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 Security+
They lead to different jobs. CCNA is for building and running networks. Security+ is for protecting systems and data. Choose by the work you want to do.
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 Security+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Cisco | CompTIA |
| Exam code | 200-301 | SY0-801, SY0-701 |
| Level | IntermediateCisco calls it Associate | Intermediate |
| Written for | Network engineer | Security analyst or engineer |
| Questions | Not published by Cisco | Up to 90 |
| Time | 120 min | 90 min |
| Passing score | Not published by Cisco | 750 / 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 | Network+ and 2 years in security administrationRecommended experience |
| Renewal | Every 3 years: 30 CE credits | Every 3 years: 50 CEUs |
| Exam outline | 6 domainsLargest: IP Connectivity (25%) | 5 domainsLargest: Security Operations (27%) |
| What’s changing | No change announced | SY0-801 launches on November 17, 2026. SY0-701 retires on June 11, 2027 |
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.
Security+
SY0-801 · From November 17, 2026
1General Security Concepts
16%
2Threats, Vulnerabilities and Attacks
24%
3Security Architecture
19%
4Security Operations
27%
5Security Program Management and Oversight
14%
Which one
Which should you take?
Choose CCNA if
you want to be a network engineer or administrator and you like hands-on configuration.
Choose Security+ if
you want a security role, or a job asks for a baseline security certification.
Which one first?
Neither requires the other. Networking knowledge makes Security+ easier, so if networks are new to you, learn them first, with CCNA or Network+. If security is your goal and you already understand networks, go straight to Security+.
Beyond the numbers
What really differs
Networking against security
CCNA is about making a network work: addressing, routing, switching and wireless. Security+ is about defending systems of every kind: networks, devices, applications and the people who use them.
One vendor against none
CCNA teaches networking through Cisco’s own devices and commands. Security+ is vendor-neutral, so what it covers applies whatever equipment you work with.
How much they overlap
CCNA includes security fundamentals, and Security+ expects you to understand how networks are built. Each makes the other easier, but neither replaces it.
FAQs
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Find quick answers or contact our support team.
Should I take CCNA or Security+ first?
Neither requires the other. Networking knowledge makes Security+ easier, so if networks are new to you, learn them first, with CCNA or Network+. If security is your goal and you already understand networks, go straight to Security+.
Which is harder, CCNA or Security+?
They sit at the same level: we rate both intermediate. What differs is what they cover, so the harder one is usually the one further from your own experience.
What experience do I need for CCNA and Security+?
CCNA: Cisco sets no prerequisites for CCNA. Knowing the exam’s domains well is what counts. Security+: CompTIA recommends Network+ and 2 years in security administration. It isn’t required to sit the exam.
Which costs more, CCNA or Security+?
CCNA: $300 (plus tax, paid to Pearson VUE; set by country). Check Cisco’s site for the price in your country. Security+: Varies by country. CompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay.
