Network+ vs CCNA (N10-009 vs 200-301): Which to Take First?

Network+ vs CCNA is a choice between breadth and depth. Take CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) first if you are new to networking or want a vendor-neutral foundation. Take Cisco CCNA (200-301) first if you already work on Cisco gear or want a network-engineering job that names it. CCNA goes deeper into configuring and troubleshooting Cisco routers and switches.

Here is how the two exams line up today. For a first cert, the rows that matter most are the format, the price and what the pass line means.

What is the difference between Network+ and CCNA?

Network+ tests whether you understand how networks work on any vendor’s equipment. CCNA tests whether you can build and fix one on Cisco’s.

CompTIA splits N10-009 into five domains: Networking Concepts (23%), Network Implementation (20%), Network Operations (19%), Network Security (14%) and Network Troubleshooting (24%) ^[2]. Most objectives ask you to explain, compare or summarize ^[2]. The exam mixes multiple-choice and performance-based questions ^[1], and none of it is tied to one vendor’s command line.

Cisco writes its blueprint around its own gear. The current v1.1 topics ask you to configure and verify VLANs, trunks, EtherChannel, static routes and single-area OSPF. They add NAT and access lists ^[11]. The v2.0 topics that take over on February 3, 2027 name Cisco IOS, IOS XE, Rapid PVST+ and HSRP outright ^[12]. Cisco even calls the exam Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions ^[3].

In practice the difference is the keyboard. Network+ asks you to pick the right fix. CCNA’s blueprint expects you to apply it on a Cisco device and check that it worked.

Does Network+ prepare you for CCNA?

Partly. By this post’s crosswalk, Network+ N10-009 covers 14 of the 29 topics on the CCNA v2.0 blueprint. It partly covers 12 and misses 3: the two AI topics and the one on hypervisors, virtual machines and containers. Where it falls short, it usually names the technology and stops at explaining it.

How much of the CCNA v2.0 blueprint Network+ N10-009 covers (29 topics)

029 topics

Covered by N10-00914 topics

Partly covered (named, but CCNA goes further)12 topics

Not covered (two AI topics and virtualization)3 topics

The crosswalk lines up two official documents: CompTIA’s N10-009 objectives ^[2] and Cisco’s 200-301 v2.0 exam topics ^[12]. Every CCNA topic went through two passes. The first was an AI-assisted read against each N10-009 objective and its listed examples. A topic counts as covered when N10-009 has the concept at a similar task level and names most of its items. It counts as partly covered when N10-009 only explains what CCNA has you configure, or names only some of the items.

The second pass was a script. It searched the N10-009 text for every term a topic names, or a stand-in the script lists for it (attenuation for cable distance, for example). The two passes disagreed on 5 topics. In 4 of the 5, the read judged a topic covered where the keyword check found only some of its terms. The read was kept each time, with the reason logged, and no human has reviewed those calls yet. Count by the keyword check alone and N10-009 covers 11 of the 29 topics, not 14.

Coverage is thinnest in IP Routing and in Network Services and Security. Network+ names most of those protocols, but CCNA wants them running.

What does CCNA cover that Network+ doesn’t?

Mostly configuration depth on Cisco gear, plus two AI topics in v2.0. Think OSPF and OSPFv3, floating static routes, PortFast and the spanning-tree guards. Then add HSRP and VRRP, standard and extended access lists, and switch security such as DHCP snooping and dynamic ARP inspection ^[12].

The two AI topics are the role of agentic AI in network operations and selecting a prompt for a generative AI system ^[12]. The N10-009 objectives mention neither ^[2].

Here is every v2.0 topic. “Cisco-specific” marks topics that name Cisco technology, such as IOS, CDP, EtherChannel, Rapid PVST+ or HSRP. Watch the “Asks you to” column: 8 of the 12 partly covered topics have you configure or troubleshoot something.

If you sit the current v1.1 exam by February 2, 2027, the overlap is larger. By the same method, N10-009 covers 32 of 53 v1.1 topics, partly covers 19 and misses 2 ^[11]. The keyword check alone gives 31. v1.1 spends more of its blueprint on describing things, and describing is Network+’s home ground.

Is CCNA harder than Network+?

For most people, yes. CCNA goes deeper into the topics the two share, on Cisco’s own equipment, and Cisco tells you less about how you are scored. The gap in hands-on work is small on today’s v1.1 exam and wide on v2.0.

Count the verbs, with one rule for all three blueprints. An objective or topic counts as hands-on when its verb is configure, implement, apply, verify, troubleshoot or diagnose. N10-009 words 7 of its 25 objectives that way ^[2]. CCNA v1.1, the exam until February 2, 2027, does it in 17 of 53 topics ^[11]. v2.0 raises that to 16 of 29. 6 of its topics start with “Troubleshoot,” a verb no v1.1 topic starts with ^[12].

Share of each blueprint with a hands-on verb (configure, implement, apply, verify, troubleshoot or diagnose)

0%100% of the blueprint

Network+ N10-0097 of 25 (28%)

CCNA 200-301 v1.1 (until February 2, 2027)17 of 53 (32%)

CCNA 200-301 v2.0 (from February 3, 2027)16 of 29 (55%)

So on v1.1, the hands-on share is close to Network+’s. The difference is where you do the work: Cisco builds the exam around its own solutions ^[3], while Network+ stays vendor-neutral.

The exam format adds to it. CCNA runs 120 minutes ^[3], against 90 for Network+ ^[1]. CompTIA tells you the pass line: 720 on a 100-900 scale, not a percentage ^[1]. The Network+ passing score guide explains how that scaled score works. Cisco doesn’t publish passing scores ^[6], and its CCNA page says grading is pass/fail ^[5].

CompTIA’s policy is not to disclose pass rates ^[30], and none appears on Cisco’s exam, pricing or policy pages ^{[3] [4] [6]}. Treat the pass-rate comparisons you see online as unofficial.

Should you take CCNA now or wait for v2.0?

It depends on your test date. Cisco’s last day for the 200-301 v1.1 exam is February 2, 2027, and v2.0 goes live on February 3, 2027 ^[13]. Passing either version earns you the CCNA certification ^{[3] [12]}.

Cisco published the v2.0 topics on May 20, 2026 and says the new exam will test practical skills ^[14]. The blueprint shrinks from 53 topics to 29. It drops several v1.1 items, including QoS, REST APIs, JSON and NTP ^{[11] [12]}. It adds OSPFv3, HSRP and VRRP by name, plus storm control and RA guard. It also puts AI in a domain title: domain 5, “AI, and Network Operations and Management”, is 10% of the exam. Cisco’s exam description says you may be required to evaluate output and recommendations from agentic AI and digital network assistants ^[12].

If you start Network+ now, your CCNA will almost certainly be v2.0, so study against the v2.0 topics. Deep into v1.1 material and able to book before the cutoff? Cisco’s own advice is to get certified before the refresh ^[13]. Network+ runs on a clock too: CompTIA estimates N10-009 will retire in 2027 ^[1].

Should you take Network+ or CCNA first?

Start with Network+ unless you already touch Cisco equipment or the job you want asks for CCNA by name. That default comes from the crosswalk. Network+ covers 11 to 14 of the 29 CCNA v2.0 topics, depending on the pass. That makes it a first step into the same material.

Find the row that matches where you are now, not where you hope to be in a year. The “Why” column points back to the fact behind each call.

If you have no IT experience yet, the A+ vs Network+ guide covers whether A+ should come before either one. Once you pick Network+, how to study for Network+ lays out a plan.

SecuSpark is my product: a practice-exam and RPG study app for IT certification exams. It covers Network+ and not CCNA. If you picked Network+, the card below starts a free N10-009 practice exam, no signup needed.

Can you skip Network+ and go straight to CCNA?

Yes. Cisco lists no prerequisites for CCNA ^[5], and CompTIA only recommends experience for Network+ ^[1]. Nothing makes you hold one before the other.

Skipping makes sense if you can already subnet quickly, read a routing table and explain what a VLAN does. Those are Network+ skills, and CCNA v2.0 goes further with them: its topics ask you to troubleshoot subnetting, interpret a routing table and configure VLANs ^[12]. It also makes sense if your employer pays for CCNA or your team runs Cisco.

It makes less sense if the topics Network+ covers are still new to you. Learning them for CCNA means learning the concept and Cisco’s command line at the same time.

If you plan to hold both, order matters at renewal time. CompTIA credits CCNA with 20 of the 30 CEUs Network+ needs ^[15]. A CE activity counts only if you complete it during your 3-year Network+ cycle ^[26]. So a CCNA you earn after Network+ can help renew it. One you earned before that cycle began doesn’t count.

Does the DoD accept Network+ or CCNA?

Both can count, depending on the work role. On the old DoD 8570 chart, Network+ was listed at IAT Level I and plain CCNA was not ^[16]. Under DoD 8140, which replaced 8570, CompTIA lists Network+ for Technical Support Specialist (411), Network Operations Specialist (441) and System Administrator (451) ^[22]. Cisco lists CCNA for Technical Support Specialist (411) ^[23].

8140 qualifies people by work role and by proficiency level: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced ^[17]. The vendor lists above don’t show levels. The DoD says there is no crosswalk between 8570 and 8140, though a cert can carry over depending on the role ^[17]. If a DoD job is the goal, check the qualification matrix for the work role in the posting ^[24]. The DoD 8570/8140 certifications guide walks through the levels.

The old chart also listed CCNA Security at IAT Level I and IAT Level II ^[16]. Cisco retired it and moved holders to the revised CCNA. A 2021 DoD CIO memo let those holders cite the revised CCNA instead ^[25]. The DoD CIO’s transition guidance says that waiver ran through February 15, 2025 ^[17].

How much do Network+ and CCNA cost to earn and keep?

Network+ costs $399 per attempt at list price ^[1]. CCNA is $300 plus tax. Cisco’s exam page, exam-pricing page and CCNA certification page all list $300, and the pricing page adds the tax note ^{[3] [4] [5]}. Confirm the total on Pearson VUE’s booking screen before you pay. The Network+ exam cost guide covers vouchers and discounts.

Both certs are valid for 3 years ^{[5] [31]}. To renew Network+, you earn 30 CEUs and pay a $150 CE fee for the cycle ^[9]. Earning Security+ renews it outright, with no CEUs and no fee ^[10]. CCNA earned inside the cycle counts for 20 of those CEUs ^[15], and the CE fee still applies ^[9].

To keep CCNA, Cisco lets you earn 30 Continuing Education credits, retake the exam, or advance to a higher-level Cisco certification. Let it lapse and you have to pass the exam again ^[8]. If you fail CCNA, you wait 5 calendar days before a retake ^[6]. The CompTIA renewal guide covers every CE route for Network+.

Does Network+ or CCNA pay more?

Neither cert comes with an official salary. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports pay by job, not by certification, so compare the jobs each one leads to ^{[27] [28] [29]}.

CompTIA says Network+ prepares you for jobs in technical support, network operations and system administration ^[1]. Cisco aims CCNA at people who want to become a network engineer, administrator or technician ^[5]. Here is what BLS reports for three network jobs close to both certs.

Architects earn the most, but BLS lists a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years in a related job as the typical way in ^[29]. BLS also says employers may require certification in the products they use ^[27]. That is the practical case for matching your cert to the postings you want.

Where can you practice for Network+ and CCNA?

For Network+, SecuSpark (my product, as noted above) has 1,069 practice questions across 46 practice exams. They are drawn from third-party-sourced practice sets aligned to N10-009. SecuSpark does not cover CCNA, so for the Cisco side you need something else.

Where other tools win

For CCNA, lab time matters more than question volume, because so much of the blueprint asks you to configure things. These cover what SecuSpark doesn’t:

• Cisco Packet Tracer. Cisco Networking Academy’s free network simulator ^[18]. Use it to practice the configure and troubleshoot topics on routers and switches you don’t own.
• Boson ExSim-Max for CCNA. Five full-length practice exams for 200-301 ^[19].
• Pocket Prep. Its IT & Cybersecurity bundle lists Cisco CCNA and CCNP Enterprise, at $20.99/mo on its monthly plan ^[20].
• CertGames. Lists a CCNA question bank next to its CompTIA sets ^[21]. The CertGames vs SecuSpark comparison covers the trade-offs.

Before you buy any CCNA product, check which blueprint version it targets. Anything you study for a test date after February 2, 2027 should match v2.0.

What does SecuSpark’s Network+ practice data show?

Learners got 68.7% of Network+ questions right on first sight. That covers 5,440 first-sight answers from 75 learners in practice battles won with 2 or 3 stars, March 18, 2026 to September 25, 2026. Founder and staff accounts are excluded, and nothing is held out.

6 of 77 topic labels had enough questions and learners to measure. This post makes no topic claims from them. The Network+ difficulty guide has the method and each topic’s figure with its 95% interval. That is practice accuracy, not an exam score or a pass prediction.

SecuSpark is not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA or Cisco. CompTIA and Network+ are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc. Cisco, CCNA and Packet Tracer are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.

How this was made: drafted with AI assistance from the CompTIA, Cisco, DoD and BLS documents listed below, each checked on October 9, 2026 (references 30 and 31 on October 10, 2026). The crosswalk ran two passes per CCNA topic, an AI-assisted read and a scripted keyword check. Where they disagreed, the read was kept and the reason logged; it has had no human review yet, so the keyword-only count is shown too. A second AI-assisted read of every row on October 9, 2026 changed two calls. Learner figures come from a read-only query of SecuSpark’s production database.

Sources

1. CompTIA. “Network+ (Plus) Certification.” comptia.org. N10-009 format, passing score, launch date, recommended experience, job areas and estimated retirement. Accessed October 9, 2026.
2. CompTIA. “CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Certification Exam Objectives,” version 4.0. comptiacdn.azureedge.net (PDF). Domains, weights and the 25 objectives used in the crosswalk. Accessed October 9, 2026.
3. Cisco. “Cisco Certified Network Associate” exam page. cisco.com. 200-301 v1.1, 120 minutes, price, languages. Accessed October 9, 2026.
4. Cisco. “Cisco Certification Exams” pricing. cisco.com. Associate exam price, in-person and online delivery, Pearson VUE registration. Accessed October 9, 2026.
5. Cisco. “CCNA” certification page. cisco.com. Price, prerequisites, validity, pass/fail grading and who the certification is for. Accessed October 9, 2026.
6. Cisco. “Exam, Testing, and Certification Policies.” cisco.com. Passing scores not published; retake waiting period. Accessed October 9, 2026.
7. Pearson VUE. “CompTIA.” pearsonvue.com. Online and test-center delivery for CompTIA exams. Accessed October 9, 2026.
8. Cisco. “Recertification.” cisco.com. Three-year validity, 30 CE credits for associate level, and what an expired cert means. Accessed October 9, 2026.
9. CompTIA. “Continuing Education Renewal Fees.” comptia.org. CE fee per three-year cycle and when it is waived. Accessed October 9, 2026.
10. CompTIA. “Earn a Higher-Level CompTIA Certification.” comptia.org. Security+ fully renews Network+. Accessed October 9, 2026.
11. Cisco. “CCNA Exam v1.1 (200-301)” exam topics. learningcontent.cisco.com (PDF). The 53 v1.1 topics. Accessed October 9, 2026.
12. Cisco. “Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (200-301 CCNA) v2.0” exam topics. learningcontent.cisco.com (PDF). The 29 v2.0 topics and domain weights. Accessed October 9, 2026.
13. Cisco Learning blog. “Stay on Track: Get Certified Before the CCNA Refresh,” July 1, 2026. blogs.cisco.com. Last v1.1 and first v2.0 test dates. Accessed October 9, 2026.
14. Cisco Learning blog. “Real-World Skills for Real World Challenges: AI-Led Updates Across Cisco Certification Portfolio,” May 20, 2026. blogs.cisco.com. The CCNA v2.0 announcement. Accessed October 9, 2026.
15. CompTIA. “CompTIA Network+ V9: CEUs Required for Certification Renewal” (industry certifications that earn CEUs). comptia.org. CEUs CCNA earns toward Network+. Accessed October 9, 2026.
16. DoD Cyber Exchange. “DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certifications,” last public version, archived January 30, 2024. web.archive.org. IAT levels and the CCNA Security footnote. Accessed October 9, 2026.
17. DoD CIO. “DoD 8570 Information Assurance (IA) Program Transition to DoD 8140 CWQP,” August 2024. dl.dod.cyber.mil (PDF). Work roles and proficiency levels; no 8570-to-8140 crosswalk; CCNA Security waiver end date. Accessed October 9, 2026.
18. Cisco Networking Academy. “Cisco Packet Tracer: Free Computer Networking Simulation Tool.” netacad.com. Accessed October 9, 2026.
19. Boson. “ExSim-Max for Cisco 200-301 CCNA.” boson.com. Accessed October 9, 2026.
20. Pocket Prep. “IT & Cybersecurity” bundle. pocketprep.com. Accessed October 9, 2026.
21. CertGames. certgames.com. Certifications covered, including CCNA. Accessed October 9, 2026.
22. CompTIA. “CompTIA Certifications Alignment to Work Role Frameworks.” comptia.org. DoD 8140 work roles Network+ is approved for. Accessed October 9, 2026.
23. Cisco. “DoD 8140.” cisco.com. DoD 8140 work roles for each Cisco certification, including CCNA. Accessed October 9, 2026.
24. DoD Cyber Exchange. “DoD 8140 Qualification Matrices.” cyber.mil. Where the DoD publishes each work role’s qualification matrix. Accessed October 9, 2026.
25. DoD CIO. “Waiver to Temporarily Accept the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification for Select Cybersecurity Personnel,” memo, December 9, 2021. dl.dod.cyber.mil (PDF). Accessed October 9, 2026.
26. CompTIA. “Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).” comptia.org. CE activities must be completed during the renewal cycle. Accessed October 9, 2026.
27. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer Support Specialists,” Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.gov. Median pay for computer network support specialists, May 2025. Accessed October 9, 2026.
28. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Network and Computer Systems Administrators,” Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.gov. Median pay, May 2025, and typical entry education. Accessed October 9, 2026.
29. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer Network Architects,” Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.gov. Median pay, May 2025, and typical entry requirements. Accessed October 9, 2026.
30. CompTIA. “Exam Development.” comptia.org. CompTIA’s policy is not to disclose pass rates to any external third party. Accessed October 10, 2026.
31. CompTIA. “Certification Renewal Policy.” comptia.org. Network+ is valid for three years from the certification date. Accessed October 10, 2026.