⚡ Quick Answer
It depends on your environment. Get Network+ if you're working in a vendor-neutral IT environment, pursuing DoD/government work, or building a broad foundation before specializing. Get CCNA if you're targeting enterprise networking roles, your workplace runs Cisco infrastructure, or you want to go deep on routing and switching. CCNA is harder and more respected for dedicated networking roles — but Network+ gets you there faster.
What each certification actually covers
Network+ and CCNA are both networking certifications, but they approach the subject very differently. Network+ is vendor-neutral — it covers concepts that apply to any network infrastructure. CCNA is Cisco-specific — it teaches the same concepts but grounds everything in Cisco IOS, Cisco CLI commands, and Cisco equipment configurations.
Intermediate · CompTIA
CompTIA Network+
Exam code
N10-009
Format
One exam, up to 90 questions
Cost
~$369
Passing score
720 / 900
Prerequisite
None official — A+ strongly recommended
Renewal
Every 3 years (CEUs or re-exam)
DoD 8570
Yes — IAT Level II
Intermediate · Cisco
Cisco CCNA (200-301)
Exam code
200-301
Format
One exam, 120 questions, 120 minutes
Cost
~$330
Passing score
~825 / 1000 (varies)
Prerequisite
None official — networking experience recommended
Renewal
Every 3 years (re-exam or higher cert)
DoD 8570
Yes — IAT Level II (same level as Network+)
Side-by-side comparison
| Category |
Network+ |
CCNA |
| Vendor |
Vendor-neutral (applies to any equipment) |
Cisco-specific (IOS CLI, Cisco products) |
| Difficulty |
Intermediate — subnetting, routing, VLANs |
Intermediate–Advanced — same topics plus CLI configuration |
| Cost |
~$369 |
~$330 (but study materials are more expensive) |
| Hands-on required |
Helpful but not required for the exam |
Essential — CLI configuration is directly tested |
| Study time |
~2–4 months (with networking background) |
~4–6 months (requires CLI practice in labs) |
| Best for |
Broad IT roles, government, multi-vendor environments |
Enterprise networking, Cisco-heavy environments, ISP/telco |
| Industry recognition |
High — especially in SMB and government sectors |
Very high — gold standard in enterprise networking |
| Salary range |
$55,000–$75,000 for networking roles |
$65,000–$90,000+ for network admin/engineer roles |
| Lab environment |
Packet Tracer or GNS3 useful but optional |
Cisco Packet Tracer or physical gear effectively required |
What Network+ actually tests
Network+ N10-009 covers five domains: Networking Fundamentals (23%), Network Implementations (21%), Network Operations (19%), Network Security (19%), and Network Troubleshooting (18%). The exam tests conceptual understanding — you need to know how protocols work, how to troubleshoot methodically, and how to apply security controls. Subnetting is heavily tested.
Network+ — Core Topics
OSI and TCP/IP models in depth
Subnetting and CIDR notation
Routing protocols — OSPF, BGP, EIGRP
VLANs and 802.1Q tagging
Wireless networking — 802.11 standards, WPA3
Network+ continued
WAN technologies and SD-WAN
Network security — firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs
Network monitoring and documentation
Cloud and virtualization networking
Troubleshooting methodology
What CCNA actually tests
CCNA 200-301 covers much of the same conceptual ground as Network+ but with a Cisco-centric lens. The exam expects you to read and interpret Cisco IOS output, understand how to configure routers and switches using the CLI, and troubleshoot specific Cisco behaviors. It also covers automation and programmability topics (Python, REST APIs, JSON) that Network+ barely touches.
CCNA 200-301 — Core Topics
Cisco IOS CLI — show commands, configuration modes
IP routing and OSPF configuration
VLAN configuration and inter-VLAN routing
Spanning Tree Protocol and EtherChannel
NAT configuration and ACLs
CCNA 200-301 continued
IPv6 addressing and configuration
Wireless LAN controller architecture
Network security concepts and port security
Network automation — Python basics, REST APIs
SD-Access and SD-WAN concepts
Which is harder?
CCNA is harder for most candidates. Both exams test subnetting and routing deeply, but CCNA also requires hands-on CLI proficiency. You can pass Network+ with strong conceptual knowledge; you cannot realistically pass CCNA without spending time in Packet Tracer or on real Cisco gear configuring and troubleshooting. The CCNA exam also includes simulation questions where you configure or interpret live network output.
💡 Can you get both?
Yes, and many networking professionals do. Network+ gives you vendor-neutral credibility and DoD recognition. CCNA proves you can actually configure Cisco equipment. For someone targeting a mid-level network administrator or engineer role, holding both is genuinely valuable — Network+ signals breadth, CCNA signals depth.
A common path: complete Network+ first to build the conceptual foundation, then pursue CCNA once you have hands-on lab access.
Which should you get?
🆕
You're new to networking
Start with Network+ Network+ First
Network+ covers the same core concepts as CCNA but without requiring CLI experience. It's the right stepping stone before tackling Cisco-specific content.
🏛️
You're pursuing DoD or government work
Network+ is the safer choice Network+
Both satisfy DoD 8570 IAT Level II, but Network+ is more commonly listed in federal IT job postings and is familiar to more government contractors and hiring managers.
🌐
Your company runs Cisco infrastructure
Target CCNA CCNA
If you'll be configuring Cisco routers and switches daily, CCNA's CLI-focused content is directly applicable. The hands-on skills you develop studying for CCNA translate directly to your job.
🎯
You want to become a network engineer
Network+ now, CCNA as your next step Both
Network engineer roles frequently list CCNA in job requirements. Network+ establishes the foundation; CCNA demonstrates the hands-on depth employers want for infrastructure roles.
⏱️
You need a cert quickly for a current opportunity
Network+ is faster to earn Network+
Network+ requires less lab time and is achievable in 2–3 months with focused study. CCNA realistically takes 4–6 months when you factor in the CLI practice required.
Ready to start with Network+?
Here are the best resources to pass N10-009 and build your networking foundation:
🌐
Network+ Study Resources
Best study guide (with 10% exam voucher), practice exams, and free Professor Messer course for N10-009.
See Network+ Resources →
🗺️
Networking Roadmap
Follow the structured learning path from OSI model basics through subnetting, routing, and VLANs.
View Roadmap →
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