What each certification actually covers
A+ and Network+ are both vendor-neutral CompTIA certifications, but they test very different things at very different depths. Understanding what's actually on each exam helps you decide which one makes sense for where you are right now.
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | A+ | Network+ |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner–Intermediate | Intermediate — noticeably harder |
| Number of exams | 2 (Core 1 + Core 2) | 1 |
| Total cost | ~$492 | ~$369 |
| Topic scope | Broad — hardware, OS, networking basics, security, troubleshooting | Deep — networking protocols, subnetting, routing, security, cloud |
| Networking depth | Surface level — ports, basic protocols, OSI model | Deep — subnetting, routing protocols, VLANs, wireless, WAN |
| Best for | Help desk, IT support, field technician roles | Network admin, sysadmin, IT infrastructure roles |
| Average salary impact | Entry-level IT positions — $40,000–$55,000 | Mid-level networking roles — $55,000–$75,000+ |
| DoD 8570 approved | Yes — IAT Level I | Yes — IAT Level II (higher level) |
| Study time | ~3–6 months for most beginners | ~2–4 months (assuming A+ knowledge) |
What A+ actually tests
A+ is split across two exams. Core 1 focuses on hardware, mobile devices, networking basics, virtualization, and cloud computing. Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. The breadth is wide but the depth on any single topic is moderate — you need to know a little about a lot of things.
What Network+ actually tests
Network+ goes deep on networking in a way A+ doesn't. Where A+ asks "what is a subnet mask?", Network+ asks you to calculate subnets, assign addresses, identify CIDR notation, and troubleshoot routing failures. The exam has five domains: networking concepts, network implementation, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting.
Which is harder?
Network+ is harder — and it's not particularly close. A+ has more topics to cover but none go very deep. Network+ expects you to actually calculate subnets, understand how routing protocols make decisions, configure VLANs, and troubleshoot network failures methodically. The scenario-based questions on Network+ are more complex and require a higher level of applied understanding.
The A+ exam also has two separate tests, which means twice the scheduling, twice the fees, and twice the exam day stress — even if each individual exam is less difficult than Network+. Most people find the total A+ journey more time-consuming than Network+ once they have the foundation.
A+: Most beginners with no IT background need 3–6 months of study. The material is broad and some topics (hardware, printers, mobile devices) feel tedious but aren't conceptually difficult.
Network+: Most candidates with A+ experience need 2–4 months. The material is narrower but deeper — subnetting alone trips up a significant number of first-time test-takers.
Which pays more?
Network+ generally leads to higher-paying roles because it targets more specialized positions. A+ opens doors to help desk and IT support jobs — valuable entry points, but typically at lower salary bands. Network+ positions you for network administrator, systems administrator, and infrastructure roles that sit a level above entry-level support.
That said, salary depends far more on the specific role and company than on the certification alone. A+ is often a prerequisite just to get your first IT job. Network+ is what you add to that to move into more technical and better-compensated work. The two certifications are most valuable when held together.
Which should you take first?
The answer depends on where you are right now:
Ready to start studying?
See the recommended study materials for whichever certification you're targeting: