Security+ vs Network+ vs A+: which CompTIA cert first

CompTIA's A+, Network+ and Security+ are often described as a ladder, and people searching for "Security+ vs Network+ vs A+" mostly want to know where to start. Here is how they differ and what CompTIA itself says.

What each one is about

• A+ is the entry-level support certification: hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting and basic connectivity for people starting in IT support.
• Network+ is about how networks work and are run: addressing, protocols, switching and routing, and network troubleshooting.
• Security+ is about securing systems and organizations: threats, architecture, operations and governance. Its exam, SY0-701, has five domains covering general security concepts, threats and mitigations, architecture, operations and program management.

What CompTIA recommends

On its Security+ page, CompTIA recommends Network+ plus two years of experience in a security or systems administrator role before Security+. It is a recommendation, not a prerequisite, and CompTIA does not list a required certification. Plenty of people sit Security+ without Network+ if they already know networking well.

How to choose

Start with A+ if you are new to IT and do not yet know how computers, operating systems and basic troubleshooting fit together.

Go to Network+ if you are comfortable with computers but weak on networking. Security topics assume you know what a subnet, a port and a DNS lookup are. If you can work through a subnet by hand or with the subnet and CIDR calculator and recite common ports, you likely have enough networking to start Security+.

Go straight to Security+ if your goal is a security role, you already have working IT experience, and the ports and protocols and addressing feel familiar.

A quick self-test

Ask yourself three questions. Can you explain the difference between TCP and UDP? Can you say what a /26 means? Can you name what port secure web traffic uses? If the answers come easily, Network+ material will mostly be review. If not, that is your gap, and it will show up throughout the architecture and operations domains.

Check the current objectives

CompTIA has said a newer version of Security+ is expected around November 17, 2026, and lists SY0-701 as retiring June 11, 2027 for English. Whichever cert you pick, read the objectives for the version you will actually sit. For the current exam's structure, see the five SY0-701 domains.

An Encodr Security+ course is in the works. The coming-soon page has the exam facts, and you can browse all exam prep courses.