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Nov 19, 2025
If you’re starting a career in IT, CompTIA certifications are often the first step toward professional success. The most popular entry-level certifications are CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+, both recognised worldwide for validating essential technical skills. Since its founding, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has awarded more than 2.5 million vendor-neutral certifications to recipients worldwide. The organisation is a leader in the information technology industry.
Information technology (IT) careers are in high demand, with the US Bureau of Labour Statistics projecting 3,77,500 positions to open up annually between 2022 and 2032.
But when it comes to CompTIA A+ vs CompTIA Network+, how do you know which one fits your goals better? Learn about these two information technology certifications- CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+, their key differences, career benefits, and which certification is right for your IT journey.
Let’s explore deeper into,
The CompTIA A+ is an industry-standard certification for entry-level IT professionals that validates foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting. The CompTIA A+ certification analysis includes:
Let’s check out above mentioned pointers,
CompTIA A+ is an information technology certification that you can earn to validate your skills in several key areas. CompTIA A+ is for entry-level IT roles, focusing on hardware, software and basic troubleshooting. The key skills covered in CompTIA A+ are:
If you want to know more about CompTIA, find out What is CompTIA? Everything you need to know about CompTIA.
The major benefits of earning a CompTIA A+ certification are that it enables you to get ready for different information technology careers with relevant skills and knowledge. Considering how common hybrid work is today, the most recent iteration includes new additions such as cloud virtualisation, remote problem diagnosis, and how to utilise software as a service (SaaS) applications. In addition to helping you qualify for an entry-level role, CompTIA A+ is also beneficial if you’re already working in information technology and looking for progress in your career.
A CompTIA A+ certification can present you with numerous career opportunities in IT, from help desk positions to systems administrator roles. Some companies requiring or recommending this credential include HP, Canon, Dell, Wells Fargo, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Nissan, Verizon, and many more. Here’s a list of job titles you can pursue after securing a CompTIA A+ certification:
The CompTIA Network+ certification is a Universal IT credential that validates a professional’s ability to design, build, manage, and troubleshoot both wired and wireless networks. The CompTIA Network+ certification outline includes:
Let’s explore above mentioned pointers,
CompTIA Network+ is an information technology certification for wireless and wired networking, helping you advance to a career supporting any IT infrastructure network. Although this is an entry-level certification, CompTIA recommends obtaining 9 to 12 months of networking experience before taking the exam. The key subjects covered in CompTIA Network+ include:
These are the key subjects covered in CompTIA Network+.
The Key Skills Gained in CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+ is for those looking to specialise in an IT career involving networking. While CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ are both entry-level certifications, if you plan on pursuing a networking position, you can gain more advanced knowledge of networking concepts with CompTIA Network+. This certification helps prepare you for a future working on any platform, regardless of the vendor.
By taking the CompTIA Network+ exam and earning your certification, you can showcase your skills relating to various networking topics. Such as,
CompTIA Network+ is unique because it’s the only certification covering both wired and wireless networks. With this credential, you can stand out among other applicants, demonstrate commitment to a career in networking, and qualify for roles where the CompTIA Network+ certification is required.
Check out Things to know about CompTIA exams to gain more information about CompTIA examinations and certifications.
The CompTIA Network+ certification is in high demand by employers, opening up opportunities for you to pursue many different networking job positions with a wide range of companies. The following are positions you could qualify for with the CompTIA Network+ certification:
These are the job positions you could qualify for with the CompTIA Network+ certification.
You can also go through CompTIA: Top job roles and salaries for exploring more job opportunities in both CompTIA A+ and Network+.
The key differences between CompTIA A+ and Network+are clearly defined in the table below. Let’s find out the differences:
| Feature | CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ |
| Focus | Foundational IT skills, including hardware, operating systems, and basic troubleshooting for end-user devices and mobile devices. |
Networking, including network devices, protocols, cabling, wireless networking and network security.
|
| Target Audience | Beginners with little to no IT experience seeking entry-level roles like help desk technician or desktop support. |
Individuals with some IT knowledge or experience, looking to specialise in networking roles like a network administrator.
|
| Level | Entry-level | Intermediate |
| Prerequisites | No prerequisite certifications required. |
No prerequisite certifications required, but prior A+ knowledge is beneficial.
|
| Career Path | Provides a broad understanding of IT, a prerequisite for many IT careers. |
A stepping stone to more advanced networking certifications and roles.
|
| Key Skills | Installing and configuring operating systems, hardware components, and mobile devices; troubleshooting hardware and software issues. |
Designing, implementing, and managing network infrastructure; troubleshooting network problems using knowledge of protocols like TCP/IP.
|
By understanding these key differences between CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+, you now know how to prepare for the CompTIA Exam.
The top CompTIA certification courses to pursue will depend on the line of work you are planning to follow. Both CompTIA A+ and Network+ are excellent choices for you to take the next step toward an entry-level role in information technology. CompTIA A+ covers a wide range of material relating to different areas of IT, while CompTIA Network+ is more specialised, focusing on networking concepts.
If you want to work in IT but aren’t quite sure where yet, CompTIA A+ is a great choice since it helps you build skills for any entry-level position in many different areas. If you have some experience in networking and want to pursue it further, go with CompTIA Network+. You can also begin with the CompTIA A+ certification and earn the CompTIA Network+.
Do check out How to get CompTIA certifications to learn more about CompTIA certifications and how to earn them.
In conclusion, both Comp TIA A+ and Network+ certifications offer worthy foundations for a career in information technology. If you are new to the IT sector and want to build essential hardware, software, and troubleshooting skills, CompTIA A+ is the best choice to start. However, if you already have basic IT experience and are ready to specialise in network infrastructure and connectivity, CompTIA Network+ provides a stronger focus. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your current skill level, career goals, and the direction you want your IT journey to take.
1. Do I need to earn CompTIA A+ before taking Network+?
2. Which certification is better for beginners?
Edoxi’s CompTIA A+ is the best starting point for beginners. It focuses on essential IT support skills, including PC repair, operating systems, and basic networking, making it ideal for entry-level roles like help desk technician or IT support specialist.
3. What kind of jobs can I get with CompTIA Network+?
With edoxi’s CompTIA Network+, you can qualify for more advanced roles such as network technician, network administrator, or systems support specialist. It’s especially useful if you’re interested in working with network infrastructure or advancing toward cybersecurity.
4. Can I skip A+ and go straight to Network+?
Yes, you can go straight to edoxi’s CompTIA Network+ if you already understand basic computer hardware, software, and troubleshooting. However, if you’re new to IT, starting with A+ can make the learning curve smoother and strengthen your foundational skills.
5. What is the main difference between CompTIA A+ and Network+?
CompTIA A+ focuses on IT support and technical troubleshooting, covering devices, operating systems, software, and basic networking.
CompTIA Network+ focuses purely on networking, including network devices, protocols, cabling, security, and network management.
