CCNA vs Network+
Network+ from CompTIA and CCNA from Cisco are both entry-level networking certifications. Network+ covers networking concepts, implementation, operations, security, and troubleshooting, while CCNA covers network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.
Updated
Side by Side
| Attribute | CCNA | Network+ |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | ||
| Full name | Cisco Certified Network Associate | CompTIA Network+ |
| Issuer | ||
| Issuer | Cisco | CompTIA |
| Level | ||
| Level | Entry | Entry |
| Exam type | ||
| Exam type | Multiple choice and performance-based | Multiple choice and performance-based |
| Questions | ||
| Questions | Not published | Maximum of 90 |
| Duration | ||
| Duration | 120 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | ||
| Passing score | Pass/fail only; no scaled score is published | 720 on a scale of 100 to 900 |
| Exam fee | ||
| Exam fee | $300 | $399 |
| Prerequisites | ||
| Prerequisites | None. | None required. CompTIA recommends A+ and 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience as a junior network administrator or network support technician. |
| Validity | ||
| Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Renewal | ||
| Renewal | Within the 3-year period, earn 30 Continuing Education credits, or pass the current CCNA exam or any higher-level Cisco certification exam. | Earn 30 CEUs in the three-year cycle and pay a $150 CE fee, complete the CertMaster CE course, pass the latest Network+ exam, or earn a higher-level CompTIA certification such as Security+. |
| Exam domains | ||
| Exam domains | Network Fundamentals; Network Access; IP Connectivity; IP Services; Security Fundamentals; Automation and Programmability | Networking concepts; Network implementation; Network operations; Network security; Network troubleshooting |
Main Differences
- Exam: Network+ (N10-009) has a maximum of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes and passes at 720 on a 100 to 900 scale. CCNA (200-301) is a 120-minute exam with performance-based, multiple-choice, and drag-and-drop questions, graded pass/fail.
- Recommended experience: CompTIA recommends A+ and 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience before Network+. Cisco designs CCNA as a starting point that assumes little to no networking knowledge. Neither has formal prerequisites.
- Cost: the Network+ voucher is $399, and the CCNA exam costs 300 USD.
- Renewal: both are valid for three years. Network+ needs 30 CEUs and a $150 CE fee, or another renewal option such as a higher-level CompTIA certification. CCNA needs 30 Continuing Education credits, or passing the current CCNA exam or any higher-level Cisco certification exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need Network+ before CCNA?→
No. Cisco lists no prerequisites for CCNA and designs it as a starting point that assumes little to no networking knowledge.
How do you renew Network+ and CCNA?→
Network+ renews with 30 CEUs and the CE fee, the CertMaster CE course, or a higher-level CompTIA certification such as Security+. CCNA renews with 30 Continuing Education credits, or by passing the current CCNA exam or any higher-level Cisco certification exam within three years.
Related
Sources
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco: CCNA
- Cisco Learning Network: 200-301 CCNA v1.1 exam topics
- Cisco: 200-301 CCNA exam
- CompTIA blog: Is CompTIA Network+ worth it?
- CompTIA CE: CEUs required per certification
- CompTIA CE: Continuing education renewal fees
- CompTIA CE: Earn a higher-level CompTIA certification
- Cisco: CCNA Exam v1.1 (200-301) exam topics
- Cisco Learning Network: 200-301 CCNA v2.0 exam topics
- Cisco Learning Network: Steps to the Future: The Modern CCNA
- Cisco Blogs: CCNA in the Age of AI
- Cisco: Recertification Policy
- CompTIA CE: Renew with a single activity
- CompTIA CE: Complete a CompTIA CertMaster CE course
Exam details come from official issuer pages and are listed in the sources above. Fees and exam versions change; confirm with the issuer before registering.