All certifications / Compare / Network+ vs CCNA
Network+ vs CCNA: which should you take?
Which first?
Either order works. Network+ is the gentler start; if you already know you want network engineering, going straight to CCNA is common.
Who each one is for
Network+ (N10-009): IT generalists and anyone who needs a solid networking foundation for support, systems or security work.
CCNA (200-301 v2.0): People who want to become network engineers, especially where Cisco equipment is used.
Key differences
- CCNA expects you to configure devices from the command line (Cisco IOS); Network+ focuses on concepts, troubleshooting and tools.
- CCNA covers routing, switching and automation in more depth.
- Network+ is vendor-neutral and counts toward many IT and security roles; CCNA is the standard for network engineering jobs.
Side by side
| Item | Network+ | CCNA |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | Cisco |
| Exam | N10-009 | 200-301 v2.0 |
| Questions | Up to 90 (multiple choice and PBQs) | About 100–120 (Cisco does not publish an exact count) |
| Time | 90 minutes | 120 minutes |
| To pass | 720 on a 100–900 scale | Cisco does not publish a fixed passing score |
| Free study plan here | – | – |
| Career tracks | Network Engineering | Network Engineering |
Exam domains
Network+ (N10-009)
- Networking concepts 23%
- Network implementation 20%
- Network operations 19%
- Network security 14%
- Network troubleshooting 24%
CCNA (200-301 v2.0)
- Network infrastructure & connectivity 25%
- Switching & network access 25%
- IP routing 20%
- Network services & security 20%
- AI & network operations/management 10%
Exam details come from each vendor's published objectives as recorded in the study plans; confirm them on the vendor's page before you book.
Study either one for free
Week-by-week lessons, quizzes, exam simulations and hands-on labs.
Network+ plan CCNA planWeek-by-week lessons, quizzes, exam simulations and hands-on labs.