CompTIA Trifecta: Should You Get A+, Network+, and Security+ in Order?

You've heard about the "CompTIA trifecta"—A+, Network+, and Security+.

Maybe you're wondering: Do I need all three? Should I do them in order? Can I skip straight to Security+? How long does the full path take? And is this even worth it in 2025?

Here's the short answer: The trifecta is still valuable, but you don't always need to do them in order—and some people can skip A+ entirely.

Let's break down the best path for your situation.

What Is the CompTIA Trifecta?

The CompTIA trifecta is the combination of three foundational IT certifications:

1. A+ (Core 1 & Core 2)

- What it proves: You understand hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and basic IT support

- Target role: Help desk, desktop support, IT technician

- Passing score: 675/900 (Core 1), 700/900 (Core 2)

- Cost: ~$246 per exam ($492 total for both parts)

2. Network+ (N10-009)

- What it proves: You understand networking concepts, protocols, security, and troubleshooting

- Target role: Network technician, junior network admin, SOC analyst

- Passing score: 720/900

- Cost: ~$358

3. Security+ (SY0-701)

- What it proves: You understand cybersecurity fundamentals, threats, risk management, and security operations

- Target role: SOC analyst, security analyst, junior security engineer

- Passing score: 750/900

- Cost: ~$404

Total cost: ~$1,254 for all three exams

Total study time: 200-400 hours (depending on your background)

Should You Do Them in Order (A+ → Network+ → Security+)?

The traditional path is A+ first, then Network+, then Security+.

But here's the thing: you don't always need to follow that order.

The Case for Doing Them in Order

Why A+ → Network+ → Security+ works:

- Progressive difficulty - Each builds on the previous one

- Foundational knowledge - A+ teaches basics that Network+ and Security+ assume you know

- Structured learning - Clear progression from hardware → networking → security

- Confidence building - Start with the easiest (A+) and work up

Good for:

- People with zero IT background

- Career changers coming from non-technical fields

- People who like structured, step-by-step learning

- Anyone targeting help desk → networking → security career path

The Case for Skipping A+ and Starting with Network+ or Security+

Why you might skip A+:

- A+ is focused on hardware and desktop support—not directly relevant for security roles

- If you already have IT experience (even 1-2 years), A+ won't teach you much

- Many cybersecurity jobs don't require (or care about) A+

- You could save ~$492 and 60-80 hours of study time

Skip A+ if:

- You already work in IT (help desk, desktop support, sysadmin)

- You have a computer science or IT degree

- You're only interested in networking or security roles (not help desk)

- You're comfortable with Windows, Linux, and basic troubleshooting

Start with Network+ if:

- You understand basic IT concepts but want to focus on networking

- You're targeting network admin or SOC analyst roles

- You want foundational knowledge for Security+ but don't need A+

Start with Security+ if:

- You already have networking knowledge (or Network+ would be review for you)

- You're targeting security roles specifically

- You want the fastest path to a cybersecurity job

- You have 2+ years of IT experience

How Each Cert Builds on the Others

Let's talk about what each cert actually teaches and how they connect.

A+ (The Foundation)

Core topics:

- PC hardware (CPUs, RAM, storage, peripherals)

- Operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS)

- Mobile devices and troubleshooting

- Networking basics (IP addresses, DNS, DHCP)

- Security basics (malware, authentication, encryption)

What it prepares you for:

- Understanding how computers and operating systems work

- Basic networking concepts (used in Network+)

- Basic security concepts (used in Security+)

Can you skip it? Yes, if you already understand these basics from work experience or self-study.

Network+ (The Middle Ground)

Core topics:

- Networking models (OSI, TCP/IP)

- IP addressing and subnetting

- Routing and switching

- Wireless networking

- Network security (firewalls, VPNs, NAC)

- Troubleshooting network issues

What it prepares you for:

- Understanding how data moves across networks (critical for Security+)

- Network security concepts (firewall rules, segmentation, VPNs)

- Troubleshooting skills used in SOC roles

Can you skip it? Maybe. Security+ covers some networking, but Network+ goes way deeper. If you're weak on networking, you'll struggle with Security+ network security questions.

Security+ (The Goal for Most People)

Core topics:

- Security concepts (CIA triad, defense in depth)

- Threats and vulnerabilities (malware, attacks, exploits)

- Security architecture (network security, cloud security, access control)

- Security operations (SIEM, incident response, forensics)

- Risk management and compliance

What it prepares you for:

- SOC analyst roles

- Security analyst positions

- Junior security engineer roles

- Government/DoD cybersecurity jobs (8570 baseline)

Can you skip it? No. Security+ is the entry point to cybersecurity. If you're targeting security roles, this is the one you need.

The 3 Common Paths (And Who They're For)

Let's break down the most common paths people take.

Path 1: The Full Trifecta (A+ → Network+ → Security+)

Timeline: 6-12 months

Study time:

- A+: 60-80 hours (both exams)

- Network+: 60-80 hours

- Security+: 80-120 hours

- Total: 200-280 hours

Who this is for:

- Complete beginners with zero IT background

- Career changers from non-technical fields

- People who want a structured, comprehensive foundation

- Anyone targeting help desk → networking → security progression

Pros:

- Most comprehensive knowledge

- Builds confidence progressively

- Covers all bases (hardware, networking, security)

Cons:

- Most expensive (~$1,254)

- Longest timeline (6-12 months)

- A+ might not be directly useful for security roles

Path 2: Network+ → Security+ (Skip A+)

Timeline: 4-6 months

Study time:

- Network+: 60-80 hours

- Security+: 80-120 hours

- Total: 140-200 hours

Who this is for:

- People with 1-2 years of IT experience

- Anyone who understands basic IT concepts but needs networking foundation

- Career changers with some technical background (CS degree, coding bootcamp, etc.)

Pros:

- Faster than full trifecta (save 2-3 months)

- Cheaper (save ~$492)

- Still covers networking fundamentals needed for Security+

Cons:

- Missing formal hardware/OS troubleshooting cert (might matter for some help desk roles)

- Assumes you already know A+ content

Path 3: Security+ Only (Skip A+ and Network+)

Timeline: 2-3 months

Study time:

- Security+: 80-120 hours

- Total: 80-120 hours

Who this is for:

- People with 3+ years of IT experience

- Anyone with strong networking knowledge already

- People targeting security roles ASAP

- Career changers with technical degrees

Pros:

- Fastest path to cybersecurity (2-3 months)

- Cheapest (~$404 for one exam)

- Gets you job-ready for SOC analyst roles immediately

Cons:

- Security+ covers networking at a high level—if you're weak on networking, you'll struggle

- No formal networking cert (some jobs prefer Network+ + Security+)

How Long Does the Full Trifecta Take?

Let's talk realistic timelines.

If You're Studying Full-Time (40 hours/week)

- A+: 2 weeks

- Network+: 2 weeks

- Security+: 2-3 weeks

- Total: 6-7 weeks

(Plus 1-2 weeks between exams to schedule and recover)

Realistic timeline: 2-3 months

If You're Studying Part-Time (10-15 hours/week)

- A+: 6-8 weeks

- Network+: 6-8 weeks

- Security+: 8-12 weeks

- Total: 20-28 weeks

Realistic timeline: 6-9 months

If You're Studying Casually (5-10 hours/week)

- A+: 10-12 weeks

- Network+: 10-12 weeks

- Security+: 12-16 weeks

- Total: 32-40 weeks

Realistic timeline: 9-12 months

Pro tip: Don't wait months between exams. Study for one, take it, then immediately start the next. Momentum matters.

Can You Study for Multiple Certs at Once?

Short answer: Don't.

Here's why:

Attempting two certs simultaneously:

- You'll confuse concepts (Network+ subnetting vs Security+ risk calculations)

- You'll split your focus and retain less

- You'll burn out faster

- You'll probably fail one (or both)

Better approach:

- Study for one cert at a time

- Take the exam

- Start the next cert within 1-2 weeks (while you still have momentum)

Exception: If you've already studied one cert extensively, you can maintain it (flashcards, quick reviews) while actively studying the next. But don't try to learn two from scratch simultaneously.

Is the Trifecta Still Worth It in 2025?

Let's be honest about the job market.

The Trifecta Is Worth It If:

- You're breaking into IT with zero experience

- You're targeting government/DoD roles (they love CompTIA)

- You want a structured learning path

- You're early in your career (0-3 years)

The Trifecta Might Not Be Worth It If:

- You already have 5+ years of IT experience (certs won't add much)

- You're targeting developer or cloud engineering roles (they care about AWS, Azure, programming)

- You have a strong portfolio of projects and hands-on experience

- You're going for advanced security roles (they want CISSP, OSCP, GIAC)

The Real Value of the Trifecta

For beginners:

- Gets you hired for help desk, SOC analyst, or junior network roles

- Structured way to learn IT fundamentals

- Recognized by HR (helps you get past resume screeners)

For career changers:

- Proves you know IT (even without a CS degree)

- Shows commitment to the field

- Opens doors to first IT role

For experienced pros:

- Security+ is still valuable for 8570 compliance (government/defense)

- A+ and Network+ are less useful (your experience speaks louder)

What's the Best Order for YOU?

Let's make this simple.

Full trifecta (A+ → Network+ → Security+) if:

- You have zero IT experience

- You're coming from a non-technical field

- You want the most comprehensive foundation

- You're targeting help desk → networking → security career path

Network+ → Security+ if:

- You have 1-2 years of IT experience

- You understand basic hardware and OS concepts

- You want to focus on networking and security

- You're targeting SOC analyst or network security roles

Security+ only if:

- You have 3+ years of IT experience

- You have strong networking knowledge

- You're targeting cybersecurity roles ASAP

- You already have a degree or other technical background

Not sure? Take a Network+ practice exam. If you score 60%+ without studying, skip A+ and start with Network+. If you score below 50%, consider the full trifecta or at least doing A+ first.

How Much Does the Full Trifecta Cost?

Let's break down all the costs.

Exam vouchers:

- A+ Core 1: ~$246

- A+ Core 2: ~$246

- Network+: ~$358

- Security+: ~$404

- Total exams: ~$1,254

Study materials (optional but recommended):

- Professor Messer videos: Free

- Jason Dion courses (Udemy): ~$15-20 each (wait for sales)

- Practice exams: ~$15-50 per cert

- Total study materials: $0-150 (if you're budget-conscious)

Total all-in cost: ~$1,254 - $1,400

ROI: If you land a help desk job ($40k-$50k) or SOC analyst job ($55k-$70k), you've paid off the investment in your first paycheck.

Study Strategy for the Trifecta

If you're doing all three, here's the smartest approach:

Phase 1: A+ (If You're Doing It)

- Use Professor Messer's free videos

- Take practice exams (Dion's on Udemy)

- Focus on: Hardware, Windows, troubleshooting methodology

Phase 2: Network+

- Use Professor Messer or Dion's course

- Practice subnetting until you can do it in your sleep

- Take tons of practice exams (networking is practice-heavy)

- Focus on: Subnetting, OSI model, protocols, wireless security

Phase 3: Security+

- Use Professor Messer or Dion's course

- Memorize ports, acronyms, and attack types

- Practice performance-based questions (PBQs)

- Take procedurally generated practice exams (don't just memorize answers)

- Focus on: Cryptography, access control, incident response, risk management

Between each cert:

- Take 1-2 weeks off to recover

- Start the next cert within a month (don't lose momentum)

TL;DR – Should You Do the CompTIA Trifecta in Order?

The CompTIA trifecta (A+, Network+, Security+) is still valuable in 2025, but you don't always need to do them in order. If you have zero IT experience, do the full trifecta (A+ → Network+ → Security+) over 6-12 months. If you have 1-2 years of IT experience, skip A+ and do Network+ → Security+ (4-6 months). If you have 3+ years of experience or strong networking knowledge, go straight to Security+ (2-3 months). Total cost is ~$1,254 for all three exams. Study one cert at a time—don't try to do multiple simultaneously. The trifecta gets you hired for help desk, SOC analyst, or junior security roles.

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FAQs

Can I skip Network+ and go straight from A+ to Security+?

You can, but you'll struggle with Security+ networking questions. Network+ covers subnetting, routing, switching, and network security in depth—Security+ assumes you know this stuff. Most people who skip Network+ end up having to learn it anyway while studying Security+.

Do I need A+ to take Network+ or Security+?

No. CompTIA doesn't have prerequisites—you can take any exam in any order. The question is whether you have the foundational knowledge, not whether you have the cert.

How much overlap is there between the three exams?

A+ covers basic networking and security (maybe 10-15% overlap with Network+ and Security+). Network+ covers network security (maybe 20-25% overlap with Security+). They build on each other, but each has plenty of unique content.

Can I pass Security+ without A+ or Network+?

Yes, if you already understand hardware, operating systems, and networking from work experience or self-study. Security+ doesn't require the certs, it requires the knowledge.

Should I renew all three certs or just Security+?

Security+ is the most valuable for cybersecurity roles. A+ and Network+ are less critical once you have experience. If you're working in security, prioritize renewing Security+ (it's good for 3 years). Let A+ and Network+ expire unless your job specifically requires them.

Is the CompTIA trifecta enough to get a cybersecurity job?

Security+ is usually enough for entry-level SOC analyst roles. A+ and Network+ help with help desk and networking roles, but Security+ is the key for cybersecurity. You'll also need hands-on practice (home labs, CTFs, projects) to stand out.

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Sources & References:

- CompTIA A+ Certification

- CompTIA Network+ Certification

- CompTIA Security+ Certification

- CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) Program

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> The CompTIA trifecta isn't a magic bullet, but it's still one of the best structured paths into IT and cybersecurity. Don't feel pressured to do all three if you don't need them—but if you're starting from zero, the full progression gives you a solid foundation that employers recognize.

How EpicDetect Can Help

Whether you're doing the full trifecta or just one cert, practice exams are the key to passing.

EpicDetect has practice exams for all three CompTIA certs:

- A+ Core 1 & Core 2 - Procedurally generated exams for both parts

- Network+ - Subnetting practice, protocol questions, hands-on scenarios

- Security+ - Infinite question combinations, domain tracking, PBQ simulations

Every exam is different thanks to procedural generation. Take 10 practice exams and never see the same test twice. Plus, we track your performance by domain so you know exactly where to focus.

Get started with the trifecta:

EpicDetect Pricing — 7-day free trial. One subscription covers all three certs.