Prep
CCNA vs Network+ in one minute
The CCNA vs Network+ question comes down to depth and direction. Both prove you understand networks. Network+ is CompTIA's vendor-neutral exam: it covers how networks work in general, across any vendor's equipment. CCNA is Cisco's associate-level certification: it goes deeper into routing, switching and device configuration, using Cisco's command line as the reference.
In practice, Network+ is the broader and gentler start, and it fits neatly into a path toward Security+. CCNA is the stronger networking credential and asks for more lab work. Neither has a formal prerequisite.
We checked the Network+ facts on comptia.org and the CCNA facts on cisco.com in November 2026. Where an issuer does not publish a number, we say so.
| Network+ (N10-009) | CCNA (200-301 v1.1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | Up to 90 | Not published |
| Time | 90 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Passing score | 720 (100-900) | Not published |
| Price (US) | US$399 (secondary source) | US$300 |
| Prerequisites | None (A+ recommended) | None |
| Valid for | 3 years | 3 years |
Side-by-side comparison
| CompTIA Network+ | Cisco CCNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer and scope | CompTIA, vendor-neutral | Cisco, Cisco-focused |
| Current exam | N10-009 (V9), launched June 20, 2024; retirement estimated 2027 | 200-301 CCNA v1.1; a v2.0 blueprint is published (see below) |
| Questions | Maximum of 90, multiple-choice and performance-based | Not published by Cisco (secondary sources report roughly 100 to 120) |
| Time | 90 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Passing score | 720 on a scale of 100 to 900 | Not published; pass/fail |
| Price (US) | US$399, according to CompTIA partner Total Seminars (CompTIA's store did not show a price) | US$300 (Cisco); Exam Safeguard Plus with a second attempt within 90 days is US$450 |
| Prerequisites | None. Recommended: A+ and 9 to 12 months as a junior network administrator or network support technician | None. Cisco assumes little to no prior networking knowledge |
| Languages | English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish | English, Japanese |
| Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Renewal | 30 CEUs plus the US$150 CE fee, or pass a newer exam version or a higher-level certification such as Security+ | Pass the current CCNA or a higher-level Cisco exam, or earn 30 Continuing Education credits |
What each exam covers
Network+ (N10-009) domains
- Networking concepts: 23%
- Network implementation: 20%
- Network operations: 19%
- Network security: 14%
- Network troubleshooting: 24%
CCNA (200-301 v1.1) domains
- Network Fundamentals: 20%
- Network Access: 20%
- IP Connectivity: 25%
- IP Services: 10%
- Security Fundamentals: 15%
- Automation and Programmability: 10%
The topics overlap a lot: the OSI model, IP addressing and subnetting, switching, wireless, network services and security basics appear in both. The difference is depth. CCNA expects you to configure and verify VLANs, trunks, OSPF, NAT, ACLs and similar features on Cisco devices and to read show command output. Network+ spends more of its weight on operations and troubleshooting across any vendor's equipment, and less on configuring one vendor's devices.
CCNA also has a full domain on automation and programmability, covering topics such as REST APIs, JSON and configuration management tools. Network+ has no separate automation domain.
Is CCNA harder than Network+?
Yes, for most people. Neither issuer publishes pass rates, so this is our assessment based on the exam blueprints:
- Depth: CCNA goes further into routing and switching, and expects command-line configuration skills.
- Subnetting speed: both exams test it, but CCNA questions lean on it heavily and under time pressure.
- Unknowns: Cisco does not publish the number of questions or the passing score, which makes it harder to judge readiness.
- Breadth: Network+ covers a wider spread of general topics, but at a shallower level.
Many candidates study for CCNA for three to six months part-time if they start without networking experience. Network+ usually takes less, especially if you already hold A+. Our CCNA study guide has a full study plan.
The CCNA v2.0 change
Cisco has published exam topics for CCNA v2.0, which keeps the 200-301 exam code. Its domains are Network Infrastructure and Connectivity (25%), Switching and Network Access (25%), IP Routing (20%), Network Services and Security (20%) and AI, and Network Operations and Management (10%). Cisco's v2.0 topics say candidates may be asked to evaluate output and recommendations from agentic AI and digital network assistants.
Cisco has confirmed the switchover: the last day to take v1.1 is February 2, 2027, and v2.0 starts on February 3, 2027. If you are starting from zero now, plan around the v2.0 topics. If you are nearly ready for v1.1, book before the cutoff. The certification is the same either way.
Cost over three years
The exam fee is only part of the cost. Here is what each certification costs to earn and keep for one three-year cycle, using US list prices:
| Cost item | Network+ | CCNA |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | US$399 (reported by Total Seminars) | US$300 |
| Retake protection | CompTIA's store sells voucher bundles; we could not confirm retake pricing on an official page | Exam Safeguard Plus: US$450 total, includes a second attempt within 90 days |
| Renewal fee | US$150 CE fee per three-year cycle if you renew with CEUs; waived if you renew by passing Security+, a newer Network+ version or another qualifying higher-level exam | Renew by passing the current CCNA or a higher-level Cisco exam, or by earning 30 CE credits through Cisco training, webinars or approved courses; the cost depends on the route you choose |
| Lab setup | Low: virtual machines and a home router are enough for most objectives | Higher: a network simulator or used Cisco equipment |
Prices vary by country and change over time. Check the CompTIA store and Cisco's exam page in your region before you buy. Our CCNA exam cost guide breaks the CCNA budget down further.
One practical point: if you plan to take Security+ within three years of Network+, the Network+ renewal takes care of itself. Security+ fully renews Network+, and your Network+ expiration date moves to match. That makes the CompTIA route cheaper to maintain for people heading into security.
Decision guide: Network+ or CCNA?
| Your situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New to IT, want a broad foundation | Network+ | Gentler start, fits after A+, no vendor lock-in |
| Heading for cybersecurity | Network+, then Security+ | Security+ renews Network+, and the CompTIA path is built for this route |
| Want to be a network engineer or administrator | CCNA | Deeper configuration skills; the usual step toward Cisco's professional-level certifications |
| Employer runs Cisco equipment | CCNA | Directly matches the gear you will work on |
| Job ad or contract names Network+ | Network+ | Meet the stated requirement first |
| Tight budget, want one networking cert | CCNA | Lower listed exam fee (US$300) and more depth, if you can put in the lab time |
If you are still unsure, look at ten job ads for the role you want in your area and count which certification they name. That is a better guide than any general ranking.
Should you take both? Only if you have a reason. Some people take Network+ first as a stepping stone and then CCNA; others go straight to CCNA. Taking Network+ after CCNA rarely adds much unless an employer asks for it.
How to prepare for either exam
- Start with the official objectives: the CompTIA N10-009 objectives or Cisco's CCNA exam topics PDF for your version.
- Practise subnetting daily until you can do it quickly without a calculator.
- Build labs. For CCNA, a network simulator or used Cisco equipment is essential. For Network+, a home router, a couple of virtual machines and packet captures go a long way.
- Take timed practice exams: 90 minutes for Network+, two hours for CCNA.
Try our free CCNA practice test to see how deep the CCNA questions go. If you are leaning toward the CompTIA route, our CompTIA certification path shows what comes after Network+,, and our cybersecurity certification roadmap shows where both fit on a security career path.