CompTIA A+ vs CompTIA Network+: Detailed Comparison

A+ and Network+ are two of the most prominent certifications provided by CompTIA. Both these certifications represent expertise in respective fields of Information Technology (IT). As core certifications of CompTIA, it’s a given that one of the two certifications will be your first choice. This might make you wonder, which is the better choice between CompTIA A+ vs Network+?  

According to CompTIA, about 41% of IT employees hold at least four CompTIA certifications, demonstrating the importance of these certifications in an IT career. If you are confused about which certification is the right choice for you, this blog is what you need. This blog explains that CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications help you acquire different skills that will open various opportunities for you. Read further to learn more! 

Table of Contents

1) Difference between CompTIA A+ and Network+ 

   a) Skill requirements 

   b) Prerequisites 

   c) Job opportunities  

2) CompTIA A+ or Network+: Which is better? 

3) Conclusion 

Difference between CompTIA A+ and Network+  

Before you learn the differences between both the certifications provided by CompTIA, it is essential you know what CompTIA is. It is equally important you know what both these certifications stand for. CompTIA provides certifications which can act as proof of expertise in technical fields. CompTIA certifications are divided into five categories, Core, Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Data and Analytics and Professional certifications.  

CompTIA A+ and Network+ are part of the core certifications provided by CompTIA. These IT certifications are vendor-neutral, and candidates possessing them are strongly preferred by recruiters. A+ certification demonstrates knowledge of troubleshooting and expertise in technical support. CompTIA Network+ Certification works in the same fashion, but it goes into greater detail about network operation. 

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Skill requirement  

Both these certifications require mastery over technologies that will aid you in getting certified by CompTIA. As core certifications, both A+ and Network+ contain similarities as they give you an understanding of IT infrastructure and network switches. However, these certifications also have their respective differences.   

Skills required in CompTIA A+: The certification requires a detailed understanding of Operating Systems (OS), software, hardware and troubleshooting. Troubleshooting tasks include software trouble and network troubleshooting alike. Additionally, your knowledge of security features such as firewalls can play a huge part in you getting certified.  

Skills required in CompTIA Network+: The certification requires an in-depth knowledge of networking fundamentals. This includes general operations on the network, implementation of the network and network-based security. Knowing how to troubleshoot network issues can be a bonus, which can aid you greatly with this certification. 

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Prerequisites  

As certifications, these CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications require you to clear certain exams as proof of your expertise. Once you clear these exams as prerequisites, you can rightfully get certified in the respective fields.  

Prerequisites for CompTIA A+: The certification has two mandatory exams you are required to clear to get certified. The first exam is 220-1101, which covers knowledge of networking technologies, cloud computing, mobile devices and Virtualisation.  

The second CompTIA A+ exam is 220-1102, which includes knowledge of different OS, such as Microsoft Windows, Linux and MacOS. Its syllabus also includes operational and software procedures alongside security features.  

Prerequisites for CompTIA Network+: The certification only requires you to give one exam, which is N10-008. This exam covers network infrastructure configuration, management and troubleshooting. It also requires knowledge of network hardening techniques and network connection establishment via wireless and wired devices.  

If you have knowledge of network documentation, network activity monitoring and performance identification, they will aid you greatly in this exam. You should also have in-depth knowledge of the cloud and other virtual concepts with a basic understanding of network services and data centres. 

Job opportunities   

Both CompTIA certifications, A+ and Network+, allow you to unlock different career paths. In this section, you will find what are the job opportunities which you can approach after getting certified from CompTIA. 

Job opportunities in CompTIA A+: There is a list of jobs for which employers value this certification greatly. Some common roles you can aim for after getting certified are as follows: 

1) End User Computing Technician 

2) Field Service Technician 

3) Associate Network Engineer 

4) System Support Specialist 

5) Service Desk Analyst  

6) Data Support Technician  

7) Help Desk Technician  

8) Desktop Support Administrator  

9) Technical Support Specialist 

Job opportunities in CompTIA Network+: There is a list of jobs for which employers value this certification greatly. Some common roles you can aim for after getting certified are as follows: 

1) System Administrator  

2) NOC Technician  

3) Telecommunications Technician  

4) Cable Technician 

5) Junior Network Engineer 

6) Junior Network Administrator 

7) Data Centre Support Technician 

8) Network Engineer 

CompTIA A+ or Network+: Which is better? 

You might notice despite the differences between both these exams; there are certain similarities between them. Both CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications require about nine to twelve years of hands-on experience before approaching the examinations. Both these examinations are available in different languages like Thai, Japanese, German, Spanish and Portuguese.  

The CompTIA A+ 220-1101 and 220-1102 exam requires you to achieve a passing grade of 675 and 700 out of 900, respectively. Similarly, the Network+ exam 220-1102 requires you to get a passing grade of 720 out of 900. All three of these exams give you 90 minutes to finish answering 90 multiple-choice questions.  

Given the similarity of these examinations, your choice of exam and certification should be decided by you based on your requirements. If you consider yourself a complete novice, you should go for CompTIA A+. The certification will allow you to develop a diverse skill set and will serve as a foundation for IT-based knowledge.  

Similarly, if you feel like you already have a deeper understanding of the basics of computers and networking, you should go for Network+ certification. While this certification is also a core certification by CompTIA, it holds a greater value than CompTIA A+.  

CompTIA A+ is a great choice for you if you like the idea of assisting others, simplifying their tasks and solving their problems. On the other hand, if you wish for higher certifications, Network+ certification might be the right choice for you.  

Essentially both certifications have their own relevance. If you wish to approach both examinations, you should go for CompTIA A+ before you approach Network+ certification. This would make the latter much easier for you. 
 

Conclusion 

The journey of becoming an IT professional can be extremely tough. However, acquiring certifications that verify your skills can assist you greatly. These certifications can put you on a higher priority compared to uncertified candidates aiming for the same job role. Hopefully, this blog was able to clear all your doubts regarding CompTIA A+ vs Network+ certifications. Thank you for reading. 

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