Choosing between Security+ and advanced certifications like A+ or Network+ depends on your current role and confidence with core concepts. Many IT professionals wonder whether to shore up fundamentals first or jump straight to Security+ to accelerate their security career.
This guide compares the time, prerequisites, and career payoff of A+, Network+, and Security+ so you can decide the most efficient path for your goals.
| Certification | Target Role | Key Topics | Prerequisites | Typical Exam Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | Help Desk, Desktop Support | Hardware, OS, Mobile, Troubleshooting | None, recommended basic IT knowledge | ~390 |
| CompTIA Network+ | Network Admin, Support Engineer | Networking concepts, configuration, troubleshooting | None, recommended 9+ months experience | ~390 |
| CompTIA Security+ | Security Analyst, Junior SOC | Threats, vulnerabilities, identity, risk management | None, recommended 2+ years IT admin experience | ~390 |
| Combo Path: A+ → Network+ → Security+ | Progressive technical depth | Layered skill coverage from devices to security | None, but sequential learning reduces gaps | ~1,170 |
Is It Worth It to Get A+ First
The A+ certification validates core PC, mobile, and operating system skills that many security tasks depend on. If you are new to IT and lack confidence in hardware, drivers, or troubleshooting, A+ can build a solid baseline before tackling security concepts.
For career changers or recent graduates, A+ often serves as a first credential that demonstrates hands-on competence to employers. It can open help desk and support positions while you continue studying for higher-level security exams.
When A+ Makes the Most Sense
Choose A+ first when you need to strengthen practical device-level skills, work with limited hands-on experience, or want a recognized entry point into the IT field. The lab-based format also helps you become comfortable with basic command-line tasks that appear in later security exams.
Is It Worth It to Get Net+ Before Security+
Network+ focuses on protocols, routing, switching, and network troubleshooting, which are essential for understanding how security controls operate inside real infrastructures. If your background is weak in networking, Network+ can fill critical gaps that Security+ assumes you already know.
Security heavily depends on networking concepts such as segmentation, firewalls, VPNs, and secure routing. Gaining those foundations through Network+ makes Security+ topics like secure network architecture and threat defense easier to grasp and apply on the job.
Ideal Order for Networking-Focused Roles
When your target role involves network security, cloud, or SOC operations, Network+ before Security+ often leads to smoother onboarding and better interview outcomes. You can still pursue Security+ afterward to round out policy, compliance, and incident response skills.
Can You Skip A+ and Net+ and Go Straight to Sec+
Jumping directly to Security+ is feasible if you already have hands-on IT experience, understand basic hardware and networking, and are confident with troubleshooting. Many employers value practical skills over certification order, so a strong lab background can compensate for missing earlier credentials.
However, skipping A+ and Network+ means you must self-study foundational topics that those exams cover. Without that structure, you risk weak spots in hardware support or network configuration, which can show up in Security+ scenarios and on the job.
When Skipping Might Pay Off
Security+ may be worth it straight away if you are already in a security-adjacent role, have some sysadmin or networking exposure, and need the credential quickly for promotion or compliance. In such cases, targeted practice tests and lab work can shore up knowledge gaps without completing earlier certifications.
Plan Your Certification Roadmap
- Assess your current hands-on skills in hardware, networking, and security.
- Define your target role, such as help desk, network admin, or security analyst.
- Choose A+ if you need to reinforce desktop and device fundamentals before security.
- Choose Network+ if your networking knowledge is weak and your goal is security or cloud operations.
- Pursue Security+ as your core security credential once fundamentals feel solid.
- Balance exam costs with practice tests, labs, and on-the-job projects to reinforce concepts.
- Track employer job descriptions to see which cert combinations appear most frequently in your target roles.
FAQ
Reader questions
I work as a desktop support tech. Should I do A+ then Security+ or go straight to Security+?
If you are already comfortable with hardware and OS troubleshooting, you can likely go straight to Security+ to focus on security skills. If you want to deepen hands-on device support first, A+ is a logical step before advancing to Security+.
I have been out of IT for a few years and my networking is rusty. Is Network+ necessary before Security+?
Refreshing networking fundamentals with Network+ is highly recommended before Security+, since many exam scenarios assume solid understanding of protocols, subnetting, and secure network design.
I am aiming for an entry-level SOC role. Which path is most respected by employers?
Security+ is generally the baseline for SOC positions, but pairing it with Network+ shows stronger network security readiness, while A+ can support device-level troubleshooting in hybrid environments.
I am on a tight budget. Can I just take Security+ and study the rest on the job?
You can pursue Security+ alone if you gain hands-on exposure through work or labs, but budgeting for at least one foundational cert like Network+ often reduces long-term gaps and supports practical application of security concepts.