The IT industry offers countless certification paths, but few decisions are as crucial as choosing between CompTIA Security+ and Network+. Many learners begin by understanding what is security plus before comparing credentials. Both certifications serve as foundational stepping stones, yet they lead to distinctly different career trajectories with vastly different earning potential.
One path could land you in the fastest-growing field in technology with six-figure salary potential within a few years. The other provides solid technical foundations but may limit your upward mobility. The wrong choice could cost you thousands in lost earnings and years of career stagnation.
But here's what most people don't realize: the "obvious" choice isn't always the right one for your specific situation. Your current experience, career goals, and even your learning style should all factor into this decision.
In this guide, we'll examine Security+ vs Network+, their key differences, real salary data, and help you determine which certification will actually accelerate your career rather than just adding letters after your name.
When comparing certs, it helps to also compare job options, check security plus jobs for role insights
What is Security+?
The CompTIA Security+ is the premier entry-level cybersecurity certification that validates foundational security skills across multiple domains. Recognized globally and mandated by many government agencies, Security+ demonstrates your ability to assess security posture, implement security controls, and respond to security incidents.
The certification covers five core domains: attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities (24%), architecture and design (21%), implementation (25%), operations and incident response (16%), and governance, risk, and compliance (14%). Security+ emphasizes both technical skills and security thinking, preparing you for roles in security operations centers, compliance teams, and various cybersecurity positions.
Security+ is designed for IT professionals with 2+ years of experience who want to transition into cybersecurity or validate their existing security knowledge. However, the certification has no formal prerequisites, making it accessible to career changers from non-IT backgrounds who are willing to invest in comprehensive study and hands-on practice.
What is Network+?
The CompTIA Network+ certification validates essential networking skills required to configure, manage, and troubleshoot network infrastructure. This vendor-neutral certification covers networking fundamentals that apply across all technology platforms and environments.
Network+ encompasses five domains: networking concepts (23%), network implementations (19%), network operations (16%), network security (19%), and network troubleshooting and tools (22%). The certification includes performance-based questions that simulate real-world networking scenarios, testing practical problem-solving abilities.
Network+ targets IT professionals with 9-12 months of networking experience who want to demonstrate competency in network infrastructure management and advance their networking careers.
Security+ vs Network+ Comparison
Feature | Security+ | Network+ |
|---|---|---|
Primary Focus | Cybersecurity fundamentals and threat management | Network infrastructure and connectivity |
Average Salary | ||
Career Paths | SOC Analyst, Security Specialist, Compliance Officer | Network Admin, Network Technician, Systems Admin |
Job Market Growth | 33% (2023-2033) | Steady, varies by role |
Exam Cost | ||
Prerequisites | None (2+ years IT experience recommended) | None (9-12 months networking experience recommended) |
Renewal | Every 3 years (50 CEUs) | Every 3 years (20 CEUs) |
Government Recognition | DoD 8570/8140 approved (broad scope) | DoD 8570/8140 recognized, (limited scope) |
Detailed Comparison: Security+ vs Network+
Eligibility Requirements
Security+ Requirements: While Security+ has no formal prerequisites, CompTIA recommends at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus. However, motivated beginners can successfully pursue this certification with dedicated study and hands-on practice.
Network+ Requirements: Network+ also has no mandatory prerequisites, but CompTIA suggests 9-12 months of networking experience or equivalent education. The A+ certification provides helpful foundational knowledge but isn't required.
Exam Details
Security+ Exam (SY0-601):
- 90 questions maximum
- 90-minute time limit
- Passing score: 750/900
- Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
- Available in multiple languages
- In-person testing at Pearson VUE centers
Network+ Exam (N10-009):
- 90 questions maximum
- 90-minute time limit
- Passing score: 720/900
- Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
- Available in multiple languages
- In-person testing at Pearson VUE centers
Exam Difficulty
Security+ Difficulty: Security+ covers broad cybersecurity concepts requiring both technical knowledge and strategic thinking. The median annual wage for information security analysts was $124,910 in May 2024. Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. The challenge lies in understanding security principles, risk management, and various attack vectors while applying this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Network+ Difficulty: Network+ requires strong technical understanding of networking protocols, infrastructure components, and troubleshooting methodologies. Candidates often struggle with subnetting calculations, port memorization, and the breadth of networking technologies covered. The performance-based questions simulate actual network troubleshooting scenarios.
Salary and Career Opportunities
Security+ Career Outcomes: According to PayScale data, the average U.S. salary for Security+ certified professionals is $88,000, with a salary range of $54,000-$138,000. Entry-level Security+ certified professionals earn an average of $71,697 annually, or $34.47 per hour.
Security+ opens doors to high-growth cybersecurity roles including:
- Information Security Analyst: $135,309 average
- Security Administrator: $92,300 average
- Cybersecurity Specialist: $93,395 average
- Network Security Administrator: $92,300 average
Network+ Career Outcomes: Network+ certified professionals earn about 20% more than their non-certified peers, with entry-level networking positions typically ranging from $31,000-$57,000 for technician roles to over $100,000 for engineering positions, compared to around $40,000 for non-certified individuals. The average annual CompTIA Network+ certification salary is approximately $73,938.
Common Network+ roles include:
- Network Administrator: $67,000-$99,000 average (varies by source and experience)
- Network Support Specialist: $55,000-$75,000 range
- Help Desk Technician: $40,000-$55,000 entry-level range
- Network Field Technician: $45,000-$65,000 range
- Network Analyst: $70,000-$90,000 range
Cost and Recertification
Security+ Costs:
- Exam fee: $425 (CompTIA official price)
- Study materials: $100-$500
- Bootcamp $399
- Training programs: $1,000-$3,500
- Annual maintenance: Not required between renewals
- Recertification: Every 3 years (50 CEUs or retake exam)
Network+ Costs:
- Exam fee: $390
- Study materials: $100-$500
- Bootcamp $499
- Other training programs: $1,000-$3,500
- Annual maintenance: Not required between renewals
- Recertification: Every 3 years (30 CEUs or retake exam)
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Which Should You Choose?
Choose Security+ If You:
- Want to enter the high-growth cybersecurity field
- Are interested in threat analysis and incident response
- Seek government or defense contractor positions
- Prefer strategic thinking over technical troubleshooting
- Want higher salary potential and job security
Choose Network+ If You:
- Enjoy hands-on technical troubleshooting
- Want broad IT knowledge applicable across roles
- Are unsure about specializing in security
- Prefer working with infrastructure over security analysis
- Need foundational networking knowledge for other certifications
Career Stage Considerations
Complete Beginners (0-1 years): Network+ provides broader foundational knowledge, but Security+ can work if you're committed to cybersecurity and willing to learn networking concepts through security-focused study.
IT Professionals (2-3 years): Security+ typically offers faster entry into higher-paying cybersecurity roles. Your existing IT experience provides sufficient networking background for security concepts.
Experienced Professionals (3+ years): Choose based on career direction and knowledge gaps. Security+ for cybersecurity transition, Network+ for networking specialization or foundational strengthening.
Certification in 1 Week
Study everything you need to know for the Security+ exam in a 1-week bootcamp!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Network+ isn't a prerequisite for Security+. While networking knowledge helps understand security concepts, many professionals successfully earn Security+ first and learn networking through security-focused study materials.
Security+ typically provides higher immediate value due to cybersecurity market demand and salary premiums. However, Network+ offers broader IT applicability. Your specific career goals should guide this decision.
Absolutely! Many professionals earn both to demonstrate comprehensive IT and security knowledge. Start with whichever aligns with your immediate goals, then add the second for career flexibility.
Global cybersecurity job vacancies grew by 350 percent, from one million openings in 2013 to 3.5 million in 2021, with the gap remaining stable through 2025. About 17,300 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Security+ leads to a rapidly growing field with excellent job security, while Network+ provides steady opportunities in established networking roles.
Making Your Decision
Your choice between Security+ and Network+ should align with your career aspirations, risk tolerance, and interest in technical versus strategic work. Security+ offers faster entry into the high-growth, well-compensated cybersecurity field, while Network+ provides solid foundational knowledge applicable across various IT roles.
Consider that both certifications can serve as stepping stones to advanced credentials. Security+ leads naturally to specialized security certifications like CISSP or CCSP, while Network+ provides the foundation for advanced networking certifications.
Whatever path you choose, quality training accelerates your success. Our intensive bootcamp programs provide expert instruction, hands-on labs, and comprehensive preparation to help you not just pass your certification but excel in your new role.
Ready to start your cybersecurity journey? Our Security+ Bootcamp delivers everything you need to pass on your first attempt, while our Network+ Bootcamp provides the networking foundation for diverse IT career paths.
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.
John is a major force behind the Destination Certification CISSP program's success, with over 25 years of global cybersecurity experience. He simplifies complex topics, and he utilizes innovative teaching methods that contribute to the program's industry-high exam success rates. As a leading Information Security professional in Canada, John co-authored a bestselling CISSP exam preparation guide and helped develop official CISSP curriculum materials. You can reach out to John on LinkedIn.
