CompTIA A+ vs Network+: Which Certification Should You Get First?

CompTIA A+ and Network+ are two of the most popular entry-level IT certifications, and candidates frequently debate which to pursue first. The right answer depends on your career goals, existing technical background, and the type of IT role you are targeting. This guide breaks down what each certification covers, who should get each one first, and how to decide based on your specific situation.

What CompTIA A+ Covers

CompTIA A+ is the foundational IT support credential. It is widely regarded as the entry point for help desk, desktop support, and IT technician roles. Unlike most CompTIA certifications, A+ requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102).

• Core 1 (220-1101): Mobile devices, networking basics, hardware components, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware/network troubleshooting.
• Core 2 (220-1102): Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS), security fundamentals, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

A+ validates broad-based competency across hardware, operating systems, and basic security — exactly the knowledge a help desk technician needs to support end users and resolve common IT issues. It is vendor-neutral, meaning it is not tied to Microsoft, Apple, or any specific platform.

What CompTIA Network+ Covers

Network+ (N10-009 as of 2026) goes deeper into networking specifically. It is a single-exam certification that covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting at a more focused level than A+'s networking modules.

• Networking concepts: OSI model, TCP/IP stack, common protocols (DNS, DHCP, HTTP/S, FTP, SMTP), and IP addressing including IPv4 and IPv6.
• Subnetting: Network+ is famous for subnetting questions. You must be comfortable calculating network addresses, broadcast addresses, and usable host ranges from CIDR notation.
• Network infrastructure: Routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, wireless access points, and network topologies.
• Network security: Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, network hardening, and common network attacks (DoS, man-in-the-middle, spoofing).
• Network troubleshooting: A systematic approach to diagnosing connectivity issues, cable testing, and using tools like ping, traceroute, and nslookup.

Is A+ Required Before Network+?

No. CompTIA does not enforce any prerequisite structure — you can sit Network+ without holding A+. CompTIA recommends A+ as preparation for Network+, but this is advisory, not mandatory. Many candidates with networking backgrounds or prior IT experience skip A+ entirely and go directly to Network+.

That said, A+ does introduce networking basics in Core 1 that provide useful context for Network+ concepts. If you are truly starting from zero, studying for A+ first will build foundational vocabulary that makes Network+ content easier to absorb.

Who Should Get A+ First

CompTIA A+ is the right starting point if you are targeting help desk, desktop support, or general IT support roles, or if you have minimal hands-on IT experience. Specifically, get A+ first if:

• You want to work in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 help desk role and need a credential that directly matches job requirements
• You are not yet comfortable with hardware components, operating system administration, or basic troubleshooting
• You are pursuing DoD 8570 compliance (A+ satisfies the IAT Level I baseline requirement, which Network+ also satisfies, but A+ is more commonly listed for entry-level DoD support roles)
• You want the broadest possible foundation before specializing in networking, security, or cloud

Who Should Get Network+ First

Network+ makes more sense as a starting point if you already have some IT experience or are targeting networking-specific roles. Get Network+ first if:

• You are already comfortable with hardware and OS basics from work experience or self-study and do not need A+ to validate those skills
• You want to move toward network administration, network engineering, or NOC analyst roles
• You are studying toward CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and want a vendor-neutral foundation first
• Your employer or target job listings specifically list Network+ as a requirement or preferred qualification

Salary Comparison and Career Paths

Both certifications open doors to IT roles, but the career trajectories diverge meaningfully after the first few years. A+ certified help desk technicians in the US typically earn $40,000 to $55,000 at entry level. Network+ certified network technicians typically earn $50,000 to $65,000 at entry level, reflecting the more specialized skill set.

The bigger picture: A+ is often a stepping stone toward Security+ or Cloud+ and general IT administration roles. Network+ is more directly on the path toward CCNA, network engineering, and eventually senior network or security engineering roles. Both credentials are respected and widely recognized by employers, and holding both strengthens a resume significantly for generalist IT roles.

Whichever certification you're preparing for, Certify Copilot can accelerate your practice question review. When you encounter subnetting questions in Network+ practice tests or hardware troubleshooting scenarios in A+ practice exams, Certify Copilot provides step-by-step explanations that build lasting understanding rather than just answer memorization.