Network+
N10-009
1Networking Concepts
23%
2Network Implementation
20%
3Network Operations
19%
4Network Security
14%
5Network Troubleshooting
24%
Certification comparison
Network+ vs Security+
Network+ teaches how networks are built and fixed. Security+ teaches how to defend them. They’re steps on the same path, and Network+ usually comes first.
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.
| CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA Security+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Exam code | N10-009 | SY0-801, SY0-701 |
| Level | BeginnerCompTIA calls it Foundational | Intermediate |
| Written for | Network engineer | Security analyst or engineer |
| Questions | Up to 90 | Up to 90 |
| Time | 90 min | 90 min |
| Passing score | 720 / 900 | 750 / 900 |
| Exam cost | Varies by countryCompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay | Varies by countryCompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay |
| Experience | A+ and 9–12 months in networkingRecommended experience | Network+ and 2 years in security administrationRecommended experience |
| Renewal | Every 3 years: 30 CEUs | Every 3 years: 50 CEUs |
| Exam outline | 5 domainsLargest: Network Troubleshooting (24%) | 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 Network+ if
networking is new to you, or you’re aiming at network support and administration.
Choose Security+ if
you want a security role, or you already understand networking from work or study.
Which one first?
Network+ first if networking is new to you: CompTIA recommends it before Security+. If you already set up and troubleshoot networks at work, you can go straight to Security+.
Beyond the numbers
What really differs
What each is about
Network+ is about making networks work: how they’re designed, set up, run and repaired. Security+ is about protecting systems and data, on the network and beyond it.
How much they overlap
Network+ has its own security domain, and Security+ expects you to know ports, protocols and network design. What you learn for one counts toward the other.
Where each leads
Network+ leads toward network administration and certifications such as CCNA. Security+ leads toward analyst roles and CompTIA’s CySA+ and PenTest+.
FAQs
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Find quick answers or contact our support team.
Should I take Network+ or Security+ first?
Network+ first if networking is new to you: CompTIA recommends it before Security+. If you already set up and troubleshoot networks at work, you can go straight to Security+.
Which is harder, Network+ or Security+?
Security+. We rate Security+ intermediate and Network+ beginner, going by the level each vendor gives its exam and the experience it expects.
What experience do I need for Network+ and Security+?
Network+: CompTIA recommends A+ and 9–12 months in networking. It isn’t required to sit the exam. Security+: CompTIA recommends Network+ and 2 years in security administration. It isn’t required to sit the exam.
Which costs more, Network+ or Security+?
The answer is the same for both: varies by country. CompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay.
