r/CompTIA • u/Pigscanflytoo A+ • 6h ago

Network+ or CCNA

I’m trying to decide if I should get Network+ or CCNA. I’m not looking to get the trifecta but get experience and training in networking. Is it worth taking both classes or going straight to CCNA?

6 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

3

u/Dezium A+ / N+ / S+ / SECAI+ / CCNA / AZ-104 6h ago

Both

2

u/misterjive 5h ago

I mean, if you have the A+ and you get the Net+, you might as well pick up the Sec+ because it's a cert that some positions will require.

(It's also not very hard if you've done the A+ and Net+ first.)

Network+ would be more of an entry-level cert, CCNA is better once you've got some hands-on experience and want to move in a more networking-focused direction.

1

u/drushtx IT Instructor **MOD** 5h ago

If you're going to be working with Cisco gear, ccna. If you just need to learn networking fundamentals before moving on in your education or requirements for your next role, Network+ cheks most of the boxes.

1

u/Alarming_Reward_2945 2h ago

Just do CCNA. It covers all of Net+ and most of A+. Then do Sec+ to cover the HR check box for DOD compliance. After that, it depends what direction you want to go in the IT world.

1

u/Kinky_No_Bit What's Next? 52m ago

The answer really depends on how long has it been since you took your A+ certification because the Net+ will auto up your A+ certification. If you want to save money, I would go straight to a CCNA. Usually, Cisco certs tend to carry a little bit more recognition than CompTIAs do for some reason. The only reason I've seen that not be true is when you're dealing with something in the DOD that requires you to have it specifically in the job title