CompTIA A+ vs. Network+ (Which Is Right for You?)

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn about two information technology certifications, CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+, including the benefits of earning each and the careers you can pursue after getting certified.

[Featured Image] A woman sits on her sofa and researches the differences between Comptia A+ vs. Network+ on her laptop.

One way to qualify for a job in IT is by earning an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates your skills, such as the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications. Since its founding, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has given more than 2.5 million vendor-neutral certifications to recipients worldwide. The organization is a leader in the information technology industry.

Information technology (IT) careers are in high demand, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 377,500 positions to open up annually between 2022 and 2032 [1]. The anticipated growth of this field is far higher than that of many other industries, in addition to offering above-average wages, making now a great time to pursue a career in IT—and you can get started by qualifying for the CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Network+ certification. 

Read on to learn more about these two certifications and how they compare so you can determine which one is right for you.

What is CompTIA A+?

CompTIA A+ is an information technology certification that you can earn to validate your skills in several key areas. To earn a CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two separate exams, covering nine core subjects. These subjects are: 

  • Operating systems 

  • Mobile devices 

  • Virtualization and cloud computing 

  • Networking 

  • Hardware

  • Operational procedures 

  • Security 

  • Software troubleshooting 

  • Device troubleshooting 

To take the CompTIA A+ certification exams, you will need to purchase an exam voucher, which costs $253 [2]. You can also purchase live online training courses or a prep bundle through CompTIA to help you prepare for the exams.

Who needs CompTIA A+?

CompTIA A+ is for those seeking an entry-level position in IT. If you are new to information technology and searching for a certification for your resume, CompTIA A+ should be at the top of your list as you will regularly find it included in job listings as a recommended—or even required—certification.

Benefits of earning CompTIA A+

Developed by industry professionals and regularly updated, the CompTIA A+ certification helps you get ready for an information technology career with relevant skills and knowledge. Considering how common hybrid work is today, the most recent iteration features new additions such as cloud virtualization, how to remotely diagnose problems, and how to utilize 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 to progress in your career. 

What jobs can I apply for with a CompTIA A+ certification?

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 earning a CompTIA A+ certification and their average annual salaries:

  • Help desk technician: $50,199

  • Technical support specialist: $55,354

  • Field technician: $57,399

  • Service desk analyst: $53,377

  • Junior systems administrator: $64,921

  • Business analyst: $83,554

  • IT specialist: $75,351

  • IT support manager: $95,790

*All annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of April 2024 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

What is CompTIA Network+?

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 nine to 12 months of networking experience before taking the exam. Earning this certification requires you to pass just one exam, costing $369 [3]. You can also purchase live online training and a study guide to study for the CompTIA Network+ exam.

To complete the exam, you will need to successfully answer multiple-choice and performance-based questions about network documentation, deploying wireless and wired devices, network hardening techniques, troubleshooting network infrastructure, and several other networking concepts.

Who needs CompTIA Network+?

CompTIA Network+ is for those looking to specialize 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.

Placeholder

Benefits of earning CompTIA Network+

By taking the CompTIA Network+ exam and earning your certification, you can showcase your skills relating to various networking topics. 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.

What jobs can I apply for with CompTIA Network+?

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. Some companies hiring CompTIA Network+ certified professionals include Verizon, Apple, Rioch, Intel, and the United States Department of Defense. The following are positions you could qualify for with the CompTIA Network+ certification, along with their average annual salaries:

  • Data center technician: $58,620

  • Network administrator: $79,464

  • IT support manager: $95,790

  • Systems administrator: $80,896

  • Systems engineer: $107,339

  • Network analyst: $81,814

  • Computer technician: $48,707

  • Network support specialist: $83,950

*All annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of April 2024 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

CompTIA A+ vs. Network+: How to choose

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 specialized, focusing on networking concepts. If you know 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 an 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 CompTIA Network+.

Getting started with Coursera

The CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications can help you build a solid foundation as you begin your career in IT. Getting certified will position you to apply for various roles in this rapidly growing field.

On Coursera, you can find highly rated courses on information technology. In the Information Systems Specialization program at the University of Minnesota, you can explore topics like business systems analysis, enterprise systems, and emerging trends in IT infrastructure. Another option is the Technical Support Fundamentals course from Google, which covers several areas of information technology, including computer software and hardware, troubleshooting, and more to help you prepare for an IT support career.

Article sources

1

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer and Information Technology Occupations: Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm.” Accessed April 12, 2024.

Updated on
Written by:

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.