Choose Security+ when...
Choose Security+ when security operations, controls, risk, and secure architecture are the immediate goal.
Certification comparison
Security+ vs Network+
Choose between a broad cybersecurity baseline and a networking-first infrastructure foundation.Side-by-side decision guide
Security+ and Network+ at a glance
| Decision factor | Security+ | Network+ |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Establish a broad baseline across threats, architecture, operations, identity, risk, and security governance. | Build vendor-neutral networking knowledge across connectivity, operations, troubleshooting, and security. |
| Intended audience | IT professionals entering cybersecurity or adding security responsibilities to technical work. | IT support and infrastructure professionals developing a dependable networking foundation. |
| Experience level | Foundational to early-career security | Foundational networking |
| Recommended prerequisites | No formal prerequisite; networking, systems, and general IT experience are helpful. | No formal prerequisite; basic IT support and device familiarity are useful. |
| Technical depth | Broad technical foundation | Broad networking foundation |
| Management depth | Low to moderate | Low |
| Relative difficulty | Foundational with applied scenarios | Foundational with troubleshooting depth |
| Typical preparation time | Often several weeks to a few months, depending on prior IT experience. | Often several weeks to a few months, with lab time improving retention. |
| Current exam standard | SY0-701 (V7) | N10-009 |
| Exam length | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Question count | Maximum 90 | Maximum 90 |
| Passing methodology | 750/900 | 720/900 |
| Certification provider | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Renewal requirements | Three-year CompTIA continuing-education cycle; current CE, exam, and higher-certification options apply. | Three-year CompTIA continuing-education cycle; current CE and exam renewal options apply. |
| Vendor-specific or neutral | Vendor-neutral | Vendor-neutral |
| Typical job roles | Security analyst, systems administrator, security support specialist, junior security engineer | Network support specialist, junior network administrator, help desk technician, systems technician |
| Career paths | Security operations, infrastructure security, risk-aware IT, and later security specialization | Network administration, infrastructure operations, cloud support, and security |
Choose Network+ when...
Choose Network+ when connectivity, protocols, troubleshooting, and network operations need to come first.
Which comes first?
Network+ is commonly taken first by candidates who are still building core networking fluency.
How they complement each other
Networking knowledge makes security scenarios easier to reason through; Security+ adds risk and defensive context.
Best for beginners
Network+ for networking-first beginners; Security+ for candidates who already understand basic networks.
Best for experienced professionals
Security+ usually adds more value for experienced IT practitioners moving into security.
Recommended first choice
Start with the credential that matches the weakest foundation: networking or security.
Recommended learning path
Network+ -> Security+ -> CySA+ or a role-specific cloud/security credential.
Confirm current provider requirements.
Exam versions, eligibility, delivery, and renewal policies can change after this comparison is published.
Candidate questions
Security+ vs Network+ questions
Is Security+ better than Network+?
Neither is universally better. Start with the credential that matches the weakest foundation: networking or security.
Which certification is commonly taken first: Security+ or Network+?
Network+ is commonly taken first by candidates who are still building core networking fluency.
Can Security+ and Network+ complement each other?
Networking knowledge makes security scenarios easier to reason through; Security+ adds risk and defensive context.
Map the decision to a longer certification path.
Use beginner, intermediate, and advanced paths to plan the next step after either credential.