CompTIA A+ vs Network+: Which Should You Take First in 2026?
Skip the comparison - see which one you are closer to
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Networking
Connect the new access switch.
Three connections need three different interfaces.
Software Troubleshooting
Update the managed mobile app without losing unsent records.
Capacity and app-source policy are two independent gates.
Hardware
Plan the motherboard upgrade.
Identify the exact sockets and connectors before installation.
PBQs from the A+ Core 1 and Core 2 packs, each graded outcome by outcome. Each free A+ exam includes PBQs like these, where the real exam puts them.
Take CompTIA A+ first if you are new to IT: it is two exams ($274 each) covering hardware, operating systems, security and support, and it maps to help desk jobs. Take Network+ (N10-009, one exam, $399) first if you already work in IT and want to move toward networking: every domain is networking, from subnetting to troubleshooting. Neither is a prerequisite for the other, and earning Network+ renews A+.Exam facts checked against CompTIA's pages on 12 October 2026.
In this guide
A+ and Network+ side by side
| CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | Two: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) | One: N10-009 |
| Price | $274 per exam, $548 total | $399 |
| Questions and time | Up to 90 in 90 minutes, per exam | Up to 90 in 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 675 (Core 1) and 700 (Core 2), 100-900 scale | 720, 100-900 scale |
| Question types | Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, PBQs | Multiple choice and PBQs |
| CompTIA recommends | 12 months of hands-on IT support experience | A+ plus 9-12 months in a junior network role |
| Job it maps to | Help desk and IT support | Junior network administrator or network support |
| Current version | V15, launched 25 March 2025 | V9, launched 20 June 2024; retirement estimated for 2027 |
| Renewal | 3 years; 20 CEUs | 3 years; 30 CEUs, and it renews A+ with it |
From CompTIA's exam pages, checked 12 October 2026. Neither certification has a formal prerequisite.
What each one actually tests
A+ is broad: hardware, mobile devices, printers, virtualization and cloud, Windows, macOS and Linux, security, troubleshooting and operational procedures. Networking is one domain of Core 1 (23%): cabling, ports and protocols, Wi-Fi standards and small-office networks.
Network+ is narrow and deep. Every domain is networking:
| Network+ N10-009 domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Networking Concepts | 23% |
| Network Implementation | 20% |
| Network Operations | 19% |
| Network Security | 14% |
| Network Troubleshooting | 24% |
The overlap is the A+ networking domain. Network+ adds subnetting, routing and switching, network services, monitoring and a full troubleshooting method on top of it.
Which to take first
Take A+ first if
- You are new to IT and want a first job in help desk or IT support
- You have not worked with hardware, operating systems or end users
- You want the certification most entry-level IT job ads ask for
Take Network+ first (or only) if
- You already work in IT support and want to move toward networking
- Your target role is network support or junior network administration
- You plan to take CCNA or Security+ next and want the networking base
Skipping A+ is common for people already working in IT: neither exam requires the other. Going on to Cisco instead? CCNA vs Network+. The full ladder: CompTIA certification path.
What each path costs
| Path | Exam fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A+ only | $548 | Two exams |
| Network+ only | $399 | One exam |
| A+ then Network+ | $947 | Network+ also renews A+ for another three years |
Each retake is a full voucher again ($274 or $399), so one avoided retake pays for the practice exams several times over. Per-exam detail: A+ cost and format and Network+ cost and format.
Try both before you choose
A full-length paper is the fastest way to see which exam you are closer to. Both are free, no credit card:
- A+ Core 1: 90 questions with interactive PBQs, code
APLUS1-EXAM-FULL(the button above). Core 2:APLUS2-EXAM-FULL. - Network+ N10-009: 90 questions in 90 minutes, code
COMPTIA-NET-001.
The A+ packs are larger (4 Core 1 and 3 Core 2 exams with 34 PBQs); for Network+ we have one full exam today.
Sit a full paper, then decide
90 questions in 90 minutes with interactive PBQs and an Exam Coach report that ranks your weakest domains. Free, no credit card.
Try a free A+ Core 1 examA+ packs are $39 once per core, lifetime. Network+ is $39 once for the full exam and future versions.
Frequently asked questions: A+ vs Network+
Should I take A+ or Network+ first?
A+ first if you are new to IT and aiming at help desk or IT support. Network+ first if you already work in IT and want to move toward networking. Neither exam is a formal prerequisite for the other.
Is Network+ harder than A+?
Network+ goes deeper on one subject (subnetting, routing, switching, troubleshooting), while A+ is broader but shallower and split across two exams. Most candidates find Network+ the harder single exam, and CompTIA recommends A+ level knowledge before it.
Can I skip A+ and go straight to Network+?
Yes. CompTIA has no prerequisite for Network+. It recommends A+ and 9 to 12 months of networking experience, but many candidates already working in IT go straight to Network+.
How much do A+ and Network+ cost together?
$947 at CompTIA list prices checked in October 2026: $274 for each of the two A+ exams and $399 for Network+.
Does Network+ renew A+?
Yes. Under CompTIA's continuing education programme, earning a higher-level certification such as Network+ renews the lower-level certifications you hold, including A+.