CCNA vs Network+: The Hidden Differences You Must Know!
What is CCNA?
CCNA vs Network+ is a common comparison for those entering the networking field. CCNA is a popular certification in the computer networking field. Cisco Systems offers it, which is a leader in the networking field. In CCNA, we cover basic networking skills like API connectivity, API services, security and automation, etc.
In this modern era of technology, certification plays a key role in validating and mastering knowledge. For those who want to pursue a career in computer networking, two basic certifications such as CCNA and Network + are very important to gain. However, differentiating between the two can be confusing for a beginner, as the focus area of both can be different in terms of benefits and making a career in it.
CompTIA Network+:
Unlike Cisco CCNA, which focuses on its products, CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification that is designed to validate a professional’s foundational knowledge in networking. CompTIA Network+ covers a broad understanding of network infrastructure and operations, preparing someone for IT roles.
Network+ is ideal for entry-level IP professionals who want to start a career in networking. Because this certification focuses on a broad understanding of networking professionals. It’s suitable for those who want flexibility in their career because vendor-specific knowledge limits flexibility.
Key features of Network+:
- Vendor-neutral: Network+ focuses on a general overview of a computer networking course, without focusing on one particular vendor.
- Core topics covered: The core topics in Network+ are network architecture, troubleshooting, operation, security, and standards.
- Certification Path: Someone can go ahead after pursuing Network+ certification.
Exam Structure and Content
Both certifications focus on networking. However, the structure and contents of the exams are below:
CCNA Exam:
The current code of the CCNA exam is 200-301, which consists of around 100-120 questions and the duration is 120 minutes. The questions consist of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, simulation, and simlet formats. The questions come from the following chapters with their weightage.
- Network Fundamentals (20%)
- Network Access (20%)
- IP Connectivity (25%)
- IP Services (10%)
- Security Fundamentals (15%)
- Automation and Programmability (10%)
Exam Difficulty:
The exam difficulty of CCNA is more difficult than that of Network+ because it focuses on deeper skills like the hands-on configuration of Cisco devices. Moreover, simulation questions require more technical knowledge due to an understanding of running various commands according to the network diagram.
Network+ Exam:
The Network+ exam having exam code N10-008 includes 90 questions and is 90 minutes long. The exam consists of MCQs, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions across the following domains:
- Networking Fundamentals (24%)
- Network Implementations (19%)
- Network Operations (16%)
- Network Security (19%)
- Network Troubleshooting (22%)
Exam Difficulty:
The exam difficulty of Network+ is slightly easier than CCNA in terms of technical depth. The advantage of Network+ over ccna or other vendor-specific certifications is that it doesn’t emphasize any vendor-specific commands.
Real-World Application
Job Roles with CCNA:
The common job roles associated with Cisco certified network associate are:
- Network Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Support Engineer
Cisco devices are largely used in various organizations, which open doors for various job roles.
Job Roles with Network+:
As Network+ focuses on a general overview of networking, anyone can start his/her career in the following entry-level jobs:
- Helpdesk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Administrator
- Network Technician
The job role of its certification is vendor-neutral nature. That’s why it is ideal for those working in small to medium-sized businesses or environments that use a mix of different vendor products.
Career Path and Advancement
CCNA Career Path:
You can further go for CCNP and CCIE after passing CCNA. CCNA is an entry-level certification but, if you want to focus on advanced networking concepts like routing, switching, and network security. It doesn’t open the door for advanced Cisco certifications like CCNP or CCIE, but you can easily learn other vendors’ certifications like Huawei, HP, Aruba, Juniper, etc.
Network+ Career Path:
As we already studied, Network+ is an entry-level certification. Also, Network+ offers a solid base that can lead to other certifications, including security+, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, Azure, AWS, etc.
Salary and Job Market:
CCNA Salary:
You can earn a salary with CCNA certification from $60,000-$90,000 per year, depending on the experience and location. It is not mandatory to earn such an amount because every country has a different pay and allowance. However, the salary of a CCNA certified is more than Network+, because he/she configures, manages, and troubleshoots the network.
Network+ Salary:
Network+ is an entry-level certification that teaches you general concepts of computer networking. It doesn’t focus on any vendor-specific devices like Cisco, Juniper, Huawei, etc. That’s why its salary is slightly lower, which ranges from $50,000-$70,000 per year depending on experience and location.
Which Certificate Should You Choose?
Choosing between CCNA and Network+ depends on your career goals and the kind of environment where you are working. However,
Choosing between CCNA and Network+ depends on your career goals and the kind of environment where you are working. However,
Choose CCNA if:
- You are familiar with Cisco technologies.
- Your organization relies completely on Cisco products.
- You are making plans for more advanced certifications like CCNP or CCIE in the future
Choose Network+ if:
You are starting your career as a beginner with a vendor-neutral networking foundation.
Your company is small and doesn’t use Cisco products exclusively.
You want flexibility in your career and pursue an additional IT certification like Security+.
