Security+ vs Network+: Which CompTIA Certification Should You Get First?

Security+ targets $80-100K cybersecurity roles. Network+ targets $65-80K network admin roles. Both are entry-level, vendor-neutral, and respected across the industry — but they lead to completely different career paths. If you get the wrong one first, you do not lose anything permanently, but you do lose 2-3 months of study time aimed at the wrong job market. Here is a direct comparison across salary, difficulty, job demand, and study requirements to help you pick the right one.

Quick Comparison Table

Career Paths Comparison

Security+ Career Options

• Security Analyst/SOC Analyst - Monitor and respond to security incidents
• Security Administrator - Manage security infrastructure and policies
• Junior Penetration Tester - Test systems for vulnerabilities
• Incident Response Specialist - Handle security breaches
• Compliance Analyst - Ensure regulatory compliance

Network+ Career Options

• Network Administrator - Manage network infrastructure
• Network Technician - Install and troubleshoot network equipment
• Help Desk Tier 2/3 - Advanced technical support
• Systems Administrator - Manage servers and network services
• Network Engineer (Junior) - Design and implement networks

Exam Content Breakdown

Security+ Domains

1. General Security Concepts (12%) - Security controls, fundamental concepts
2. Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations (22%) - Attack types, vulnerabilities
3. Security Architecture (18%) - Secure design, cloud security
4. Security Operations (28%) - Incident response, monitoring
5. Security Program Management (20%) - Governance, compliance, risk

Network+ Domains

1. Networking Fundamentals (24%) - OSI model, protocols, topologies
2. Network Implementation (19%) - Routing, switching, wireless
3. Network Operations (16%) - Monitoring, configuration management
4. Network Security (19%) - Basic security concepts, hardening
5. Network Troubleshooting (22%) - Tools, methodologies, problem-solving

Which Should You Get First?

Get Network+ First If:

• You're completely new to IT
• You want a solid networking foundation
• Your goal is network administration
• You plan to get both certifications eventually
• You prefer starting with easier content

Get Security+ First If:

• You already have basic networking knowledge
• You're specifically interested in cybersecurity
• You need to meet DoD 8570 requirements
• Higher salary potential is your priority
• You want to ride the cybersecurity job boom

Study Tips for Each Certification

Security+ Study Strategy

• Focus on concepts over memorization - Understand the "why" behind security practices
• Learn basic cryptography - Know symmetric vs asymmetric, hashing algorithms
• Practice scenario questions - Security+ loves situational questions
• Study time: 2-3 months with networking background

Network+ Study Strategy

• Master subnetting - This is crucial and heavily tested
• Memorize port numbers - Know common ports and protocols
• Hands-on practice - Set up home labs with virtual networks
• Study time: 2-3 months for beginners

Total Cost Analysis

Security+ Total Investment

• Exam fee: $425
• Study materials: $50-200
• Practice exams: $30-100
• Optional training course: $300-2,000
• Total: $505-2,725

Network+ Total Investment

• Exam fee: $369
• Study materials: $50-200
• Practice exams: $30-100
• Optional training course: $300-2,000
• Total: $449-2,669

Job Market Demand 2025

The cybersecurity field is experiencing unprecedented growth, making Security+ particularly valuable:

• Cybersecurity jobs: 750,000+ unfilled positions in the US ^[5]
• Growth rate: 29% for security roles vs 4% for network roles ^[3]
• Security+ mentions: 63,620 job postings in last 12 months ^[4]
• Network+ mentions: 41,230 job postings in last 12 months ^[4]

Our Recommendation

For most people in 2025, we recommend starting with Security+ unless you have zero IT experience. Here's why:

1. Higher demand: Cybersecurity roles are growing 8x faster
2. Better pay: $10,000-15,000 higher average salary
3. Future-proof: Security concerns only increasing
4. Versatility: Security knowledge applies to all IT roles

However, if you're a complete beginner, the ideal path might be: Network+ → Security+ → Specialized cert. This gives you the strongest foundation.

Conclusion

Both Security+ and Network+ are excellent certifications that can launch successful IT careers. Security+ offers higher salaries and better job growth, while Network+ provides fundamental knowledge that benefits all IT professionals. Consider your career goals, current knowledge level, and interests when making your choice.

Remember: There's no "wrong" choice here. Both certifications are respected in the industry and can lead to rewarding careers. The most important step is to start studying and commit to passing whichever exam you choose first.

References

1. CompTIA. "CompTIA Security+ Certification." comptia.org/certifications/security. Exam details, pricing, and career paths.
2. CompTIA. "CompTIA Network+ Certification." comptia.org/certifications/network. Exam details and career outcomes.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Information Security Analysts: Occupational Outlook Handbook." bls.gov/ooh. 29% job growth rate (2024-2034) for security roles and salary data.
4. CyberSeek. "Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map." cyberseek.org/heatmap. 63,620+ Security+ and 41,230+ Network+ job postings tracked.
5. Cybersecurity Ventures. "Cybersecurity Jobs Report." cybersecurityventures.com/jobs. 750,000+ unfilled cybersecurity positions in the U.S.