The three primary entry level CompTIA certifications are the A+, Network+ and Security+, and because so many people start their careers focusing on one or more of these certifications, the question often comes up about which certification to take first and which of these you really need for your career..
Should you take the CompTIA A+ before Network+? You don’t need to, and probably shouldn’t take the CompTIA A+ before the Network+ certification exam, because if you’re entering into field of cyber security, your focus should be on obtaining the Network+ and Security+ instead.I’m sure this response brings up quite a few questions in everyone’s mind, so let’s discuss why skipping the A+ is practical and why you should go for the Network+ and Security+ instead.
Reasons why skipping the CompTIA A+ makes sense
While I do train students on CompTIA A+ material, and in fact require the training before they get into networking, I have been advising students to skip the CompTIA A+ certification exam and jump straight to the Network+ exam if they are pursuing a certification. There are several reasons why.
Reason #1: CompTIA A+ requires two exams, while Network+ and Security+ only require one. The A+ covers a lot of material and requires you to take two exams, which most people sit for on different days, often a week or more apart. This two exam approach requires a lot more study and preparation and therefore delays when you can actually say that you’re certified. One test certifications are the best option for entry level certification seekers because they are more manageable and provide the positive reinforcement of an early victory that much sooner. And because it’s advisable to also be looking for internship or entry level opportunities while you’re pursuing your certifications and education, it’s that much sooner that the certification will be on your resume.
Reason #2: Network+ is not more difficult than the A+. While CompTIA recommends that you take A+ before Network+, they have never made it a requirement, and plenty of people are successful jumping right to the Network+. This is because the Network+ isn’t any more difficult that the A+, and in fact it may be easier than the A+ simply because of the tremendous amount of material on both A+ exams and the rote memorization much of the A+ material requires. If the difficulty level is so similar, it is worth considering if the higher level Network+ certification is a better use of your time. Keep in mind that A+ knowledge is important, and will help you success on the Network+, so it’s still an important subject to learn. But what we’re talking about here is which topic to choose to do the deep dive study required to pass a certification.
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