CCNA vs CompTIA Network+: Which Should You Get First?

Choosing between CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CompTIA Network+ is one of the most common dilemmas for IT professionals starting their networking career. Both certifications are highly respected, but they serve different purposes and career paths.

In this guide, we'll break down the key differences to help you make the right choice.

Quick Comparison Overview

CCNA: The Cisco Specialist Path

The CCNA is Cisco's entry-level certification and is highly valued in enterprise environments where Cisco equipment dominates. If you're aiming for a career as a:

• Network Engineer
• Network Administrator
• Systems Engineer at a Cisco partner
• NOC (Network Operations Center) Technician

Then CCNA should be your priority. It covers routing, switching, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability — all through a Cisco lens.

Network+: The Vendor-Neutral Foundation

CompTIA Network+ is vendor-neutral, meaning it covers networking concepts that apply regardless of whether you're working with Cisco, Juniper, or any other manufacturer. It's ideal if you:

• Are new to IT and networking
• Work in a mixed-vendor environment
• Want a broader, foundational understanding
• Are pursuing government/DoD roles (Network+ is DoD 8570 approved)

Network+ is often considered a stepping stone certification that validates your understanding of networking fundamentals before specializing.

Which Should You Get First?

Choose Network+ First If:

• You're completely new to networking
• You learn better with vendor-neutral concepts
• Your workplace uses multiple vendors
• You want an easier certification to build confidence

Choose CCNA First If:

• You already have some networking knowledge
• Your target employer uses Cisco equipment
• You want the bigger salary impact immediately
• You're comfortable with a more challenging exam

The "Both" Strategy

Many successful network professionals hold both certifications. A popular approach is:

1. Start with Network+ to build foundational knowledge
2. Follow with CCNA to specialize and increase earning potential
3. Continue to CCNP for senior-level roles

This path gives you both the broad understanding and the specialized skills that employers value.

Final Verdict

There's no wrong choice here — both certifications will advance your career. The best choice depends on your current knowledge level, career goals, and the types of organizations you want to work for.

Our recommendation: If you can handle the challenge and want the bigger career impact, go straight to CCNA. If you're brand new to networking, Network+ is an excellent foundation that will make CCNA easier later.