CCNA
200-301
1Network Fundamentals
20%
2Network Access
20%
3IP Connectivity
25%
4IP Services
10%
5Security Fundamentals
15%
6Automation and Programmability
10%
Certification comparison
CCNA vs Network+
Network+ is vendor-neutral and covers how networks work. CCNA goes further and has you configure and troubleshoot Cisco routers and switches. CCNA is the harder and more hands-on of the two.
Last updated
Side by side
The two exams at a glance
Every figure comes from the vendor’s own pages, through our exam guides, and is checked every week.
| Cisco CCNA | CompTIA Network+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Cisco | CompTIA |
| Exam code | 200-301 | N10-009 |
| Level | IntermediateCisco calls it Associate | BeginnerCompTIA calls it Foundational |
| Written for | Network engineer | Network engineer |
| Questions | Not published by Cisco | Up to 90 |
| Time | 120 min | 90 min |
| Passing score | Not published by Cisco | 720 / 900 |
| Exam cost | $300Plus tax, paid to Pearson VUE; set by country | Varies by countryCompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay |
| Experience | NonePrerequisites | A+ and 9–12 months in networkingRecommended experience |
| Renewal | Every 3 years: 30 CE credits | Every 3 years: 30 CEUs |
| Exam outline | 6 domainsLargest: IP Connectivity (25%) | 5 domainsLargest: Network Troubleshooting (24%) |
| What’s changing | No change announced | No change announced |
Levels are our own rating, from the level each vendor gives its exam. How we check our facts
Exam domains
What each exam covers
Each domain’s share of the exam, as the vendor publishes it. Where one exam has two versions on sale, this is the newer one.
Network+
N10-009
1Networking Concepts
23%
2Network Implementation
20%
3Network Operations
19%
4Network Security
14%
5Network Troubleshooting
24%
Which one
Which should you take?
Choose CCNA if
you want to work as a network engineer or administrator, especially on Cisco equipment, and you’re ready to practice on real or simulated devices.
Choose Network+ if
you want a vendor-neutral foundation for IT support, systems or security work, or you’re newer to networking.
Which one first?
You don’t need both. If networking is new to you, Network+ gives you the concepts and makes CCNA easier later. If you already know the basics, go straight to CCNA: Cisco sets no prerequisites for it.
Beyond the numbers
What really differs
Vendor-neutral against Cisco
Network+ teaches concepts that apply to any vendor’s equipment. CCNA teaches the same foundations through Cisco’s own devices and commands.
Understanding against doing
Network+ checks that you understand networks and can troubleshoot them. CCNA also expects you to configure and verify routing, switching, wireless and security features yourself.
What it says to an employer
Network+ shows a broad base that suits support, systems and security roles. CCNA shows you can work on a network day to day.
FAQs
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Find quick answers or contact our support team.
Should I take CCNA or Network+ first?
You don’t need both. If networking is new to you, Network+ gives you the concepts and makes CCNA easier later. If you already know the basics, go straight to CCNA: Cisco sets no prerequisites for it.
Which is harder, CCNA or Network+?
CCNA. We rate CCNA intermediate and Network+ beginner, going by the level each vendor gives its exam and the experience it expects.
What experience do I need for CCNA and Network+?
CCNA: Cisco sets no prerequisites for CCNA. Knowing the exam’s domains well is what counts. Network+: CompTIA recommends A+ and 9–12 months in networking. It isn’t required to sit the exam.
Which costs more, CCNA or Network+?
CCNA: $300 (plus tax, paid to Pearson VUE; set by country). Check Cisco’s site for the price in your country. Network+: Varies by country. CompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay.
