In today’s competitive IT landscape, certifications serve as valuable credentials that validate technical expertise and enhance career prospects. Whether you’re entering the field or looking to advance, earning the right certification can set you apart from the competition and open doors to better jobs and opportunities.
Among the most sought-after IT certifications are CompTIA Security+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Both certifications are respected in the industry, but they cater to different career paths: Security+ focuses on foundational knowledge and skills in cybersecurity while CCNA emphasizes networking concepts and Cisco technologies.
This article provides information to help you determine whether CCNA or Security+ is the right choice for your career. It compares their focus areas, job opportunities, difficulty levels and ideal candidates to guide you toward the best decision based on your goals.
CCNA and CompTIA Security+: An Overview
CCNA
Cisco Certified Network Associate is an entry-level networking certification from Cisco Systems, a leading provider of networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment and cybersecurity solutions. Founded in 1984, Cisco is also known for offering IT certifications that are widely recognized in the industry.
CCNA is designed for network engineers and IT professionals who work with Cisco technologies. It validates knowledge of networking fundamentals while also covering aspects of security, automation and programmability. The certification covers:
- Networking fundamentals
- IP addressing and subnetting
- Routing and switching concepts
- Security fundamentals
- Automation and programmability
CCNA is ideal for:
- Aspiring network engineers, system administrators and IT support technicians
- IT professionals looking to specialize in Cisco networking
- Individuals with some IT knowledge and hands-on experience
CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is issued by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), a globally recognized non-profit trade association founded in 1982. CompTIA is known for developing IT certifications that validate technical skills across various domains.
Security+ was introduced in 2002 as a standard, vendor-neutral certification for entry-level cybersecurity professionals. Over the years, it has evolved to stay relevant with the latest security trends, technologies and best practices. It serves as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications like CISSP, CEH or GSEC. Security+ is accredited by ANSI and is compliant with ISO 17024, making it widely recognized by employers worldwide, including the US Department of Defense (DoD).
The CompTIA Security+ certification establishes basic cybersecurity skills in the following main areas:
- Threats, attacks and vulnerabilities
- Network security and architecture
- Identity and access management (IAM)
- Risk management and compliance
- Cryptography and PKI
Security+ is best for individuals seeking to enter the cybersecurity field, such as:
- Individuals starting a cybersecurity career
- Help desk technicians, network administrators, system administrators and other IT professionals looking to expand into cybersecurity
- Government and military personnel pursuing cybersecurity roles, as Security+ meets DoD 8570 compliance requirements
CCNA vs Security+: Certification Comparison
These are the key differences between the two certifications:
- Security+ focuses on cybersecurity principles, while CCNA emphasizes networking concepts.
- Security+ covers general IT security while CCNA includes Cisco-specific networking technologies.
- CCNA has simulation-based questions, making it more hands-on than Security+.
And here is a detailed comparison between CCNA and Security+:
| Feature | CCNA | Security+ |
| Exam Code | 200-301 CCNA | SY0-701 |
| Issuing Organization | Cisco Systems, Inc. | CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) |
| Target Audience | Aspiring network engineersIT support specialistsNetwork administratorsTelecommunications technicians | Entry-level cybersecurity professionalsHelp desk technicians, network and system admins, and other IT professionals looking to specialize in securityGovernment and military personnel (DoD 8570-compliant) |
| Prerequisites | No formal prerequisites. However, the following are recommended: Basic concepts about networking and network securityFamiliarity with routers, switches, and network devicesSome hands-on experience with Packet Tracer, GNS3 or real Cisco hardware | No formal prerequisites. However, CompTIA recommends at least 2 years of IT administration experience with a security focus. |
| Cost | $300 | $392 (varies by location) |
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, simulation and performance-based questions | 90 multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based questions |
| Exam Length | 120 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | Cisco does not disclose the passing score. The passing score varies across Cisco tests but is usually 80–85%. | Scaled score of 750/900 (approximately 83%) |
| Exam Content and Topics | Networking fundamentals (OSI model, IP addressing, VLANs)Routing & switching concepts (OSPF, STP, EtherChannel)Network security basics (firewalls, ACLs, VPNs)Wireless networkingAutomation and programmability (basic scripting, SD-WAN) | Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilitiesSecurity architecture and designNetwork security and protocolsIdentity and access managementRisk management and complianceCryptography and PKI |
| Validity and Recertification Requirements | 3 yearsRequires recertification via Cisco | 3 yearsRequires renewal via CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) program (earning CEUs, retaking the exam, or earning higher-level certifications) |
| Difficulty Level | High | Entry-level to intermediate; more conceptual than hands-on |
| Industry Recognition and Value | Highly respected in networking roles High demand in job markets | Globally recognized (government, DoD, IT security) High demand in job markets |
| Career Paths | Network administrationEngineeringInfrastructure | CybersecurityIT supportRisk management |
Exam Content and Topics Covered
CCNA
The current CCNA 200-301 exam focuses on networking fundamentals, security, automation and more.
| Main Topic | Sub-Topics |
| Network Fundamentals (20%) | IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnettingTCP/IP and OSI modelsSwitching concepts (MAC addresses, VLANs, trunks)Routing concepts (static & dynamic routing, OSPF)Wireless networking fundamentals (standards, security, SSIDs)IP services (DHCP, DNS, NAT, NTP, SNMP, Syslog) |
| Network Access (20%) | VLANs and trunking (802.1Q)Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, RSTP)EtherChannel (LACP, PAgP)Wireless LAN architecture and componentsWPA2, WPA3, and other security mechanisms |
| IP Connectivity (25%) | IPv4 and IPv6 routingStatic and dynamic routing (OSPFv2, OSPFv3)First hop redundancy protocols (HSRP, VRRP, GLBP)IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting, summarization |
| IP Services (10%) | NAT (Network Address Translation)DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)QoS (Quality of Service) conceptsNetwork Time Synchronization (NTP)Syslog and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) |
| Security Fundamentals (15%) | Network device security (AAA, TACACS+, RADIUS)Secure access to network devices (SSH, HTTPS)Layer 2 security (DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, port security)Wireless security (WPA, WPA2, WPA3, EAP)VPN concepts (site-to-site VPN, remote access VPN) |
| Automation and Programmability (10%) | Network automation basics (REST APIs, JSON, Python scripting)Cisco DNA Center and SDN (Software-Defined Networking)Controller-based networking conceptsInfrastructure as code (Ansible, Puppet, Chef) |
Security+
The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam covers a broad range of cybersecurity topics. Below is a breakdown of the key areas.
| Main Topic | Sub-Topics |
| Fundamental Security Concepts | CIA Triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability)Least privilege and Zero Trust modelsDefense in depth (layered security)Security controls: administrative, technical and physicalSecurity frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, COBIT)Compliance and legal regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) |
| Threats, Attacks and Vulnerabilities | Types of malware: viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits and adwareSocial engineering: phishing, spear phishing, vishing, smishing, tailgating and impersonationApplication and network attacks: SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), buffer overflows, DoS/DDoSWireless attacks: evil twin, rogue access points, jamming, WEP/WPA vulnerabilitiesVulnerability management: CVE, vulnerability scanning, patching, penetration testingIndicators of compromise (IoCs): logs, SIEM alerts, endpoint detection |
| Architecture and Design | Secure network design: segmentation, firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, NACCloud security: shared responsibility model, SaaS/IaaS/PaaS, cloud security risksVirtualization security: hypervisor attacks, snapshots, VM escapeSecurity zones: DMZ, extranet, intranet, air-gapped networksIoT and embedded system security: smart devices, SCADA, ICSSecurity best practices: hardening systems, secure baseline configurations |
| Identity and Access Management | Authentication models: multifactor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), federationAccess control models: DAC, MAC, RBAC, ABACIdentity federation: SAML, OAuth, OpenID ConnectAccount security: privileged account management, password policies, least privilege enforcementBiometrics and smart cards: MFA, hardware tokens, behavioral authentication |
| Cryptography and PKI | Encryption algorithms: AES, DES, 3DES, RSA, ECC, Diffie-HellmanHashing algorithms: MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, HMACDigital certificates & PKI: CA, certificate lifecycle, revocation, OCSPSecure communication protocols: TLS and SSLCryptographic attacks: birthday attack, downgrade attack, man-in-the-middle (MITM) |
| Risk Management and Business Continuity | Risk management process: threat assessment, risk analysis (qualitative vs. quantitative)Incident response: identification, containment, eradication, recovery, lessons learnedDisaster recovery & business continuity: RTO, RPO, failover, backups, redundancySecurity policies and procedures: Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), security awareness trainingForensics & legal considerations: chain of custody, evidence handling, forensic tools |
Recertification and Continuing Education
CCNA
The CCNA certification is valid for three years from the date of achievement. To maintain your CCNA status, you must recertify before the expiration date. Cisco provides multiple pathways for recertification, including taking exams or earning Continuing Education (CE) credits.
| Renewal Method | Description |
| Examination | Successfully completing any of the following exams will renew your CCNA certification for another three years: An associate-level exam — Options include passing CCNA (again), Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC), or Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (200-201 CBROPS).A technology core exam — Cisco offers a technology core exam for each of the five CCNP tracks including Enterprise, Data Center, Security, Service Provider and Collaboration. In addition, Cisco Certified DevNet Professional and Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional certification each has a core exam that you can pass to renew your CCNA.A professional concentration exam — Options include the exam associated with each of the five CCNP certifications, Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional, or Cisco Certified DevNet Professional. |
| Continuing Education (CE) Credits | Earn 40 CE credits by taking Cisco courses, attending Cisco Live technical sessions or writing exam items for Cisco. To submit your CE credits: Log in to the Cisco Continuing Education portal using your Cisco.com ID.Navigate to the “Submit Items” section.Provide necessary details about the completed activity, such as the item name, provider and completion date.Upload any required documentation, like certificates of completion.Submit the claim for validation. |
Security+
Security+ is valid for three years, and you must renew it to keep your certification active. The following table lists some ways to renew it.
| Renewal Method | Description |
| Earn CEUs | Earn 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by conducting security-related training, attending conferences and webinars, publishing articles and blogs, volunteering in cybersecurity events, and other activities. Use the CompTIA Continuing Education Portal to log your CEUs and pay an annual fee of $50 per year ($150 for three years). |
| Complete CompTIA’s CertMaster CE Program | Take CertMaster CE for Security+, which is a self-paced, online renewal course. The fee is $199. No exam is required; just finish the course to renew your certification. |
| Pass the Latest Security+ Exam | Take the latest version of the Security+ exam before your current certification expires. |
| Take a Higher-Level CompTIA Exam | Complete a higher-level certification, such as: CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)CASP+ (Advanced Security Practitioner)CompTIA PenTest+ (Penetration Testing) |
Study and Preparation Tips
Earning the CCNA or Security+ certification requires a solid study plan, hands-on practice and strategic test-taking techniques.
CCNA
Preparation Tips
| Understand the Exam Objectives | Familiarize yourself with the official CCNA exam topics. Review the detailed syllabus that Cisco provides, and download the official CCNA 200-301 Exam Blueprint from Cisco’s website. |
| Create a Study Plan | Draft an 8-week study plan. Here’s a sample one: Week 1–2: Networking basics, OSI model, subnettingWeek 3: VLANs, spanning tree, switching conceptsWeek 4: IP routing (static & dynamic), OSPFWeek 5: IP services (NAT, DHCP, QoS)Week 6: Security fundamentals, ACLs, wirelessWeek 7: Automation, programmability, troubleshootingWeek 8: Practice exams & revision Dedicate at least 2 hours per day to studying and lab work. |
| Hands-on Lab Practice | Set up labs to practice: Configuring VLANs and trunksSetting up static & dynamic routing (OSPF, EIGRP)Configuring ACLs and NATTroubleshooting network issues Use Packet Tracer for simple scenarios and GNS3/EVE-NG for more advanced setups. |
| Take Practice Exams | Take multiple full-length mock tests. Be sure to simulate the real exam environment (no distractions, time yourself).Review your mistakes and focus on your weak areas. |
Books & Study Guides
| Books & Study Guides | Amazon Link |
| CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library (Volumes 1 & 2) by Wendell Odom | https://www.amazon.com/dp/0138221391/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0 |
| 31 Days Before Your CCNA Exam by Allan Johnson | https://www.amazon.com/Days-Before-your-CCNA-Exam/dp/0138214255/ |
Video Courses & Lectures
| Video Courses & Lectures | Link |
| Cisco Networking Academy | A series of three courses on Cisco’s official training platform: https://www.netacad.com/courses/ccna-introduction-networks?courseLang=en-US https://www.netacad.com/courses/ccna-switching-routing-wireless-essentials?courseLang=en-US https://www.netacad.com/courses/ccna-enterprise-networking-security-automation?courseLang=en-US |
| Udemy: Cisco CCNA 200-301 – The Complete Guide to Getting Certified | https://www.udemy.com/course/ccna-complete/?srsltid=AfmBOorgFK3a8WDX5U7WUV4Bx5vS_8W4jiw4KacEY5xoxg6BToIaXsU3&couponCode=PMNVD25A |
| Video-based training with labs | CBT Nuggets: https://www.cbtnuggets.com/it-training/cisco/ccna INE: https://ine.com/blog/ccna-200-301-practice-labs |
Practice Labs
| Practice Tests & Labs | Link |
| Cisco Packet Tracer (free simulator from Cisco) | https://www.netacad.com/learning-collections/cisco-packet-tracer?courseLang=en-US |
| GNS3 (More advanced) | https://www.gns3.com/ |
| EVE-NG (similar to GNS3 but web-based) | https://www.eve-ng.net/ |
| Boson NetSim (paid but great for CCNA practice) | https://www.boson.com/netsim-cisco-network-simulator |
Practice Exams
- Boson ExSim (highly recommended)
- Pearson IT Certification Practice Tests
- ExamTopics (free CCNA practice questions)
Security+
Preparation Tips
| Understand the Exam Objectives | Download the official Security+ SY0-701 exam objectives from CompTIA’s website. Review the five Security+ domains: Threats, attacks and vulnerabilitiesNetwork security and architectureIdentity and access management (IAM)Risk management and complianceCryptography and PKI |
| Create a Study Plan | Suggested study timeline (8-week plan): Weeks 1–2: Study threats and vulnerabilities (malware, attacks, social engineering) and mitigations.Weeks 3–4: Focus on network security & identity access management (IAM).Week 5: Learn risk management, compliance and cryptography.Week 6: Take full-length practice exams and review weak areas.Weeks 7–8: Do hands-on labs & final study before the exam. |
| Focus on Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) | PBQs are scenario-based questions that test practical security skills. Examples include configuring a firewall, analyzing security logs, identifying vulnerabilities and managing access control settings. Practice PBQs on platforms like CompTIA Labs, Cyber Ranges and TryHackMe. |
| Practice Time Management | The exam is 90 minutes long with up to 90 questions. To succeed: Spend no more than 1 minute per MCQ.Save PBQs for last since they take longer to complete.Use the “Flag for Review” option to revisit difficult questions later. Aim to complete the first pass in 60–70 minutes and use the remaining time to review flagged questions. |
Books & Study Guides
| Books & Study Guides | Amazon Link |
| CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (Sybex) by Mike Chapple & David Seidl | https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Study-Guide-Exam/dp/1119736250/ |
| CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead by Darril Gibson | https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ |
| CompTIA Security+ Certification Guide by Mike Meyers | https://www.amazon.com/Meyers-CompTIA-Security-Certification-SY0-601/dp/1260473694 |
Video Courses & Lectures
| Video Courses & Lectures | Link |
| Professor Messer’s free Security+ course | https://www.youtube.com/c/professormesser |
| Security+ video course (Udemy) | https://www.udemy.com/course/total-comptia-security-certification-sy0-601/?srsltid=AfmBOor2HYu19Pk5td1UDmSh5hr1Fma5894TOry8MS-FPJnGPs-c1DVB |
| CompTIA Security+ Online Training (CBT Nuggets) | https://www.cbtnuggets.com/it-training/comptia/security-plus |
Practice Tests & Labs
| Practice Tests & Labs | Link |
| CertMaster Practice for Security+ (Official) | https://www.comptia.org/training/certmaster-practice/security |
| CompTIA® Security+ (701) Complete Course, Labs, & Practice Exams | https://www.diontraining.com/courses/comptia-security |
| Hands-on security training | TryHackMe: https://tryhackme.comHack The Box: https://www.hackthebox.com |
Which Certification Should You Choose?
When deciding between CCNA and Security+, your choice should align with your career goals, industry focus, and experience level. Here’s a comparison to help you decide.
Key Differences & Comparison
| CCNA | Security+ | |
| Focus | Networking: routing, switching, wireless, automation | Cybersecurity: threats, risk management, cryptography, compliance |
| Vendor-Specific? | Yes (Cisco) | No (vendor-neutral) |
| Required Experience | Basic IT knowledge recommended | No formal prerequisites, but basic IT/security knowledge helps |
| Exam Code | 200-301 | SY0-701 |
| Cost | $300 | $392 (varies by location) |
| Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
Choosing the Right Certification Based on Career Goals
Reflect on the following when considering Security+ vs CCNA.
| Choose CCNA if: | Choose Security+ if: |
| You want a career in networking, working with routers, switches and network infrastructure. | You are interested in cybersecurity, risk management and security policies. |
| You are aiming for a role like Network Administrator, Network Engineer or IT Support Specialist. | You are aiming for a role like Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, IT Security Specialist or Compliance Officer. |
| You are interested in hands-on technical work with Cisco devices and networking concepts. | You need a certification that meets US Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 requirements. |
| You plan to specialize in advanced networking (e.g., CCNP, CCIE) later. | You plan to pursue more advanced security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH, CySA+, CASP+). |
| You want to work in areas like telecommunications, cloud networking, enterprise IT or service providers. | You want to work in security-focused sectors like government, finance or healthcare. |
Scenarios Where Both Certifications Are Beneficial
Having both CCNA and Security+ can be highly valuable in the following situations:
- IT Generalists & System Administrators — If you manage both networks and security, having CCNA helps with networking knowledge, while Security+ ensures you understand cyber threats and security best practices.
- Network Security Engineers — If you want to specialize in network security (firewalls, intrusion detection, VPNs), both CCNA and Security+ provide a strong foundation.
- Cybersecurity professionals with network knowledge — Many security threats exploit network vulnerabilities. A SOC Analyst or Cybersecurity Engineer with CCNA-level knowledge can better protect infrastructure.
- Job market competitiveness — Employers often prefer candidates with both networking and security expertise, especially for roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Network Security Engineer or IT Administrator.
Conclusion
Choosing the right certification is a critical step in shaping your IT career. Both CCNA and Security+ offer valuable knowledge but they cater to different career paths:
- CCNA is best for those pursuing networking roles that focus on configuring and managing network infrastructure.
- Security+ is ideal for those interested in cybersecurity because it covers security principles, risk management and compliance. It is also a good choice for individuals who are new to IT and want an entry-level certification.
- In some cases, obtaining both certifications can significantly enhance job prospects, especially for roles involving network security.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your interests and career goals. Take time to evaluate your aspirations, consider your current skills and make an informed decision that aligns with your ambitions.
