CompTIA Network+ vs Security+: Which Pays Back More?
Network+ costs $358 and adds $10,000/year for networking roles. Security+ costs $404 and adds $15,000/year — higher salary premium, DoD recognition, and better long-term career trajectory. For most IT professionals, Security+ wins.
Compare ROI at Your Salary
| Factor | Security+ | Network+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $404 | $358 |
| Salary premium | $15,000/yr | $10,000/yr |
| DoD 8570 | IAT Level II ✓ | Not listed |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Prerequisites | A+ recommended (not required) | A+ recommended (not required) |
| Career path | Security analyst, SOC, govt IT | Network admin, helpdesk mgr |
| Next cert | CySA+, CISSP, CEH | CCNA, Security+ |
Security+: The Better ROI for Most IT Professionals
Security+ earns more ($15K vs $10K), costs only $46 more than Network+, and opens doors to government and defense contractor roles that require DoD 8570 compliance. It's recognized by more hiring managers and is often the first security cert employers require. For anyone in IT who might want to move toward security (and that career path pays better), Security+ is the higher-leverage investment.
Network+: For Dedicated Networking Roles
Network+ validates networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, network infrastructure, troubleshooting, security basics, and network operations. It's most valuable for network administrators and support technicians whose primary focus is networking rather than security. If you're certain your career stays in networking (not security), Network+ is the right cert. If there's any chance you'll move toward security, skip Network+ and go straight to Security+.
Do You Need Network+ Before Security+?
No. CompTIA recommends (but doesn't require) 1–2 years of networking experience before Security+. Many candidates skip Network+ and go straight to Security+ — studying networking concepts as part of Security+ prep. The question is whether you need Network+ for its own credential value in your current or target role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for government IT jobs: Network+ or Security+?
Security+ by a wide margin. Security+ satisfies DoD 8570 IAT Level II requirements, which most government and defense contractor IT roles require. Network+ is not on the DoD 8570 list. For federal IT work, Security+ is close to mandatory.
Should I get both Network+ and Security+?
Only if your role specifically requires Network+ credentials. Security+ is the higher-value cert, and studying for it covers most networking concepts you'd learn in Network+. Getting both is reasonable for a comprehensive CompTIA certification stack, but prioritize Security+ first.