking Foundation
The new, consolidated CCNA has replaced this certification. If you held an active CCNA Security certification on February 24, 2020, you received the new CCNA. CCNA validates a broad range of fundamentals for all IT careers - from networking technologies, to security, to software development - proving you have the skills businesses need to meet market demands.
The current CCNA 200-301 covers six domains:
- Network Fundamentals (20%)
- Network Access (20%)
- IP Connectivity (25%)
- IP Services (10%)
- Security Fundamentals (15%)
- Automation and Programmability (10%)
Vendor-Neutral vs. Vendor-Specific Focus
The fundamental difference lies in scope and specialization. Security+ is vendor-neutral, meaning its concepts apply broadly across technologies and platforms. It focuses exclusively on cybersecurity principles that work regardless of which vendors' equipment you're using.
CCNA, while Cisco-specific for hands-on configurations, provides broader IT infrastructure knowledge. The new CCNA syllabus provides a more comprehensive overview of security fundamentals, including modern security practices and technologies, alongside essential networking skills.
Career Path Alignment Analysis
General Security Professional Track
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, security analyst jobs are projected to grow 33% from 2023-2033, much faster than average, with 17,300 job openings projected annually. Security+ demonstrates you know what it takes to be a good cyber security professional and opens doors across multiple security domains.
Common Security+ career paths include:
- Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst
- Information security analyst
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Compliance analyst
- Risk assessment specialist
Career changers can find comprehensive strategies for entering the cybersecurity field with no experience to help navigate the transition successfully.
Cisco Network Foundation Specialist
CCNA is an asset to IT professionals of all experience levels and provides the foundation for networking careers. While it includes security fundamentals, it's primarily focused on building comprehensive network infrastructure skills.
CCNA career paths typically include:
- Network administrator
- Network engineer
- Help desk technician
- IT support specialist
- Systems administrator
Enterprise Infrastructure Roles
For roles requiring both networking and security expertise, the choice becomes more nuanced. Large enterprises often prefer professionals who understand both domains, making either certification valuable depending on the specific role requirements.
Which Should You Pursue First?
Foundation vs. Specialization Strategy
If you're completely new to IT, your choice depends on your ultimate career direction. Security+ is a great certification and a popular entry point into cyber security. However, it's best practice to have gained networking knowledge, like that of Network+ or CCNA, before tackling Security+.
If you’re unsure which order to follow, comparing security plus vs network plus is a smart starting point, since Network+ builds your networking foundation while Security+ layers security concepts on top of it.
CCNA provides broader foundational knowledge across multiple IT disciplines, making it an excellent starting point for those unsure of their specialization. The consolidated exam ensures you have the fundamentals of all the different areas covered by CCNA in one go.
For those considering the advanced security path, comparing Security+ vs CISSP: What's Best for You? can help you understand the progression from foundational to expert-level certifications.
Current Infrastructure Assessment
Consider your current environment. If you're working primarily with Cisco equipment, CCNA provides directly applicable skills. In mixed-vendor environments, Security+ offers principles that apply universally.
Market Demand Considerations
The cybersecurity skills gap presents significant opportunities. With 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally and over 750,000 unfilled positions in the U.S. alone according to Cybersecurity Ventures, entry-level certifications like Security+ provide strong career prospects.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reinforces this demand with their projection of 32% increase in cybersecurity positions through 2032, creating approximately 17,300 job openings annually for information security analysts.
Meanwhile, networking remains foundational to all IT infrastructure, ensuring consistent demand for CCNA-certified professionals across industries.
Exam Requirements and Structure
Security+ Exam Overview
The CompTIA Security+ exam has no more than 90 questions and you will have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The CompTIA Security+ exam includes multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop activities, and performance-based items.
CompTIA Security+ is for IT professionals with two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus or equivalent training, though although Security+ has no hard-and-fast prerequisites, CompTIA recommends that candidates have "CompTIA Network+ and two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus".
CCNA Prerequisites and Format
To earn this certification, you'll need to pass a single required exam. Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (200-301 CCNA) v1.1 is a 120-minute exam that tests a candidate's knowledge and skills related to network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.
Unlike Security+, CCNA is an asset to IT professionals of all experience levels, but learners often benefit from one or more years of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions.
Knowledge Prerequisites Comparison
Security+ assumes basic networking knowledge but focuses on security concepts. CCNA requires more comprehensive technical prerequisites across networking domains but provides that foundation through its broader scope.
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Difficulty and Preparation Challenges
Security+ Broad Scope Management
Security+ covers an extensive range of security topics, requiring candidates to understand everything from cryptography to risk management. The challenge lies in the breadth of knowledge required across multiple security domains.
CCNA Technical Depth
The new CCNA 200-301 certification now proves a candidate's skills and knowledge in all these areas under one exam, including networking, security, and automation. The technical depth required for hands-on configuration tasks can be challenging for those new to networking.
Hands-on Lab Requirements
Both certifications include practical components. Security+ includes performance-based questions, while CCNA requires understanding of actual Cisco device configuration and troubleshooting scenarios.
Job Market and Compensation Analysis
Security+ Market Versatility
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts earn a median annual salary of $124,910 as of May 2024. For Security+ certified professionals specifically, PayScale reports an $88,000 average U.S. salary based on 21,000+ professionals surveyed, with a salary range of $54,000-$138,000.
This data aligns well with detailed insights at security plus salary
Entry-level Security+ positions show strong earning potential:
- Entry-level Security+ professionals average $71,697 annually
- Hourly pay averages $34.47 for entry-level positions
- Security+ provides a 15-25% salary increase vs. non-certified professionals in similar roles
The certification's value is reinforced by DoD 8570 compliance requirements, creating consistent government contractor demand, and over 700,000 professionals have earned Security+ certification globally.
CCNA Networking Premium
Based on industry salary data, CCNA certified professionals in the United States earn an average of $101,994 per year, with salaries ranging from $76,496 to $137,901 annually according to Glassdoor.
The broader networking job market shows strong fundamentals, as network infrastructure remains essential across all industries and technology environments.
Geographic and Industry Factors
Geographic variations are significant for both certification paths. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 33% growth for information security analysts from 2023-2033, much faster than average, with 17,300 job openings projected each year on average over the decade.
Both Security+ and CCNA salaries can vary considerably by location due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence in different metropolitan areas.
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Investment and Maintenance Costs
Security+ Total Investment:
- Exam cost: $425 (official CompTIA voucher) or $808 bundle with retake
- Budget approach: $600-800 total (exam + basic study materials)
- Self-study comprehensive: $800-1,200 total (premium materials and training)
- Professional training: $1,200-1,500 total (instructor-led courses)
- Premium intensive training: $1,200-3,500 total (bootcamps with comprehensive materials)
- Discount programs: 40% off student vouchers, GI Bill approved, up to 46% bundle savings
CCNA Total Investment:
- Exam cost: $300
- Cisco official preparation bundle: $1,179 (includes 180-day course access, practice exams with 300 questions and 15 lab exercises, and exam voucher)
Security+ offers several discount programs including 40% off vouchers for students, military/veterans can use GI Bill benefits, and various training bundles provide up to 46% savings off retail prices. The certification typically pays for itself within the first year through increased salary.
Choosing Based on Your Situation
Mixed Vendor Organizations
In environments using multiple vendors' equipment, Security+ provides universally applicable knowledge. Security+ is vendor-neutral, meaning its concepts apply broadly across technologies and platforms.
Cisco-Heavy Environments
If your organization runs primarily on Cisco infrastructure, CCNA provides directly applicable skills for day-to-day operations, with security fundamentals built into the curriculum.
Career Flexibility Priorities
For maximum career flexibility, consider your long-term goals. Security+ opens doors specifically in cybersecurity across any technology stack. CCNA provides broader IT infrastructure knowledge with some security components, allowing for career pivots into various IT disciplines.
Certification in 1 Week
Study everything you need to know for the Security+ exam in a 1-week bootcamp!
FAQ Section
It's a best practice to have gained networking knowledge, like that of Network+ or CCNA, before tackling Security+. While not mandatory, networking knowledge makes Security+ concepts more understandable.
Value depends on your career goals. For cybersecurity roles, Security+ is often mandatory. For networking positions, CCNA is preferred. Both command competitive salaries in their respective domains.
Absolutely. Many professionals hold both certifications, as they complement each other well. CCNA provides the networking foundation that enhances Security+ knowledge application.
Conclusion
Your choice between Security+ and the current CCNA should align with your career objectives and current infrastructure environment. If you're focused on cybersecurity roles, Security+ remains the most widely recognized credential, it is invaluable for advancing in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. For broader IT infrastructure roles with security components, CCNA provides comprehensive foundational knowledge.
Both certifications offer excellent career prospects and competitive salaries. The key is understanding which path aligns with your professional goals and the technology environment where you want to work.
Ready to advance your cybersecurity career? Our Security+ BootCamp provides intensive, expert-led training that covers all exam domains through hands-on practice and real-world scenarios. With experienced instructors and comprehensive study materials, you'll have everything needed for first-attempt success.
Rob is the driving force behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program, leveraging over 15 years of security, privacy, and cloud assurance expertise. As a seasoned leader, he has guided numerous companies through high-profile security breaches and managed the development of multi-year security strategies. With a passion for education, Rob has delivered hundreds of globally acclaimed CCSP, CISSP, and ISACA classes, combining entertaining delivery with profound insights for exam success. You can reach out to Rob on LinkedIn.
Rob is the driving force behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program, leveraging over 15 years of security, privacy, and cloud assurance expertise. As a seasoned leader, he has guided numerous companies through high-profile security breaches and managed the development of multi-year security strategies. With a passion for education, Rob has delivered hundreds of globally acclaimed CCSP, CISSP, and ISACA classes, combining entertaining delivery with profound insights for exam success. You can reach out to Rob on LinkedIn.
