By Quick answer: CCNA or Network+: which should I choose in 2027?
- Choose CCNA — you're aiming at network engineering.
- Choose Network+ — you want broad networking for IT roles.
- Verdict — CCNA for network careers; Network+ for broad IT.
- Before you pay — take a free practice test.
Key takeaways
- Choose CCNA if you're aiming at network engineering.
- Choose Network+ if you want broad networking for IT roles.
- Check job posts in your target market before deciding.
CCNA and Network+ are often compared, but they suit different people. Here's a side-by-side comparison and a clear way to choose.
The options at a glance
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cisco CCNACisco | Check the official page1 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 2 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store2 | 90 minutes | Free test |
| 3 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store3 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
| 4 | CompTIA A+CompTIA | Two exams4 | 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- Cisco CCNA Practice TestPractise for Cisco CCNA before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Network+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Network+ before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Security+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Security+ before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA A+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA A+ before you pay.Start free test →
Each option, and who should choose it
- CiscoCisco CCNANetwork engineersCheck the official page
- CompTIACompTIA Network+Broad ITVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- CompTIACompTIA Security+Next stepVoucher price on the CompTIA store
Cisco CCNA
- Cost
- Check the official page1
Cisco; ANAB-accredited. Cisco's associate credential covers network fundamentals, access, IP connectivity, services, security and automation. It's ANAB-accredited and widely recognised for network engineer roles; check Cisco's page for the fee.
Best fornetwork engineers
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store2
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Vendor-neutral; ANAB-accredited. CompTIA's Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations and troubleshooting in a 90-minute exam. It's vendor-neutral and ANAB-accredited; CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience.
Best forbroad IT
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store3
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
Security. CompTIA's vendor-neutral security exam covers threats, architecture, operations and governance, and the new version adds AI-related risk. It's listed in ANAB's ISO/IEC 17024 directory; voucher prices vary by country.
Best fornext step
CompTIA A+
- Cost
- Two exams4
- Format
- 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on IT support
IT support. CompTIA's A+ is two exams covering hardware, operating systems, networking basics and support. It's the help desk credential many job posts name, is ANAB-accredited, and CompTIA recommends about a year of hands-on support experience.
Best forearlier
CCNA vs Network+ side by side
| CCNA | Network+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Cisco | CompTIA |
| Scope | Deeper, Cisco-based | Broad, vendor-neutral |
| Difficulty | Harder | Moderate |
| Best for | Network engineers | IT generalists |
Table: CCNA vs Network+
How to choose
- Choose CCNA — you're aiming at network engineering.
- Choose Network+ — you want broad networking for IT roles.
- Still unsure — search job posts in your city for each name.
How we ranked these picks
We compared both options on cost, format, prerequisites and fit using official pages, checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with either issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Which is harder?
CCNA.
Which do employers prefer?
CCNA for network roles.
Are both accredited?
Yes, both are in ANAB's directory.
Which first?
Network+ if new; CCNA if aiming at networking.
Is there a free practice test for both?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for both, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- Cisco — Cisco CCNA, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA A+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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