CompTIA Network+ vs. Cisco CCNA: Which Networking Cert Comes First?

If networking is your target, two certifications dominate the entry conversation: CompTIA's Network+ and Cisco's CCNA. Both are respected, both open doors — but they serve different purposes, and picking the right starting point saves you months. Here's how to choose.

The core difference: vendor-neutral vs. vendor-specific

Network+ is vendor-neutral. It teaches networking concepts — protocols, addressing, topologies, troubleshooting, and security — that apply no matter whose equipment you're using. It's designed to prove you understand how networks work.

CCNA is Cisco-specific. It goes deeper into configuring and operating Cisco devices, including hands-on command-line work, routing and switching, and increasingly automation and security. It proves you can run a Cisco network, which matters because Cisco gear is everywhere in enterprise and government environments.

Difficulty and depth

Network+ is the gentler on-ramp. It's a single exam, concept-focused, and forgiving for someone newer to the field. CCNA is harder — broader, deeper, more hands-on, and it expects comfort with the Cisco IOS command line. Many people find CCNA significantly more demanding than Network+, especially without prior exposure to networking.

Which should you take first?

Start with Network+ if:

• You're new to networking or IT generally.
• You want a foundation before committing to a vendor.
• You're pursuing a DoD/government role — Network+ maps to certain baseline requirements and pairs with Security+.

Go straight to CCNA if:

• You already understand networking fundamentals.
• You're targeting a role that explicitly uses Cisco equipment.
• You want a single, higher-impact credential and can handle a steeper climb.

A common and effective path is Network+ then CCNA: build the vendor-neutral foundation, then specialize. The concepts transfer directly, so CCNA feels much more approachable after Network+.

Career outcomes

Both lead to roles like network technician, network administrator, and NOC analyst. CCNA tends to carry more weight for pure networking roles and often correlates with higher starting pay because it proves hands-on Cisco competence. Network+ is valued broadly and is often a stepping stone within a larger certification stack (A+ → Network+ → Security+).

Cost and renewal

Network+ is a single exam with a three-year renewal cycle (renewable through continuing education). CCNA is also a single exam now, with its own recertification path. Factor in that CCNA typically requires more study time — and often lab equipment or simulation — which instructor-led training provides without you building a home lab.

The bottom line

If you're early in your journey, start with Network+ — it's the foundation everything else builds on, and it keeps your options open. If you already know the fundamentals and you're committed to networking, CCNA gives you a stronger, more specialized credential. Many successful network engineers hold both.

Whichever you choose, hands-on practice is non-negotiable for networking certs. Configuring real (or simulated) devices under an instructor's guidance is what turns concepts into skills you can use on day one.

Not sure which fits your goals? Request a quote and a Force7 advisor will map your networking path.