Network+ vs A+ — Which CompTIA Certification Should You Start With?
Compare difficulty, time-to-study, and who each exam fits. Then try a mini test.
Quick answers
- Pick based on your goal: job role, timeline, and prerequisites.
- Faster progress comes from daily practice + repeating mistakes.
- If unsure: start with the simpler/foundation exam first.
- Use the mini tests to decide which feels more natural.
A+ and Network+ are both common early CompTIA certifications, but they serve different purposes. A+ is the broad IT support foundation. Network+ goes narrower and deeper into networking concepts.
If you are totally new to IT, A+ is often the safer first step. If you already know basic support concepts and want to strengthen networking, Network+ is usually the better move.
Use this comparison to choose the right first certification, then continue in PrepMaster for offline practice.
Compare exams
| Category | CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) | CompTIA A+ (220-1201 / 220-1202) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Learners who want stronger networking fundamentals | Complete beginners who want a broad IT support foundation |
| Difficulty | More networking-focused and conceptually narrower | Broader overall, but split across two exams |
| Main focus | Protocols, routing, switching, addressing, troubleshooting, and infrastructure | Hardware, operating systems, mobile devices, support workflows, and troubleshooting |
| Career direction | Networking, infrastructure, and technical support with stronger network emphasis | Help desk, desktop support, field tech, and general IT entry roles |
| Study order | Often taken after some IT basics | Often taken first by total beginners |
| Best first step | Better if you already know basic IT and want networking next | Better if you are starting from zero in IT |
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- You want a quick baseline: 10-question mini test
- You plan to practice offline with packs in the app
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How to choose
- Pick by goal: job role and what skills you want to prove.
- Pick by timeline: if you’re unsure, start with the more foundational exam.
- Pick by feel: do both mini tests and see which question style is more natural.
- Best workflow: daily practice + review mistakes + repeat weak topics until stable.
Topics & Skills Covered
- A+ vs Network+ path
- Broad IT vs networking focus
- Difficulty and scope
- Career direction
- Best order for beginners
Helpful Free Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take A+ before Network+?
Many total beginners do. A+ usually gives a wider base before moving deeper into networking.
Is Network+ harder than A+?
It depends. Network+ is narrower but more focused on networking depth, while A+ is broader and split into two exams.
Which certification is better for help desk?
A+ is usually the stronger fit for help desk and general IT support entry roles.
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