You’ve probably heard that network plus vs ccna is basically a coin flip – two beginner certs, same level, pick either one. Honestly? That’s a myth. And believing it could cost you years in the wrong direction.
So here’s the quick answer. Network+ vs CCNA isn’t really a close race for most people in IT. Network+ is a broad, vendor-neutral cert designed to prove you know networking fundamentals. CCNA is a Cisco-specific networking certification that puts you on a direct path to becoming a network engineer – with a salary to match.
Big difference.
Network+ holders average around $75,000/year. CCNA holders? Around $112,000. And that’s just the starting gap. The career ceiling for CCNA is dramatically higher because of the CCNP and CCIE tracks that come after it.
But the “right” answer depends on where you’re starting and where you want to go. Let’s break it down properly.
Network+ vs CCNA at a Glance
Here’s everything side by side before we get into the details.
| CompTIA Network+ | Cisco CCNA | |
| Vendor | CompTIA (vendor-neutral) | Cisco (vendor-specific) |
| Exam Code | N10-009 | 200-301 |
| Exam Fee | ~$369 USD | ~$330 USD |
| Validity | 3 years (CE credits) | 3 years |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Prerequisites | None (recommended: A+) | None (recommended: CCENT) |
| Avg. Salary | ~$75,000/year | ~$112,000/year |
| Career Path | General IT / Help Desk | Network Engineer / Cisco track |
| Best For | Beginners, vendor-neutral roles | Network specialists, Cisco roles |
Think of Network+ as your driver’s license – it proves you can handle the road. CCNA is your commercial trucker’s license. Different league, different earning power, different doors it opens.
Network+ vs CCNA: Exam Difficulty and Cost
Both certs have no formal prerequisites. But that doesn’t mean they’re equally hard. Here’s what you’re actually walking into.
| Detail | Network+ (N10-009) | CCNA (200-301) |
| Questions | Up to 90 questions | Up to 120 questions |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Format | Multiple choice + PBQ | Multiple choice + drag-and-drop |
| Passing Score | 720 / 900 | 825 / 1000 |
| Retake Policy | Wait 3 days (1st fail) | Wait 5 days (1st fail) |
| Topics | Networking, Security, Cloud, Troubleshooting | Networking, Security, Automation, Programmability |
Network+ vs CCNA Prerequisites
For Network+, CompTIA recommends 9-12 months of hands-on networking experience and their A+ cert. In practice, most people pass with 3-4 months of focused study from scratch.
For CCNA, Cisco recommends basic familiarity with networking concepts. Realistically though, it’s a harder exam. The 200-301 covers subnetting, routing protocols, VLANs, STP, OSPF, wireless, and now automation and programmability. That last part – IP Services and Automation – trips up a lot of candidates who studied from outdated materials.
So is network plus vs ccna really comparable in difficulty? Not quite. Network+ is broader but shallower. CCNA is narrower but goes much deeper on Cisco-specific topics.
Want the full breakdown of what CCNA actually costs – including exam fees, retakes, and prep time? Check out our CCNA cost, exam fees and what to expect in 2026 guide.
Is the CCNA a Better Networking Certification for Engineers?
For anyone who wants to work as a network engineer – yes. And it’s not even close.
Network+ is widely respected as an entry-level IT certification, but it’s treated as a starting point, not a destination. Most job postings that list Network+ are for help desk, IT support, or junior sysadmin roles. Nothing wrong with those roles. But the ceiling is lower.
CCNA changes the equation. It’s the standard networking certification for anyone entering the Cisco ecosystem – which is still the dominant infrastructure in enterprise networking worldwide. Once you have CCNA, you’re eligible for network engineer roles, NOC positions, and junior infrastructure jobs that pay significantly more.
And here’s what really matters.
Why the Cisco Certification Path Goes Further
CCNA isn’t a standalone cert. It’s the foundation of a career track. From CCNA, you can move into CCNP (specialist level) and eventually CCIE (expert level) – the most respected networking certification on the planet. That path can take you to $166,000+ a year.
Network+ doesn’t have that same vertical path. CompTIA’s progression goes toward Security+ or CySA+, which are security certs, not networking. So if networking is your target, the IT career path from CCNA is simply longer and more lucrative.
Our CCNA Training program covers the full 200-301 syllabus including automation, with live classes and real lab hours – not pre-recorded videos. And if you’re already wondering where CCNA leads next, check out the CCIE vs CCNP – where the path leads next breakdown.
Network+ vs CCNA: Which Gets You Hired?
Both certs appear in job postings – but in very different contexts. When you search for network engineer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed, CCNA shows up in the requirements roughly 3x more often than Network+. And the roles that ask for Network+ tend to pay less.
So what do employers actually want? For general IT support and help desk: Network+ is fine and well-recognized. For anything with “network engineer”, “infrastructure”, or “Cisco” in the title: CCNA is expected, sometimes required.
Here’s what the numbers actually show when you compare network plus vs ccna on salary.
Network+ vs CCNA: Salary Difference
| Certification | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior-Level |
| CompTIA Network+ | $52,000 | $75,000 | $95,000 |
| Cisco CCNA | $65,000 | $112,000 | $145,000+ |
The gap at mid-level is striking. That $37,000 difference per year between Network+ and CCNA mid-level salaries isn’t just about the cert. It reflects the type and complexity of roles each cert qualifies you for.
For a deep dive into what CCNA holders earn at each stage of their career, check out our CCNA salary from entry to senior level breakdown. The data there might surprise you.
Which Is the Right Entry-Level IT Certification for You?
Here’s where most career guides get it wrong. They try to give a single answer. But the right choice actually depends on three different situations.
Situation 1: You’re completely new to IT and not sure which direction to go.
Start with Network+. It’s broader, slightly easier, and gives you exposure to multiple areas – networking, security, cloud basics. Use it to figure out whether networking specifically interests you. Then move to CCNA. Many professionals do both.
Situation 2: You know you want to be a network engineer.
Go straight to CCNA. Don’t waste time on Network+ if your goal is clear. The time and money you’d spend on Network+ is better invested in CCNA prep. Some employers will actually question why a network engineer candidate only has Network+ and not CCNA.
Situation 3: You need a cert quickly for a job application or promotion.
Network+ can be obtained in 2-3 months with focused study. CCNA typically takes 4-6 months minimum. If a specific job requires one or the other, that decides it. But if you have time, CCNA opens more doors long-term.
If you’re still figuring out the fundamentals, our network plus training program is a solid starting point – live instruction, no pre-recorded content, with mentorship built in throughout.
Which Should You Choose: Network+ or CCNA?
If your goal is a long-term career in networking with strong salary growth – CCNA. Full stop. The network plus vs ccna debate ends pretty clearly for anyone targeting network engineer roles.
If you’re exploring IT broadly, need a quick credential, or are heading toward security rather than networking – Network+ makes sense as a starting point.
But here’s the honest truth. Most professionals who start with Network+ end up pursuing CCNA anyway. So if networking is even slightly your direction, you might as well start there.
Your call. But the data leans CCNA.
Ready to get started? Our CCNA Training includes live classes, unlimited lab access, and free 1-on-1 mentorship. No pre-recorded videos. Just real instruction from certified experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Network+ harder than CCNA?
No. CCNA is generally considered harder. Network+ is broad and covers a lot of topics at a surface level. CCNA goes deeper into Cisco-specific technologies, routing protocols, and now includes automation topics. Most candidates need more study time for CCNA than for Network+.
Can Network+ replace CCNA?
For general IT support roles – yes, Network+ is recognized. But for network engineer positions, CCNA is the standard. They target different roles and career paths, so network plus vs ccna isn’t really a substitution situation. They serve different purposes.
Should I get Network+ before CCNA?
Not necessarily. If you already have some networking background, you can go straight to CCNA. If you’re starting from zero, Network+ can help you build fundamentals first. It’s not a requirement – just a possible stepping stone depending on your current level.
Which pays more – Network+ or CCNA?
CCNA pays significantly more. Average mid-level CCNA salary is around $112,000 vs $75,000 for Network+. The gap grows at senior level because CCNA is the gateway to CCNP and CCIE – the highest-paying networking certifications available.
Is CCNA recognized worldwide?
Yes. CCNA is one of the most recognized networking certifications globally. Cisco is the dominant vendor in enterprise networking infrastructure worldwide, so CCNA carries weight in virtually every market. It’s valid for 3 years and can be renewed through Cisco’s continuing education program or by passing another exam.
Bottom Line
The network plus vs ccna question comes down to this: where do you want to be in 3 years? If the answer is “network engineer with a solid salary trajectory”, CCNA is your move. If the answer is “I’m not sure yet”, Network+ is a reasonable starting point – but treat it as one, not a finish line.
Network+ gives you breadth. CCNA gives you depth, a career track, and a salary premium that compounds over time. For most people reading this, the network plus vs ccna decision is already made – they just need confirmation.
Both certs have value. But CCNA has more of it for anyone serious about networking as a profession.
Still deciding? Our CCNA Training program offers a free demo class so you can see exactly what live, instructor-led training looks like before you commit. No pressure. Just a chance to see if it’s the right fit.
