If you’re new to IT and want broad preparation for entry-level support work, start with CompTIA A+. Choose Network+ first if networking is your clear goal and you already have the fundamentals; choose Security+ first if you have a solid IT and networking foundation and want to build cybersecurity knowledge. This is a recommended learning order, not a prerequisite chain: CompTIA’s certification guide lists no formal prerequisites for any of the three.
Which certification should you get first?
Match the first exam to both your existing knowledge and the work you want to pursue. A+ covers a broad range of support-oriented topics. Network+ concentrates on networking, while Security+ focuses on foundational cybersecurity.
- Choose A+ first if you are starting out and want broad preparation for technical support and operations.
- Choose Network+ first if you already know IT fundamentals and specifically want to focus on networking or network administration.
- Choose Security+ first if you already understand IT and networking basics and are aiming for a cybersecurity foundation.
You do not have to pass one of these exams to sit another. CompTIA’s guide lists no formal prerequisites for A+, Network+, or Security+. Its experience recommendations, however, point to a sensible progression: A+ background before Network+, then Network+ background before Security+.
How the three certifications compare
| Certification | Best match | Focus described by CompTIA | Exams named in the guide | Recommended background |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | Broad entry-level technical support and operations | Mobile devices, hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, networking, security, virtualization and cloud, and operational procedures | Two | 9–12 months of hands-on lab or field experience with mobile, desktop, and networking tasks |
| Network+ | Networking and network administration | Networking fundamentals, implementation, operations, security, and troubleshooting | One; N10-009 named | A+ plus at least 9–12 months of hands-on entry-level or junior networking experience |
| Security+ | Cybersecurity foundations | Security concepts, threats and mitigations, architecture, operations, program management, and oversight | One; SY0-701 named | Network+ plus two years of IT administration with a security focus |
These experience periods are recommendations in CompTIA’s guide, not minimum eligibility requirements. The guide is labeled as a 2024 draft, so confirm the live exam code and availability on CompTIA’s official pages before purchasing materials or booking. It does not establish current exam prices or retirement dates for every version.
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What the recommended experience means for your choice
If you are new to IT
A+ is the most broadly aligned starting point if you need to build familiarity across devices, operating systems, troubleshooting, and basic networking and security. CompTIA’s guide recommends 9–12 months of hands-on experience with mobile, desktop, and networking tasks. That is guidance about preparation, not a rule that you must work in IT for that long before taking the exam.
If you already know the basics and want networking
Network+ is a reasonable direct choice when you can already work with IT fundamentals and your goal is networking. CompTIA recommends A+ background and at least 9–12 months of hands-on, entry-level or junior networking experience. Those are recommended foundations rather than formal prerequisites.
Rank #2
If you already know IT and networking and want security
Security+ may fit better than taking A+ first if you already have the relevant fundamentals. CompTIA recommends Network+ background and two years of IT administration with a security focus, but its guide does not require either a Network+ pass or that amount of experience for exam eligibility.
What to know about the Network+ N10-009 exam
CompTIA’s N10-009 objectives document specifies a maximum of 90 questions, multiple-choice and performance-based question types, and a 90-minute exam. The objectives assign these domain weights:
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches| N10-009 domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Networking Concepts | 23% |
| Network Implementation | 20% |
| Network Operations | 19% |
| Network Security | 14% |
| Network Troubleshooting | 24% |
These percentages describe the exam’s objective weights; they are not measures of job importance or difficulty. The figures are from CompTIA’s N10-009 objectives document, which displays 2023 copyright. Check the current objectives before planning study time.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose study materials and verify the exam
- Pick the certification that matches your goal and background. Use A+ for a broad support foundation, Network+ for a networking focus, or Security+ for a security foundation when you already know IT and networking basics.
- Confirm the current exam code and availability with CompTIA. The guide names Network+ N10-009 and Security+ SY0-701, but exam versions can change. Check CompTIA’s official certification pages before booking.
- Match any study guide or practice material to that code. A book or course is optional, not a stated requirement; make sure the edition corresponds to the exam you plan to take.
- Check the official exam objectives. Use the objectives for the current version to see the tested topics and, where provided, exam format and domain weights.
CompTIA’s guide: CompTIA certification guide (PDF). Network+ objectives: CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam objectives (PDF).
