CCNA / CCNA vs CompTIA A+
CCNA vs CompTIA A+: Which Certification Fits Better?
CCNA suits career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role. CompTIA A+ suits students with no IT experience who need a credible starting point. CCNA and CompTIA A+ sit at a similar level, so the order comes down to your target role: pick the one that matches the job you want next, and add the other later if the role calls for it. Many CISNET students complete both within a year.
| Category | CCNA | CompTIA A+ |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundational | Foundational |
| Vendor | Cisco | CompTIA |
| Exam | 200-301 | 220-1201 (Core 1) + 220-1202 (Core 2) |
| Exam format | Single proctored certification exam (multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, lab simulation) | Two-exam sequence, both must be passed to earn CompTIA A+ |
| Renewal cycle | 3 years, renew by re-taking, advancing to CCNP, or earning Continuing Education credits | 3 years, renew by earning CEUs, passing a higher CompTIA cert, or re-taking |
| Recommended experience | Foundational networking familiarity plus repeated lab practice | Beginner-friendly with consistent practice and troubleshooting discipline |
| Training hours | 30 hours | 40 hours |
| Course price | $499 | $599 |
| Typical Canadian salary band | $45K-$95K CAD | $38K-$58K CAD |
| Best-fit roles | Network Administrator | IT Support Specialist |
| Recommended starting point | No prior certification is required. | No prior certification or professional experience required. |
When CCNA is the better choice
- Career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role
- Help desk or desktop support professionals ready to move into network operations
- Students who want a vendor-recognized certification with strong employer awareness
When CompTIA A+ is the better choice
- Students with no IT experience who need a credible starting point
- Career changers targeting help desk, desktop support, or field support roles
- Learners who want to build confidence before networking, cloud, or security tracks
What CCNA training covers
- Network fundamentals and IP addressing
- Switching, VLANs, and spanning tree
- Routing, NAT, and basic services
- Security controls, automation, and wireless fundamentals
What CompTIA A+ training covers
- Hardware and endpoint support
- Windows, macOS, and basic Linux workflows
- Troubleshooting methodology and support procedures
- Introductory security and networking concepts
Comparison FAQs
Which certification is better for beginners: CCNA or CompTIA A+?
CCNA is the better entry point for most beginners, while CompTIA A+ usually fits students with more prior experience or a narrower goal.
How do the CCNA and CompTIA A+ exams compare?
CCNA is earned by passing one exam, Cisco 200-301. It runs 120 minutes. The question count is not published by Cisco (candidates report about 100). Results are pass or fail, and Cisco does not publish the cut score. CompTIA A+ is earned by passing two CompTIA exams, 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2). Each has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. The passing scores are 675/900 for Core 1 and 700/900 for Core 2.
How should I choose between CCNA and CompTIA A+?
CCNA suits career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role. CompTIA A+ suits students with no IT experience who need a credible starting point. Pick the one that matches the job you want next.
Which pays more: CCNA or CompTIA A+?
Typical Canadian roles tied to CCNA run $45K-$95K CAD, while CompTIA A+-related roles run $38K-$58K CAD. Actual pay depends far more on the specific role, your experience, and the city than on the certification alone.
Can I earn both CCNA and CompTIA A+?
CCNA and CompTIA A+ sit at a similar level, so the order comes down to your target role: pick the one that matches the job you want next, and add the other later if the role calls for it. Many CISNET students complete both within a year.
Need a direct recommendation between CCNA and CompTIA A+?
Talk to CISNET and get a recommendation based on your current skills, not generic internet rankings.
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