Which CompTIA Certification Should You Take First? A+, Network+, or Security+ (A Self-Diagnostic Method)

It is more important to select the CompTIA certification to undertake first based on the technical background you have, rather than on your job role. The best way to make the decision is to try the next certification’s “drop-in” questions and, based on the results, determine if you need to get some of the basics down before you proceed. The old school of thought is to take A+ before Network+ and before Security+. However, a person with hands-on experience might be able to begin with Network+ + Security+ if he/she is able to answer the exam questions.

The Standard Order (And Why It Exists)

The standard CompTIA certification progression is A+, Network+, and then Security+ since each level builds the skills and knowledge that are utilized in the next level. The sequence is particularly good for candidates who are coming into IT without any considerable amount of practical experience.

A+ is the minimum level of troubleshooting. It encompasses hardware, operating systems, devices, software, and security basics, and problem-solving in typical IT environments.

Network+ enters into the connectivity layer. You are introduced to the concepts of the OSI model, TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, switching, and wireless networking.

Security+ utilizes concepts of security for systems and networks that you are already familiar with. This is where the knowledge of networking can come in handy when trying to understand threats, controls, vulnerabilities, and security scenarios.

The whole sequence thus has less to do with status and more with reliance – security ideas are simpler to acquire once the systems and networks that support them are easily comprehended.

When It Makes Sense toSkip Ahead

However, if you already have some IT support experience and are able to show the knowledge by answering Network+ questions, then you can skip A+ if you have meaningful hands-on experience. Experience in networking, or a NOC environment, can also make a direct move towards Security+ easier.

But don’t rely solely on a job title as evidence. An individual who has been doing “IT support” for years may have a narrow set of skills and not know the wide variety of concepts that are required to answer the certification questions.

People who are new to programming have a different starting point. For those who aren’t technically savvy, a free CompTIA Tech+ practice test may be a good way to determine if further education is necessary before taking A+.

The Self-Diagnostic Method: Use a Practice Test to Decide, Not a Guess

The best way to decide on which certification to start out with is to take a test for the higher certification level before learning for it. With a cold practice attempt, you will be able to have evidence rather than having to guess off your resume.

If you have no other diagnostic, follow this five-step diagnostic:

Step 1:You do not have any IT background: Take a free CompTIA A+ practice test and use the result to assess your level.

Step 2: Some hands-on IT experience: Take a free CompTIA Network+ practice test without any studying before taking the exam.

Step 3:If you are in this category (or above) on Network+ without studying it, then you might be lacking the base coverage to try passing A+ – if this is the case, you had better go back to the drawing board.

Step 4:Below 50%: Not too bad, but may have significant building-block deficits. Taking the A+ courses may be a better way to get through Network+ than taking it all at once.

Step 5:Goal of Cyber Security: Take a free CompTIA Security+ practice test cold! If networking concepts continue to cause issues, then Network+ might be a better choice to begin with.

These percentages are for decision-making, and not as a definitive CompTIA passing criterion. The aim is to find out what you know so far compared to what you are going to learn later.

This approach is more effective than experience alone, as the questions in the certification are to test specific terminology, scenarios, and reasoning patterns. Someone can have many years of experience in IT and find there are still significant gaps when encountering different exam-type questions.

What Each Certification Actually Costs (Budget Before You Commit)

The number of exams, not the certification name, should be in the budget. A+ is a combination of two exams; Network+ and Security+ are individual exams.

This includes a person taking all three exams (A+, Network+, Security+) who should expect about 4 attempts/vouchers.

All prices for the voucher may be subject to change; please check with CompTIA before ordering. Also take into account the financial risk of not getting a foundation certificate; spending one certification is not as advantageous if not prepared properly then not being able to take the exam.

A Realistic Timeline for Each Starting Point

The actual period of study that you start with makes a huge difference in terms of realism. It will take several months of continuing part-time study to master A+ with training to get to Network+ and then Security+.

Knowledge of the real world of IT can speed the overall route. But just because a student has worked in a security position doesn’t mean that Security+ preparation will be quick: Concepts may be tested differently in the exam, as compared to on-the-job duties.

It’s most logical to begin with Security+ if you already have good networking skills and found it beneficial for your diagnostic findings.

A Simple Decision Checklist

If you are considering taking your first certification, check this out first:

• You have no experience with IT: Start A+
• Simple IT knowledge: Self-test your Network+ knowledge
• Network+ cold score > ~60%: Do not bother to pursue A+
• Network+ below 50%: Revise and expand on the basics
• Excellent networking skills, coupled with a cybersecurity objective: Test Security+ directly
• From the start of the full path: Allocate 4 exam vouchers

The score is not a pass/fail criterion. Re-read and review the questions missed, and find patterns in areas of weakness.

FAQ

Q: Should I start with CompTIA A+ or skip straight to Network+?

If your base is too weak, start with A+ – if it’s not, take Network+ questions cold. A score of approximately 60% indicates that you do not have to bother with A+.

Q: How do I know if I can skip CompTIA A+?

Do not study before taking a Network+ practice test. A high score indicates that you may not need to take Network+ to start your IT career.

Q: Is CompTIA Security+ harder without Network+ first?

Networking basics are important for Security+ because many security scenarios deal with networking protocols and infrastructure, traffic, and network-based attacks that need a technical understanding.

Q: How much does the full CompTIA trifecta cost?

You need to have four exam vouchers: two A+, one Network+, and one Security+. Make sure to check the current prices of vouchers.

Q: Can I use a free practice test to decide which CompTIA cert to start with?

Yes. Takes you through a simulation of the test situation in a cold practice test and offers direct evidence of current knowledge, as well as insights into areas that may not be covered in a job title or previous experience.

Closing CTA

There is no need to spend weeks and weeks studying the wrong certification only to find out that you don’t have the basics or that you have missed something. A brief diagnostic effort can indicate the best leveling choice between A+, Network+, and Security+.

If you’re already familiar with which certification level you’re in and are looking for extra support to advance to the next certification level, you can check out Take My CompTIA Exam for Me or review the different certification choices offered by Hire Now.