By Quick answer: Is CompTIA Network+ worth it in 2027?
- Verdict — Worth it for vendor-neutral networking proof.
- Cost — Voucher price varies by country
- Time — Two to three months
- Best for — IT staff building networking skills
Key takeaways
- CompTIA Network+ is worth it for IT staff building networking skills.
- It's less useful for network engineers aiming at Cisco roles.
- Compare the alternatives below before you pay.
This is an honest review of CompTIA Network+: what it covers, what it costs, who it helps and who should pick something else. We list the best alternatives so you can compare before you commit.
CompTIA Network+ and its alternatives
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 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store1 | 90 minutes | Free test |
| 2 | Cisco CCNACisco | Check the official page2 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 3 | CompTIA A+CompTIA | Two exams3 | 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam | Free test |
| 4 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store4 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
| 5 | Google IT Support Professional CertificateGoogle / Coursera | $49/mo Coursera plan5 | 3–6 months at about 10 hours a week | 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.)
- CompTIA Network+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Network+ before you pay.Start free test →
- Cisco CCNA Practice TestPractise for Cisco CCNA before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA A+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA A+ before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Security+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Security+ before you pay.Start free test →
CompTIA Network+, then the alternatives worth comparing
- CompTIACompTIA Network+The credential reviewedVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- CiscoCisco CCNACisco alternativeCheck the official page
- CompTIACompTIA A+Earlier stepTwo exams
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store1
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Networking fundamentals; 90 minutes; ANAB ISO/IEC 17024 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 forthe credential reviewed
Cisco CCNA
- Cost
- Check the official page2
CCNA. 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 forCisco alternative
CompTIA A+
- Cost
- Two exams3
- Format
- 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on IT support
A+. 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 step
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store4
- 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
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Cost
- $49/mo Coursera plan5
- Time
- 3–6 months at about 10 hours a week
Google IT Support. Google's professional certificate covers troubleshooting, networking, operating systems, system administration and security for complete beginners. It takes three to six months at about ten hours a week, with financial aid on Coursera.
Best forgentler start
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vendor-neutral | Less weight than CCNA for network roles |
| Accredited | Paid |
| Leads to Security+ | Recommended experience |
Table: CompTIA Network+ pros and cons
Our verdict
Worth it for vendor-neutral networking proof. It's a strong choice for IT staff building networking skills. If you're network engineers aiming at Cisco roles, look at the alternatives above first.
How we ranked these picks
We reviewed CompTIA Network+ on cost, time, assessment, employer recognition and fit, using the official page checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Is CompTIA Network+ worth it?
Worth it for vendor-neutral networking proof. It suits IT staff building networking skills.
How much does CompTIA Network+ cost?
Voucher price varies by country.
How long does CompTIA Network+ take?
Two to three months.
Network+ or CCNA?
Network+ for broad IT; CCNA for network engineering.
Is there a free practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for this topic, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Cisco — Cisco CCNA, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA A+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Google — Google IT Support Professional Certificate, 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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