How much do Security+ and Network+ cost?

As of 2026, the Network+ (N10-009) voucher is about $369 and the Security+ (SY0-701) voucher is about $425 in the US. Both run periodic discounts and bundle deals — check the official CompTIA store for current pricing.

Security+ vs Network+: Which Should You Take First?

Q: Do I need Network+ before Security+?

No. CompTIA recommends Network+ knowledge before Security+, but it is not a formal prerequisite — there is nothing stopping you from taking Security+ first. That said, Security+ assumes you understand networking, so if you do not, Network+ (or equivalent self-study) is a smart first step.

Q: Which is harder, Security+ or Network+?

They are close, both entry-level CompTIA exams with up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. Network+ is denser on protocols, addressing, and troubleshooting; Security+ is broader across security concepts, operations, and governance. Most people find them comparable, with the harder one being whichever subject is less familiar to you.

Q: Should I take both, or skip Network+?

If your goal is a cybersecurity job, Security+ is the must-have credential and the one employers and the DoD ask for. Take Network+ first if you are new to networking or want the A+ → Network+ → Security+ pathway; skip it and go straight to Security+ if you already understand networking fundamentals.

Q: Is Network+ or Security+ better for getting a job?

For security roles, Security+ — it is the recognized entry-level security credential and meets the DoD 8140 baseline. Network+ is more of a networking/IT-support credential. Many people list both, but if you can only do one for a security career, choose Security+.

Updated: June 2026 · Read time: 8 min · Level: Beginner

Both are entry-level CompTIA certs, and they sit right next to each other on the classic A+ → Network+ → Security+ pathway. The honest answer to "which first?" depends on your background and your goal. Here's the comparison and a simple rule for deciding.

The short answer

Want a cybersecurity job? Security+ is the credential that actually matters — it's recognized for security roles and meets the DoD baseline. It's the priority.
New to networking? Do Network+ first (or at least learn networking), because Security+ assumes you understand how networks work.
Already comfortable with networking? Skip Network+ and go straight to Security+.

Key fact: Network+ is recommended before Security+, but it is not a formal prerequisite. You can take Security+ first if you want.

Side by side

	CompTIA Network+	CompTIA Security+
Exam code	N10-009	SY0-701
Focus	Networking: protocols, addressing, operations, troubleshooting	Security: threats, operations, architecture, governance
Questions	Up to 90 (MC + performance-based)	Up to 90 (MC + performance-based)
Time	90 minutes	90 minutes
Passing score	720 / 900	750 / 900
Cost (2026, US)	~$369	~$425
Recommended before it	A+ and ~9–12 months experience	Network+ and ~2 years experience
DoD 8140 baseline	Yes (some roles)	Yes (widely)
Best for	Networking / IT-support roles	Entry-level cybersecurity roles

⚠️ Prices and details change. Confirm both on the official CompTIA pages: Network+ and Security+.

What each one actually covers

Network+ (N10-009) is about how networks work and how to keep them running. Its domains span networking concepts, network implementation, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting. It's denser on protocols, IP addressing, subnetting, and diagnosing connectivity problems.

Security+ (SY0-701) is about defending systems and data. Its five domains cover general security concepts, threats and mitigations, security architecture, security operations, and governance/risk. It's broader across the security field and lighter on deep networking mechanics — but it expects you to already understand networking basics.

Notice the overlap: Network+ has a "network security" domain, and Security+ leans on networking knowledge. That overlap is exactly why the pathway puts Network+ first.

Which is harder?

They're comparable — same format, same length, both entry-level. The difference is what's hard:

Network+ is harder if you struggle with the technical mechanics — subnetting, protocols, troubleshooting steps.
Security+ is harder because of its breadth (a lot of concepts across five domains) and its performance-based questions.

In practice, the harder exam is whichever subject is less familiar to you. Neither is a "brick wall" like the advanced CompTIA certs. (For a deeper look at Security+ specifically, see How hard is Security+?)

A simple rule for deciding

Goal = cybersecurity job?
   └─ Yes →  Do you understand networking basics
             (IP, ports, subnetting, the OSI model)?
               ├─ No  → Network+ first, then Security+
               └─ Yes → Go straight to Security+

If you're a total beginner who wants to be thorough, the full A+ → Network+ → Security+ path builds a strong foundation. If you're moving fast toward a security role and already get networking, Security+ alone is enough to start applying. Either way, Security+ is the one that gets you hired — see the full Security+ guide.

FAQ

Do I need Network+ before Security+? No — it's recommended, not required. But Security+ assumes you understand networking, so learn the basics (via Network+ or self-study) if you don't.

Which is harder, Security+ or Network+? They're close. Network+ is denser on protocols and troubleshooting; Security+ is broader and has more concepts. The harder one is whichever subject you know less well.

How much do they cost? In 2026, about $369 for Network+ (N10-009) and ~$425 for Security+ (SY0-701) in the US. Check the CompTIA store for current pricing and bundles.

Should I take both, or skip Network+? For a security job, Security+ is the must-have. Take Network+ first if you're new to networking; skip it if you already understand it.

Is Network+ or Security+ better for getting a job? For security roles, Security+ — it's the recognized entry credential and a DoD baseline. Network+ suits networking/IT-support paths.

→ Next: The full Security+ (SY0-701) guide · Can you pass Security+ with no experience?

Figures are from CompTIA and public sources (2026) and can change. Confirm current details on the official CompTIA site before you book.