Exam Comparison
CCNA vs Network+
Comparing the Cisco CCNA (200-301) and the CompTIA Network+ (N10-009). Both fall under IT Certifications. Both are covered by the CompTIA & Cisco Exam Prep: A+, Network+, CCNA & More app.
The Bottom Line
For a network-engineering career, the CCNA is the stronger and more respected certification, deeper, hands-on, and directly requested by employers. Network+ is easier and vendor-neutral, best as a stepping stone for beginners or for general-IT roles where networking is one skill among several.
CCNA vs Network+: At a Glance
| Detail | CCNA | Network+ |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Cisco CCNA (200-301) | CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) |
| Governing Body | Cisco | CompTIA |
| Number of Questions | 110 | 90 |
| Time Limit | 120 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 825/1000 (scaled) | 720/900 |
| Exam Fee | $330 USD | $358 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App | CompTIA & Cisco Exam Prep: A+, Network+, CCNA & More Soon | CompTIA & Cisco Exam Prep: A+, Network+, CCNA & More Soon |
Content Areas Compared
CCNA Domains
- Network Fundamentals(20%)
- Network Access(20%)
- IP Connectivity(25%)
- IP Services(10%)
- Security Fundamentals(15%)
- Automation and Programmability(10%)
Network+ Domains
- Networking Concepts(23%)
- Network Implementation(20%)
- Network Operations(19%)
- Network Security(14%)
- Network Troubleshooting(24%)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CCNA and Network+?
Network+ (CompTIA) certifies vendor-neutral networking fundamentals at a conceptual level. The CCNA (Cisco) covers similar territory but substantially deeper, subnetting fluency, VLANs, spanning tree, OSPF, ACLs, NAT, wireless, automation basics, with configuration-level knowledge of Cisco IOS. The market treats them differently: Network+ is a checkbox for general IT roles; the CCNA is the standard entry credential for actual network engineering and NOC positions.
Can I take both the CCNA and the Network+?
Holding both adds little, the CCNA subsumes Network+ in employer eyes. The common efficient path is either Network+ → CCNA (confidence ladder) or CCNA alone (direct route). Spend the savings on lab gear or the next Cisco tier instead.
Which should I take first, CCNA or Network+?
If networking is the career: consider going straight to CCNA, it contains Network+’s material and hiring managers rarely value both. Network+ first makes sense when you are still deciding between IT paths, when your study confidence is low (the CCNA is a genuinely harder exam), or when a degree program or employer covers its cost anyway.
Does C3RT cover both the CCNA and the Network+?
C3RT is building apps for both the CCNA and the Network+. Both will be available on iOS and Mac.
The Cisco CCNA (200-301) (CCNA) is administered by Cisco. The CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) (Network+) is administered by CompTIA. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.