CompTIA Network+ vs CCNA: Which Should You Choose?
Two popular networking certifications, two different career paths. Compare skills, exams, difficulty, costs and job opportunities in Australia to find the best starting point.
If you're planning a career in IT support, networking or cybersecurity, you may be deciding between CompTIA Network+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Both can help you build valuable networking knowledge, but they are designed for different learning goals.
The short answer: Network+ is often a sensible first certification if you're completely new to IT or want broad, vendor-neutral knowledge. CCNA is generally the stronger direct choice if you want deeper practical networking skills and are targeting network administration or network engineering roles. Neither certification guarantees a job.
What is CompTIA Network+?
CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral networking certification. It covers the concepts and troubleshooting methods used across many brands of networking equipment and operating environments.
You study topics such as IP addressing, network devices, wired and wireless connectivity, routing and switching concepts, security, operations, and troubleshooting. It is particularly useful for people who want a broad networking foundation before specialising.
Who is Network+ best for?
- Beginners exploring IT support, service desk and junior infrastructure roles.
- People who want to understand networking without focusing on one vendor.
- Career changers who prefer a broad foundation before pursuing Cisco, cloud or cybersecurity certifications.
- IT support staff who need to troubleshoot common connectivity problems.
What is Cisco CCNA?
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) validates networking fundamentals with a stronger emphasis on configuring, operating and troubleshooting networks, including Cisco-oriented technologies and command-line skills.
Typical learning areas include IPv4 and IPv6, switching, VLANs, routing, IP services, network security fundamentals, wireless, and automation concepts. Practical lab work is an important part of preparing for the exam.
Who is CCNA best for?
- People aiming for junior network administrator, network support or network engineer pathways.
- IT professionals who already understand basic networking and want to go deeper.
- Learners who enjoy configuring switches and routers and troubleshooting real network scenarios.
- Students who can commit time to regular labs and command-line practice.
Network+ vs CCNA: Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | CompTIA Network+ | Cisco CCNA |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Broad, vendor-neutral networking | Deeper networking with Cisco-focused practical skills |
| Best suited to | New IT learners and support professionals | Aspiring network administrators and engineers |
| Prior experience | No mandatory prerequisite; foundational knowledge helps | No mandatory prerequisite; basic IT knowledge helps |
| Practical learning | Network concepts and troubleshooting | Extensive router, switch and network configuration labs |
| Exam approach | Multiple-choice and performance-based questions | Single certification exam covering knowledge and applied networking skills |
| Vendor focus | Vendor-neutral | Cisco technologies plus widely used networking concepts |
| Typical next step | IT support, cybersecurity fundamentals, or a specialist certification | Network support roles, advanced networking, or CCNP later |
Which exam is harder?
For many beginners, CCNA feels more challenging because it asks for deeper understanding and consistent hands-on configuration practice. Network+ is broad and can also be difficult if you are unfamiliar with networking terminology or troubleshooting.
Difficulty depends on your starting point. Someone already supporting Cisco networks may find CCNA preparation more natural, while a new learner may prefer the gradual progression of Network+.
Exam costs and certification requirements in Australia
Both certifications have exam fees, and your total cost may also include training, practice exams and study materials. Australian pricing can change with exchange rates, taxes, voucher arrangements and vendor updates. Check the official vendor pages before purchasing.
- Network+: Review the current exam code, objectives and voucher price on CompTIA's official Network+ page.
- CCNA: Review the current exam version, topics and registration information on Cisco's official CCNA page.
Neither certification requires you to hold the other first. You can go directly to CCNA if you're prepared to study the fundamentals and practise regularly.
Which certification is better for IT jobs in Australia?
Look at the actual skills requested in job advertisements, rather than relying on a certification title alone.
For IT help desk and desktop support
Network+ is a useful foundation because it helps you understand connectivity, DNS, DHCP, Wi-Fi and troubleshooting across varied environments. Employers may also value Windows, Microsoft 365 and customer support skills.
For junior network support and network administration
CCNA is often a closer match because it develops practical routing, switching and network troubleshooting knowledge. Build a lab portfolio to demonstrate what you can configure and diagnose.
For cybersecurity
Either can be a starting point. Network+ provides broad foundations; CCNA can provide deeper insight into traffic flow, network segmentation and device configuration. You will still need security-specific knowledge and experience.
For cloud and infrastructure
Both help with concepts such as subnets, routing, DNS and connectivity. Your choice should depend on whether you expect to work more with general infrastructure or network engineering.
Should you complete Network+ before CCNA?
Not necessarily. If you're brand new to IT and prefer structured foundational study, Network+ before CCNA can be a helpful progression. If you already know the basics and your goal is networking, going straight to CCNA can save time and training expense.
How to prepare: a practical study plan
- Pick your target role. Read current Australian job advertisements for help desk, network support and junior network engineer positions.
- Review the official exam objectives. Make sure your course materials match the exam version you will actually sit.
- Build your networking basics. Understand IP addressing, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, Ethernet and wireless.
- Practise troubleshooting. Use scenarios that require you to find and explain the cause of a connectivity issue.
- Do hands-on labs. For CCNA, spend substantial time configuring and testing network topologies using suitable lab tools or equipment.
- Use practice questions to find gaps. Don't rely on memorising answers without understanding the concepts.
- Book the exam when ready. Check the current exam version, registration policies and voucher validity first.
Learn networking with ITRoute
ITRoute offers certification-focused IT training for learners who want to develop practical skills and prepare for industry exams. If you're considering CCNA, explore our CCNA training course for course details and upcoming intakes. You can also contact ITRoute to discuss which networking course fits your experience and career goals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Network+ or CCNA better for a complete beginner?
Network+ is often easier to approach because it covers broad networking fundamentals. A motivated beginner can also start with CCNA, provided they dedicate enough time to fundamentals and practical labs.
Can I get an IT job in Australia with Network+?
Network+ can support applications for entry-level IT roles, but hiring also depends on your experience, practical skills, communication and local employer requirements.
Can I get a network engineer job with CCNA?
CCNA can help demonstrate relevant networking knowledge, especially for junior network roles. Employers may also expect practical experience, troubleshooting ability and familiarity with their environment.
Do I need Network+ before taking CCNA?
No. There is no mandatory Network+ prerequisite for CCNA.
Which certification is more useful for cybersecurity?
Both provide networking knowledge used in security. Network+ is a broad starting point, while CCNA is helpful when you want deeper understanding of network operations and segmentation.
How long does it take to study?
It depends on your background, weekly study time and lab practice. Use the exam objectives to build a realistic schedule rather than assuming everyone can prepare in the same number of weeks.
Final verdict: Which should you choose?
If your first goal is general IT support or broad networking knowledge, start with CompTIA Network+. If your goal is network administration or network engineering, Cisco CCNA is likely the better fit. Both are respected learning pathways, but practical skills are what make the difference when applying for jobs.
Ready to build your networking career?
Explore ITRoute's CCNA training or ask our team about suitable certification pathways and upcoming classes.
Explore CCNA TrainingAsk About CoursesLast updated: October 2026. Exam details and prices may change; always confirm current information with Cisco and CompTIA.