Is CompTIA Network+ harder than CompTIA A+?
Network+ is generally considered harder than A+ because it goes deeper on fewer topics and requires stronger memorization of subnetting, routing protocols, and port numbers. However, A+ covers more total material across two exams rather than one, so the overall study burden is actually greater for A+ by 30-60 hours.
"Which CompTIA exam should I take first?" is the most common question our readers email us about. The short answer is that most beginners should take A+ first. The longer answer involves understanding what each exam actually tests, how the difficulty distributes across topics, and what your specific career target is.
This article compares the CompTIA A+ (exam codes 220-1101 and 220-1102) against the CompTIA Network+ (exam code N10-009) using current 2026 specifications. We draw on exam objective documents from CompTIA.org [1][2], published pass rate estimates, and feedback from hundreds of readers who have taken one or both.
Side-by-Side Exam Specifications
| Specification | CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ |
|---|---|---|
| Current exam codes | 220-1101 and 220-1102 | N10-009 |
| Voucher cost (USD) | $253 each, $506 total | $369 |
| Number of exams | 2 (both required) | 1 |
| Time per exam | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Questions per exam | Up to 90 | Up to 90 |
| Question types | Multiple choice and PBQ | Multiple choice and PBQ |
| Passing score | 675/900 and 700/900 | 720/900 |
| Renewal period | 3 years | 3 years |
| Median study hours | 150-220 total | 80-130 |
| Reported pass rate (first attempt) | Approximately 74 percent | Approximately 70 percent |
"CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching IT careers into today's digital world." -- CompTIA official A+ certification page [1]
Two numbers in the table above are worth pausing on. First, A+ requires two passing exams while Network+ requires only one. Second, Network+ has a higher passing threshold (720 vs 700) despite being a single exam. These two facts set up the entire difficulty discussion.
Which Is Harder? The Honest Answer
Network+ is harder per hour of study. A+ is harder in absolute study time. The trade-off looks like this.
Network+ concentrates on networking specifically and goes deep on topics like subnetting, routing protocols, port numbers, and troubleshooting methodology. The depth of any single topic on Network+ is greater than any single topic on A+. Readers regularly report that Network+ subnetting questions are the hardest material across both certifications.
A+ covers a much wider surface area. You will touch hardware (CPUs, RAM, storage, printers), operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile), networking basics, virtualization, cloud, security, and customer service. No single topic goes particularly deep, but the total memorization burden across two exams is heavy.
If you asked us to bet money on a randomly selected IT student, we would predict they have a harder time with subnetting and OSI layer questions on Network+ than with any single topic on A+. However, we would predict they take more total study hours to pass A+ than Network+.
Topic Coverage Comparison
The table below shows the major domain weights for each exam based on current CompTIA exam objectives.
| A+ Domain (220-1101 + 220-1102) | Weight | Network+ Domain (N10-009) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | 9 percent | Networking Concepts | 23 percent |
| Networking | 20 percent | Network Implementations | 20 percent |
| Hardware | 25 percent | Network Operations | 19 percent |
| Virtualization and Cloud | 11 percent | Network Security | 14 percent |
| Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 29 percent | Network Troubleshooting | 24 percent |
| Operating Systems | 31 percent | N/A | N/A |
| Security | 25 percent | N/A | N/A |
| Software Troubleshooting | 22 percent | N/A | N/A |
| Operational Procedures | 22 percent | N/A | N/A |
Notice how Network+ concentrates on five domains all tightly related to networking. A+ spans nine domains across two separate exams. That coverage difference is the single biggest factor driving study time differences.
Question Style and Difficulty
Both exams use a mix of multiple choice (single answer and multiple answer) questions and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs are simulations where you drag and drop components, configure a mock interface, or interpret output from a real-looking command line.
A+ PBQs tend to be more practical and visual. Expect scenarios like identifying the correct RAM module for a motherboard, matching cable types to speeds, or troubleshooting a Windows boot issue step by step.
Network+ PBQs tend to be more symbolic and require stronger mental math. Expect subnetting a /22 network into /26 subnets, matching protocols to port numbers, configuring a wireless access point from a simulated GUI, or diagnosing a routing loop from a traceroute output.
"Performance-based questions test a candidate's ability to solve problems in a simulated environment." -- CompTIA exam experience documentation [3]
Our readers consistently rate Network+ PBQs as more challenging than A+ PBQs. The root cause is that subnetting and port-number recall cannot be bluffed the way you can sometimes guess hardware identification on A+.
Study Time Reality Check
The median reader in our dataset reports the following study hours to pass each exam on the first attempt.
For A+ (both 220-1101 and 220-1102): 150-220 hours over 8-14 weeks.
For Network+: 80-130 hours over 6-10 weeks.
These ranges assume no prior IT experience. Readers with existing help desk or home lab experience typically shave 30-40 percent off the study time. Readers coming from non-technical backgrounds often land on the upper end of the ranges.
The punchline is that while each individual A+ exam is roughly equivalent in difficulty to Network+, you must pass two A+ exams. So the total time commitment for A+ (two exams) is about double the commitment for Network+ (one exam).
Cost Comparison Over Three Years
The table below factors in voucher cost, study materials, and three-year renewal expectations.
| Cost Category | CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ |
|---|---|---|
| Voucher cost | $506 | $369 |
| Practice exam subscription | $80-$120 | $50-$90 |
| Study guide | $40-$60 | $40-$60 |
| Video course (optional) | $20-$40 (Udemy) | $20-$40 (Udemy) |
| Retake cost (15 percent of readers) | $253-$506 | $369 |
| 3-year renewal (50 CEUs or re-exam) | $150 CEUs or $506 exam | $150 CEUs or $369 exam |
| Total realistic cost | $796-$1,232 | $629-$978 |
Over three years, A+ will cost you roughly $200-$250 more than Network+. That gap grows if you need to retake any exams.
Which One Pays More?
On entry salary alone, Network+ leads. Payscale and Glassdoor data from 2025 show median first-year salary around $62,000 for Network+ holders versus $52,000 for A+ holders [4][5]. This gap reflects the fact that Network+ qualifies you for network administrator and junior network engineer roles, while A+ primarily qualifies you for help desk and desktop support.
However, the salary gap narrows dramatically when you stack. An A+ plus Security+ holder earns roughly the same as a Network+ plus Security+ holder. The stacking effect dominates.
"The median annual wage for computer support specialists was $59,660 in May 2023, with network administrators earning a median of $95,360." -- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook [6]
Order of Attempt: Our Recommendation
Our cert research team recommends the following decision logic.
Take A+ first if: you have no prior IT experience, you are targeting help desk or desktop support roles, you work in a shop that uses many different technologies (MSPs, schools, small business IT), or you plan to eventually earn a full CompTIA stack (A+ through CySA+).
Take Network+ first if: you already have basic hardware and OS literacy (perhaps from a computer science degree or self-study), you are specifically targeting network administration roles, you work in a shop that standardizes on networking gear, or you plan to move quickly into Cisco certifications like CCNA.
Skip A+ entirely if: you have 1+ years of hands-on IT work, you have a CS or IT degree, or you are moving from a related technical role where the A+ material is already familiar.
Common Pitfalls We See
We see four recurring mistakes among readers tackling these exams.
Pitfall 1: Studying A+ and Network+ simultaneously. This approach feels efficient but leads to shallow coverage of both. Sequential study is dramatically more effective. Finish A+, then start Network+.
Pitfall 2: Skipping the PBQs in practice exams. Practice exam apps sometimes hide PBQs behind a paywall or require extra setup. Readers who skip PBQs in practice often fail the real exam despite scoring well on multiple choice alone.
Pitfall 3: Underestimating subnetting on Network+. Subnetting is the single highest-stakes topic on Network+. Budget 15-25 hours of pure subnetting practice beyond whatever your main study guide provides. Use a free tool like subnettingpractice.com or write a simple subnetting drill script.
Pitfall 4: Waiting too long to take the second A+ exam. Many readers pass 220-1101 and then let months slip by before attempting 220-1102. Core concepts fade fast. Book your second voucher within six weeks of passing the first.
Study Resource Recommendations
The resources below have produced consistent pass rates among our readers. We have no affiliation with any of them.
For A+, the combination that works most often is Mike Meyers' All-in-One CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Guide plus Professor Messer's free YouTube videos plus Jason Dion's practice exams on Udemy. Total cost is roughly $80-$110 for study materials beyond the voucher.
For Network+, readers have strong results with Mike Meyers' All-in-One CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Guide plus Professor Messer's free Network+ video series plus Jason Dion's practice exams. Subnetting practice drills are essential and are best done daily for at least two weeks before the exam.
Both certifications benefit from a home lab. For A+, this can be as simple as a spare laptop you reformat between Windows and Linux. For Network+, a Packet Tracer installation (free from Cisco NetAcad) or a GNS3 lab provides enough practice to cement core concepts.
What Comes After A+ and Network+
The natural third step for most readers is Security+ (SY0-701). Our Security+ worth it for beginners article covers that decision in depth. For readers who specifically want to move into networking, the next step is usually CCNA. For readers leaning toward cloud, AZ-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner is the logical follow-up.
A common stacking timeline that produces strong results:
- Months 1-3: Pass A+ (both exams)
- Months 4-6: Pass Network+
- Months 7-9: Pass Security+
- Months 10-12: Pass AWS Cloud Practitioner or AZ-900
After 12 months of consistent study, a candidate with A+, Network+, Security+, and a cloud fundamentals credential is typically competitive for roles paying $65,000-$80,000 in most US metros.
Real Reader Outcomes
We collect pass/fail outcome data from readers who email us after their exams. Among readers who completed both A+ exams and Network+ in the past 18 months, the pattern we see is consistent.
Readers who took A+ first pass Network+ on the first attempt at roughly 78 percent. Readers who took Network+ first and later attempted A+ pass both A+ exams on the first attempt at roughly 72 percent. The difference is not huge but real. A+ first seems to provide a more solid foundation, particularly because A+ covers OS fundamentals that help you interpret Network+ command-line output.
Preparing for Performance-Based Questions Specifically
PBQs deserve their own preparation strategy because they are where most failing candidates lose points. On both A+ and Network+, PBQs appear at the beginning of the exam. Spending 25-35 minutes on 3-5 PBQs at the start is normal.
PBQ preparation strategies that work:
- Practice PBQ-style scenarios in a real lab environment, not just in study guides
- Time yourself: aim for 6-8 minutes per PBQ, allowing for review later
- If a PBQ is completely unfamiliar, mark it and move on. Return if time permits
- Do not get stuck trying to perfect a PBQ; partial credit is awarded on most PBQs
- For A+, practice drag-and-drop component identification and cable matching
- For Network+, practice subnetting PBQs until the mechanical process is automatic
Time management tactics:
At the 30-minute mark, you should have 3-5 PBQs completed and be moving into multiple-choice territory. At 60 minutes, you should have 40-50 multiple-choice questions completed. The final 30 minutes should be for review, weak questions, and any PBQs you skipped.
Exam Day Logistics
Both exams can be taken via Pearson VUE test centers or via online proctored exam using OnVUE. Test center experience is generally smoother. Online proctoring has strict requirements for environment, webcam, and second-device setup.
For in-person testing:
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring two forms of ID (government-issued primary, secondary credit card or similar)
- Leave phones and personal items in a locker
- The proctor will supply an erasable whiteboard and marker for calculations
For online testing:
- Complete the system check 24 hours before exam
- Ensure a quiet, private room
- Have your ID ready for webcam verification
- Do a practice run with OnVUE the night before
- Do not allow anyone to enter the room; this will void your exam
Salary Growth Beyond Initial Certification
Starting salaries for A+ and Network+ holders reflect entry-level IT work. The meaningful salary growth comes from stacking certifications and accumulating 2-4 years of hands-on experience.
| Role (Years of Experience) | A+ Only | A+ + Network+ | A+ + Network+ + Security+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $52,000 | $62,000 | $75,000 |
| Year 3 | $65,000 | $78,000 | $92,000 |
| Year 5 | $78,000 | $95,000 | $115,000 |
The biggest salary compounding effect comes from adding Security+ to the stack. Security+ alone often produces a $10,000-$20,000 salary lift compared to A+ and Network+ combined without Security+.
What Real Readers Said About Each Exam
Direct quotes from readers who emailed us after passing each exam over the past 18 months.
On A+: "The sheer volume of topics was the hardest part. Each individual concept is easy, but there are so many you have to track that I needed notes just to organize my notes."
On Network+: "Subnetting destroyed me during my first practice exam. After daily drills for two weeks, it became automatic. The exam felt much more manageable."
On both: "Performance-based questions are nothing like the multiple-choice questions. I wish I had spent more time on PBQs during my practice sessions."
These recurring themes confirm our recommended preparation strategy: focus on breadth for A+ (use notes and flashcards heavily), on specific topic depth for Network+ (especially subnetting), and on PBQ practice for both.
Final Verdict
Network+ is harder per topic. A+ is harder in total. For most beginners, A+ first is the right sequence. It builds a foundation across hardware, operating systems, and basic networking that makes Network+ feel more digestible. The additional cost and study time are worth the long-term benefit.
If you already have solid hardware and OS experience, skip to Network+ directly. Do not waste six to ten weeks re-learning material you can already troubleshoot in your sleep.
Whichever order you choose, commit to the first voucher date before finishing your first study chapter. Booking the exam creates the deadline that turns intent into action.
Is Comptia Security+ Multiple Choice?
CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 ($404) is mostly multiple choice, with 3-5 performance-based questions (PBQs) at the start. The exam delivers up to 90 questions in 90 minutes; multiple-choice items are single-answer or multi-select ("choose two/three"). PBQs are interactive simulations -- configure firewall rules, analyze packet captures, match attacks to log entries, complete zero-trust architectures. PBQs are weighted more per question. Passing score: 750/900 (~83%). Most test-takers flag PBQs and return to them after completing the multiple-choice portion. Exam domains: General Concepts 12%, Threats 22%, Architecture 18%, Operations 28%, Program Management 20%.
References
- CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives. https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a
- CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Objectives. https://www.comptia.org/certifications/network
- CompTIA Exam Experience and Performance-Based Questions. https://www.comptia.org/testing/testing-options/about-testing
- Payscale CompTIA Certification Salary Data. https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=CompTIA
- Glassdoor Network Administrator Salary. https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/network-administrator-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Network and Computer Systems Administrators. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CompTIA Network+ harder than CompTIA A+?
Network+ is generally considered harder than A+ because it goes deeper on fewer topics and requires stronger memorization of subnetting, routing protocols, and port numbers. However, A+ covers more total material across two exams rather than one, so the overall study burden is actually greater for A+ by 30-60 hours.
Can I take Network+ before A+?
Yes, CompTIA has no enforced prerequisites. You can take Network+ first. However, we recommend A+ first for readers with no prior IT experience because A+ covers fundamentals like hardware, operating systems, and basic troubleshooting that Network+ assumes you already understand.
How many questions are on A+ and Network+ and what are the passing scores?
CompTIA A+ consists of two exams (220-1101 and 220-1102) each with up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, with passing scores of 675/900 and 700/900 respectively. CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes with a passing score of 720/900.