A+ vs Network+: Which to Get First?

If you're considering CompTIA certifications, you've probably wondered whether to start with A+ or jump straight to Network+. Both are respected credentials in IT, but they cover different domains and are designed for different career paths. Getting the right one first can accelerate your learning, save you time, and put you on the fastest track to your IT career goals.

Let's break down both certifications, compare them, and help you decide which one makes sense for you.

What Does Each Certification Cover?

CompTIA A+: The IT Foundation

CompTIA A+ is the foundational IT certification. It's actually two exams (Core 1 and Core 2) that together cover the breadth of IT support:

Hardware & Device Management: PC components, peripherals, mobile devices, printers, and troubleshooting hardware failures
Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux installation, configuration, and management
Software & Applications: Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting software
Mobile Devices: Smartphones, tablets, mobile security, and device management
Networking Basics: Network fundamentals, IP addressing, and basic troubleshooting
Security Fundamentals: Access control, encryption, authentication, and compliance
Troubleshooting Methodology: Systematic approaches to diagnosing and resolving IT issues
Remote Access & Virtualization: Remote desktop protocols, cloud services, and virtual machines

The A+ advantage: It gives you a broad, practical foundation across the entire IT support landscape. You'll understand how computers work from the ground up.

CompTIA Network+: Networking in Depth

CompTIA Network+ is a single exam that goes deep into networking concepts and infrastructure:

Networking Fundamentals: OSI model, TCP/IP protocols, network topology, and architecture
Network Infrastructure: Switches, routers, firewalls, wireless access points, and cloud systems
Network Operations: Monitoring, logging, performance optimization, and network administration
Network Security: Secure protocols, VPNs, intrusion detection, threat mitigation, and compliance
Network Troubleshooting: Diagnosing connectivity issues, using network tools, and resolving infrastructure problems
Network Services: DHCP, DNS, NTP, VoIP, and directory services

The Network+ advantage: It provides specialized knowledge that network administrators, network engineers, and security professionals need daily.

Exam Structure & Time Commitment

Here's a practical comparison:

Factor	A+	Network+
Number of Exams	2 exams (Core 1 & Core 2)	1 exam
Questions per Exam	90 questions each	85 questions
Exam Duration	90 minutes each	90 minutes
Difficulty Level	Easier, more foundational	Moderate, requires networking depth
Study Time	8-12 weeks total	5-8 weeks
Prerequisites	None, but A+ recommended before Network+	None, but A+ provides useful context

If you're working a full-time job while studying, expect these timelines to stretch. With consistent weekly study of 15-20 hours, you can realistically tackle the A+ in about 12 weeks and Network+ in 8-10 weeks.

Difficulty & Learning Curve

A+ is more accessible to beginners. It starts with concrete, visual concepts—motherboards, RAM, hard drives, operating systems. If you're new to IT, this makes sense because you can touch and see these things. The concepts are easier to grasp intuitively.

Network+ is more abstract. The OSI model, packet flow, protocol interactions, and network architecture are less tangible. You can't physically touch an IP subnet. This makes Network+ harder for people without foundational IT knowledge. Even experienced A+ candidates often find Network+ significantly more challenging.

That said, Network+ isn't impossibly difficult—it's just more conceptual. If you already understand how computers work, how operating systems function, and how data flows through systems, you'll find Network+ much easier to learn.

Which Should You Get First?

The answer depends on your background and goals.

Start with A+ If:

You're brand new to IT. A+ gives you the essential foundation that makes everything else—including networking—easier to understand.
You want help desk or desktop support roles. These positions almost always list A+ as preferred or required.
You lack hands-on IT experience. You need to understand hardware, operating systems, and basic troubleshooting before diving into networks.
You want to maximize your learning. Understanding how individual computers work helps you understand how they communicate. A+ → Network+ is the natural learning progression.
You're building toward Security+. The CompTIA trifecta (A+ → Network+ → Security+) is the standard path for cybersecurity professionals. A+ and Network+ are the recommended prerequisites for Security+, and you should do A+ first.

Verdict: Most people should start here. CompTIA itself recommends A+ first, especially for career changers.

You already have IT experience. If you've worked in help desk, IT support, or system administration, you likely understand hardware, software, and OS concepts. You're ready to go deeper into networking.
You specifically need networking knowledge. If you're already in IT and your career goal is network administration or network engineering, Network+ targets your needs directly.
You're transitioning from related fields. If you have experience in telecom, IT infrastructure, or cloud platforms, you may already understand enough context to succeed with Network+ first.

Verdict: Only take this path if you have genuine foundational IT knowledge.

Career Paths & Salary Impact

After CompTIA A+

With A+ certification, you qualify for:

Help Desk Technician: $35,000-$45,000/year
Desktop Support Specialist: $40,000-$55,000/year
IT Support Technician: $38,000-$50,000/year
Field Service Technician: $40,000-$60,000/year

A+ shows employers you understand IT fundamentals and can troubleshoot real-world hardware and software issues. It's often a requirement for tier-1 support positions.

After CompTIA Network+

With Network+ certification, you qualify for:

Network Administrator: $50,000-$70,000/year
Junior Network Engineer: $55,000-$75,000/year
Network Technician: $45,000-$65,000/year
IT Infrastructure Specialist: $50,000-$70,000/year

Network+ opens doors to infrastructure-focused roles that typically pay more than help desk positions.

The Progression

The most common career progression is A+ → Network+ → Security+:

A+ gets you in the door at help desk or desktop support
Network+ moves you toward infrastructure and networking roles
Security+ qualifies you for security-focused positions and government contracting

This trifecta progression makes sense because each certification builds on the previous one. You start broad (A+), then specialize in networking (Network+), then in security (Security+).

Study Time Reality Check

Here's what to expect:

A+ (Two Exams)

Core 1: 40-60 hours of study
Core 2: 40-60 hours of study
Total: 80-120 hours (roughly 8-12 weeks at 10-12 hours/week)

Network+

Solo exam: 50-80 hours of study
Total: 50-80 hours (roughly 5-8 weeks at 10-12 hours/week)

These times assume:

You're studying consistently (3-4 days per week)
You're using quality study materials
You're doing practice exams and labs
You're not skipping topics

With LearnZapp's 10,524+ CompTIA exam questions and comprehensive study resources, you'll have plenty of material to prepare thoroughly.

The Best Approach: A+ First, Then Network+

Here's why we recommend the A+ → Network+ path for most learners:

Concepts build naturally. Understanding how a computer works, how an OS manages hardware, and how applications communicate across systems gives you the context to understand networks at a deeper level.
Networking concepts click better. When you already understand TCP/IP basics from A+, Network+ dives into why those protocols matter and how they're implemented in real networks. It's a natural progression.
You compound your knowledge. Both certifications provide value. You get the immediate career benefit of A+ (help desk eligibility) while building toward Network+ expertise.
It's less overwhelming. Jumping straight to Network+ without foundational knowledge means learning abstract concepts without concrete examples. A+ gives you those examples.
It follows the CompTIA recommendation. CompTIA designed the certification paths with A+ as the foundation for a reason.

The Exception: Fast-Tracking to Network+

If you're already an IT professional with years of experience—maybe you've been managing systems, working in IT operations, or supporting infrastructure—you can confidently skip A+ and go straight to Network+. You already know the foundational material.

The same applies if you're coming from a related technical field like telecom, IT infrastructure support, or cloud platform management. You probably understand enough context to succeed with Network+ immediately.

Getting Started With LearnZapp

Ready to start your CompTIA journey? LearnZapp's CompTIA certification prep app is designed to help you succeed with:

10,524+ practice questions across 12 CompTIA certifications
Wiley-sourced content that aligns with official exam objectives
Free diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses
Comprehensive study materials for both A+ Core exams and Network+
Flexible, app-based learning so you can study on your schedule

Whether you're starting with A+ or jumping to Network+, having the right study resources makes all the difference.

Final Verdict

For most people: Start with CompTIA A+, then progress to Network+ as you gain experience. This is the path designed by CompTIA and followed by most successful IT professionals.

For experienced IT professionals: You can confidently skip A+ and go straight to Network+.

For your long-term career: Consider the A+ → Network+ → Security+ trifecta if you're interested in IT infrastructure, network administration, or cybersecurity.

Take a moment to honestly assess your IT background. If you're unsure whether you have enough foundational knowledge, that's a sign you should start with A+. It's the safer choice, and it'll make your Network+ studies significantly easier.

Ready to get started? Take LearnZapp's free CompTIA diagnostic test to see where you stand and which certification path makes sense for you. No signup required.