"Should I get Network+ or CCNA first?" is one of the most common questions in IT certification — and the honest answer is: it depends on where you're trying to go. Here's how to decide.
What each cert actually is
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) is vendor-neutral. It teaches you how networks work in general — subnetting, protocols, topologies, troubleshooting — without tying you to Cisco's way of doing things. It's broader and more conceptual.
Cisco CCNA (200-301) is vendor-specific but far deeper. You'll configure actual routers and switches from the command line, work with OSPF and VLANs hands-on, and face lab-style simulations on the exam. It's harder, and employers know it.
Think of it this way: Network+ teaches you to understand networks. CCNA teaches you to run them.
Get Network+ first if…
- You're early in your IT journey (0–1 years of experience)
- You want a gentler on-ramp before tackling Cisco's CLI
- You're aiming for help desk, desktop support, or generalist roles
- You want the CompTIA trifecta (A+ → Network+ → Security+)
Network+ is the natural sequel to A+. The troubleshooting methodology carries over, and the difficulty step is manageable. Most people study 6–10 weeks.
Get CCNA first if…
- You already have networking basics down (or an A+/Network+-level foundation)
- You specifically want network administrator or network engineer roles
- You're willing to lab — CCNA without hands-on practice is a recipe for failure
- You want the single cert with the most hiring weight in networking
CCNA typically takes 3–6 months of serious study, and at least half of that should be hands-on. Reading about OSPF won't save you — you need to configure it.
The path most people should take
For most beginners: A+ → Network+ → Security+ → CCNA. Each cert builds on the last, and by the time you reach CCNA, subnetting and troubleshooting are second nature instead of new stress.
If you're already working in IT and want maximum career impact per study hour, jumping straight to CCNA is defensible — just don't skip the labs.
Study resources for either path
Network+ path:
- CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Study Guide ($5)
- CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Practice Pack ($3)
- Subnetting Mastery Pack — the topic that fails the most Network+ candidates ($7)
- 30-Day Exam Sprint Planner — free
CCNA path:
- CCNA (200-301) Lab Workbook — 25 guided labs, beginner to troubleshooting ($10)
- Home Lab Setup Guide (Under $100) — free
Whichever you choose, the rule is the same: don't just read — practice. Certifications test what you can do, not what you've skimmed.