CompTIA N+ vs Security+ — Which Should You Take First?
6 min readUpdated June 2026Certification
Both CompTIA Network+ and Security+ are vendor-neutral certifications that open doors in IT. They cover different ground, and the right order depends entirely on where you want to go. Here's a direct comparison.
What each exam covers
Network+ (N10-009)
✓Network infrastructure design
✓IP addressing and subnetting
✓Switching, routing, and wireless
✓Network monitoring and operations
✓Basic security hardening
✓Troubleshooting methodology
Security+ (SY0-701)
✓Threat actors and attack types
✓Vulnerability assessment
✓Security architecture (firewalls, VPNs)
✓Identity and access management
✓Incident response
✓Compliance and governance
Key differences
| Network+ | Security+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | None (A+ recommended) | None (Network+ or 2yr experience recommended) |
| Focus | Infrastructure & connectivity | Threats, defences & compliance |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate–High |
| Questions | Up to 90, 90 min | Up to 90, 90 min |
| Passing score | 720 / 900 | 750 / 900 |
| Renewal | 3 years (CE credits) | 3 years (CE credits) |
| Jobs it targets | Network technician, sysadmin | Security analyst, SOC analyst |
Which should you take first?
Take Network+ first if…
- You're new to IT and don't have a strong networking foundation
- You want to work in network engineering, sysadmin, or cloud infrastructure
- You're starting an apprenticeship or IT support role
- You find subnetting, routing, and switching unfamiliar
Go straight to Security+ if…
- You already work in IT and understand networking basics
- Your target role is security-focused (SOC analyst, penetration tester, security engineer)
- You're in the military or government (DoD 8570 mandates Sec+ for many roles)
- You want the higher salary uplift — security roles typically pay more
CompTIA's official stance
CompTIA recommends having Network+ knowledge before attempting Security+, but doesn't require it. Many candidates pass Sec+ without N+ — especially those with hands-on networking experience in a job role.
Can you do both?
Absolutely. Many IT professionals hold both, and the knowledge overlaps enough that studying for one makes the other easier. If you're targeting a mid-level security role within 12–18 months, N+ → Sec+ is a well-trodden and well-respected path.