Should I Earn Network+ Certification Before Security+?

Should you get the Network+ or Security+ certification first? Should you earn both certifications? Or is it okay to have only one?  

This is one of those circumstances where there is no correct answer. Everyone has a different starting skill set and understands information differently. These differences make it challenging to give you a concrete answer on whether you should earn the Network+ cert before the Security+.

So, how do you decide? Let's discuss some of the key reasons you would want to earn one CompTIA certification over another, and we will highlight some reasons why you want to earn the Network+ before the Security+ or vice versa. First, though, let's consider whether you're ready to get CompTIA certified. 

Are You Ready to Get CompTIA-Certified?

CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral, meaning they are not tied to a specific vendor. Instead, they validate foundational knowledge and skills that can be applied to a variety of real-world situations. As a result, CompTIA is a great starting point for IT beginners and even IT pros who need to learn new skills, such as the cloud.

CBT Nuggets offers training for Network+ and Security+, as well as other CompTIA certifications. If you are ready to move past CompTIA certifications, consider the CCNA certification. The CCNA is widely recognized in the IT industry and is considered the premier networking certification.

Should I Get Network+ Before Security+? Consider Your Career Goals 

Before discussing whether you should get the Network+ before the Security+ certification, we need to discuss your career goals. That makes a big difference. Here's why.

• The Network+ certification is focused on the foundations of networking knowledge. It will discuss networking theory, networking architecture, and best practices. 

• However, the Security+ certification focuses on cybersecurity. Think of it as a more focused version of the Network+ certification. It's like taking a 101 class on psychology rather than studying the intricacies of ADHD. Learning ADHD requires prerequisite knowledge of psychology, but the general study of the psychology field includes other things, too.

Determining your career focus depends on whether you earn the Network+ before the Security+, vice versa, or only one of the certifications. 

If You're Planning a Career in Cybersecurity 

For instance, a career in cybersecurity requires the Security+ certification. Most positions in the cybersecurity world require the Security+. However, many do not require the Network+.

Does that mean you shouldn't earn the Network+ certification?  No. Studying for the Network+ certification is invaluable for earning the Security+ certification, but achieving the Security+ cert will open more doors in your career life sooner. 

Likewise, since you already studied for the Network+ cert, you could take the test and earn the certificate. Having the Network+ cert will only make you more valuable. It is a better idea to earn the Security+ cert first.

If You're Planning a Career in SysAdmin 

If your goal is to be a systems administrator, though, you will want the Network+ certification as soon as possible. The Network+ cert is a mainstay for the SysAdmin field, and most employers look for it on resumes.

What Does the Job You Want Require? 

It's easy to figure out which CompTIA certification you should earn first. Look at job boards. Seriously, take a look.

The thing about job boards (e.g., GlassDoor, Dice, Monster, etc.…) is that employers continually advertise their hopes and dreams. If the world were perfect, an organization's ideal candidate would have every skill and certification listed in its mile-long fluff employment advertisement. 

Organizations rarely hire their 'perfect candidate,' and sometimes they have no idea what their perfect candidate is. That's the same reason you should never hesitate to apply for a position you want.

That said, we can use their hopes and wishes to our benefit. If 90% of the job listings for a security advisor on GlassDoor state they want the Security+ certification, there's a good chance you should probably earn it first.

LinkedIn is another fantastic resource. It has the same types of job boards as other websites, but it tends to be more focused on its listings. LinkedIn spends a lot of time helping employers craft the best job listings.

More importantly, LinkedIn gives you tons of access to people and their resumes. Why not ask people what they prefer? For example, if you want to work at Amazon in IT, why not send a manager at Amazon a quick message on LinkedIn asking which certification they prefer? 

If you ask someone a quick and simple question, you're likely to get a fast and straightforward response.

Just Getting Started in Your Career? Consider The CompTIA Certification Path

CompTIA has a recommended certification path for their certifications, even though most CompTIA certifications don't have prerequisites. If you follow the CompTIA way of obtaining certs, you'll want to earn the Network+ certification before the Security+ cert. Here's why.

In the section above, we mentioned that the Security+ certification depends on a lot of information tested for in the Network+ certification. It makes sense. Even though the cybersecurity domain contains many learning paths outside of networking, a significant component of infoSec is networking. After all, other than social engineering attacks, networks are the primary attack vector of choice. Cybercriminals prefer not to be on location when they are breaking the law.

If you want to secure an information network, you need to understand how it works. Networks are becoming much more complicated, which means cybercriminals have even more attack vectors to choose from.

If you are beginning your IT career, you might want to stick with CompTIA's recommended certification path. This is especially true if you're still a help desk jockey. Leverage that learning path to your benefit. Learn and grow along with CompTIA's certifications.

Final Thoughts 

There is no right or wrong answer here; the right certification depends on your career goals, current skill set, and the job you want. If all else fails, CompTIA recommends the Network+ first. 

No matter which certification you decide to pursue, CBT Nuggets is here to help. Sign up for a free 7-day trial and start preparing for the Network+ or the Security+ — or both!