SEO Title: CompTIA A+ vs Network+ vs Security+ 2026: Which Should You Get First?
Meta Description: CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+? Learn the differences, the right order to pursue them, and which certification is best for your career goals in 2026.
CompTIA A+ vs Network+ vs Security+ 2026: Which One Should You Get First?
CompTIA’s three flagship certifications — A+, Network+, and Security+ — form the most widely recognized entry-level pathway in IT and cybersecurity. Together, they take a professional from zero IT knowledge to a job-ready cybersecurity credential. But each serves a different purpose, covers different content, and opens different doors.
This guide explains what each certification covers, who should pursue each one, and the recommended order for building your CompTIA certification stack.
Disclaimer: Salary data is estimated based on LinkedIn Salary, CompTIA IT Industry Outlook 2025, and Glassdoor as of 2026. Individual results vary by location, experience, and employer.
Quick Comparison: A+ vs Network+ vs Security+
| Factor | CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA Security+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Hardware, OS, troubleshooting | Networking fundamentals | Security concepts, threats, defense |
| Exam Cost | $246 per exam (2 exams) | $338 | $392 |
| Number of Exams | 2 (Core 1 & Core 2) | 1 | 1 |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner–Intermediate | Intermediate |
| DoD 8570 Approved | No | No | Yes (IAT Level II) |
| Recommended Order | First | Second | Third |
| Avg. Starting Salary | $40,000 – $60,000 | $55,000 – $75,000 | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| Best For | Complete IT beginners | Networking roles, IT foundation | Security analyst, SOC roles |
CompTIA A+: The Starting Point for IT Careers
The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry’s most recognized entry-level IT credential. It validates foundational skills in hardware installation and troubleshooting, operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS, mobile), networking basics, virtualization, cloud computing concepts, security fundamentals, and IT operations and troubleshooting.
The A+ consists of two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) focuses on hardware, networking, and mobile devices; Core 2 (220-1102) focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Each exam costs $246 (total investment: $492 for both).
A+ is the right starting point if you have no IT experience and want a structured pathway into the field. It is required or preferred by help desk and technical support employers and is recognized by major tech companies including IBM, Dell, and Intel.
CompTIA Network+: The Networking Foundation
The CompTIA Network+ certification covers networking concepts in depth: network topologies and models, IP addressing (IPv4 and IPv6), subnetting, routing and switching, wireless networking, cloud and virtualization concepts, network troubleshooting tools and techniques, and network security fundamentals.
Network+ is a single-exam credential ($338) and sits between A+ and Security+ in difficulty. It is strongly recommended before Security+ because understanding how data moves across networks is foundational to understanding how networks are attacked and defended. Roles that benefit from Network+: network administrator, network technician, IT support specialist, and systems administrator.
CompTIA Security+: The Industry Standard for Entry-Level Cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+ is the most widely recognized entry-level cybersecurity certification. It is DoD 8570 approved (required for many US government and defense contractor security roles) and covers threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities, security architecture, implementation of security solutions, security operations and incident response, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).
Security+ is a single-exam credential ($392). Most candidates find it significantly more challenging than A+ or Network+, particularly the performance-based questions that require analyzing scenarios and making security decisions. Roles that Security+ unlocks: SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, Security Administrator, Junior Penetration Tester (with additional skills), and IT Auditor.
The Recommended CompTIA Pathway
The classic CompTIA pathway for IT and cybersecurity careers: Step 1 — CompTIA A+ (build foundational IT knowledge and troubleshooting skills). Step 2 — CompTIA Network+ (develop networking fundamentals that security depends on). Step 3 — CompTIA Security+ (enter cybersecurity with a recognized, DoD-approved credential).
This three-step path can be completed in 12–18 months with part-time study. The total exam investment is approximately $1,222 ($492 for A+ + $338 for Network+ + $392 for Security+).
Do You Need All Three?
Not necessarily. If you already have IT experience and networking knowledge, you may be able to skip A+ and/or Network+ and go directly to Security+. Many IT professionals with 1–2 years of hands-on experience successfully pass Security+ without holding A+ or Network+. The pathway is designed for complete beginners. Assess your existing knowledge before committing to all three.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A+ required before Security+? No. CompTIA recommends A+ and Network+ before Security+, but they do not require it. If you have the foundational knowledge, you can attempt Security+ directly.
Can I get a job with just CompTIA A+? Yes, CompTIA A+ is sufficient for help desk, IT support, and desktop support roles. It is widely recognized and respected for entry-level technical support positions.
Do CompTIA certifications expire? Yes. CompTIA certifications are valid for 3 years. You can renew through Continuing Education (CE) credits or by passing a higher-level CompTIA exam.
Final Verdict
For someone starting from zero in IT, the A+ → Network+ → Security+ pathway is the clearest and most structured route to a cybersecurity career. Each certification builds directly on the last. If you are already working in IT and have networking experience, go directly for Security+. If your long-term goal is cybersecurity, Security+ is the single most impactful CompTIA credential you can hold, and the A+ and Network+ are the foundation that makes it accessible.
Last updated: June 2026. Exam costs and formats are subject to change. Visit the official CompTIA website for current exam objectives, pricing, and study resources.