If you are new to IT certifications, CompTIA’s trio—A+, Network+, and Security+—can feel like a fork in the road. All three are well-known. All three appear in job descriptions. And all three are often recommended to beginners. The problem is that most advice ignores sequence. Picking the wrong starting point doesn’t just slow you down; it can make the next certification feel harder than it needs to be.
This guide breaks down what each certification is really designed to do, how employers interpret them in 2025, and how to choose an order that builds momentum instead of friction.
What These Certifications Are Actually Meant to Validate
Before comparing difficulty or salary impact, it helps to reset expectations. These certifications are not interchangeable.
CompTIA A+: Foundation and Problem-Solving
A+ is designed to validate entry-level IT fundamentals. It focuses on:
- Hardware and devices
- Operating systems
- Basic networking
- Troubleshooting methodology
- Security awareness at a surface level
The core value of A+ is not technical depth. It’s learning how to diagnose problems logically and communicate solutions clearly.
CompTIA Network+: Connectivity and Flow
Network+ moves away from devices and into how systems communicate. It focuses on:
- Networking fundamentals
- IP addressing and subnetting
- Routing and switching concepts
- Network security basics
- Troubleshooting connectivity issues
Network+ assumes you’re comfortable with general IT concepts and ready to think in terms of traffic flow and network behavior.
CompTIA Security+: Risk and Decision-Making
Security+ shifts the focus again, this time to risk-based thinking. It covers:
- Threats and vulnerabilities
- Security controls
- Identity and access concepts
- Incident response
- Governance and compliance awareness
Security+ expects you to evaluate scenarios, prioritize responses, and understand why a control is appropriate, not just what it is.
Why “Difficulty” Is the Wrong Comparison
Many people ask which exam is harder. That question misses the point.
- A+ feels hard if you’ve never touched IT before
- Network+ feels hard if networking concepts are new
- Security+ feels hard if you lack technical and contextual grounding
Difficulty is relative to your starting point. Sequence is what determines whether each step feels manageable or overwhelming.
How Employers Tend to View Each Certification
Understanding employer perception helps clarify order.
A+ in the Job Market
Employers typically see A+ as:
- Proof of baseline IT readiness
- A signal for help desk or support roles
- Evidence of troubleshooting mindset
It rarely leads to mid-level roles on its own, but it opens doors to entry-level positions.
Network+ in the Job Market
Network+ is often viewed as:
- A step beyond entry-level
- A foundation for networking or infrastructure roles
- Evidence you understand how systems interact
It carries more weight when paired with hands-on exposure or experience.
Security+ in the Job Market
Security+ is commonly treated as:
- A baseline security credential
- A compliance-friendly certification
- A requirement for certain regulated environments
It has strong recognition, but employers still expect foundational IT knowledge behind it.
The Hidden Risk of Starting With the “Wrong” One
Many beginners start with Security+ because it sounds advanced or pays well. That choice often backfires.
Without A+ or Network+ concepts:
- Security scenarios feel abstract
- Technical details become guesswork
- Practice questions rely on memorization instead of reasoning
The exam can be passed this way, but confidence rarely transfers to real-world discussions or interviews.
A Practical Way to Decide Based on Your Background
Instead of asking “Which is best?”, ask “Where am I starting from?”
If You Are Completely New to IT
Start with A+.
It teaches:
- How IT problems are structured
- How systems fail
- How to think methodically
Skipping this step often creates gaps that resurface later.
If You Have Basic IT Exposure
If you’ve worked with computers, operating systems, or basic support tasks:
- A+ may still help, but you could move faster
- Network+ becomes a realistic next step
Just make sure fundamentals are solid before moving on.
If You Already Understand Networking Basics
If concepts like IP addressing, routing, and DNS are familiar:
- Network+ can be a strong starting point
- Security+ becomes much easier afterward
The key is not titles, but conceptual readiness.
Why Sequence Matters More Than Speed
Each certification builds a mental model.
- A+ builds troubleshooting logic
- Network+ builds connectivity awareness
- Security+ builds risk-based decision-making
When taken in the right order, each exam reinforces the next. When taken out of order, preparation feels heavier and less intuitive.
This is why many learners benefit from mapping out the best CompTIA certification path before registering for any exam. Planning sequence upfront often saves months of rework later.
Can You Skip A+ or Network+?
Yes, but with conditions.
Skipping A+
You can skip A+ if:
- You already have hands-on IT experience
- You understand operating systems and troubleshooting
- You’re comfortable explaining root cause analysis
Skipping Network+
You can skip Network+ if:
- You already understand networking fundamentals
- You can reason about traffic flow and connectivity
- You’ve worked with networks in practice
Skipping works when knowledge exists. It fails when assumptions replace understanding.
A Common, Low-Risk Progression That Works
For most beginners in 2025, this sequence remains reliable:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
This order:
- Reduces cognitive overload
- Improves long-term retention
- Builds confidence at each step
It may not be the fastest path on paper, but it’s one of the most durable.
What About Career Goals?
Career goals matter, but foundations still apply.
- Aspiring support roles benefit from A+ first
- Aspiring network roles benefit from Network+ after basics
- Aspiring security roles benefit most when Security+ comes last
Even security professionals rely on networking and systems knowledge daily.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ isn’t about which certification is “better.” It’s about choosing the right starting point for where you are today.
When you respect sequence, each exam feels like a step forward instead of a wall. Fundamentals make networking intuitive. Networking makes security logical. And logic is what these exams actually test.
Take the time to choose your order intentionally. A clear path now saves confusion, frustration, and restarts later—and using this platform for targeted practice can help turn CompTIA certifications into a foundation you can actually build on.
