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| CompTIA A+ vs CompTIA Network+: Which Certification is Right for You? |
Welcome to Virtual Mentors SOIT. Confused about CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+? You're not alone! The tech world can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out.
This guide will help you understand the difference between these two popular IT certifications. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you'll find valuable information here.
Table of Contents
Introduction:
So, you're here to learn about CompTIA? That's great! If you're not familiar with CompTIA, it stands for the Computing Technology Industry Association. It's a non-profit organization that sets industry standards and offers certifications for IT professionals. CompTIA is an organization that covers a wide range of IT certifications, including:
- Computer Basics (Hardware, Software).
- Networking.
- Security.
- Cloud Computing.
- Data Storage.
- IT Management.
You can see the following graph which is taken from the VMSOIT's blog CompTIA A+: A Complete Beginners Guide | VMSOIT you can visit this blog to get the official resource where CompTIA shares this survey.
You can see the total overall result taken in 2024:
CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ are two different certifications offered by CompTIA, focusing on different aspects of information technology (IT) and computer networking. After watching you clearly know that both certification has similar levels of popularity. But you don't know which one is best for you. So let's dive into CompTIA A+ vs CompTIA Network+ by covering the same aspects of both certifications one by one.
CompTIA A+?
Introduction:
CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level certification for establishing a career with basic knowledge of troubleshooting required for technical support and other IT operating roles. It validates an individual's skills and knowledge in:
- Hardware: PC components, laptops, mobile devices, and peripherals.
- Software: Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), applications, and security.
- Networking: Fundamentals, protocols, and devices.
- IT Industry: Best practices, safety, and communication.
For more information you can visit this blog: CompTIA A+: A Complete Beginners Guide | VMSOIT.
Targeted Audience of CompTIA A+:
A+ Certification is suitable for individuals looking to begin a career in IT support, such as help desk technicians, field technicians, or IT support specialists. It provides a solid foundation for understanding and troubleshooting various hardware and software issues encountered in a typical IT environment. The CompTIA A+ certification is designed for individuals who are new to the IT industry or looking to advance their careers. The ideal target audience includes:
- Entry-level IT professionals seeking a foundational certification
- Computer hardware and software installers and technicians
- IT support specialists and help desk analysts
- Students and career changers transitioning into IT roles
- Businesses and organizations training their IT staff
This certification provides a comprehensive understanding of IT concepts, hardware, software, networking, and security, making it an excellent starting point for a successful IT career.
Focus and Scope:
CompTIA A+ shows that you have the basic skills and knowledge needed to start a career in IT. It focuses on things like computers, software, fixing problems, networking, and operating systems. It covers a wide range of topics about computer hardware, software, and basic networking.
Price:
You can check the price of CompTIA A+ from the official CompTIA A+ webpage. The price will be in US Dollars so it can be different in your native currency. Check CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Prices.
CompTIA A+ Exams:
CompTIA A+ contains 2 exams:
- CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101).
- CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102).
Both exams have a maximum of 90 questions and a time limit of 90 minutes. You can face 2 types of questions in the exam which are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Performance-Based Questions (PBQs). The more PBQs you attempt the less you get the MCQs. You have to pass both exams to get CompTIA A+ certification. If you want to pass you have to get 675 and 700 scals for Core 1 and Core 2 Exams respectively.
Languages: You can take the test of CompTIA A+ in the following languages:
- English.
- German.
- Japanese.
- Portuguese.
- Thai.
- Spanish.
- French.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101):
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) has 5 domains given below:
| Domain | Name | Exam Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Mobile Devices | 15% |
| 2.0 | Networking | 20% |
| 3.0 | Hardware | 25% |
| 4.0 | Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% |
| 5.0 | Network And Hardware Troubleshooting | 29% |
| Total | 100% | |
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102):
In CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam you'll find 4 domains given below:
| Domain | Name | Exam Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Operating Systems | 31% |
| 2.0 | Security | 25% |
| 3.0 | Software Troubleshooting | 22% |
| 4.0 | Operational Procedures | 22% |
| Total | 100% | |
Jobs after CompTIA A+:
CompTIA A+ is a highly valued certification in the IT industry. It opens doors to a variety of important jobs. Here are some examples, along with their typical salaries based on data from ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and Indeed:
- End User Computing Technicians average $107,319 a year.
- Field Service Technicians average $55,610 a year.
- Associate Network Engineers average $76,241 a year.
- System Support Specialists average $58,337 a year.
- Service Desk Analysts average $51,010 a year.
- Data Support Technicians average $48,911 a year.
- Help Desk Technicians average $52,452 a year.
- Desktop Support Administrators average $54,234 a year.
- Technical Support Specialists average $53,469 a year.
Keep in mind your salary is Based on different factors like:
- Experience.
- Jobs role.
- Location.
- Company etc.
CompTIA A+ Career Path:
CompTIA A+ is a great starting point for your IT career. It can help you get more advanced certifications and find specialized jobs. With CompTIA A+, you can move on to…:
- CompTIA Network+ for networking expertise.
- CompTIA Security+ for security specialization.
- CompTIA Server+ for server administration.
- Cisco CCNA for network engineering.
- Microsoft MCSA for Windows system administration.
These advanced certifications can lead to career advancement opportunities, higher salaries, and specialized roles in IT, such as network administrator, security analyst, server administrator, or IT manager.
CompTIA A+ Benefits:
Obtaining CompTIA A+ certification offers numerous benefits, including:
- Enhanced job prospects: Stand out to potential employers with a recognized credential
- Increased earning potential: Boost your salary with a certification that demonstrates expertise
- Improved skills and knowledge: Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry developments
- Industry recognition: Join a community of certified professionals respected by employers worldwide
- Vendor-neutral certification: Gain versatility and adaptability in a rapidly changing IT landscape
By achieving CompTIA A+ certification, you'll be well-positioned for success in the IT industry, with a strong foundation for career growth and advancement.
Level of Difficulty:
A+ is considered an entry-level certification and is often regarded as more accessible to beginners in IT. The content is comprehensive but covers fundamental concepts that can be grasped with appropriate study and hands-on practice.
CompTIA Network+:
Introduction:
CompTIA Network+ is a widely recognized and respected certification in the IT industry, validating an individual's expertise in networking concepts, protocols, and technologies. As a mid-level certification, Network+ builds upon the foundational knowledge established by CompTIA A+, delving deeper into the intricacies of network architecture, design, implementation, and management. This certification covers a broad range of topics, including network topologies, protocols, and devices, as well as network security, troubleshooting, and optimization.
By obtaining CompTIA Network+ certification, IT professionals demonstrate their ability to design, configure, and manage complex computer networks, making them a valuable asset to organizations of all sizes. Whether you're looking to advance your career or enhance your skills, CompTIA Network+ is an excellent stepping stone for IT professionals seeking to specialize in networking.
Targeted Audience:
Network+ is intended for individuals interested in pursuing a career in network administration or network support roles. It is beneficial for network technicians, network administrators, system engineers, and network analysts who want to demonstrate their expertise in managing and maintaining computer networks.
Focus and Scope:
Network+ shows that you can build, set up, manage, and fix wired and wireless networks. It covers things like network technology, network setup, network cables, network security, and fixing network problems.
Price:
You can check the price of CompTIA Network+ from the official CompTIA Network+ webpage. The price will be in US Dollars so it can be different in your native currency. Check CompTIA Network+ Price.
Exam Details:
The latest exam of CompTIA Network+ is N10-009 started on June 20, 2024. In this exam, you can face a maximum of 90 MCQs and PBQs which you have to solve in 90 minutes. The passing score of CompTIA Network+ is 720 (on a scale of 100-900).
Languages: You can take the test of CompTIA Network+ in the following languages:
- English.
- Japanese.
- German.
- Portuguese.
- Spanish.
The following table shows the objectives of CompTIA Network+ with its percentage according to exams.
| Domain | Name | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Networking Fundamentals | 23% |
| 2.0 | Network Implementations | 20% |
| 3.0 | Network Operations | 19% |
| 4.0 | Network Security | 14% |
| 5.0 | Network Troubleshooting | 24% |
Jobs after CompTIA Network+:
Jobs after CompTIA Network+ are limited if you read the important notes you'll get more salary from the same jobs. Here are a few job positions held by those with the Network+ certification and their median salaries:
- Network Administrator: average $66,882 annually.
- Network Support Specialists: average $53,530 annually.
- Network Analyst: average $65,527 annually.
Keep in mind your salary is Based on different factors like:
- Experience.
- Jobs role.
- Location.
- Company etc.
CompTIA Network+ Career Path:
CompTIA Network+ certification opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the IT industry. With Network+, you can pursue roles such as:
- Network Administrator, managing and maintaining computer networks.
- Network Engineer, designing and implementing network infrastructure.
- Senior Network Technician, troubleshooting complex network issues.
- IT Manager, overseeing network operations and teams.
- Cybersecurity Specialist, focusing on network security and risk management.
Network+ also serves as a stepping stone to advanced certifications like Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE, and CompTIA's own Security+ and Server+. By achieving Network+ certification, you'll be well-positioned for career advancement, increased earning potential, and specialized roles in networking, ultimately leading to a successful and rewarding IT career.
CompTIA Network+ Benefits:
Obtaining CompTIA Network+ certification brings numerous benefits to IT professionals, including:
- Enhanced career prospects and job opportunities in networking.
- Increased earning potential, with certified professionals commanding higher salaries.
- Improved skills and knowledge in network design, implementation, and management.
- Industry recognition, with CompTIA Network+ being a widely respected and vendor-neutral certification.
- Increased confidence and ability to troubleshoot complex network issues.
- Preparation for advanced certifications, such as Cisco CCNA or CCNP, and CompTIA Security+ or Server+.
- Staying current with the latest networking technologies and industry developments.
By achieving CompTIA Network+ certification, IT professionals can demonstrate their expertise, advance their careers, and stay competitive in the ever-evolving IT industry.
Level of Difficulty:
Network+ is more advanced than A+. It needs you to know a lot about networking. It’s usually done after you get an A+ or have some experience in IT support.
Similarities:
Now you can read some Similarities of CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+:
Renewal Time:
The renewal time of both certifications is 3 years. This means after three years you have to attempt the latest certification exams or you have to participate in different things.
New Exams:
Commonly after every three years, you'll find a new version of these certifications.
Work Experience:
Both certifications require 6-12 months of working experience in specific job roles. These are prerequisites written by CompTIA on the official website.
Industry Prerequisites:
Both certifications are beginner-level certifications for specific fields of Information Technology (IT). So, many major Companies want these certs as a prerequisite for different jobs.
Complete Certification Fast:
The average time to complete these certifications is 6 months. It means for completing both certifications you have to study for 12 months for both certifications. If you want to complete your certification fast you can use these Proven Study Methods to Pass Any IT Certification. VMSOIT.
At Last:
So, Which Should You Take?
CompTIA A+ focuses on broader IT skills encompassing hardware, software, and basic networking, while CompTIA Network+ delves deeper into networking technologies and their configuration, management, and troubleshooting.
Having both certifications can demonstrate your foundational knowledge and skills to potential employers. Obtaining these certifications will give you the confidence to apply for entry-level roles in the IT industry. Most employers look for candidates with both A+ and Network+ certifications, so it is a great idea to obtain both early on. This will increase your chances of landing a job.
How do You Get Certified?
When it comes to learning new skills, you have a range of options to choose from. These options can vary from free online courses to live, instructor-led sessions. Your decision should depend on your preferred learning style and your budget.
It is often said that you get what you pay for, and this also applies to courses. Unfortunately, low-cost or free online courses usually offer minimal to no support and may have outdated or incomplete material. However, there are still some excellent resources available, and if you have a tight budget and are self-disciplined, these courses can work well for you.
On the other hand, if you can afford it, instructor-led classes are the best choice. They are more expensive, but they provide complete support and the latest materials to ensure that you have a higher chance of passing the exam. Additionally, an instructor-led class can keep you on track and help you get certified faster.
Conclusion:
So, you're wondering about CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+? Let's break it down.
CompTIA A+ is like a general IT toolkit. It covers everything from hardware and software to troubleshooting and basic networking. It's great if you're starting out in IT or want a wide range of skills.
CompTIA Network+ is more focused on networking. It's like specializing in building and fixing roads for the internet. It's perfect if you love networking and want to dive deeper into that area.
Both certifications can help you get a job and grow in your career. Think about what you want to do and what you're good at. The right choice depends on your goals and skills.
Remember, the IT field is always growing, so there are plenty of opportunities for people with either A+ or Network+. Good luck on your journey!
FAQs:
Can I take CompTIA Network+ without CompTIA A+?
While it's possible to take Network+ without A+, having a foundation in A+ can make the Network+ exam more accessible. A+ provides essential IT knowledge, including hardware and software troubleshooting, which can be beneficial for understanding networking concepts.
How long does it take to study for CompTIA A+?
The study time for A+ varies depending on individual factors like prior knowledge and study habits. Generally, it takes around 2-3 months to prepare effectively. However, dedicated individuals with a strong IT background might be able to finish it sooner.
Is Network+ harder than A+?
Network+ is often considered more challenging than A+. This is primarily due to its focus on networking concepts, which can be more complex and abstract compared to the broader IT fundamentals covered in A+.
How often do CompTIA certifications need to be renewed?
All CompTIA certifications, including A+ and Network+, need to be renewed every three years. This ensures that certified professionals stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.
Can CompTIA A+ get you a job?
Yes, A+ can help you land entry-level IT jobs. It demonstrates a solid understanding of basic IT concepts and troubleshooting skills, making it a valuable credential for roles like Help Desk Technicians and IT Support Specialists.
What job can I get with CompTIA Network+?
Network+ opens doors to roles that require a deeper understanding of networking. You can pursue positions like Network Administrator, IT Consultant, or Systems Administrator.
Are there any prerequisites for these certifications?
There are no official prerequisites for either A+ or Network+. However, a basic understanding of computers and technology can be helpful.
What’s the average salary for CompTIA A+ certified professionals?
The average salary for A+ certified professionals typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year. However, specific salaries can vary based on location, experience, and additional certifications.
Do employers value CompTIA Network+?
Yes, Network+ is highly valued by employers. It indicates a strong knowledge of networking concepts and is often a requirement for many IT roles.
Are these certifications recognized worldwide?
Both A+ and Network+ are internationally recognized certifications, respected in the IT industry across the globe. They provide a valuable credential that can enhance your career prospects.
