CCNA vs Security+
CCNA leads to network engineering ($55–$80K starting). Security+ leads to cybersecurity ($60–$90K starting). Both are solid first certs. CCNA pays more and pays back faster — but choose your career direction first.
Compare ROI at Your Salary
Full Comparison: CCNA (Cisco) vs CompTIA Security+
# # Guidelines: # - 50-70 words (AI Overviews cite 50-70 word blocks most reliably — shorter gets skipped) # - Start with a direct answer sentence containing a specific number or fact # - Include at least 2 specific data points (dollar amounts, percentages, comparisons) # - Include location/context where applicable # - End with a personal-context hook ("use the calculator below to...") # - Do NOT use for H2s that label interactive form sections (calculator inputs, results) # - DO use for H2s that pose or imply a question readers would search for %>CCNA has a higher premium and faster payback than Security+ at the starting point. But the more important decision is your career direction: network engineering or cybersecurity. Both are strong career paths.
| Factor | CCNA (Cisco) | CompTIA Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $330 | $404 |
| Annual premium | +$20,000/yr | +$13,000/yr |
| Payback | ~5 months | ~10 months |
| Starting role | Network technician, NOC analyst | SOC analyst, security specialist |
| DoD 8570 | No | Yes (IAT Level II) |
| Free study resources | Jeremy's IT Labs (excellent) | Professor Messer (excellent) |
Pick Your Career First, Then Your Cert
The most important decision isn't CCNA vs Security+ — it's whether you want to configure routers and maintain network infrastructure (network engineering) or monitor for threats and respond to incidents (cybersecurity).
Network engineering is tangible and physical. Cybersecurity is analytical and policy-heavy. Both are in demand. Both pay well. Get clear on which day-to-day work sounds more interesting before choosing.
Both Have Excellent Free Study Resources
CCNA: Jeremy's IT Labs on YouTube provides free, comprehensive CCNA preparation that rivals paid courses. Combined with Neil Anderson's Udemy course ($15 on sale), total study cost is under $20.
Security+: Professor Messer offers free Security+ materials online. CompTIA's official study materials are good but expensive — third-party options work just as well.