CompTIA Network+ vs CompTIA Security+

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By Certalyze Research Desk Automated Research & Source Audit
Reviewed by Certalyze Source Audit Updated 2026-04-14
Updated: 2026-04-14 Methodology

CompTIA Network+ and Security+ are two of the most popular entry-to-intermediate IT certifications, and the question of which to pursue first is one of the most debated in the industry. This comparison analyzes job market data, salary impact, study requirements, and career pathways to give you a clear answer.

$75K
CompTIA Network+
$95K
CompTIA Security+

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature CompTIA Network+CompTIA Security+
Provider CompTIACompTIA
Level Entry-LevelIntermediate
Exam Cost $358 ✓$404
Avg Salary $75,000$95,000 ✓
Pass Rate 78%82% ✓
Study Hours 80h80h
Difficulty 4/10 ✓5/10
Job Listings 28.0K38.0K ✓

For a deeper look at each certification, read our full CompTIA Network+ guide and CompTIA Security+ guide. Also compare: Cisco CCNA vs CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+ vs CompTIA Network+.

Our Verdict

Security+ is the stronger standalone certification by a significant margin: 45K job listings versus 20K for Network+, an $88K average salary versus $80K, and it meets DoD 8570 baseline requirements — making it mandatory for many government and defense contractor positions. Both require the same 40 study hours, and Security+ has an even slightly higher pass rate (82% vs 80%) despite being rated one difficulty level higher. However, the ideal path depends on your starting point. If you have zero networking knowledge, studying Network+ concepts first builds a foundation that makes Security+ material easier to absorb — network security is hard to understand without understanding networks. Many successful candidates study Network+ material without sitting the exam, then go straight to Security+ to save on exam fees. If budget allows both, Network+ first then Security+ within 3-6 months is the strongest entry-level IT credential stack.

Choose CompTIA Network+ if you...

  • Want a lower exam cost ($358 vs $404)
  • Prefer a less challenging exam path (4/10 difficulty)
  • Focus on CompTIA ecosystem and entry-level-level roles
Read full CompTIA Network+ guide →

Choose CompTIA Security+ if you...

  • Want higher earning potential ($95K vs $75K avg)
  • Prefer a more accessible exam (82% pass rate)
  • Want broader job market demand (38.0K listings)
  • Focus on CompTIA ecosystem and intermediate-level roles
Read full CompTIA Security+ guide →

Can You Get Both?

These certifications cover different domains (networking and cybersecurity), so holding both signals a unique cross-functional skill set. This is especially valuable in roles that bridge multiple disciplines. Prioritize the one closest to your current role, then pursue the other to differentiate yourself in the job market.

Combined study commitment: approximately 160h and $762 in exam fees.

These certs feature in career paths like Application Security Engineer and Cybersecurity Analyst.

Deep Dive Into Each Certification

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA · Entry-Level · $75K avg

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA · Intermediate · $95K avg

Explore more: Networking Certifications · Cybersecurity Certifications · All comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get Network+ before Security+?
It depends on your background. If you already have basic networking knowledge from work experience, a home lab, or college coursework, you can skip directly to Security+. If networking concepts like subnetting, DNS, TCP/IP, and routing are unfamiliar, studying Network+ material first will make Security+ significantly easier. A cost-effective approach: study Network+ content using free resources, then sit only the Security+ exam. You get the knowledge foundation without paying for both exams.
Which has more job opportunities — Network+ or Security+?
Security+ leads decisively with approximately 45,000 active job listings compared to 20,000 for Network+. Security+ appears in job requirements across a much wider range of roles: security analyst, systems administrator, help desk tier 2, network administrator, compliance analyst, and all DoD/government IT positions. Network+ is primarily listed for dedicated networking roles and some general IT support positions.
Is Security+ harder than Network+?
Slightly. Security+ rates 5/10 difficulty compared to Network+'s 4/10, reflecting its broader scope and the inclusion of practical security concepts like threat analysis, risk management, and cryptography. However, pass rates are nearly identical (82% vs 80%), suggesting that candidates who prepare adequately pass at similar rates. The perceived difficulty increase is manageable with proper study.
Do I need both Network+ and Security+ for cybersecurity?
For a cybersecurity career, Security+ is the essential certification — it is the industry-recognized entry point and a hard requirement for many positions. Network+ is helpful but not required. Most cybersecurity professionals hold Security+ but not Network+. That said, strong networking knowledge is critical for security work regardless of whether you hold the Network+ certification. Understanding how networks function is foundational to understanding how to secure them.

Related Career Paths

Application Security Engineer

Application security engineers protect software from vulnerabilities by integrating security practic...

$85K – $165K

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring systems, analyzing vul...

$65K – $140K

GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance) Specialist

GRC specialists ensure organizations meet regulatory requirements, manage information security risks...

$70K – $160K

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: 2026-04-14 Our Methodology Editorial Standards