Security+ vs Network+ — Which CompTIA Exam Should You Take First?
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.
Security+ and Network+ are often compared because both are entry-level CompTIA certifications, but they point in different directions. Network+ builds networking foundations first, while Security+ focuses on threats, controls, identity, hardening, and incident concepts.
If you feel weak in networking, Network+ often makes Security+ easier later. If your goal is junior cybersecurity, SOC, or security awareness roles, Security+ may be the faster path into that direction.
Use this comparison to choose the better first exam, then continue in PrepMaster for offline practice and detailed explanations.
Compare exams
| Category | CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) | CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Learners aiming for beginner cybersecurity, SOC, or security-focused roles | Learners who need a stronger networking foundation first |
| Difficulty | Moderate entry-level security exam, easier if networking is already familiar | Beginner-friendly but still technical for those new to networking |
| Main focus | Threats, controls, IAM, risk, hardening, monitoring, and incident response | Ports, protocols, routing, switching, infrastructure, and troubleshooting basics |
| Career direction | More directly aligned with junior security pathways | More aligned with networking, support, and infrastructure foundations |
| Study order | Often easier after basic networking knowledge | Often a strong foundation before Security+ |
| Best first step | Better if you already know core IT and want to move toward security | Better if networking concepts still feel weak |
Free Practice Test
10 random questions from the Security+ vs Network+ — Which CompTIA Exam Should You Take First? bank. Instant feedback.
Loading practice questions...
Mini Test Complete!
Want to save your progress and access the full question bank?
Download App (Free)Who is this for?
- You want a quick baseline: 10-question mini test
- You plan to practice offline with packs in the app
- You want explanations + exam-style timed mode
Why use PrepMaster?
- Works Offline: Study anywhere, no internet needed.
- Detailed Explanations: Understand the logic behind every answer.
- 100% Free Access: Unlock everything via rewarded video ads.
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
- Best first CompTIA exam
- Networking foundation vs security foundation
- Career direction
- Difficulty and study order
- Topic overlap
Helpful Free Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take Network+ before Security+?
Often yes, especially if your networking basics are weak. Security+ becomes easier when you already understand ports, protocols, traffic flow, and basic infrastructure.
Is Security+ harder than Network+?
It depends. Security+ can feel easier if you already know networking, but harder if security terms and control frameworks are new to you.
Which helps more for cybersecurity jobs?
Security+ is usually more directly aligned with beginner cybersecurity roles, but Network+ strengthens the technical base behind many security tasks.
Popular next
Try another mini test
Ready to pass Security+ vs Network+ — Which CompTIA Exam Should You Take First??
Get the full offline question bank, analytics, and dark mode in the app.
Download Free App