Security+ vs Network+
Network+ covers networking concepts, operations, and troubleshooting. Security+ covers threats, security architecture, operations, and program oversight. CompTIA recommends Network+ before Security+, but neither requires the other.
Side by Side
| Security+ | Network+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA Network+ |
| Issuer | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Level | Entry | Entry |
| Exam type | Multiple choice and performance-based | Multiple choice and performance-based |
| Questions | Maximum of 90 | Maximum of 90 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 750 on a scale of 100 to 900 | 720 on a scale of 100 to 900 |
| Exam fee | $439 | $399 |
| Prerequisites | None required. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of experience in a security or systems administrator job role. | None required. CompTIA recommends A+ and 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience as a junior network administrator or network support technician. |
| Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Renewal | Earn 50 CEUs in the three-year cycle and pay a $150 CE fee, complete the CertMaster CE course, pass the latest Security+ exam, or earn a higher-level CompTIA certification such as CySA+, PenTest+, or SecurityX. | 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 | General security concepts; Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations; Security architecture; Security operations; Security program management and oversight | Networking concepts; Network implementation; Network operations; Network security; Network troubleshooting |
Main Differences
- +Focus: Network+ is a networking certification with one security domain. Security+ is a security certification across five domains.
- +Recommended experience: CompTIA suggests A+ and 9 to 12 months of networking experience before Network+, and Network+ plus two years of security or systems administration experience before Security+.
- +Exam: both have up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. Network+ passes at 720 and Security+ at 750, both on a 100 to 900 scale.
- +Cost and renewal: the Network+ voucher is $399 and the Security+ voucher $439. Network+ needs 30 CEUs per three-year cycle and Security+ 50.
Certification Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need Network+ before Security+?→
No. CompTIA recommends Network+ for networking knowledge but does not require it.
Does Security+ renew Network+?→
Yes. CompTIA lists Security+ among the higher-level certifications that renew Network+.
Sources
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.