Last updated: June 2026 · By Christopher Perez, The Academy
If you are starting an IT career, get CompTIA A+ first, then Network+, then Security+. A+ proves you can support hardware, software, and help-desk tickets; Network+ adds the networking layer; and Security+ — a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 8140-approved credential — opens the door to higher-paying cybersecurity roles. Together they are known as the “CompTIA Trifecta.”
CompTIA A+ vs Network+ vs Security+: quick comparison
| CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA Security+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current exams (2026) | 220-1201 & 220-1202 | N10-009 | SY0-701 |
| Focus | Hardware, OS, mobile, troubleshooting, help desk | Networks, IP, routing/switching, wireless | Threats, cryptography, risk, security operations |
| Level | Entry / foundational | Early-career | Early-to-mid cybersecurity |
| Prerequisites | None | A+ recommended | Network+ recommended |
| Typical first job | Help-desk / IT support technician | Network administrator | Security / SOC analyst |
| DoD 8140 approved | No | No | Yes |
Which CompTIA certification should you get first?
Get CompTIA A+ first if you are new to IT. It has no prerequisites and validates the core hardware, operating-system, and troubleshooting skills every IT role depends on. Skip ahead to Network+ only if you already work in IT support, or to Security+ if you already understand networking and are targeting a cybersecurity job.
- Brand-new to IT? Start with CompTIA A+.
- Already doing help-desk work? Go straight to CompTIA Network+.
- Comfortable with networks and want cybersecurity? Target CompTIA Security+.
What is CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard, entry-level IT certification. It covers hardware, Windows/macOS/Linux operating systems, mobile devices, networking basics, security fundamentals, and troubleshooting. Earning it requires passing two exams (220-1201 and 220-1202) and typically leads to help-desk and IT support technician roles.
It is the best starting point because it has no prerequisites and builds the foundation the other certifications assume. Explore the CompTIA A+ boot camp at The Academy.
What is CompTIA Network+?
CompTIA Network+ (exam N10-009) validates the skills to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. It covers IP addressing, routing and switching, network services, and security. Network+ is the logical second step after A+ and prepares you for network administrator and network technician roles.
See the CompTIA Network+ boot camp, or the full Network+ Professional Program.
What is CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ (exam SY0-701) is a vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification covering threats and vulnerabilities, architecture, cryptography, identity and access management, risk, and security operations. It is approved under DoD Directive 8140/8570 for many government and contractor roles, making it one of the most in-demand entry points into cybersecurity.
Prepare with The Academy’s cybersecurity certification training or the full Cyber Security Professional Program.
CompTIA certification salaries (U.S.)
Salaries rise as you move up the trifecta. The figures below are median annual wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023 data — the most recent published medians.
| Certification | Common role | Median salary (BLS, 2023) | Job outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | Computer support specialist | $60,810 | +6% (2023–2033) |
| CompTIA Network+ | Network & computer systems administrator | $95,360 | +2% (2023–2033) |
| CompTIA Security+ | Information security analyst | $120,360 | +33% (2023–2033) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2023 median wages). Information security analyst is among the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S.
The CompTIA Trifecta: the recommended path
Earning A+, Network+, and Security+ in order builds a complete early-career IT foundation — from supporting devices, to running networks, to defending them. Many employers and DoD 8140 roles look for this combination, and it positions you for cybersecurity, where demand and pay are highest.
- CompTIA A+ — build core IT support skills.
- CompTIA Network+ — add networking expertise.
- CompTIA Security+ — move into cybersecurity.
Browse all IT certification courses or see the full CompTIA training lineup.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get A+ or Security+ first?
Get A+ first unless you already have IT support experience and understand networking. Security+ assumes foundational knowledge that A+ (and Network+) provide, so most beginners pass Security+ more easily after earning the first two.
Can I skip CompTIA A+?
Yes, A+ is not a formal prerequisite for Network+ or Security+. But if you are new to IT, skipping A+ usually means a steeper learning curve. If you already work in IT, you can start with Network+ or Security+.
Is CompTIA Security+ worth it?
Yes. Security+ is one of the most requested entry-level cybersecurity certifications, is approved under DoD 8140/8570, and maps to information security analyst roles with a 2023 median salary of $120,360 (BLS) and roughly 33% projected job growth through 2033.
How long does it take to earn all three?
With an accelerated boot camp, each certification can be completed in days to a few weeks of focused study. Timelines vary by your background and study schedule; contact The Academy for current boot-camp dates.
Are these certifications available online?
Yes. The Academy delivers instructor-led CompTIA training live online nationwide, as well as in person. Classes are taught by certified instructors with hands-on labs.
Start your CompTIA certification path
Ready to begin? Enroll in CompTIA A+, continue with Network+, and advance to Security+ — or talk to an advisor about the right starting point and schedule for you. Training is available live online nationwide and in person.
About the author: Christopher Perez is the owner of The Academy, an IT certification training school delivering CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, and cybersecurity boot camps to individuals and businesses since 2003.
