Cisco CCNA (200-301) vs CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)

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By Certalyze Research Desk Automated Research & Source Audit
Reviewed by Certalyze Source Audit Updated 2026-04-26
Updated: 2026-04-26 Methodology

CCNA and Network+ are the two certifications every aspiring network professional considers — but they serve different purposes, target different career stages, and carry different weight with employers. We compare salary data, exam difficulty, job demand, and strategic fit to help you choose the right path or decide if you need both.

$85K
Cisco CCNA (200-301)
$75K
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Cisco CCNA (200-301)CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
Provider CiscoCompTIA
Level AssociateEntry-level
Exam Cost $330 ✓$358
Avg Salary $85,000 ✓$75,000
Pass Rate 60%78% ✓
Study Hours 200h80h ✓
Difficulty 7/104/10 ✓
Job Listings 35.0K ✓28.0K

For a deeper look at each certification, read our full Cisco CCNA (200-301) guide and CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) guide. Also compare: CCNA vs AWS Advanced Networking Specialty, CompTIA A+ vs CompTIA Network+.

Our Verdict

CCNA remains the gold standard for networking careers in 2026, with an $88K average salary vs $78K for Network+ and 37K job listings vs 30K. Cisco's dominance in enterprise networking means CCNA carries outsized weight in hiring decisions, especially for network engineer and network admin roles. However, CCNA demands 200 study hours and has a punishing 58% pass rate — nearly roughly 1.25x harder to pass than Network+ (76%). If you're entering IT with no networking background, Network+ is the smarter first move: it builds vendor-neutral fundamentals in 80 hours and meets DoD 8570 requirements. The optimal path for most career-changers is Network+ first, then CCNA within 12 months. If you already work in a Cisco environment or have 6+ months of networking hands-on experience, skip Network+ and go straight to CCNA — the $10K salary premium and stronger employer recognition justify the extra effort.

Choose Cisco CCNA (200-301) if you...

  • Want higher earning potential ($85K vs $75K avg)
  • Want a lower exam cost ($330 vs $358)
  • Want broader job market demand (35.0K listings)
  • Focus on Cisco ecosystem and associate-level roles
Read full Cisco CCNA (200-301) guide →

Choose CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) if you...

  • Prefer a more accessible exam (78% pass rate)
  • Prefer a less challenging exam path (4/10 difficulty)
  • Have limited study time (~80h vs ~200h)
  • Focus on CompTIA ecosystem and entry-level-level roles
Read full CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) guide →

Can You Get Both?

Yes — and many professionals do. Since both Cisco CCNA (200-301) and CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) are in the networking space, they complement each other well. Start with the Cisco CCNA (200-301) (lower barrier to entry) and add the other after 1-2 years of hands-on experience.

Combined study commitment: approximately 280h and $688 in exam fees.

Both certifications appear in the Network Engineer career roadmap.

Deep Dive Into Each Certification

Cisco CCNA (200-301)

Cisco · Associate · $85K avg

CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)

CompTIA · Entry-level · $75K avg

Explore more: Networking Certifications · All comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip Network+ and go straight to CCNA?
Yes, especially if you have 6+ months of networking experience or strong self-study habits. CCNA covers all Network+ fundamentals plus Cisco-specific configuration, automation basics, and security topics. The risk is the steep difficulty curve — CCNA's 58% pass rate means nearly half of test-takers fail. If you're completely new to networking, Network+ provides a structured on-ramp that significantly improves your CCNA readiness.
Which certification do employers prefer for networking roles?
For dedicated networking roles (network engineer, NOC technician, network admin), employers overwhelmingly prefer CCNA. Over 80% of enterprise networks run Cisco equipment, so CCNA validates directly applicable skills. For general IT support, help desk, or junior sysadmin roles, Network+ is widely accepted and often listed as a baseline requirement. In U.S. government and defense contracting, both satisfy DoD 8570/8140 requirements for different work roles.
Is it worth getting both CCNA and Network+ in 2026?
Having both maximizes flexibility but isn't strictly necessary. If budget or time is limited, prioritize CCNA — it subsumes most Network+ material and carries more employer weight. If you already hold Network+, adding CCNA is a proven career accelerator with a realistic $10K salary bump. The combined investment is roughly 280 study hours and $704 in exam fees, which pays for itself within the first few months of a networking role.

Related Career Paths

Network Engineer

Network engineers design, implement, and maintain the networking infrastructure that connects organi...

$65K – $140K

Data Sources & Transparency

  • Salary data — Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and job posting aggregates (US median)
  • Job listings — LinkedIn, Indeed, and Dice active postings (sampled quarterly)
  • Pass rates — Community-reported estimates from Reddit, TechExams, and certification forums
Last reviewed: 2026-04-26 Our Methodology Editorial Standards