CompTIA Network+ vs. Security+: Which One Should You Take First?

You've decided to break into cybersecurity. You've heard CompTIA certs are the way in. And now you're stuck on the first real question: Network+ or Security+?

It's a fair thing to get stuck on. They both cost real money, both take weeks of studying, and the internet is full of people yelling opposite advice.

So let's cut through it. Here's the honest breakdown of what each cert is, who each one is for, and which one you should probably take first.

What Is CompTIA Network+?

Network+ is CompTIA's networking certification. It teaches you how networks actually work—the plumbing under everything else in IT.

You'll learn things like IP addressing, subnetting, the OSI model, common ports and protocols, routing and switching basics, wireless, and how to troubleshoot when the network breaks.

It's vendor-neutral, so it's not tied to Cisco or anyone specific. It's the "how does data get from A to B" cert.

What Is CompTIA Security+?

Security+ is CompTIA's entry-level security certification—and it's the big one for anyone eyeing a SOC or blue team role.

It covers threats and attacks, security controls, cryptography basics, identity and access management, risk, and incident response fundamentals. It's broad, it's a mile wide and an inch deep, and it's the cert that shows up in a ton of entry-level security job postings.

It's also DoD 8570/8140 approved, which is a big deal if you ever want government or defense contractor work. We go deep on it in our complete Security+ guide.

So Which One Comes First?

Here's the short answer most people don't want to hear: it depends on what you already know.

But let's make it actually useful.

Take Network+ first if:

- You're brand new to IT and networking genuinely confuses you

- Terms like "subnet mask," "default gateway," and "TCP handshake" make your eyes glaze over

- You want the strongest possible foundation before touching security

- You're aiming for a general IT or help desk role first (a super common on-ramp)

Skip straight to Security+ if:

- You already have some IT or networking experience (help desk, sysadmin, a networking class)

- You understand the basics of how networks move data

- You want the cert that most directly maps to a security job right now

- You're trying to get hired fast and need the resume keyword employers scan for

Real talk: Security+ is the one that opens security-job doors. Network+ makes you better at security, but hiring managers ask for Security+ far more often.

The Case for Doing Network+ First Anyway

Even though Security+ is the "job cert," there's a strong argument for networking first—and it's a good one.

You cannot be a great SOC analyst without understanding networks. Period. When you're staring at logs full of IP addresses, ports, and protocols, that Network+ knowledge is what lets you actually read the story.

Half of security is networking. Recognizing weird outbound traffic, understanding what a connection on port 445 means, spotting a beacon—that's all networking fundamentals wearing a security hat.

So if networking feels shaky, doing Network+ first isn't a detour. It's laying concrete before you build the house. It'll make breaking into a SOC role a whole lot smoother.

Do You Even Need Both?

Honestly? For a lot of people, no.

If your goal is a security job and you already grasp networking basics, you can go straight to Security+, land a role, and pick up deeper networking on the job. Plenty of working analysts never formally got Network+.

But if you're starting from zero, the classic CompTIA path—A+ → Network+ → Security+—exists for a reason. Each cert builds on the last, and by the end you've got a genuinely solid foundation instead of memorized answers.

The trap to avoid: collecting certs like Pokémon cards without ever getting hands-on. A cert proves you can pass a test. It doesn't prove you can investigate an alert. You need both, and the hands-on part is where most people fall short. It's a big piece of the roadmap from zero to your first SOC job.

What About Cost and Difficulty?

Both exams are in the same ballpark on price (a few hundred dollars each—check our Security+ cost breakdown for current numbers and voucher tips).

On difficulty, most people find them comparable, but in different ways. Network+ has more raw memorization—ports, protocols, standards. Security+ has more "apply the concept to a scenario" questions, plus those performance-based questions people love to hate.

Neither is brutal if you study properly. Both reward hands-on practice way more than passive reading.

TL;DR – The Quick Verdict

If you already understand networking basics and want a security job fast, go Security+ first—it's the cert employers actually ask for. If networking still confuses you or you're starting from total zero, do Network+ first to build the foundation, then Security+. Both are useful, but don't stop at certs—you need hands-on skills to actually get hired.

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FAQs

Is Network+ required before Security+?

No. CompTIA recommends Network+ knowledge before Security+, but it's not a hard prerequisite—you can take Security+ first. If you already understand networking basics, many people skip straight to Security+.

Which cert do employers want more for SOC analyst jobs?

Security+ by a wide margin. It shows up in far more entry-level security job postings and is DoD-approved. Network+ is valuable as a foundation, but Security+ is the one that gets your resume past filters.

Can I get a cybersecurity job with just Security+?

It's possible, especially paired with hands-on skills and a home lab or practice platform. Security+ opens the door, but employers increasingly want proof you can actually investigate, not just pass a test. Combine the cert with real practice.

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Sources & References:

- CompTIA Network+ Official Page

- CompTIA Security+ Official Page

- CompTIA Certification Roadmap

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Final thought: The "which cert first" question matters less than you think. What matters is that you actually learn the material and pair it with hands-on practice. A cert gets you the interview. Skills get you the job.

How EpicDetect Can Help

Ready to start studying? Head to the EpicDetect Atlas for Security+ lessons and practice—or jump straight into our Security+ exam prep guide. If you're specifically prepping for the exam, our Security+ resources walk you through the whole path.

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