Should I take the CompTIA A+ before Network+?

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The three primary entry level CompTIA certifications are the A+, Network+ and Security+, and because so many people start their careers focusing on one or more of these certifications, the question often comes up about which certification to take first and which of these you really need for your career.

Should you take the CompTIA A+ before Network+?  You don’t need to, and probably shouldn’t take the CompTIA A+ before the Network+ certification exam, because if you’re entering into field of cyber security, your focus should be on obtaining the Network+ and Security+ instead.

I’m sure this response brings up quite a few questions in everyone’s mind, so let’s discuss why skipping the A+ is practical and why you should go for the Network+ and Security+ instead.

Reasons why skipping the CompTIA A+ makes sense

While I do train students on CompTIA A+ material, and in fact require the training before they get into networking, I have been advising students to skip the CompTIA A+ certification exam and jump straight to the Network+ exam if they are pursuing a certification.  There are several reasons why.

Reason #1:  CompTIA A+ requires two exams, while Network+ and Security+ only require one.  The A+ covers a lot of material and requires you to take two exams, which most people sit for on different days, often a week or more apart.  This two exam approach requires a lot more study and preparation and therefore delays when you can actually say that you’re certified. One test certifications are the best option for entry level certification seekers because they are more manageable and provide the positive reinforcement of an early victory that much sooner.  And because it’s advisable to also be looking for internship or entry level opportunities while you’re pursuing your certifications and education, it’s that much sooner that the certification will be on your resume.

Reason #2:  Network+ is not more difficult than the A+.  While CompTIA recommends that you take A+ before Network+, they have never made it a requirement, and plenty of people are successful jumping right to the Network+.  This is because the Network+ isn’t any more difficult that the A+, and in fact it may be easier than the A+ simply because of the tremendous amount of material on both A+ exams and the rote memorization much of the A+ material requires.  If the difficulty level is so similar, it is worth considering if the higher level Network+ certification is a better use of your time. Keep in mind that A+ knowledge is important, and will help you success on the Network+, so it’s still an important subject to learn.  But what we’re talking about here is which topic to choose to do the deep dive study required to pass a certification.

Reason #3: A+ aligns to a lower level, and lower paid skill set.  The CompTIA A+ is the go to certification for anyone interested in getting into a computer repair or help desk position, but those positions have always been considered entry level and have been on the lower end of the pay scale.  Since your study time is limited, the fact is you just don’t have the time to prepare for every certification you may want or learn everything you may want to know, so we have to be careful and deliberate with our study time. It’s not prudent to spend time on a certification that aligns to a skill set that you will quickly move beyond in your career.  Consider this: If you only had time to prepare for two certifications, would you want the A+ and Network+, or the Network+ and Security+? I think in some cases, having the A+ may inadvertently pigeonhole us into a non-cyber security position or career path.

Reason #4:  Network+ supersedes A+ in most employer’s minds.  It seems that employers are fairly comfortable with assuming that if you’re solid on the Network+ than you also have a working knowledge of A+ as well.  This is because Network+ is considered more valuable, but not that much more advanced than the A+ certification. This means that if you had an intermediate or advanced certification, such as the CompTIA CASP but didn’t have any other certifications or experience, employers would probably question your ability and if you have the practical knowledge and background you really need.  But because Network+ is so close to A+ in level, it doesn’t have this same risk of being your first certification and causing an employer to question your true ability.